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• The Des Moines Heritage Trust Historic Preservation Awards 2025​

• 1000 Friends of Iowa Preservation Award - 2025

 

Built in 1934, the former Winterset High School has been transformed into a senior housing community featuring 27 one- and two-bedroom apartments, available at both low-income and market-rate levels. Designed to complement one of Iowa’s most historic town squares—home to the iconic Bridges of Madison County—the redevelopment preserves the character of the original school while providing modern amenities for Madison County’s growing senior population.

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The building previously served as both a middle school and the administrative offices of the Winterset School Board until their relocation in January 2020.

Residents enjoy spacious apartments with ten-foot ceilings, in-unit washer and dryers, private parking, and shared outdoor spaces including a dog park and grilling area. A fully restored school auditorium serves as a gathering space for both private and community events.

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With strong support from the Winterset City Council, HDG and Kiernan Development worked with ASK Studio, historic architect consultant Alexa McDowell, and Estes Construction to ensure the renovation met both state and federal historic preservation standards. The project was awarded state and federal tax credits, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), a rural downtown development grant, and support from the Regional Housing Authority. The result? Winterset High School Senior Housing earned a Historic Preservation Award in 2025.

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Project Partners

This redevelopment was made possible through a collaboration of public and private partners. WNC & Associates and Bankers Trust provided private equity investment, while financing was secured through Iowa Trust & Savings Bank. The project was designed by ASK Studio, LLC, with Estes Construction leading the renovation. Hatch Development Group served as the developer, with Perennial Properties Management Services overseeing property management.

Public funding and support were provided by the Iowa Finance Authority, City of Winterset, Iowa Department of Economic Authority, and the Southeast Iowa Regional Housing Authority.