Oakridge Neighborhood Meets Community Need with Cynergy Mixed-Use Development

Creating a Thriving Housing Community in Des Moines

The development is called Cynergy, a fitting name considering the project's many features. Plans call for housing tenants as well as commercial businesses that focus on wellness and sustainability in the community. It's an exciting opportunity that will help grow Oakridge Neighborhood services and programs while also supporting Mainframe Studios' mission by purchasing the land from Mainframe, creating even more impact to the area.

“Cynergy is designed to expand access to affordable family housing, while creating space for neighborhood-serving financial, health and personal wellness businesses to thrive,” said Deidre DeJear, Oakridge Neighborhood President and CEO. “This is a location where rising demand, rent burden and limited availability of larger units are putting pressure on working households. Cynergy is intended to expand access to opportunity, renew neighborhood activity, and help restore the tradition of growth, commerce and community life that once defined Center Street.”

What to Expect at Cynergy

Wellness Hub

The wellness hub will include services for the community, like a financial institution, spa and braid bar.

Programs & Services

Oakridge Neighborhood serves more than 4,000 Iowans annually and its programming includes not just housing, but workforce, youth programs, early childhood education and family supportive services.

Unit Mix

Cynergy's housing units will include three- and four-bedroom units. Sixty percent of units will be income restricted.

Opt-In Renter Credit Builder

Cynergy tenants can take part in rent reporting, creating a pathway that supports long-term financial credit advancement.

The Cynergy project will support the Des Moines Citywide Housing Strategy as well as advance Downtown DSM Future Forward and Capital Crossroads initiatives through the addition of housing, amenities and transit access. The project is also receiving funding and support through several partnerships, including through Polk County Housing Trust Fund's Develop the Developer program as well as others. To date, donors include Polk County with $200,000, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation with $200,000 and City of Des Moines with $25,000.

Contact Christine Irvine at cirvine@oakridgeneighborhood.org to learn more or download the Cynergy fact sheet for more information on this impactful housing project.

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