Lamar Koethe House: Inside Iowa’s Spaceship Mansion

Lemar Koethe’s Spaceship House in Urbandale, Iowa is an 8,100-square-foot futuristic mansion with a 35-foot spiral staircase, moat, and car wash. Built in 1993 by the millionaire real estate developer and 7 Flags Fitness founder, this iconic home reflected his bold vision and remarkable journey from farm boy to Iowa business legend.

Quick Facts: Lamar Koethe House

Who Was Lemar Koethe?

Lemar Koethe was born in 1944 in Sherrill’s Mound, a small farming community near Dubuque, Iowa. He grew up on a 132-acre dairy farm where work started at 5 a.m. milking cows and ended at 11 p.m. preparing vegetables for his father to sell at the police department.

His father instilled relentless work ethic and high expectations. Koethe attended the University of Michigan, where a college flier changed his life forever. He attended an evening meeting about selling pots and pans door-to-door for Lifetime, a division of Westbend.

He never looked back. For 15 years, Koethe knocked on doors selling cookware and fine china. He moved to Des Moines to open an office others said could not be done. He launched his own company with financing and built a sales force that mirrored his drive.

From cookware sales, he moved into apartment rentals and strip malls. He took over a failing fitness facility and turned it around. This success led him to build 7 Flags Racquet & Fitness Club in 1987, where he poured his energy for the next 30 years.

Koethe became known as a millionaire real estate mogul who owned 54 to 66 farms across 13 Iowa cities through his company Marko Properties. His empire included apartment complexes, commercial developments, and strategic land holdings. He passed away in May 2025 at age 81, leaving behind his wife Jennifer and daughter Bay, age 10.

The Spaceship House: Vision and Construction

In 1993, far from the urban center but with a clear view of the Des Moines skyline, Koethe had a vision. “The Lord guided me in everything,” he told Megan Hill Mitchum of Century 21 Signature Real Estate. He knew exactly what he wanted to achieve, down to the smallest detail.

He wanted to live in a high-rise but did not want to live in the heart of the city. The solution was building his own elevated mansion in the suburbs. The unique design quickly earned the nickname “Spaceship House” due to its futuristic appearance.

The construction process tested his determination. After the structural work was complete, his main contractor walked into the partially built home with his hands up in the air. “Listen, I’ll give you all the material I put in so far and my labor free of charge if you let me out of the contract,” the contractor said.

Koethe refused to quit. He assembled a cobbled-together construction crew from various companies. He found what he called “moonliners”—skilled workers who would work after hours. They knew what they were doing and slowly brought his vision to reality.

The project required pouring concrete in the middle of Iowa winter. Workers built 16-foot walls in the garage to accommodate Koethe’s car collection. They constructed an 80-foot elevator shaft. The challenges were enormous, but Koethe’s persistence paid off.

Inside the Futuristic Mansion

Architectural Marvel

The Spaceship House stretches over 8,100 to 8,134 square feet, depending on how you measure. The main living area sits elevated 35 feet above ground level—the height you would find in a typical three-story building.

The centerpiece is a gorgeous spiral staircase that curves around a central pillar, rising all 35 feet from the ground-floor garages to the main living space. An elevator provides alternative access for convenience.

The circular design creates unusual sightlines and room configurations. Large windows provide 360-degree views of the surrounding property and distant Des Moines skyline. The elevated position gives the feeling of living in a penthouse apartment while sitting on 24 acres of land.

The structure sits on 16 sturdy piers designed to withstand even the wildest Iowa windstorms. Koethe claimed the home could withstand wind gusts better than a town’s water tower. The engineering prioritized durability as much as aesthetics.

Unique Features and Amenities

The mansion includes seven bedrooms and six bathrooms spread across the unusual floor plan. The elevated main living area creates dramatic interior spaces unlike traditional ranch or two-story homes.

A 360-degree balcony wraps around the upper level. From this vantage point, Koethe could see the Des Moines skyline in one direction and his extensive property in all others. The balcony became a signature feature visible from the road.

The garage spans an impressive 6,000 square feet—larger than most entire houses. The 16-foot walls accommodate tall vehicles and provide storage for Koethe’s extensive car collection. Most remarkably, the garage includes its own car wash bay. Koethe could clean his vehicles without leaving his property.

An art gallery space provides room for displaying collections and hosting gatherings. A recreation center built into the plans reflects Koethe’s fitness industry background. The property also features an actual moat surrounding the home, adding both security and visual drama.

The circular home sits protected on more than 24 acres of land. Originally surrounded by corn and soybean fields, the property now stands amid urban sprawl as Urbandale expanded around it. The Spaceship House remains one of the most recognizable private residences in the Des Moines metropolitan area.

From Farm Boy to Millionaire

Koethe’s path from Dubuque farm to millionaire real estate developer followed an unusual trajectory. After college, his 15 years of door-to-door cookware sales built his work ethic and sales skills. He consistently topped sales charts despite managing teams of salesmen.

His entry into real estate began with apartment rentals. He operated Carmel Heights Apartments and other complexes in the Des Moines area. When two managing partners wanted to close a failing fitness center, Koethe refused because he had encouraged friends to join. He kept it open against his accountant’s advice.

The struggling facility eventually had 7,300 active members and grossed $800,000 annually. This success taught him the value of persistence and commitment to customers. It also revealed a business opportunity he could scale.

Strip mall developments followed. Koethe learned to identify properties others overlooked. He bought land close to expanding cities, anticipating development. When cities grew outward, his strategic land purchases increased dramatically in value.

His real estate philosophy was simple: buy in the right place at the right time. He focused on areas adjacent to growing cities that had not yet developed. His instinct proved correct repeatedly as Des Moines suburbs expanded across his land holdings.

The 7 Flags Fitness Empire

In 1987, Koethe built 7 Flags Racquet & Fitness Club in Clive with his own cash. He sold his shares in nine Des Moines apartment complexes to finance the $4 million construction. This unusual approach assured customers he would not walk away from the business if trouble arose.

The facility opened at 2100 Northwest 100th Street after a year of construction delays due to wet weather. The 86,000-square-foot complex included racquetball courts, tennis courts, a gymnasium, pool, sauna, and whirlpool. Koethe planned to add four more indoor tennis courts, six outdoor courts, and a gymnasium for children.

The success exceeded expectations. 7 Flags expanded into a 24,000-square-foot event center. Koethe became a concert promoter, booking major acts including Slipknot. The facility drew national attention. Oprah interviewed him about his innovative approach to fitness and wellness.

Decades ahead of its time, 7 Flags championed preventative health and wellness long before it was mainstream. World-class boxers and tennis players visited. Celebrities dropped by. The club became a destination, not just a gym.

Koethe’s office at 7 Flags buzzed with constant activity. His phone always rang. He lived in constant forward motion, even during supposed relaxation time. The fitness center served the community for over 25 years until closing in 2014 due to rising costs, increased competition, and reduced membership prices.

Real Estate Empire and Land Holdings

Through Marko Properties, Koethe assembled an extensive land portfolio across Iowa. At various times, he owned between 54 and 66 farms spanning 13 cities. His holdings focused on corn and soybean operations, though his interest lay more in land appreciation than farming.

In 2012, when Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign visited Iowa farmers during a drought, they chose Koethe. The choice drew criticism because Koethe was a millionaire real estate mogul, not a struggling family farmer. However, his 54 farms were experiencing drought damage like everyone else.

Koethe’s land strategy involved buying farmland near growing cities before development pressure increased prices. He would hold the land, sometimes farming it, while waiting for suburban expansion. When developers needed land, Koethe was ready to sell or develop it himself.

Major transactions included selling 80 acres of farm ground for $10.45 million in 2023. He acquired 111 acres in Carroll for $1.39 million with plans to develop 300 or more homes. He groomed properties for housing development in Altoona, Waukee, Adel, and Grimes.

His reputation among realtors was solid. They knew he could close quickly and pay good prices. If a property made sense, Koethe bought it immediately. He became so well known that farmland often sold to him before hitting the open market.

Personal Life and Family

Koethe met Jennifer in 2005. They married in 2006 and welcomed their daughter Bay into the world in 2015. Bay became his greatest joy. He adored being present for her every event and was profoundly proud of her talents.

His love for Bay was evident to everyone who knew him. Despite his demanding business schedule, he prioritized time with his daughter. Their bond was unshakable. He never missed important moments in her life.

Koethe and Jennifer divorced in 2021, but their story did not end there. They joyfully reconciled and remained committed to the Lord, family, and each other. This reconciliation reflected Koethe’s deep faith, which guided every major decision in his life.

He was a member of Valley Church in West Des Moines. His obituary noted he will be remembered as a man of integrity, vision, and compassion. Services honoring his life were held at Valley Church on September 12, 2025, with burial at Resthaven Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his parents Aaron and Olga Koethe, brother Eldon, and sister Darlene. He is survived by Jennifer, Bay (age 10), brothers Irvin and Duane, and extended family.

Legacy and Final Years

In his final years, Koethe focused on mentorship and sharing his business philosophy. He appeared on the “Investing in Iowa Show” podcast in November 2024, just months before his death. The episode titled “Faith, Focus, and Fortune” captured his approach to business and life.

He mentored countless individuals on finding success with a purpose-driven approach. His lessons emphasized persistence, strong work ethic, and determination. He believed faith, discipline, and strategic planning were the foundations of business success.

Koethe’s legacy extends across the Des Moines metropolitan area. His land developments shaped suburban growth in multiple communities. His fitness center introduced thousands to health and wellness. His apartment complexes provided housing for generations of residents.

The Spaceship House remains his most visible legacy. The iconic structure on 142nd Street continues drawing attention from locals and tourists. It stands as a testament to Koethe’s willingness to pursue bold visions others considered impossible.

His business philosophy was straightforward: work harder than everyone else, buy at the right time, and never abandon commitments. He applied these principles from door-to-door cookware sales through building a multimillion-dollar real estate empire.

Lemar Koethe passed away in May 2025 at age 81. He left behind a thriving business, a unique architectural landmark, and a reputation as one of Iowa’s most driven entrepreneurs. His Spaceship House will continue reminding people that with vision, faith, and relentless work ethic, even the most unusual dreams can become reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the Spaceship House in Urbandale, Iowa?

Lemar Koethe built and owned the Spaceship House from 1993 until his death in May 2025. The unique 8,100-square-foot mansion sits on 142nd Street in Urbandale. The property’s current ownership status has not been publicly disclosed following his passing, but it was likely transferred to his family or estate.

How much did it cost to build the Spaceship House?

The exact construction cost has not been publicly disclosed. However, Koethe was known for financing projects with cash rather than loans. He sold shares in nine apartment complexes to build his $4 million 7 Flags Fitness Center, suggesting the Spaceship House likely cost several million dollars in early 1990s dollars.

What are the unique features of Lamar Koethe’s house?

The mansion features a 35-foot spiral staircase, 80-foot elevator shaft, 360-degree balcony, 6,000-square-foot garage with 16-foot walls, indoor car wash, art gallery, recreation center, and a moat. The main living area sits elevated 35 feet above ground on 16 sturdy support piers designed to withstand extreme winds.

How many farms did Lamar Koethe own?

Koethe owned between 54 and 66 corn and soybean farms across 13 Iowa cities through his company Marko Properties. The number varied over time as he bought and sold properties strategically. He focused on land near expanding cities for future development potential rather than traditional farming operations.

What happened to 7 Flags Fitness Center?

7 Flags Fitness Center, founded by Koethe in 1987 in Clive, closed in June 2014 after more than 25 years of operation. Rising costs, increased competition (including a new 166,000-square-foot Life Time Athletics facility), and reduced membership prices made it difficult to sustain operations. Aspen Athletic Club purchased the memberships.