Prairie Trail is a fantastic project that enhances the already vibrant central Iowa community of Ankeny. It's a tapestry of diverse and distinctive homes, tree-lined streets, neighborhood stores, nearby offices, schools, parks, and greenbelts. It's a walkable development in Ankeny with less traffic, more sidewalks and trails that connect the entire development to the City of Ankeny. It's a place where everything is designed to connect the people to the land, to each other, and to surrounding communities in a very traditional manner. Prairie Trail is the place for people to meet and interact. With obvious pride, Carl Metzger, Ankeny City Manager, touts the cooperation between the City of Ankeny and DRA Properties. �??As a city, we have spent considerable time working to connect this sizable piece of property to the existing components of our community. We feel Prairie Trail makes that connection and so much more.�?? He explains that there are other, smaller projects around the state with similar goals, but Prairie Trail, with its 1,000-plus acres, will make a huge impact. Even though it is large in scale, it still fits with what already is in Ankeny and with the lifestyle that many people want. Tim Moerman, Ankeny Director of Economic Development, sees Prairie Trail as a historic venture for the city, for central Iowa, and for the Midwest. �??For cultural, entertainment, and recreational purposes, we are creating venues for people to connect and shape the future with this exciting project.�?? He explains that people choose to move to Ankeny for the sense of community it offers, and the Prairie Trail concept enhances that feeling. �??People look for ways to connect. They grew up in small towns, or they appreciate the charm of central Iowa towns, such as Adel, Pella, or Winterset, or they love parts of Des Moines, such as Beaverdale, South of Grand, or the East Village. They identify with those neighborhoods, and they want to live that lifestyle.�?? Prairie Trail has been meticulously planned to encourage walking, riding bikes, visiting with neighbors, flying kites, and watching fireworks. The amphitheater in Promenade Park will offer an exciting lineup of outdoor concerts and festivals. There will be restaurants and entertainment venues for entertaining friends and relatives. Plus, the District will be chockfull of retail businesses that will provide sources for staples and delightful extras. Many of us have grown up believing that it takes forever for historical charm to develop in neighborhoods. Prepare to alter your thinking. With Prairie Trail, a sense of instant charm is already developing. With historical home styles already popping up, a new/old small-town Iowa community is taking shape. �??There remains a constant stream of people and potential at Prairie Trail,�?? says Ted Rapp, DRA development coordinator. In addition, he points out that the business community is taking shape, with the new home office for the Iowa Soybean Association finished up and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Enrichment Center was completed in January, 2010. �??The new Ankeny High School and middle school projects are underway,�?? he says. �??Ankeny�??s next aquatic center, Cascade Falls had its grand opening on July 3, 2010. Both Precedence Park and Dean Park, which are centrally located in Precedence neighborhood, are finished and ready for public enjoyment.�?? In addition, Plaza Shoppes is underway west of the ground Hy-Vee Food Stores will build on at SW State Street and SW Oralabor Road. The bottom line, Rapp says, is that there is a tremendous amount of activity at Prairie Trail, with much more to follow.

Price Range

Neighborhood

Ankeny

Sales Center Address

1706 SW State Street
Ankeny, IA 50023

Driving Directions