Carpenter Neighbors Association

About our association

Carpenter Neighborhood

Our neighborhood is a part of the larger Drake Neighborhood Association. We are on the eastern boundary directly east of Drake University. Much of our neighborhood is made up of apartments and commercial areas. We enjoy a very close association with Drake because many students live in the area.

Thriving Business Community

Miller's Hardware Store is well known throughout Des Moines and is the "doorway" to our neighborhood at MLK and Carpenter Avenue. We also have a new senior center being built at the corner of MLK and Forest. Along Forest are two ethnic restaurants and we are hoping to attract more. A new federal post-office is at 24th & Forest; along University is a laundromat, a newly remodeled Kum & Go, Starch Pet Hospital, and a number of small shops. Old Main Apartments is the biggest rental complex. One block to the west is the popular Varsity Theater and Varsity Brassiere Restaurant - also well known throughout the city. We enjoy our diverse neighborhood where many attractions, including Drake University activities at the Knapp Center, are within easy walking distance.