Historic Des Moines House Has Opened For Public Tours
The 1896 Captain Nicholas and Emma Johnson House is now welcoming visitors on weekends.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Home Renovation
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The Captain Nicholas and Emma Johnson House in Des Moines has opened its doors for public tours on Saturdays and Sundays. The initiative serves to support the work of the Drake Neighborhood Association.
Why it matters
Opening this historic property allows residents to engage with local heritage while generating proceeds for neighborhood improvements. It marks a new chapter for a building that has served various institutional roles over the last century.
Constructed in 1896 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the structure served as a funeral home for 60 years and a monastery for 10 years. It reverted to a single-family residence in 2009.
The players
David Schlarmann
He is a current resident of the historic Captain Nicholas and Emma Johnson House.
Shauneen Linton
She is a current resident of the historic Captain Nicholas and Emma Johnson House.
Drake Neighborhood Association
This is a local community organization that receives the proceeds from the house tours.
The details
The home is currently occupied by David Schlarmann and Shauneen Linton, who have made the space accessible for public viewing. Visitors interested in touring the historic landmark must secure reservations in advance for weekend visits.
Timeline
1896: The year the Captain Nicholas and Emma Johnson House was constructed.
2009: The year the house transitioned back to a single-family residence.
Saturdays and Sundays: The days scheduled for public tours.
Culture Shift
This transition reflects a broader trend of repurposing historic institutional spaces into community-accessible assets. By utilizing properties on the National Register of Historic Places, owners are bridging the gap between private ownership and public preservation efforts.
Residents can now incorporate these tours into their weekend routines to learn about local history. Interested visitors must plan ahead by booking their slots, as reservations are required for all weekend entry.
The takeaway
Preserving historic homes often requires innovative solutions like public tours to help manage maintenance costs. Residents interested in local history should prioritize scheduling their visits in advance to ensure availability.
Further reading
Learn more about local preservation efforts in our Home Renovation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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