Fort Dodge, Iowa: Central Place

The Central Place is a 31 unit historic renovation in Fort Dodge, Iowa. This senior development combines building preservation with smart design and thoughtful urban planning. MetroPlains Development saved a landmark building in downtown Fort Dodge. The project became the seed for an attractive senior campus. Working with the city to purchase and demolish a neighboring structure we created a plaza between the apartments and what was once an underused building but is now the Fort Dodge senior center.

When the structure was purchased by MetroPlains Development, LLC the exterior was fair but the interior was in exceedingly rough condition. Working closely with Sikes Abernathie Architects modern apartments were created while leaving the interior corridors in original configuration. This satisfies the National Park Service requirements.

Here are a few shots of the construction and the finished product.

Here's the landmark building...

 Built in 1908- oh the stories it could tell

We demolished the cafe but left the facade.

Rear of building: the new entry.

With the cafe gone the facade remains.

  Interior rough in.

The hall ways are restored to their historic configuration. Unused doorways are sealed but left intact.

The finished product.

The back entry with historic railing.

The new main entry.