Douglas on First brings new type of luxury living to Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — For those in the market for luxury condominiums in Cedar Rapids, the Brucemore mansion’s next door neighbor offers a new option.

With 48 units in two buildings anchored by a central garden, the new development at Douglas on First from the Watts Group defines luxury not just by sheer square footage, but by how the space is used. Priced from just under $400,000 up to $625,000, the units ranging from about 1,300 to 1,800 square feet put a special emphasis on common areas.

Starting in June, residents will move into units at 1953 First Ave. SE with a view of either Brucemore mansion — the building’s neighbor to the east — or the 8,440 square feet of gardens. Construction, started in May 2022, will be completed in phases through the next few years, predicated on sales.

Adam Hahn, director of construction at Watts Group who helped conceptualize Douglas on First, said the concept defies the average expectations for luxury condos in Cedar Rapids.

“A lot of people think of stuff downtown with high-rises that are more modern — a lot of hard finishes, concrete floors,” he said. “We wanted to get something that was a similar product to a high-end home within a condominium building. It’s similar to the home they’re moving out of — it’s warm, inviting.”

Repackaged in a smaller format, future condo residents and prospective buyers span a wide age range. So far, they tend to be somewhere between their 40s to their 70s — particularly those looking to downsize or “right size,” as it’s called by Realtor Karen Mathison. As they move into a smaller home to reduce unnecessary maintenance, the building’s developer envisions a very active community of residents.

With a starting price tag that’s more than double the median home listing price in Cedar Rapids, Mathison said one of the biggest selling points is the abundance and variety of common space — over 11,000 square feet when including the gardens. A large kitchenette, rotating artist gallery and exercise studio complement the courtyard with grills and a dog park. A second-level patio with more grills provides an additional 955 square feet of living space.

While there are other high-end condos available in Cedar Rapids, Mathison said there are no comparables to Douglas on First in that sense.

“It’s people ready to get out of their oversized home now that the kids are gone, and they can feel comfortable leaving for a month in the winter knowing their home is safe, with low maintenance,” Hahn explained. “But people still want a home that’s Cedar Rapids to them.”

The luxury lifestyle includes maintenance, which is covered by Condo Owners Association (COA) fees of $277 to $371 per month.

With five floor plans named in tribute to the Brucemore mansion’s founding Douglas family — The Hall, The Margaret, The Sinclair and The Leo one or two — buyers can select from five interior design themes. Modern Farmhouse offers Wiscon white granite and latte carpets; Industrial and Transitional incorporate masculine, neutral palettes; Classic brings a fresh take to a traditional interpretation of luxury; and Warm & Woodsy adds a trending flair to light fixtures and hardware.

Though the two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos average roughly 1,500 square feet, their designs mitigate any sense of claustrophobia. High ceilings and windows flow seamlessly with an open floor concept to enhance the space available, and central spaces like kitchens make smart use of cabinet and counter space with a bright and airy feel, completed by windows with a view above each kitchen sink.

Finishes work hand in hand with the sense of luxury accomplished by design, from high-end appliances and quartz counter tops to oversized laundry rooms and spacious balconies.

Even the structure of the building, down to the hallways, was designed to evade the impression of a condo building or hotel. Hallways connecting the six condos on each floor will be wider than average, featuring art and homelike finishes to the entrances or the heated underground garage.

Yet as the building honors the heritage of its opulent next door neighbor, the new structure’s exterior design doesn’t stand in stark contrast to the Brucemore mansion. Hahn said it was designed to fit into the neighborhood, rather than appearing overstated or ostentatious.

Watts Group, which has dabbled in Cedar Rapids before with projects like the upcoming NewBo Lofts in New Bohemia, is entering the Cedar Rapids luxury condo market with Douglas. Based in Coralville, most of its previous projects have been in Johnson County — Iowa City, North Liberty, Tiffin and Solon.

Their experience developing Brown Deer Cooperative, a 55+ community overlooking Brown Deer Golf Course in Coralville, has given them a valuable feedback implemented at Douglas on First — unit layouts, unit sizes and upgrade options.

“Brown Deer didn’t have as many large units. When we were designing Douglas on First, we kept that in mind and adjusted plans to meet what we saw was the desire for buyers down there,” Hahn said. “The market in Cedar Rapids is very attractive. You’ve got a city that’s very progressive that’s eager to see development happen and is very supportive.”

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