Two of the most iconic riverfront buildings are about to go vacant
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Des Moines' historic Argonne Armory building was constructed in 1934 for Iowa National Guard units and the Argonne post of the American Legion. It was converted to city offices in 1976. Photo: Courtesy of the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is seeking proposals to redevelop City Hall and the Argonne Armory after previous efforts fell through.
Why it matters: They are among the metro's most iconic municipal office buildings, on prime downtown riverfront property.
- Their future uses — or vacancies — could influence the pace of surrounding developments.
Catch up quick: City staff will vacate the buildings over the coming months as the city consolidates its offices into the former Nationwide building at 1200 Locust St.
Driving the news: The city announced last week that a process to gather proposals for the Argonne Armory building had opened.
- The move followed the Des Moines Performing Arts' yearlong review to use it as an education center.
- That idea fell through because of significant construction needs and long-term operating costs, DMPA spokesperson Erika Harper tells Axios.
Flashback: The city's first attempt to gather redevelopment proposals for City Hall yielded no results.
The intrigue: Several groups interested in the Armory have already toured the building, Katie Hernandez, a DSM Economic Development Coordinator, tells Axios.
What's next: Municipal offices will relocate early next year.
- Armory redevelopment proposals are due Oct. 31, while City Hall's search has no specific deadline.
