Aug 5, 2024 - News

Historic Highland Park building could be saved

Jason Clayworth

A photo of the IOOF hall. — The International Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F) Fraternal Hall is at the corner of Euclid and Second avenues in DSM's Highland Park neighborhood. Photo: Courtesy of the Polk County Assessor

One of the metro's most endangered buildings could be saved as part of a $500,000 purchase plan that goes before the Des Moines City Council tonight.

Why it matters: The International Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F) Fraternal Hall is a landmark building in Highland Park's commercial district, where preservationists recently lost a battle to save a historic apartment.

Driving the news: The City Council is considering acquiring the building from owner Ty Cawley due to its historic value.

Catch up fast: The three-story building was constructed in 1907 as the local meeting spot for the organization.

Little remains of the original lodge hall and offices following multiple apartment and business conversions since 1930.
A to Z Pawn, its last tenant, moved out several years ago and the city recently declared the building a public nuisance because of its poor condition.

What's next: If approved, DSM will solicit bids and transfer the property to a developer for rehab.

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Historic Highland Park building could be saved

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