A Grand Avenue Icon: The Barbican's Enduring Elegance
The Barbican, a 10-story condominium tower completed in 1970, stands as a distinguished presence on Des Moines' Grand Avenue. With 64 units, this mid-century modern structure offers residents a blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. Its curved facade and tiered roofing elements create a distinctive silhouette against the Des Moines skyline. The Barbican has become a landmark in the Salisbury Oaks neighborhood, known for its old-fashioned charm and beautifully maintained homes. As the city around it evolves, The Barbican remains a steadfast symbol of refined living, attracting those who appreciate its enduring appeal and prime location.
Spacious Layouts with Panoramic Views
The Barbican offers a range of generously sized units, from cozy one-bedrooms to expansive three-bedroom penthouses. One-bedroom units span from 1,029 to 1,880 square feet, featuring one to two and a half bathrooms. These homes provide ample space for singles or couples.
Two-bedroom units, ranging from 1,378 to 2,881 square feet with one to two bathrooms, are priced around $490,000. These homes offer comfortable living spaces for residents.
The most spacious options are the three-bedroom units, measuring between 1,736 and 3,760 square feet, with one to three and a half bathrooms. These premium residences, priced from $650,000 to $698,000, often occupy corner positions or entire floors, offering panoramic views of Des Moines.
Many units in The Barbican have been thoughtfully updated over the years. Residents can expect to find modern touches like quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and contemporary lighting fixtures in renovated kitchens. Some units boast marble flooring, custom woodwork, and built-in shelving, adding character and functionality to the spaces.
Large windows are a hallmark of The Barbican, flooding the interiors with natural light and framing views of the cityscape, Greenwood Park, or the Des Moines Art Center. Many units feature multiple balconies, allowing residents to enjoy the outdoors from different vantage points.
Master suites in larger units often include walk-in closets and en-suite bathrooms with dual sinks and spacious showers. Some penthouse units span two floors, offering an impressive 2,426 square feet of living space with four balconies for unparalleled views of the city.
The Barbican's units are known for their ample storage space, with many featuring pantries, laundry rooms, and additional storage closets. Some units have been outfitted with smart home features like Lutron electric window shades and built-in sound systems, bringing these mid-century homes firmly into the 21st century.
Year-Round Relaxation and Recreation
The Barbican offers a suite of amenities designed to enhance residents' lifestyles. The centerpiece is the indoor heated pool and hot tub, providing a year-round oasis for relaxation and exercise. Adjacent to the pool area, residents can find a well-equipped fitness center, allowing for convenient workouts without leaving the building.
For those who enjoy entertaining, The Barbican provides a community room that can be reserved for private gatherings. This space is ideal for hosting larger events or meetings when residents need extra room beyond their individual units.
The building also features a sauna, perfect for unwinding after a workout or a long day. For residents expecting out-of-town guests, The Barbican offers a guest suite that can be rented, providing visitors with their own private space during their stay.
Security is a priority at The Barbican, with an on-site building manager and security measures in place to ensure residents' peace of mind. The lobby, described by residents as "pretty," serves as a welcoming entrance to the building.
Parking is never a concern for residents, thanks to the heated underground garage. This amenity is particularly appreciated during Des Moines' cold winters, allowing residents to access their vehicles without braving the elements.
Additional storage options are available in the lower level of the building, providing extra space for seasonal items or rarely used belongings. The Barbican also maintains a laundry room for residents' convenience, though many units have in-unit laundry facilities.
Two elevators serve the building, ensuring efficient vertical transportation for residents and their guests. The Barbican's pet policy allows for small dogs, with restrictions limiting pets to 25 pounds or less, making it a pet-friendly option for animal lovers.
These thoughtfully curated amenities contribute to The Barbican's reputation as a comfortable and convenient place to call home in Des Moines.
Salisbury Oaks: A Blend of History and Modern Convenience
The Barbican is situated in the charming Salisbury Oaks neighborhood, an area known for its old-fashioned atmosphere and beautifully maintained homes. This established community offers residents a peaceful existence surrounded by mature oak trees and the gentle current of the nearby Raccoon River.
Cultural attractions abound in the vicinity of The Barbican. The Des Moines Art Center, a mere stone's throw away, provides residents with easy access to world-class art exhibitions and educational programs. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Gray's Lake and Greenwood Park. The latter, spanning over 80 acres, offers a variety of recreational amenities including tennis courts, a spray park, and scenic rose gardens. In winter, residents can enjoy sledding on the park's gentle slopes or ice skating on its frozen pond.
The dining scene near The Barbican is diverse and exciting. Harbinger, just a short walk away, offers a high-end dining experience with its innovative American cuisine. For those seeking a more casual option, Gateway Market Café, a short drive from The Barbican, serves classic American dishes in a relaxed setting with patio seating.
Shopping options are plentiful in the area. The Avenues, a shopping corridor between Ingersoll Avenue and Grand Avenue, is home to a variety of local shops and services. Here, residents can find everything from trendy coffee shops to artisanal groceries. For those seeking unique gifts, Pop & Nod is within walking distance of The Barbican.
The neighborhood is also home to several well-regarded schools. Greenwood Elementary School, with its historic building, is just a short walk from The Barbican. Callanan Middle School and Roosevelt High School are both within a five-minute drive, offering a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities for students.
For those interested in the area's history, the Salisbury House and Gardens, built by cosmetics tycoon Carl Weeks in the 1920s, offers tours and hosts various local events. This architectural gem, featuring details crafted from 16th-century English oak, provides a glimpse into Des Moines' past.
The Salisbury Oaks neighborhood strikes a balance between preserving its historic charm and embracing modern conveniences, making it an ideal location for The Barbican's residents who appreciate both the old and the new.
Convenient Access to Des Moines and Beyond
The Barbican's location on Grand Avenue provides residents with easy access to various parts of Des Moines. While the area is primarily car-oriented, it offers a good balance of transportation options for those who prefer alternative modes of travel.
For those who enjoy walking, the neighborhood around The Barbican is quite pedestrian-friendly. Many amenities, including Greenwood Park and several dining options, are within a comfortable walking distance. The tree-lined streets and well-maintained sidewalks make for pleasant strolls, whether for errands or leisure.
Cycling enthusiasts will find the area accommodating, with bike-friendly streets and nearby trails. The extensive trail system connecting to Greenwood Park and beyond offers opportunities for both commuting and recreational riding.
While public transit options are limited compared to larger metropolitan areas, there are bus routes serving the neighborhood for those who prefer to use public transportation. However, most residents find that having a car provides the most flexibility for getting around Des Moines and the surrounding areas.
For air travel, Des Moines International Airport is conveniently located about 15 minutes away by car, making it easy for residents to catch flights for business or leisure. The airport's proximity is a significant advantage for frequent travelers.
The Barbican's location also provides quick access to major roadways. Interstate 235 is easily accessible, connecting residents to other parts of Des Moines and beyond. This makes commuting to downtown Des Moines or other areas of the city relatively straightforward for those who work outside the immediate neighborhood.
For residents who work downtown, the commute is particularly convenient. The heart of Des Moines' downtown area is just a short drive away, typically taking less than 10 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This proximity to the city center allows residents to enjoy the quieter, more residential feel of Salisbury Oaks while still having easy access to the amenities and job opportunities of downtown Des Moines.
The Barbican's heated underground parking garage is a valuable asset for car owners, especially during Iowa's harsh winters. This amenity ensures that residents can start their commutes or errands without having to scrape ice or brush snow off their vehicles.
Overall, while having a car is beneficial for residents of The Barbican, the building's location allows for a variety of transportation options, catering to different preferences and needs.
Collateral AnalyticsCollateral Analytics
Collateral Analytics AVMs (Automated Valuation Model) employ a number of statistical approaches combined with neighborhood-specific comparable selection guarantees the most up-to-date and precise valuations.
Black Knight®Black Knight
Black Knight’s AVM (Automated Valuation Model) is a state-of-the-art online residential property valuation tool that provides a quick and accurate estimate of the value of almost any home in the U.S.
First AmericanFirst American
First American Data & Analytics’ next-generation AVM combines unrivaled data assets with a blended ensemble of valuation models to produce highly accurate, reliable valuations you can trust.
Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Bikeable
Bike Score®
63/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
72/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
31/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Greenwood - Ashworth Park
2 min drive
Bike Trails
Grills
Lake
McCollum-Waveland Tennis Complex
3 min drive
Picnic Area
Tennis
Pickleball
Chamberlain Park
4 min drive
Picnic Area
Playground
Drake Park
5 min drive
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Good Park
5 min drive
Gray's Lake Park
5 min drive
Frisbie Park
5 min drive
Basketball
Grills
Picnic Area
Arie Den Boer Arboretum
6 min drive
Bike Trails
Trails
Witmer Park
6 min drive
Bike Trails
Fishing
Picnic Area
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
