Des Moines' City Hall redevelopment has no takers
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
City Hall was listed individually on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and added as a contributing structure within the Civic Center National Historic District in 1988. Photo: Courtesy of the city of DSM
After an eight-month search, Des Moines received no proposals from groups interested in redeveloping its soon-to-be-vacated City Hall.
Why it matters: The historic building has been the cornerstone of the city's modern history since its construction more than 110 years ago.
- The structure could be mothballed sometime next year until a plan for its reuse is determined.
Catch up quick: Des Moines announced a nearly $41 million plan in late 2022 to purchase one of Nationwide's buildings and an adjacent parking ramp to consolidate most city offices into one downtown space.
- The city began soliciting proposals last year for groups interested in leasing and redeveloping the City Hall site.
By the numbers: The move allows the city to scrap a $36 million plan to build a new administration annex and another potential $100 million plan for a new police station.
Between the lines: In addition to City Hall, another historic municipal building along DSM's riverfront — the Argonne Armory — is now expected to go vacant next year.
- A third, police headquarters, is expected to transition to the Nationwide site in five or six years.
Zoom in: The Argonne Armory is under consideration as a potential future site for DSM Performing Arts' education and community youth programs.
State of play: Whitney Baethke, an economic development coordinator for DSM, tells Axios that municipal staffers had discussions with roughly a dozen developers about City Hall redevelopment, but no proposals were made by the Dec. 31 deadline.
- Redeveloping the three-story, 66,000-square-foot building while maintaining its historic features is among the challenges, she says.
The intrigue: Developers or groups that have expressed interest in City Hall have generally considered it for hospitality or event spaces, including public galleries and a concept for an indoor market, Baethke says.
What's next: The city will continue discussions with developers, and — even if the site becomes vacant next year — will maintain it until a reuse plan is in place, Baethke says.