River Bend Neighborhood

On May 4, 2006, a lawsuit was filed in Polk County District Court, by the River Bend Association, Just Right Homes, Inc., and Katherine Spencer against Gary and Suzanne Oeth, concerning a rental property owned by the Oeths at 319 Franklin Avenue. The lawsuit asked for injunctive relief and damages on the grounds that criminal and other activities by the tenants of 319 Franklin have created and constitute an ongoing nuisance. Attached to the petition was a list of “trip calls” by the Des Moines Police Department to 319 Franklin since December of 2003 to the present. The more than 200 calls resulted from complaints ranging from barking dogs and domestic disputes to fights, narcotics, robberies, prostitution and at least one shooting on the premises.

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The stately home at 409 Franklin is the “house of 2nd chances” because when the city cut the utilities for demolition, and demolition equipment stood in the yard, the neighborhood pulled together to save the property. This allowed Just Right Homes to acquire the house and bring it up to minimum codes as required by city code for condemned houses.

Developer Just Right Homes’ goal is to take houses that need loving care, and transform them into up-to-date, clean, safe family homes.

In the instance of 409 Franklin, because of budget constraints, they did an interpretive restoration. The ground floor is close to its original configuration, but second floor was really cut up and changed during the house’s years as an apartment building.

The renovation team did not try to restore the upstairs to its original floor plan. Instead, they made usable spaces that make sense for today’s families, especially on the second floor, where there is a master bedroom suite and a children’s suite.

Victorian touches are included throughout the home, such as the East porch posts because they were original, but in bad shape, and adding a “Victorianesque” fireplace façade in the original spot.

The new owners are thrilled to have a clean slate to work with and have many great ideas and plans for the future. They will enjoy sharing their ideas with Tour attendees.