Des Moines to demolish former public works building

Catch up fast: Public Works moved its fleet services and radio shop to the city's new $55 million Municipal Services Center 2 (MSC 2) late last year.

• Its former buildings near SE 5th Street and E. Court Avenue are in poor condition and are boarded up.

What's happening: The Market District is transforming a nearly 40-acre industrial area that includes the former public works sites into a new downtown neighborhood adjacent to the East Village.

• City leaders have estimated new construction could exceed $1 billion.

State of play: The district's redevelopment is already underway, mostly in clearing former business sites. Construction is expected to take years.

• Council members approved a nearly $300K street project for the district this week.

Details: The soon-to-be-demolished site is about five acres with a brick administration facility that was constructed in 1921.

• Officials estimate it will cost $775,000 to demolish buildings and remove hazardous materials and pavement.
• Demolition work should be completed by the end of the year.