Permanent supportive housing succeeds when the design extends beyond the home itself. For Joppa Village in Des Moines, the vision centered on creating a community where residents have access to housing, services, employment opportunities and meaningful social connections. The result is a village of tiny homes anchored by a renovated historic school building that serves as the heart of the community.
The permanent supportive housing community includes 54 tiny homes organized within a walkable neighborhood setting. The homes range from approximately 192 to 384 square feet and provide private living spaces that offer residents dignity, independence and stability. The village includes a mix of single-family homes, duplexes and triplexes to create variety while maintaining a cohesive community character.
A key component of the project is the adaptive reuse of the historic Chesterfield School. Originally constructed in the late 1800s, the building will be transformed into a central gathering place that supports residents beyond housing alone. The facility will include shared dining areas, kitchen space, healthcare services, storage, worship space and a gymnasium addition designed to serve the broader needs of the community. The village also incorporates opportunities for residents to work onsite, supporting daily operations and maintenance while fostering greater independence and long-term stability.
Rather than focusing solely on individual housing units, the design team approached the project as the creation of a neighborhood. Common spaces, pedestrian connections and community-focused amenities encourage interaction while supporting access to critical resources. The result is an environment designed to foster both personal independence and social connection.
“Successful supportive housing is about more than providing shelter,” said Kevin Ranslow, Director of Production in our Des Moines office. “The design must support the whole person. By combining housing, services, community spaces and opportunities for residents to contribute through meaningful work, Joppa Village creates an environment focused on stability, independence and connection.”
The project draws inspiration from successful supportive housing models across the country while responding to the specific needs of the Des Moines community. By integrating housing, services and shared spaces into a unified environment, Joppa Village demonstrates how thoughtful design can contribute to long-term solutions for some of today’s most pressing housing challenges.
The first residents are set to move into the community in 2027.
