Federal officials want to transfer or sell the existing federal courthouse at 123 E Walnut St. in downtown Des Moines, according to a notice sent last week to Polk County officials.
Why it matters: It's the next step in a nearly $141 million federal project to build a new courthouse, which is expected to open next year.
- The transition opens a large and historic downtown building up for redevelopment.
Catch up fast: The new courthouse is at 101 Locust St. — the plot of land that hosted the former YMCA building — which was demolished in 2015.
- That area was envisioned for a marquee riverfront development with potential housing and entertainment venues.
- But city leaders unsuccessfully tried to persuade the federal government to build the courthouse in another spot.
State of play: The General Services Administration (GSA) notified the Polk County government last week saying the current courthouse is now listed as surplus property.
- That launches a process to sell or transfer the property.
- The GSA is asking other governments or nonprofit groups with interest in the Walnut Street property to express a desire in its redevelopment.

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