**Nick Jensen, owner, Caliber Iowa.** Photo by Duane Tinkey

The Standard ‘isn’t your typical apartment building’

by kathy a. bolten

This was Nick Jensen’s goal for the Ankeny apartment project called the Standard at 36th: Design a building that had the feel of a condominium but was actually apartments.

The goal was achieved, said Jensen, owner of Caliber Iowa, an Ankeny-based residential development, construction and property management firm.

“This building doesn’t feel like your typical apartment building,” Jensen said of the 184-unit Standard, located at 3611 N.E. Otterview Circle. “We have high-end finishes, expansive glass, underground parking and lots of open spaces. … People are proud of the look and feel of the building.”

The mostly brick and glass building includes penthouses with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Caliber Iowa has a similar project underway in Waukee, called West Light. In addition, an apartment project called the Loop is planned in Urbandale.

Occupants of the Standard are who Jensen describes as “renters by choice.”

“They can afford a townhome that’s for sale but for whatever reason they have chosen a building like” the Standard, Jensen said. “I think our residents are people who appreciate this type of build and amenities that are part of this building.”

The Standard at 36th is a 184-unit apartment building in Ankeny. South-facing windows and balconies provide views of the downtown Des Moines skyline. Photo by Duane Tinkey

Three businesses have offices at the Standard at 36th: Caliber Iowa, JCorp. and MJ Properties. The companies share conference rooms and kitchen facilities in the space, which includes floor-to-ceiling windows, wood ceilings and trim accents. Photo by Duane Tinkey

Many of the apartment units in the Standard at 36th include large windows that provide an abundance of natural light. Photo by Duane Tinkey

The Standard at 36th includes community areas with ample gathering space for several groups. Photo by Duane Tinkey

Kitchens at the Standard at 36th include stainless steel appliances and white cupboards and countertops. Photo by Duane Tinkey

The U-shaped Standard apartment building surrounds an outdoor swimming pool and expansive patio. Photo by Duane Tinkey

The Standard at 36th is one of three apartment projects residential development company Caliber Iowa has under way in the Des Moines area. It is also developing a 174-unit project in Waukee called West Light. A similar project is planned in Urbandale called the Loop. Photo by Duane Tinkey

Nick Jensen, owner of Caliber Iowa, said the high-end finishes in the Standard are a feature residents and others comment about. “We have high-end finishes, expansive glass, underground parking and lots of open spaces. … People are proud of the look and feel of the building,” he said. Photo by Duane Tinkey

A fitness center includes a variety of workout equipment. Photo by Duane Tinkey