Des Moines Armory could become apartments with retail and bar
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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 Argonne Armory in downtown Des Moines would be transformed into a mixed-use space with apartments, retail and an upscale bar under a preliminary redevelopment proposal going before the City Council on Monday.
Why it matters: The landmark riverfront building's city offices will vacate the space next year, and its redevelopment presents an opportunity to add housing and revitalize a vital section of the Riverwalk.
Catch up quick: City offices are being consolidated at the former Nationwide building at 1200 Locust St., leaving the Armory and City Hall mostly vacant in the coming months.
- In July, the city asked developers for proposals for the Armory after DSM Performing Arts decided that turning it into an education center was not financially feasible.
Driving the news: The city's development services department recommends that the City Council approve a proposal from White Lotus Group, an Omaha, Nebraska, development firm known for restoring historic properties.
- The plan includes 43 apartments, a first-floor retail/café space and a lower-level bar.
The intrigue: The city also received a pitch from Ntontan Real Estate and Hubbell Realty to turn the site into a food hall and year-round market, office space for cultural nonprofit groups and 40 apartments.
Friction point: Total project costs were not included in the council documents released late Thursday, but White Lotus' plan faces a $6.2 million financing gap.
- City incentives could help, but staff say it's unlikely they can fully close it.
- White Lotus would need to secure additional non-city funding before final approval, per council documents.
What's next: If the council endorses staff's recommendation on Monday, the city will begin negotiating preliminary development terms before the project returns for final approval.
- Meanwhile, the city continues to look for developers for City Hall after a search last year resulted in no proposals.