East Village charter school proposes new athletic field and park
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Des Moines Prep is a charter school that opened in the fall of 2025 in a former General Motors parts warehouse in the city's East Village. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios
Des Moines Prep could construct a new athletic field and park in Des Moines' East Village.
Why it matters: The project could give students and residents shared outdoor space and support a more vibrant, connected neighborhood, the charter school said in rezoning application documents submitted to the city.
- It's also a sign of Iowa charter schools' growth.
Catch up quick: Des Moines Prep opened in the East Village last fall as a tuition-free public charter school serving eighth- and ninth-grade students.
- It's located in a former General Motors parts warehouse at 95 E. Fifth St., which served as Two Rivers Marketing's headquarters until the company recently relocated to another East Village site.
- About 120 students currently attend and the school plans to add a grade level each year until it becomes a full high school in fall 2028.
State of play: The school is asking the city to rezone three irregularly shaped parcels it already owns and currently uses for unpaved parking, located across from it on East Sixth Street.
- The proposal includes a field, a walking loop, bike parking, food truck space, landscaping, lighting and stormwater improvements.
- Last month, the DSM Plan and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended to the council that the request be approved.
What's next: If the City Council approves rezoning at Monday's council meeting, the project would return later for an additional site plan review.
- A construction timeline and cost estimate have not been disclosed publicly.