Prairie Trail Blog :: Ankeny, Iowa

Iowa Health Physicians and Clinics Now Open

prairietrailankeny — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:43:44 +0000

Iowa Health Physicians and Clinics Now Open
july 6, 2011

Iowa Health Physicians and Clinics has recently opened a new, comprehensive 14,000 square foot primary care physician clinic on SW State Street, in Ankeny’s growing Prairie Trail development. The new clinic at Prairie Trail will have Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and Occupational Medicine physician practices, digital radiography and an on-site medical laboratory. Iowa Health also plans to have leading medical specialists provide care at the clinic in critical areas such as cardiology and orthopaedics. Family Physicians at Prairie Trail is currently accepting appointments at 964-6999.

Family Physicians at Prairie Trail is offering athletic examinations. Our $30 fee includes the examination and completion of school documentation/records. (They do not provide vaccinations at this visit)

Special sports physical walk-in nights:
July 18, 21, 25 and 28th from 5:00-8:00
**No appointment is necessary on these nights**

Family Physicians at Prairie Trail
2515 SW State St Ste 200
(515) 964-6999

2011 Scholarships Awarded!!

prairietrailankeny — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:40:12 +0000

Fourth Year for Prairie Trail Scholarship Fund

(ANKENY, IOWA) – Seven Ankeny Prairie Trail residents have been selected as Prairie Trail scholarships winners.
The Prairie Trail Scholarship Program, started by Prairie Trail community developer and lifetime Ankeny resident Dennis Albaugh, provides funds for residents of Prairie Trail to pursue higher education degrees.

Four students are receiving $2,500 scholarships. They include: Courtney Ryan, a recent elementary education graduate of Iowa State University who is now pursuing a degree in nutrition; Jonathan Dahlman, a junior accounting and finance major at the University of Iowa; Chad Ryan, a student at Wheaton College; and Alexandra Edwards, a recent Ankeny High School graduate who plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice from Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC).

Both Chad Ryan and Dahlman are previous Prairie Trail scholarship recipients.

Three other students will receive $1,000 scholarship awards for their college pursuits. They include: Taylor Farnham, who is working on her nursing degree from DMACC; Hilary Rinker, a senior at Ankeny High School who plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa this fall in education; and Paul McCleary, who will attend Northwestern College this fall.

“As Prairie Trail continues to grow, we want to help our families’ quest for education grow, and offering awards to our students helps us all achieve our goals, “ says Albaugh, himself a 1970 graduate of DMACC.

Through the Prairie Trail Scholarship initiative, students who live within the Prairie Trail Community, under development just northwest of DMACC’s Ankeny Campus, receive first priority for scholarship funds; however any students who attend a high school in Ankeny that wish to enroll in an Iowa-based college or university are eligible to apply.

Prairie Trail is a 1,000-acre planned community located in Ankeny, Iowa. It’s a tapestry of diverse and distinctive homes, tree-lined streets, and neighborhood stores, nearby offices, schools, parks and greenbelts. At the center of Prairie Trail will be situated a traditional town square, including a variety of restaurants, retail boutiques and businesses, surrounding a central park and amphitheater. Prairie Trail will afford a variety of complementary housing options designed to create a vibrant, energetic community.

The Prairie Trail Scholarship Fund is a unique opportunity to benefit the residents of the neighborhoods in Prairie Trail and schools in Ankeny. The fund, established through the generosity of Dennis & Susan Albaugh and administered by the DMACC Foundation, demonstrates the family’s commitment to education and to the community of Ankeny. Scholarship applicants will be eligible for a maximum lifetime award of $10,000. Preference will be given to students who reside in the Prairie Trail Development, as well as to those students who choose an institution based in Iowa. Additionally, mini-grants for academic performance will be available for educators teaching in an Ankeny school. Mini-grants will be a maximum of $2,500 per award. Funding for the scholarship program is generated by a 1/2 of 1% fee on the transfer of all real property within Prairie Trail. The Albaugh Family committed $100,000 as the initial deposit into the fund.

Prairie Trail Scholarship

prairietrailankeny — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:44:36 +0000

Prairie Trail has implemented a scholarship to Prairie Trail residents thanks to Dennis and SusanAlbaugh, owner of Albaugh, Inc. and DRA Properties.

With the Prairie Trail Scholarship Fund, residents of the Prairie Trail neighborhoods are eligible to win up to $10,000 in scholarship funds.

The Prairie Trail Scholarship Fund is a unique opportunity to benefit students and schools in Ankeny. The purpose of the Prairie Trail Scholarship fund is to provide scholarships to students pursuing a college degree and to support mini-grants to educators teaching in Ankeny schools. The fund, established through the generosity of Dennis & Susan Albaugh, demonstrates the family’s commitment to education and to the community of Ankeny.

Scholarship applicants will be eligible for a maximum lifetime award of $10,000. Preference will be given to students who reside in the Prairie Trail Development, as well as to those students who choose an institution based in Iowa. Additionally, mini-grants for academic performance will be available for educators teaching in an Ankeny school. Mini-grants will be a maximum of $2,500 per award.

Funding for the scholarship program is generated by a 1/2 of 1% fee on the transfer of all real property within Prairie Trail. The Albaugh Family has committed $100,000 as the initial deposit into the fund.

As real estate begins to transfer in this area, the fund will become self-sustainable.

The scholarship fund is yet another way that the Prairie Trail Development will redefine community living.

Applications will soon be available for the 2011 granting period. Until then to get more information on the scholarship, please visit http://www.prairietrailankeny.com/civic_scholarship.html

How It All Started

prairietrailankeny — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:03:15 +0000

How did Prairie Trail begin? Where did the 1,000 acres come from? Well, here is the answer. It all started back in 1942…

1942. The federal government establishes the Des Moines Ordnance Plant for the manufacture of ammunition on the site now occupied by the John Deere Des Moines Works and surrounding area. The plant employed more than 19,000 people to manufacture 30mm and 50mm munitions for use in World War II.

1946. Iowa State University acquires land for farm use, paying only $1 to the State of Iowa. The farm was used for dairy breeding and related research. Affiliated research groups such as the United States Department of Agriculture, Pioneer, John Deere, and ISU conducted agriculture-related activities on the site.

1967. Iowa State University sells parcels of land in the southeast corner of the farm to Area XI Community College for the construction of Des Moines Area Community College.

1979. Iowa State University auctions all the land south of what is now Oralabor Road to private owners.

1996. Iowa State University deeds a corridor of land through the middle of the subject property to the City of Ankeny for construction of the State Street extension.

2002. The Iowa General Assembly declares that the Iowa State University Dairy Research Farm has been successfully operated for 50 years in its Ankeny location. However, owning the property is now inhibiting the city’s future growth and forcing real estate developers to develop land outside the city, exacerbating urban sprawl. The state approves the marketing and sale of the land.

2005, June. The City of Ankeny announces that it has extended an offer to
Iowa State University to purchase approximately 1,031 acres of land that includes the Iowa State Dairy Research Farm.

2005, July. The Ankeny City Council approves the recommendation of the city manager’s office, naming DRA Properties as the master developer for Prairie Trail.

2005, December. Urban Design Associates (UDA) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, selected by DRA Properties and the City of Ankeny staff, receives recommendation and approval from the Ankeny City Council as the master planning firm for Prairie Trail.

2006, May. The City of Ankeny and master developer DRA Properties participate in a four- day charrette to create a draft master plan for the Prairie Trail development. A charrette is an intensive design process that involves the collaboration of all project stakeholders at the beginning of a project to develop a comprehensive plan or design.

2006, August. Officials from the City of Ankeny, DRA Properties, and Urban Design Associates unveil a visual rendering of plans for the Prairie Trail development.

After that, the rest is history. Ground has been broken in several spots around Prairie Trail, including the elementary school and The District. Buildings and parks have been built, including the Police Station and Dean Park. In years to come, Prairie Trail will soon be finished!

Prairie Trail: The Game

prairietrailankeny — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:32:32 +0000

Have some questions about the building process? Play our game and find out some answers, and have a little fun while you’re at it!

Click here to play!

You get to choose your own builder!

Choose your own lot type, which direction it should face, type of driveway, and size of lot!

Take a look at the Pattern Book, choose your architectural style and other interior and exterior decisions. And lastly, go to the Architectural Review Board and submit your plans!

It’s just that easy!!

Exciting Events going on during the Holiday Season

prairietrailankeny — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:55:03 +0000

Santa Claus is coming to Uptown Ankeny Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Visit with Mrs. Claus
Receive a ticket to go on a treasure hunt
Find goodie bag full of toys
Businesses open during that time with cookies, hot chocolate, and treats
For more information visit http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101130/NEWS/11300332/1001/NEWS/OK-kids-Santa-Claus-is-comin-to-Uptown

West Glen Holiday Cookie Walk: 5465 Mills Civic Parkway West DSM, IA 50266 Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 10:00 am – ’til the cookies are gone

Attendees will receive a punch card and map
Travel from location to location picking up holiday cookies from local bakeries
Cost: $15 per bucket
Check in : Avenue of the Arts Suite 160
For more information, visit http://www.westglentowncenter.com

Candy Cane Concert 2010 - First Christian Church: 2500 University Ave. DSM, IA Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 4:00 pm For tickets, visit http://www.iowayouthchorus.org

Jingle Jam 5K run/1 Mile Hot Chocolate Walk - Blank Park Zoo: 7401 SW 9th Street Des Moines, IA Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 8:30 am To register, visit http://www.dmymca.org

Jolly Holiday Lights – Waterworks Park: 2201 Geroge Flagg Pkwy Des Moines, IA Tuesday, November 23 – Saturday January 1, 2011 from 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm (Daily)
For more information, visit http://www.jollyholidaylights.org

Reindeer Round Up – Des Moines Art Center: 4700 Grand Avenue DSM, IA 50312 Sunday, December 5, 2010 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm For more informatoion, visit http://www.desmoinesartcenter.org

10 Evenings in December – Salisbury House & Gardens: 4025 Tonawanda Drive Des Moines, IA 50312 Wednesday, December 8 – Thursday, December 23, 2010 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm For more information, visit http://www.salisburyhouse.org

Walk of Wreaths & Holiday Open House - Historic Valley Junction: 5th Street WDSM, IA 50265 Thursday, December 9, 2010 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm For more information, visit http://www.valleyjunction.com

The Christmas Foundling & It’s A Wonderful Life - Fort DSM Museum: 75 E. Army Post Road DSM, IA 50315 Friday, December 10 – Sunday, December 12, 2010 7:00 pm (Fri. & Sat.) & 2:00 pm (Sun.) For more information, visit http://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com

A Christmas Carol – Reperatory Theater of Iowa: 1408 Locust Street DSM, IA Friday Dec 10, 2010 – Sunday Dec 12, 2010
7:30 pm (Fri.) & 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm (Sat. and Sun.) To book your tickets, please visit http://www.rtiowa.com

The Polar Express – Science Center of Iowa: 401 W Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy Des Moines, IA Friday Dec 10, 2010 – Sunday Dec 12, 2010 To book your tickets, please visit http://www.sciowa.org

Breakfast with Santa – Science Center of Iowa: Saturday December 11 & 18, 2010 from 8:00 am – 10:00 am For more information, visit http://www.sciowa.org

Christmas in the Chapel – Fort Des Moines: Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm For more information, visit http://www.fortdesmoines.org

Country Music Holiday Celebration – 7 Flags Event Center: 2100 NW 100th Street Clive, IA 50325 Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 8:00 pm For more information, visit http://www.7flagseventcenter.com

Magical Saturday Morning with Santa – Java Joes Coffee House: 214 4th Street Des Moines, IA 50309 Saturday, December 11 & 18, 2010 at 9:00 am For more information, visit http://www.javajopecoffeehouse.com

5th Annual Breakfast with Santa – Cafe Baratta’s – State Historical Museum: 600 E Locust Des Moines, IA 50319 Sat., December 11 – Sat., December 18, 2010 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am For more information, visit http://www.iowahistory.org

Prairie Christmas – Living History Farms:11121 Hickman Rd Urbandale, IA 50322 Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm For more information, visit http://www.lhf.org

Children’s Holiday Party – Brenton Skating Plaza: 520 Robert D Ray Drive Des Moines, IA 50309 Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm For more information, visit http://www.brentonplaza.com

Candlelight Concert – Temple for the Performing Arts: 1011 Locust St DSM, IA Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 6:30 pm For more information, visit http://www.iowayouthchorus.org

Jump-n-Elf Breakfast – Pump It Up: 4069 121st St Urbandale, IA Sunday, December 12, 2010 from 9:15 am – 10:45 am
For more information, visit http://www.pumpitupparty.com

Snackin’ With the Clauses (and the Grinch!) – Des Moines Botanical Center: 909 Robery D. Ray Drive Des Moines, IA 50316 Sunday, December 12 & 19, 2010 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
For more information, visit http://www.botanicalcenter.com

Home for the Holidays: An Evening with Max Wellman – Des Moines Playhouse: 831 42nd Street Des Moines, IA Fri., December 17 – Sun., December 19, 2010 at 8:00 pm (Fri. and Sat.) & 6:00 pm (Sun.)
For more information, visit http://www.dmplayhouse.com

Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market – Nollen Plaza: 400 Locust St DSM, IA 50309 Friday December 17 – Saturday December 18, 2010
11:00 am – 2:00 pm (Fri.) & 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Sat.) For more information, visit http://www.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com

Jingle Jog – Gray’s Lake: Fleur Drive (South Entrance) Des Moines, IA Saturday December 18, 2010 at 8:30 am
For more information, visit http://jinglejog.org

Des Moines Civic Center: 221 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309

Mary Poppins December 1 – 10, 2010 To book your tickets, go to http://eventful.com/performers/mary-poppins-/P0-001-000090342-3
The Seafarer December 3, 2010 To book your tickets, go to http://eventful.com/performers/the-seafarer-/P0-001-000090368-1
Mannheim Steamroller December 20 – 21, 2010 To book your tickets, go to http://eventful.com/desmoines/events/mannheim-steamroller-/E0-001-033421630-5

Hoyt Sherman Auditorium: 1501 Woodland Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309 To book your tickets, visit http://www.hoytsherman.org/

Dowling Catholic High School Holiday Concert Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 7:30 pm
The Nutcracker Friday, December 10 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 11 at 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 12 at 1:00 pm
Jim Brickman
Monday, December 13 at 7:30 pm
The Blenders: Holiday Soul Tour 2010
Tuesday, December 14 at 7:30 pm
Tonic Sol-Fa: Holiday Show
Friday, December 17 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 18 at 7:30 pm
Jim McDonough & His Orchestra & Singers, Holiday Grande 2010
Sunday, December 19 at 2:30 pm

Des Moines Buccaneers For their schedule and more information visit http://www.bucshockey.com

Iowa Energy For their schedule and more information visit http://www.nba.com/dleague/iowa

Builder Highlight: Marquis Builders

prairietrailankeny — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:47:45 +0000

Marquis Builders has been customizing homes in Central Iowa for close to 10 years. In that time we have built nearly 100 long term relationships and homes. We strive to treat every one of our homeowners with the same high level of service no matter what price range they are in. Our in-house Design Studio sets us apart. We are able to customize any house to meet your needs no matter what stage of life you are in. We pride ourselves in using only the best quality construction materials and techniques in all of our houses.

General Contractor and owner Nate Miller served on the board of the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines and is a member of numerous local professional associations including the Ankeny Home Builders Association, Chamber of Commerce, and others. Marquis Builders is proud to be an Accredited Better Business Bureau Business.

Our company and its owner constantly studies the latest trends in the construction industry through attendance at events from the local to international level including Developer’s Council, Planning and Zoning and City Council Meetings, International Builder’s Conferences and numerous others. Quality is our Foundation and Service is our Framework.

Contact Marquis Builders:

515-965-0063

www.MarquisBuilders.com

Builder Highlight: Matt Owen Construction

prairietrailankeny — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:47:20 +0000

Matt Owen has been in the commercial and residential construction industry for the past 10 years and has been building custom residential homes for the past six years. His current projects in Prairie Trail include two ranch homes geared to the “empty nester” market. “These are midsized homes with extra-nice touches in the $250,000 to $300,000 range,” he says. “They’ll have wide doorways and open plans, features that empty nesters are looking for.”

Matt’s business philosophy is simple: Treat people fairly and create a high-quality product they will enjoy. That’s exactly what he did with the Prairie Trial Visitor Center, a classy 5,000-square-foot home that set the stage for the first phase of the development. As the center piece of Prairie Trail, it creates a focal point for the project as the first home many passersby see on State Street, Prairie Trail’s main thoroughfare.

Contact Matt Owen:

515-249-0780

Builder Highlight: Meadowbrook Homes

prairietrailankeny — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:46:56 +0000

Meadowbrook Builders, LLC is a local custom home builder. They build with pride and an eye to the latest techniques and materials that will produce the best possible homes at a price that is right for you. They understand how to create value through unique floors plans, inviting interiors, and energy efficient designs.

Cliff McClure, Dave Casady and Matt McClure have over 50 years combined experience in construction and real estate fields in the Des Moines area. They are at construction sites daily and will work with you to guide you through the construction of your dream home. They believe great homes come from a thoughtful floor plan, combined with imagination and a belief that every new home and every family is important.

Contact Meadowbrook Builders, LLC:

515-224-8598

Builder Highlight: Tyler Homes

prairietrailankeny — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:46:30 +0000

As always, Tyler Homes has pushed the envelope, and have built homes that have a look and feel that’s like nothing around.

Every year Jim Harmeyer and the additional experts at Tyler Homes are trying out new techniques and improving on the construction processes, while asking the question, “How can we build the house better, with more unique features, and still be cost effective?”

Contact Tyler Homes:

515-957-9017