The pool is packed every day. The kids are running out of things to do. And it’s almost time for the HomeShowExpo. It must be high summer in Iowa.

The Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines brings its annual HomeShowExpo back to Ankeny this summer, presenting 12 stunning homes by 10 different area HBA member builders.
Matt Thompson of Gilcrest/Jewett in Waukee is this year’s HomeShowExpo chairman. He says, “Whether visitors are in the market to build or buy a new home, renovate their current home, or are simply looking at what’s out there, the Expo is a great place to visit.”

Located on Ankeny’s northeast side at the Otter Creek Development, the Expo is open longer this year, offering visitors an extra weekend to tour the homes.

“With all the changes going on in Ankeny and the Summerfest activities scheduled for July, we decided to open the show a week earlier than usual,” Thompson explains. “That way folks in town for the festival will be able to attend the Expo, too.”

Over the past three decades, the Expo has selected an Ankeny development four times now, the most recent in 2008 at the Prairie Trail Development. DRA Properties, also the Prairie Trail developer, is the developer for the 2012 Expo. This year’s site borders the public Otter Creek golf course, which has undergone a number of upgrades and renovations over the past few years, including a new clubhouse, restaurant, and course, as well as residential developments and a public park.

Once the outer tip of the city, Otter Creek is now the hub of several growing neighborhoods, making it an ideal site for the HomeShowExpo. And that appealed to some of the area’s top construction professionals.

“The home builders in this year’s show have not only delivered beautiful craftsmanship,” Thompson says, “but they continue to impress with new and upcoming trends. Each builder brings something unique to the show.”

The homes vary in size and style as well as price. One resembles an Italian villa; another is reminiscent of an Iowa barn. All feature high-quality products, innovative materials, and creative designs.

Thompson adds, “Even folks who aren’t in the market for a new home enjoy the Expo because of the amazing designs and the great ideas they see—cabinet choices, landscaping ideas, new products, and more.”

The homes range in price from approximately $400,000 to near $1,000,000 and from builders who are HomeShowExpo veterans to those entering their first home show. Two builders, Bella Homes of Huxley and Classic Builders of Ankeny, have two different homes in the show.

If you need a break from the kids or you’re looking for a cool place to spend an afternoon, check out the HomeShowExpo. It’s the perfect way to enjoy summer.

HomeShowExpo 2012

Dates:
July 14 –15, July 19–22, July 26–29

Location:
Otter Creek Development in Northeast Ankeny

Hours:
Thursdays 4–9 p.m.
Fridays 1–9 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sundays (July 15, 22) 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday (July 29) 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Admission:
$10 (adults), $5 (children 5–12), children under 5 free

Directions & Parking:
To reach the show, take I-35 north to the Elkhart Exit (96). Go west to NE Delaware Avenue. Go south approximately two miles to the site. Parking is located on the north side of the site—watch for directional signs. Shuttle service will be available between the
parking area and the show.

Website:
DMHomeShow.com