Urban Dreams Plans Six Affordable Units in Des Moines
Urban Dreams and Hubbell Construction Services will build a six-unit affordable housing building at 1411 7th Street in the River Bend neighborhood.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Construction
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Urban Dreams and Hubbell Construction Services announced construction of a six-unit affordable multifamily building at 1411 7th Street in Des Moines. The homes are designated for working people and families earning at or below fifty percent of the area's median income.
Why it matters
The project aims to expand access to quality, affordable housing and remove barriers for Iowans. It adds six residential units along with new site utilities, parking, and sidewalks in the River Bend community.
The project adds six residential units and 10 parking spaces at 1411 7th Street, with income eligibility capped at 50% of the area median income. No project cost or completion timeline was disclosed in the announcement.
The players
Urban Dreams
Urban Dreams is a Des Moines nonprofit that serves more than 40,000 people each year and is led by President & CEO Izaah Knox.
Hubbell Construction Services
Hubbell Construction Services is the construction arm associated with Hubbell Realty Company, which is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa.
The details
Hubbell Construction Services will provide construction expertise for the building, while Urban Dreams holds the land it sits on. The project includes new site utilities, sidewalks, and related site improvements alongside the residential building.
Timeline
1999: Urban Dreams began holding the land at 1411 7th Street for housing purposes.
November 5, 2026: Groundbreaking celebration at 1411 7th Street, 4 p.m.
Construction Pipeline
The project follows Urban Dreams' long-term holding of the 1411 7th Street parcel since 1999, now moving toward construction of affordable units. It marks a shift from land ownership to building for the nonprofit's River Bend neighborhood work.
The six new affordable units will add housing options for working families earning at or below 50% of the area median income in Des Moines. The 10 parking spaces and new sidewalks will also change how residents use the site once construction is complete.
The takeaway
Affordable housing projects often depend on long-held land and coordinated partnerships between nonprofits and contractors. Residents interested in the River Bend project can attend the November 5 groundbreaking to learn more about its progress.
What happens next
A groundbreaking celebration for the project will be held at 1411 7th Street on November 5, 2026, at 4 p.m.
Further reading
Explore more local projects in the Construction section for context on how affordable housing is being built across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CITYVIEW.
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