Des Moines' former Wesley House to move
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The former Wesley House, 2718 University Ave., in DSM. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios
The former Wesley House will move from Drake University to Des Moines’ Sherman Hill neighborhood under a plan approved last week by the Des Moines Historic Preservation Commission.
Catch up fast: The home was a meeting place run by the United Methodist Church for more than 50 years for people affected by social injustices and trauma.
- It closed earlier this year due to a lack of funding, the group wrote on a now-deleted Facebook post.
State of play: Multiple homes on or adjacent to University Avenue have been relocated in the last five years for Drake projects that include the expansion of the Harkin Institute and a new Broadlawns clinic.
- The Wesley House needed significant repairs and was deemed unusable for student programming, Drake spokesperson Ashton Hockman told Axios.
What’s happening: Drake worked with neighborhood leaders to save the home and is providing a grant in the amount of what demolition might have cost to help offset relocation expenses, Hockman said.
- It’ll be moved to a vacant lot at 1917 Center Street and renovated in coming months.
- There are currently no redevelopment plans for the University Avenue site, Hockman said.
Of note: Sherman Hill will be the 122-year-old home’s third location.
- It was originally located on a corner lot at Carpenter and 28th Street, according to city records.
