Discover the art of living.
Artessa is a co-op for people 55+ who want a stylish home, more simplicity and a dynamic community of people who want those things, too.
There’s an art to living. It’s doing more of what you want to do and less of what you have to do. It’s finding a community but still having your sanctuary. It’s making your space your own without starting from scratch. It’s not about having everything — it’s about having the things that matter. Artessa is for people who know it and are inspired to discover their art of living.
New boutique-sized building that is stylish and high quality
Personalized finishes that reflect your style
A community of like-minded individuals
Amenity-rich, maintenance-free living
Dynamic, walkable neighborhood
Pride of ownership
Welcome!
Meet Artessa Development and its affiliate, Lifestyle Communities
Our approach to development starts first with a community in mind — striving for a dynamic, livable community with beautiful public and private elements. Members are empowered to participate in a collective experience with maintenance-free homes, tailored designs and sought-after amenities.
Cooperatives offer more comprehensive and complete ownership than other housing options. Condos give you ownership in a unit with a divided interest in common areas. Rental apartments have some amenities but lack a sense of community longevity. Townhomes may allow you to downsize, but don’t offer shared spaces that inspire connection and involvement. We bridge the gap, delivering the best of all housing options.
Artessa gives you ownership to all elements of the community with exclusive rights to occupy your own permanent residence. Our one-of-a-kind development model focuses on living in totality, while having privacy, as well as access to public spaces and neighbors who share common interests.
Our communities also inspire living better, longer. Members naturally immerse themselves in the lifestyle and truly form a family of friends: from joining committees and clubs, to hosting gatherings with their social circle and loved ones.
Artessa is entirely right for those who understand how impactful this ownership lifestyle can be in their prime… so, sit back, make yourself at home and explore this new Des Moines community.
Dena Meyer, President Lifestyle Communities | Artessa Development
About Us
Artessa Development, an affiliate of Lifestyle Cooperative Management and Lifestyle Communities LLC, is the developer of Artessa Cooperative Communities. We bring more than 50 years of combined experience financing, developing or managing dynamic cooperatives under various distinctive brands throughout the Midwest. Our extensive network of residential properties for active adults are maintenance-free, amenity-rich and allow members to maintain pride of ownership in close-knit neighborhoods.
Lifestyle Communities has received several honors, including:
• Best New Senior Housing Development Minneapolis/Saint Paul Business Journal
• Best Community Amenities Builders Association of the Twin Cities
• Numerous “Awards of Excellence” Minneapolis Chapter of NAIOP
• Voted #1 for Senior Living Minnesota’s Best
• Finalist: Greater Minnesota and Suburban Senior Housing Development Minnesota Real Estate Journal
Location Is Everything
We know location is important. That’s why we strategically build co-ops in areas that offer walkable access to all the things you love, want and need to do. Artessa on Ingersoll offers a more convenient lifestyle both within our community and throughout the dynamic Ingersoll and Grand Avenues.
Captivating History with a Contemporary Touch
Introducing a modern retreat with historical charm at the heart of its design inspiration. Blending the best of small-town Iowa living with the vibrancy of a big city, we carefully selected colors and textures to create a bold, distinguished and confident, yet warm and inviting ambiance. The community encapsulates a fresh, airy vibe that carries the area’s rich culture from the outside in.
Welcome to The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand
Nestled off Ingersoll Avenue and 31st Street, this cooperative is surrounded by idyllic early 20th-century homes, tree-lined streets and well-maintained greenspaces in a picturesque setting. The Avenues’ top local shops, public arts, dining and year-round entertainment are all just a few steps away — plus a short drive to downtown.
Restaurants
Eatery A Mediterranean
The Station on Ingersoll
Lucky Lotus
Manhattan Deli
Jesse’s Embers Steakhouse
Caribou Coffee
Oak Park
Harbinger
The Bartender’s Handshake
El Patio Mexican
Cheese Bar
Blue Shark Ale House
Panka Peruvian
Sakari Sushi Lounge
Recreation
Des Moines Art Center
Mills Rose Garden
Des Moines Botanical
Gardens
Greenwood Park & Theatre
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Blank Park Zoo
Gray’s Lake Park
Salisbury House & Gardens
RezBlue VR Arena
Bill Riley Trail
Waveland Golf Course
Wakonda Club Golf
Jasper Winery
Conveniences
Gateway Market
Shops at Roosevelt
Uptown Center
Hy-Vee
Palmer’s Deli & Market
Lachele’s Fine Foods
Price Chopper
Walgreens
Ingersoll Outdoor Supply LLC
Fareway
Unity Point Health
Methodist Hospital
MercyOne Hospital
Ingersoll Animal Hospital
A Perfect Location
Ingersoll
Take a stroll through Des Moines’ most sought-after hub for culture, cuisine, shopping, entertainment and, of course, living. This area is bustling with things to do, places to go and people to see within walking distance of your new Artessa home.
A s part of the state’s first Urban Recreation District of its kind, residents enjoy an eclectic mix of architecture, mobility options, retail therapy, foodie favorites and so much more.
Drivers, pedestrians, scooters and cyclists are equally prioritized along The Avenues. Exciting new streetscape and path developments will simplify transport even further.
Raccoon River
Community Overview
Your boutique-style residence will be a personalized retreat that’s equally functional and beautiful, with dozens of state-of-the-art amenities steps away. We construct each home to exceed expectations for quality, livability and sustainability while keeping your preferences top of mind.
Choose one of 52 thoughtfully designed, one-level floor plans in residences ranging from 1,172 to 1,868 square feet in the main community, or one of 6 villa-style, 2-level residences at approximately 1,700 square feet. Floor plans at Artessa on Ingersoll range from
Designed for You.
When it comes to personalization, no other cooperative compares to Artessa. Our community interiors and home finishing options are designed and selected by an award-winning design team. While we’re not a custom home builder, we do feel it’s important to provide our charter members with choices suited to their style that they can get excited about.
Meet Cece: Lifestyle’s Favorite Corgi!
At Artessa, Pets Are Part of the Family
Animal lovers, rejoice! Our pet-friendly co-op is ready to accommodate your furry companions. We also offer intentionally designed spaces to make your pets feel just as welcome as you, including walkable trails, dog parks, wash bays and more.
One-Level Residences
Villa-Style Townhomes
“
We were able to sell our home and move into a brand new community of people with similar interests. We picked out all of the interior finishes, and to top it off, we had money left from the sale of our home to travel and enjoy all the things we’ve talked about doing for years!
Redefine Your Front Door
Our state-of-the-art, thoughtfully designed amenities serve as a true extension of your private residence. Gather with family, friends and neighbors to enjoy the activities you love most, all within your new community. No matter how you define the art of living, it’s easy to perfect it here.
More
of what you want to do. Less of what you have to do.
• 2 rooftop terraces with grill and firepit
• Fireside lounge in grand lobby
• Beautifully landscaped environment
• Great room with full kitchen
• Enclosed solarium
• 2-story fitness studio
• Guest suite
• Game and social room
A Note From Our Design Expert
• Business hub and work-from-home lounge
• Gardening areas
• Lending library
• Creative studio and hobby shop
• Heated underground parking with a wash bay
• EV charging
• Pet wash
• Secured bike storage
Artessa’s award-winning Director of Design, Kelli Kruschke, is passionate about creating dynamic housing environments where people and purpose come first. Specializing in multifamily, active adult living, senior living, sustainability and wellness for more than a decade, she shapes communities with thoughtful solutions that seamlessly blend both functionality and aesthetics.
“I became a designer because I understand the impact a quality space has on a person’s wellbeing. Creating functional, inspiring and aesthetically pleasing spaces that will be such a core part of our members’ lives is incredibly important to me.”
Kelli Kruschke, Director of Design
Modern Style Meets Timeless Warmth
Bold. Distinguished. Confident. Inviting.
The Fireside Lounge
This contemporary yet cozy lobby retreat will warmly welcome you to the community.
The Gatsby Cafe
Get your morning buzz alongside good company in this chic self-serve coffee lounge.
The Social
Fix drinks, play poker or watch the game in this speakeasy-inspired entertainment suite.
The Fitness Studio
From weights and cardio to yoga and sauna, achieve your health goals here.
The Greenwood Lounge
Gatherings are made easy with a full kitchen and ample seating in an airy, luxurious setting.
The Terraces
Two rooftop patios serve as your outdoor living room, offering grills, a firepit and great views.
*Renderings are for illustrative purposes only. 11
What is a co-op?
A cooperative is where members collectively own and control the community in which they reside. Members buy a share in the cooperative corporation, which owns the land, building and any common areas. Members receive the exclusive right to occupy a specific residence. There is a member-elected board of directors and professional management to direct and assist in ongoing operations.
The Artessa Co-op Model
Artessa is a limited-equity cooperative. With a limited equity cooperative model, members are relieved of the need to secure their own individual financing for their new residence. Limited equity cooperatives provide for a steady annual growth of members’ equity at a fixed rate of return of the initial share payment. This ensures that homes remain affordable and marketable long-term.
Tax Benefits
Members can deduct their portion of the cooperative’s mortgage interest and real estate taxes on their state and federal tax returns, similar to those benefits of a homeowner. In most instances, cooperatives and their members have the same tax benefits as single-family homeowners.
Owner
Benefits
• Financial advantages similar to traditional homeownership
• Defined, predictable appreciation
• Membership in a like-minded community
• Maintenance-free living
Apartments vs. Co-ops
Cooperative ownership gives you:
Lower Monthly Costs
Because cooperatives operate at cost, without profit to an outside owner, monthly membership fees are considerably lower than apartment rents. Through a democratic process, members vote on any changes in the monthly membership fee, giving owners control over costs.
Community Stability
Apartments often have frequent turnover in a given year. Cooperatives have a low turnover of units and will often have a waitlist of future members ready to move in when the opportunity arises, which creates a connected and stable community for years to come.
Community Control & Governance
Cooperatives give each member a voice in the community through an owner-elected board of directors. Apartments are governed by the management company employed to do so. Artessa’s governing documents also ensure homes remain affordable and marketable long-term.
Pride of Ownership
Many Artessa members move from a single-family residence and see value in being an owner versus a renter..
Condos vs. Co-ops
Greater Ownership Interest
Artessa members have ownership interest in the cooperative corporation and its property as a whole, plus the exclusive right to occupy a particular dwelling unit. Condominium owners own the fee title to a dwelling unit only, with divided interest in the common property of the development, which includes the land and building.
Ease of Sale
Cooperatives work with members to find prospective buyers by growing a waitlist, and when buyers are secured through a waitlist, there are no real estate transaction fees involved. Condominium owners must find their own buyer, and the sale is typically a real estate transaction with closing costs.
Find a True Voice in Your Community
Whether it’s sharing laughter with friends, volunteering as a group or spending quality time with family, our members come together in meaningful ways to forge meaningful relationships. Artessa puts you in control of your co-op experience — from community decisions like landscaping, renovations and policies, to interest-based groups, clubs and committees.
There’s no shortage of opportunities to get involved, meet new people and have your voice be heard — for both outgoing and more reserved members alike.
Groups & Committees Founded & Enriched by You
Some of our member-run committees and clubs encompass essential core pillars for maintaining quality, operations and safety. Other groups form organically out of genuine interests, which is where the real co-op magic happens. Have a talent? Here, you’re encouraged to share it!
Help friends learn a foreign language, showcase your birdwatching skills, host an art class, or fine-tune your golf skills. Whichever hobby you’re into, this co-op lifestyle makes it easy to find others who are into it, too. Here are just a few groups our members have formed in the past:
Have an idea for another club that suits your passion? We’ll help make it happen. You and your neighbors are the true social club at Artessa. Our on-site cooperative living managers are simply here to provide an environment where hobbies and social opportunities can thrive.
It has been an absolute pleasure moving into Artessa after 18 months of planning and anticipation. Over the past few days, we have been entertaining family and friends for dinners, and this past weekend, we were able to have our teenage granddaughters spend two overnights with us! Making spaghetti and cookies around the kitchen island, playing board games and exploring the area. Just the goal we had in mind when we purchased into the cooperative... it’s such a blessing to be here.”
CHERYL & DERRICK MEMBERS
Cost of Ownership
There are two costs of ownership at Artessa: A one-time share payment (equity payment). 1 An
• Pro-rata contribution to the cooperative’s master mortgage, plus property taxes
• Required reserves to cover operations as well as future building and residence replacement components, such as roofing, appliances, HVAC and more
Individual members are responsible for:
• Personal residence gas
• Personal residence electric
• Personal HO-6 contents insurance policy
• Personal telephone
A second heated garage stall can be rented for $75/month, while availability lasts.
• Common area utilities, electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash and recycling
• Internal and external maintenance
• Bulk-rate TV and internet for each residence
• Cooperative property and liability insurance
• Professional management and staff
• One heated parking stall
Example of a typical monthly fee breakdown:
Home Expense Comparison
Check Off All Your Boxes
Ready to make the move? Artessa prioritizes every aspect of dynamic living. From exploring the vibrant, fast-growing Ingersoll Avenues to personalizing your private residence, find it all here.
Location
Walkable access to the things you love, want and need to do
An ideal blend of convenient city living and small-town Iowa charm
Shops, restaurants, cultural hubs, conveniences and entertainment in walking distance
A two-minute drive to downtown Des Moines and five-minute drive to the airport
Several nearby opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration
A prime location that makes coordinating visits with family and friends a breeze
A new urban district with a bright future and several exciting projects in the works
Cooperative Lifestyle
A built-in social network that turns neighbors into lifelong friends
A true voice in your community, where members have control
Ability to independently form interest-based clubs to share your time and talents
Ability to independently form member-owned committees to uphold co-op quality
Outlets to volunteer for causes you’re passionate about with your social circle
Professional management to assist and manage your day-to-day maintenance tasks and give guidance to the member-elected board of directors
Cooperative Amenities
A stunning setting inspired by the area’s rich history, yet modernized to suit your lifestyle
Opportunities to stay active, from strength and cardio to yoga and outdoor strolls
Beautiful landscaping, rooftop terraces and solarium to enjoy the outdoors year-round
Accommodating and spacious entertainment, social and game areas
Designated spaces for creativity, including a creative studio, hobby shop and coworking space
King-sized guest suite for visitors
Parking and additional storage in a climate-controlled, elevator-connected garage
Pet-friendly amenities like on-site wash bays and walking trails
Personalized Residences
A wide floor plan selection for boutique-style main building residences and villas
The ability to personalize your home’s interior with award-winning design team
Modern features throughout, from eco-friendly building materials to appliances and finishes
A private sanctuary with dozens of amenities steps away serving as an extension of your home
Pride of Ownership
Customer Journey at Artessa
What is a typical journey once I make a reservation at Artessa?
RESERVATION
Pay a refundable deposit to secure a priority reservation number.
RESIDENCE SELECTION
Meet with an Artessa membership representative to select your home, secure pricing, complete the necessary paperwork and receive the cooperative’s governing documents.
PERSONALIZATION AND FINISH SELECTIONS
Meet with the design team to select your interior finishes prior to construction.
MEMBER SOCIALS
Meet future neighbors during several Artessa-sponsored social gatherings and educational seminars before making your move.
PRESALE REQUIREMENT
Make your share payment.
CONSTRUCTION
Your Artessa cooperative is now being built! The construction period typically takes 13 to 15 months, from start to finish.
EXPLORATION TOURS
Members will have the opportunity to explore their home during construction and prior to moving in.
MOVE-IN
Members will coordinate with Artessa’s move-in specialists and attend an orientation to ensure a smooth move-in process. Welcome home!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is developing and managing Artessa on Ingersoll?
Artessa Development, an affiliate of Lifestyle Cooperative Management and Lifestyle Communities LLC, is the developer of Artessa. This group has been financing, developing or managing boutique-sized co-ops under various brands throughout the Midwest for over three decades.
Lifestyle Cooperative Management knows from experience how to meet and exceed member expectations and cultivate a true community of long-term owners. Our passion, expertise, resources and value-add mentality exceed any other third-party management company. We have a vested interest in the success of our co-ops, and in the lives of the members who call them home.
Who owns Artessa on Ingersoll?
Members collectively own and control the community in which they reside. Members buy a share in the cooperative corporation, which owns the land, building and any common areas. Members receive the exclusive right to occupy a specific residence. A member-elected board of directors and professional management team direct and assist in ongoing operations.
Can I see or tour any existing cooperative you’ve developed?
While Artessa on Ingersoll is our first Iowa cooperative, you can contact an Artessa membership representative to schedule a tour at our Des Moines sales gallery to see floor plans and finishes firsthand.
If a trip to the Twin Cities is in your future, we’d be happy to host you at one of our established communities while you’re in town.
What does sustainability mean to Artessa?
Sustainability is a key driver in our design and development practices. We are committed to delivering energy-efficient, environmentally responsible communities, adhering to green building certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and The WELL Building Standard™ (International Well Building Institute). In your home, you’ll find:
• LED lighting throughout
• Energy-Star rated appliances
• High-performance, individual HVAC units
• Low-flow fixtures for smart water management
• Low-VOC finishes for healthy indoor air quality