Archaeology report removes hurdle for Des Moines' tiny village
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
A prehistoric tool (upper left) and a pottery sherd were recovered at the former Chesterfield School site. Photos: Courtesy of the city of Des Moines
An archaeological report clears the way for a proposed tiny village on Des Moines' southeast side, after an earlier investigation suggested the site might overlap with a historic Native American burial and village area.
Why it matters: The site was being considered for a new DART facility, but that idea was abandoned about four years ago after federal regulators raised concerns about potential impacts on culturally sensitive land.
- Nonprofit Joppa now plans to develop the property into a community of 50 small homes for people exiting homelessness.
Catch up quick: The land at 2501 Maury includes the former Chesterfield School and is within a mile of the "Palace site," which archaeologists describe as having the oldest record of human habitation in the state, dating back 7,000 years.
- Geoarchaeological investigations on a nearly 26-acre area, which included the site, in 2021 found a prehistoric fire pit and recommended a more intensive study.
- DART decided against developing on the site and is now constructing the $35 million first phase of its nearly $100 million Operations & Maintenance Facility at a site near Pleasant Hill.
State of play: The DSM City Council this month directed the city manager to negotiate a 20-year lease-purchase agreement with Joppa for a 5.5-acre portion of the site.
Driving the news: The city, in response to a records request from Axios, released this week a copy of a 2022 follow-up archaeological investigation.
- Archaeologists found a prehistoric flake tool and a pottery sherd but concluded the remains were insignificant and no further investigation was recommended.
The intrigue: Joppa purchased 21 acres near the Des Moines International Airport last year and obtained rezoning for about half of the property for the project in January.
- The organization did not respond immediately to Axios' inquiry on Wednesday about its plans for the property, but county records show it still owns the land.
What they're saying: Joppa reviewed the reports and, based on the findings, has no concerns about moving forward with the property's development, CEO Joe Stevens wrote last week in a statement to Axios.
- Southside Councilperson Joe Gatto said during an Aug. 4 council meeting that the Chesterfield site is a much better location and that the neighborhood is willing to embrace them.
Yes, but: There is no organized neighborhood association for that area.
- Residents have shared mixed opinions about the project, WHO-13 reports.
What we're watching: What happens to the former Chesterfield School, which was used as a community center but is now vacant.
- City leaders were considering demolishing the building four years ago but are now evaluating it for potential reuse, assistant city manager Malcolm Hankins tells Axios.
