Sherman Hill Historic District

Sherman Hill Historic District is a residential neighborhood in Des Moines containing about 210 buildings spread across roughly 80 acres, bounded by 15th Street, High Street, Martin Luther King Parkway, and School Street. The area blends single-family and multi-family houses from different building periods, showing diverse architectural development.

The neighborhood developed between 1880 and 1920, starting as a wealthy residential area that later transformed into a denser district with multi-family homes. This shift reflected the population growth and economic changes happening in Des Moines during that period.

The architecture reveals French Château, Italianate, and Queen Anne styles side by side, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of people who settled here early on. Walking through the streets, you notice how these different building styles shaped the neighborhood and continue to define its character today.

The neighborhood is easy to explore on foot and offers several local shops and restaurants within the area. Visitors will find parking available and good access to nearby medical facilities and public spaces.

The annual Doors to the Past Home Tour allows visitors to step inside restored Victorian-era houses throughout the neighborhood and see how they were arranged. This gives a rare look at the daily life and furnishings of people who lived here over a century ago.

Location: Des Moines

GPS coordinates: 41.59111,-93.64028

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:26