Veneman's Bungalow Court Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Veneman's Bungalow Court Historic District
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1101-115 Droukas Court and 1228 and 1232 E. 12th St. Des Moines, Iowa |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built by | Vernon and Eva Veneman |
| Architectural style | Bungalow American Craftsman |
| MPS | The Bungalow and Square House Des Moines Residential Growth And Development, 1900-1942 |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000929 |
| Added to NRHP | November 21, 2000 |
The Veneman's Bungalow Court Historic District is also known as Droukas Court. It is located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. This special group of homes is the only example of a "California bungalow court" built in the city after World War I. A bungalow court is a group of small, separate houses built around a shared open space. This historic district has been on the National Register of Historic Places since the year 2000.
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What is Droukas Court?
Droukas Court has eleven houses. They were all built between 1924 and 1926. It is one of three "California bungalow court" areas in Des Moines. The other two are Lincoln Court and Goddard Bungalow Court Historic District. Those were both built earlier, in 1916.
Why Droukas Court is Special
Droukas Court was built later than other bungalow courts. It is the only one made after World War I. It was a good place for people to rent homes. This was because it was built close to a street car line. Street cars were a popular way to travel back then.
Unlike the Goddard Court, Droukas Court was built when cars were becoming very popular. So, special parking garages were built nearby for the people living there.
How It Was Built
John B. Veneman bought the land for Droukas Court in February 1909. He bought it from two different people. The houses on the south side of the court were built first. Permission to build them was given in September 1924. Ringland Veneman was in charge of building these homes.
The houses on the north side were built later. Permission for these was given in March 1926. V. V. Veneman oversaw their construction. The houses on the south side have different porch designs. This shows that the builders wanted them to look unique. This idea of variety was less important when the northern houses were built.
Changing Names and Owners
The court was first called Veneman Court. This name lasted until 1954. Then, Dan and Georgia Droukas bought it. They changed its name to Droukas Court. It has been known by that name ever since.
Later, Gene Andrews and Jess Comley bought the court. They then sold it to George and Bertha Archer. Over the years, many different people have lived there. These have included families and older people. In more recent times, some tenants have found it to be an affordable place to live.
