Des Moines' city office merger could launch other development
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This lot east of City Hall was planned to be the spot for a new city office building. It might now be sold and redeveloped by private owners. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios
Des Moines' City Council approved Monday a non-binding $40.6 million purchase agreement of Nationwide's vacant downtown building at 1200 Locust St. and an adjacent parking garage.
Why it matters: It launches a nine-month "due diligence" period to determine if the plan to consolidate most municipal offices at that site is the right fit for DSM.
- It also starts the possibility for private ownership and redevelopment of multiple city buildings and properties that would no longer be needed.
Catch up fast: The city and Nationwide announced the sale Friday.
- Several proposed new city office projects would be abandoned, saving taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.
- Police headquarters and the Argonne Armory buildings would likely be vacated and sold for redevelopment.
- City Hall's uses would be reconfigured but likely retain some municipal operations.
Driving the news: Other adjacent or non-riverfront properties, like the Des Moines Police Academy, could also open for new development, deputy city manager Matthew Anderson told the council Monday.
- Undeveloped land across from City Hall that was previously slated for a new city office project could also become available.
Of note: Redevelopments will likely be a few years out.
- The Armory would be the first city office space to vacate and that wouldn't be until sometime in 2024, Anderson told Axios Monday.
