Historic Des Moines school could be reborn as live-work space
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The Ulysses S. Grant School was constructed around 1885 in what is now Des Moines' Drake neighborhood. At the time, it was near the outskirts of the metro and was part of the West Des Moines School District. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios
A historic former Des Moines school could transform into a hybrid live-work space, just as the city seeks to protect it from potential demolition, local preservation advocate Philip Gustafson tells Axios.
Why it matters: The 140-year-old Ulysses S. Grant School has irreplaceable craftsmanship and materials not commonly found in modern construction.
- Saving it with a creative reuse could spark reinvestment and neighborhood revitalization, Gustafson says.
Catch up quick: The school, adjacent to Drake Park, operated until the mid-1970s then sold to New Life Center, which used it as a church and gathering space for decades.
- Its heating system broke about a decade ago, leaving it mainly used for storage.
Driving the news: Last week, the Des Moines City Council voted to designate the building a local landmark, adding a layer of historic protections that will require city approval before any significant changes or demolition.
- At least one developer is discussing the potential rehabilitation of the building with church officials, according to Gustafson, a Des Moines Historical Society board member who led the landmark application process.
Zoom in: The church has maintained the building in nearly its original condition, preserving its architectural and historical integrity, Gustafson says.
- But the roof is showing signs of age, and the building's plastering is more prone to deterioration when it lacks heat, he says.
The intrigue: New Life Center officials attended meetings about the building's landmark application but did not publicly express support or opposition to the effort, Gustafson says.
- Its leadership team did not respond to Axios' request for comment.
Yes, but: One of the church's longtime focuses is improving the Drake neighborhood.
- It provided Gustafson access to photograph the building, and he used the photos in the application for local landmark status.
What's next: No plans have been finalized, and the building's future remains uncertain.
