Water Trail Rowhomes: Building Workforce Housing in Des Moines
The SHYFT team is proud to celebrate the completion of Water Trail Rowhomes in Des Moines, Iowa! Located near downtown, this 24-unit development brings thoughtfully designed workforce housing to the community, offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. With select units featuring private door access, Water Trail Rowhomes provides residents with an alternative to traditional apartment
living while supporting the need for quality, attainable housing close to the heart of the city.
Designed with flexibility and everyday living in mind, Water Trail Rowhomes reflects SHYFT’s commitment to creating spaces that serve a purpose beyond the building itself. By providing housing options for the local workforce, the project helps support a growing community and gives residents more opportunities to live near the places they work, shop, and spend their time.
Overcoming the Elements to Deliver on Time
Every construction project comes with its challenges, and Water Trail Rowhomes was no exception. With significant rainfall throughout late summer and early fall, weather created additional obstacles for the project team. In addition, the ownership team incorporated site amenities during the project, adding scope that could have impacted the construction timeline. Through careful coordination, proactive planning, and strong collaboration, the SHYFT team was able to accommodate these additions while keeping the project on schedule.
Under the leadership of SHYFT Senior Superintendent Cody Welge, the team navigated these challenges while maintaining a continued focus on quality and progress.
Despite the weather delays and added site improvements, Water Trail Rowhomes was completed on time. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of the field team, Cody’s leadership, and the collaborative approach that helps SHYFT deliver successful projects—even when conditions and plans evolve along the way.
Passing Along the SHYFT Way
Water Trail Rowhomes also created an opportunity for mentorship and team development. During the project, Cody Welge worked alongside new SHYFT Superintendent Jacob Bench, giving Jacob the opportunity to learn the SHYFT approach to project delivery before taking the lead on his own project.
At SHYFT, building great spaces goes hand in hand with building a strong team. Sharing experience, developing future leaders, and passing along the knowledge that makes our process successful are all part of how we continue to grow. Cody’s leadership and willingness to mentor Jacob made Water Trail Rowhomes an opportunity for both project success and professional development.
Creating a Lasting Impact
Water Trail Rowhomes is more than a completed construction project. It represents an investment in attainable workforce housing and the continued growth of Des Moines. By combining functional living spaces, a convenient location near downtown, and a residential feel, the development provides housing options designed to meet the needs of the people who help keep the community moving.
We’re proud of the entire SHYFT team for navigating the challenges, delivering on schedule, and bringing Water Trail Rowhomes to completion. Projects like this demonstrate what’s possible when thoughtful planning, strong field leadership, and a collaborative approach come together to create a better space for the community.
