The Ralston building is a historic piece of Iowa City. Built in 1926 at 20 Evans St, this red brick Tudor sits on the northern boundary to the ‘Woodlawn Historic District,’ which is Ralston Creek. The Woodlawn District was originally planned in the 1830s as part of the development of Iowa City as the state capital. At the west end of Iowa Ave is the old capitol building, and on the east end, the Woodlawn District. The area was meant to contain the governor’s mansion, making Iowa Ave the central axis of Iowa City, but the plans were mooted in 1857 when the capitol was moved to Des Moines. 

Not only is this building a living part of Iowa City, but the owners and managers are as well. After the floods of 2008, the Zabner family of Iowa City owned and managed the building up until 2020, where, in a small-town coincidence, the Iowa City High School business teacher offered interest in a hand-written letter. Our teacher, Mr. Leman, is a steward of City High’s legacy and a true example of Iowa City community values. Adam Zabner, now a state representative, attended City High alongside myself, and Leman is partially responsible for teaching us personal finance and the principles of investing. I worked maintenance for Leman in the summer of 2022, as I was learning to invest and manage other properties. A few years later, Leman asked if I would be interested in the classic brick building on Evans St. 

I am a third generation Iowa City local and real estate investor. So, my father, his father, and I decided to heed this call. We care about the community, as well as the historic charm and integrity of its neighborhoods and residents. My goal is to bring The Ralston to its full potential, adding value for the residents and the Woodlawn District. Live here and become a part of Iowa City’s history and its future. 

-Nick Shymansky