Welcome to this beautifully updated home in the historic River Bend neighborhood! Thoughtfully renovated while preserving its timeless character, all improvements were approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. As you enter, you're welcomed by a functional mudroom that serves as the perfect drop zone for everyday living. The main level features a formal dining room, a spacious living area ideal for entertaining, and an updated kitchen that blends style with practicality. Upstairs, you'll find four generously sized bedrooms and a beautifully updated full bathroom. An attached garage adds everyday convenience. If you've been looking for a home that combines historic charm with modern updates, this is one you won't want to miss!
Single-familyProperty Type
1916Year Built
4,800 sq ftLot Size
$210Price/Sq.Ft.
1 car garageParking
Listed by Bexaida Dominguez• Keller Williams Realty GDM
Oakland Historic District, located between East Grand Avenue and East University Avenue, is a historic and residential Des Moines neighborhood with Queen Anne porches and tree-lined blocks. The neighborhood’s character concentrates around the Iowa State Capitol grounds, where broad lawns, monuments, and steady foot traffic set a civic, walk-and-look pace. Late-1800s and early-1900s homes mix ornate woodwork with brick foursquares, giving the streetscape a museum-like continuity. The State Historical Museum of Iowa adds a cultural anchor for afternoons and school-day field trips. Trails and green space along the Capitol complex connect daily routines to downtown views without leaving the district’s calm grid.
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Offer insights
250 Franklin Ave · $324,900
$325K and above
75% chance or better to win
Why $325K+ is a strong offer
DAYS ON MARKET
39 days
The average home goes pending in 25 days.
SALE-TO-LIST
98.9%
Most homes are selling 1% below list price.
About offer insights
Property details
Interior
Exterior
Finance
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living
Dining
Interior features
Separate/formal dining room
Bathrooms
1 full bathroom
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stove
Laundry & utility
Washer
Dryer
Heating & cooling
Forced air heating (gas)
Central air conditioning
Exterior features
Wood fencing
Rectangular lot
Concrete road frontage
Home design
2-story home
Resale property
Parking
Attached 1-car garage
Construction
Metal siding
Asphalt shingle roof
Block foundation
Built previously (resale)
Utilities
Public water
Public sewer
Electricity and solar
View estimated energy costs and solar savings for this home
Welcome to this diamond in the rough located in the desirable, historic River Bend neighborhood of Des Moines! This charming 2-story home features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and almost 1800 square feet of living space. Upon entering the home, you'll be greeted by a spacious living room with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The adjacent dining room is perfect for entertaining guests and has plenty of space for a large dining table. The house is in need of a complete renovation, but the possibilities are endless with this blank canvas. Upstairs, you'll find three bedrooms (with the possibility of a fourth!), each with their own unique charm. The bathroom is also in need of a complete renovation but has the potential to be a stunning space. Located in the historic River Bend neighborhood, this home is just steps away from the Des Moines River and is close to downtown Des Moines and all the amenities it has to offer. With some TLC and a little imagination, this home has the potential to be a true gem. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make it your own!
Public Records
Jul 16, 2010
Sold
$75,000
$49/sq ft
Public Records
Oct 14, 2009
Sold
$75,000
$49/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$1,702 (+2.0%)
$10,600 + $87,600
$98,200
2024
$1,668 (+3.7%)
$9,200 + $75,600
$84,800
2023
$1,608 (+0.8%)
$9,200 + $75,600
$84,800
2022
$1,596 (+7.5%)
$7,600 + $60,600
$68,200
2021
$1,484 (−23.6%)
$7,600 + $60,600
$68,200
2020
$1,942 (+58.7%)
$7,600 + $60,600
$68,200
2019
$1,224 (−15.0%)
$6,700 + $52,800
$59,500
2018
$1,440 (+4.7%)
$6,700 + $52,800
$59,500
2017
$1,376 (−24.6%)
$6,000 + $48,100
$54,100
2016
$1,826 (+6.7%)
$5,600 + $45,300
$50,900
2013
$1,712
$5,400 + $63,300
$68,700
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
3
Baths
1.5
Stories
—
Lot width
64 ft.
Lot depth
75 ft.
Lot size
4,800 Sq. Ft.
Year renovated
—
Finished Sq. Ft.
1,544
Unfinished Sq. Ft.
—
Total Sq. Ft.
1,544
Year built
1916
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Polk County
APN
08002284000000
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Apr 21, 2026.
N5
Neighborhood District
N5 is intended to preserve the scale and character of neighborhoods developed with a mix of bungalow and two-story houses, predominantly in the Victorian, Revival, and Arts and Crafts styles pursuant to House D building type in section 135-2.16 of this code.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Housing-Single unit
Infrastructure
Oct 23, 2024 • Final
Electrical (residential) - other
Remodel
Oct 23, 2024 • Final
Electrical (residential) - other
Electrical
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
3/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 103° expected this year, 15 days in 30 years
2/10 Wind Factor
Minor risk of severe winds over next 30 years
2/10 Air Factor
1 unhealthy days expected this year, 2 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Des Moines, IA • 50314
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
31
14
40
20
59
35
65
45
75
53
85
66
86
69
84
66
82
60
71
50
51
34
38
22
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
84/ 100
Very good sunlight
Sunscore
There appears to be minimal shading by surrounding buildings, terrain, and vegetation.
9.4 hrs
4.1 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Redfin Estimate for 250 Franklin Ave
We cannot show automated home-value estimates for this home.
Nearby homes have recently sold between $128,000 and $228,000.
Nearby comparable homes
The Redfin Estimate uses 6 recent nearby sales, priced between $128K to $228K.