"The Mansion" at Wesley Acres, Des Moines.Photo: Sue Danielson
(Des Moines, IA) -- One of Des Moines oldest mansions has undergone a $25 million renovation. "The Mansion" is known as the heart of the Wesley Acres' Retirement Campus at 35th and Grand Avenue. Among the new amenities planned to open in the near future include a bed and breakfast and a pub for residents, family, friends, and neighbors.
Construction began on the home in 1900 and took three years. Davis Sidney Chamberlain used money from his international cough syrup and lotion business to pay for what is now considered the oldest example of Tudor-Jacobean 17th century English architecture in Des Moines. Some of the features include red oak paneling and beams in the great hall, five fireplaces, leaded pane windows, and some windows with glass from wine bottles imported from France.
The Chamberlain family lived in the mansion until 1948 before it was sold to the Methodist Church to be used as a retirement home. Wesley Acres began adding wings to the campus in 1954. Currently more than 300 residents live in buildings on the 14-acre Wesley Acres property surrounding the mansion. Wesley Acres also serves thousands of clients through it's outreach programs and through Meals on Wheels.
Executive Director Damon Buskohl says the goal behind their latest project fits into their mission to help residents stay active and enjoy a quality life.