Des Moines might buy adjacent buildings after Odd Fellows deal crumbles
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Odd Fellows Hall at the southwest corner of Second and Euclid avenues is listed among the most endangered landmarks in the metro by DSM Heritage Trust. Photo: Courtesy of the city of DSM
The city of Des Moines is seeking to purchase three historic buildings adjacent to Highland Park's Odd Fellows Hall.
Why it matters: An effort to redevelop the landmark building fell through last year.
- City leaders say consolidating the properties into a single contiguous project will make redevelopment more affordable and increase the likelihood that all four buildings will be saved.
Catch up quick: The Odd Fellows building was constructed in 1907 and was a longtime home of A to Z Pawn.
- It's been vacant for years and was declared a public nuisance in 2024 due to its poor condition, before the city purchased it for $500,000.
- Its last redevelopment agreement fell through due to complications over cell towers leased on the roof that couldn't be resolved under the original agreement.
Driving the news: Today, the City Council will vote on whether to authorize staff to negotiate a purchase agreement for the properties at 206, 208 and 210 Euclid Avenue.
Zoom in: The two-story buildings have commercial space on the first floors and living space above.
- The purchase of the three additional buildings would cost up to $600,000 and would not require relocation assistance because the buildings are mostly vacant.
What's next: If the council agrees and the purchase of the buildings is successful, they will undergo a stabilization process soon after.
- DSM will then solicit proposals for all four buildings.