Former Des Moines University campus reborn as DMU32
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Des Moines University's former campus in the 3200 block of Grand Avenue was rebranded last year as a mixed-use complex for businesses and nonprofit groups. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios
The former Des Moines University campus is getting a second life, including a new high-tech medical training and hands-on simulation facility that's hosting a public open house Thursday.
Why it matters: The former DMU campus — rebranded last year as DMU32 Health and Business Complex — spans about 25 acres and is among the largest redevelopment opportunities in Des Moines.
Catch up quick: After decades, the university relocated its campus in 2023 from 3200 Grand Ave. to West Des Moines.
- The new site is more than three times larger than the previous one.
Zoom in: The simulation center began operations last fall, offering training for high school students, EMTs, first responders and other health professionals.
- It uses high-tech manikins, immersive hospital rooms and advanced audiovisual systems to replicate real clinical settings.
Behind the scenes: The move left questions about what will happen to the school's former campus, which spans across six interconnected buildings, including an auditorium.
- The campus was put up for sale in 2019, and while school officials didn't disclose an asking price, the Polk County assessor valued the property at nearly $79 million.
The latest: The campus was taken off the market when it was announced that Polk County was allocating $5 million for the DMU Regional Simulation Center, college president Angela Walker Franklin said at a December news conference.
- It's now being reimagined as a mixed-use complex focused on medical and science businesses and community or nonprofit groups. Its longtime clinic remains in service.
State of play: Among the first tenants are offices for Kemin Industries, Des Moines Young Artists' Theatre, the SAFE Center of Iowa and the Iowa Wolves.
- Most of the space is still available, Bill Wright, the senior vice president of CBRE DSM, a real estate brokerage firm leading DMU32 leasing efforts, tells Axios.
If you go: Thursday's free event runs from 3-6pm at the center, located in Ryan Hall at DMU32.