Van Allen Apartments - Clinton, Iowa

Van Allen Apartments
200 5th Avenue South
Clinton, IA

The Van Allen and Son building is listed as one of only twenty three national historic landmarks in Iowa. Designed by renowned architect, Louis Sullivan, the building has also been given distinction as one of "America's Treasures". It is difficult to create a complete list of the amenities of the Van Allen Apartments. There are simply so many. The Van Allen has been painstakingly restored and sits in a convenient location in downtown Clinton. The apartments are generous in size, include full amenities and offer panoramic views of the city and the nearby Mississippi River. Some apartments feature original restored maple hardwood floors. Restoration of the Van Allen has attracted so much attention that over 2,000 visitors joined CHI, Inc. staff for the public open house in May of 2003.

Year Completed: 2003 (under construction)

Type: Preservation and adaptive re-use of a then four-story Louis Sullivan designed Van Allen and Sons Department Store.

Population Base: small city, downtown district.

Number of Units: 19 (14 one bedroom, 5 two bedroom units) Project features 17 affordable units and 2 market rate units.

Amenities: On-site computer lab, on-site laundry, parking, appliances, and central air.

Special Features: Community Housing Initiatives is proceeding with plans to preserve this national historic landmark building. An extraordinary example of Louis Sullivan's work, the building will be converted to multi-family rental units on the upper floors and retail space on the main level. The main level will also feature an historic pictorial essay on Louis Sullivan and the construction of the building - available at no charge to the public.

Development and Financing Resources: City of Clinton grant and tax abatement, HOME funds, Federal Home Loan Bank, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Federal and State Historic Tax Credit, Save America's Treasures, Enterprise Zone Credits and conventional loans.

CHI, Inc.: Developer, general partner, property management.

Cost: $3,000,000