Hyper Energy Bar appeals Des Moines' denial Monday
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Hyper Energy Bar's location in West Des Moines. Photo: Google Maps
An energy drink and coffee bar will get a second chance Monday after the city's Plan and Zoning Commission rejected its proposed downtown drive-thru.
Why it matters: The decision will test how far Des Moines is willing to relax its walkable, urban development standards to activate a difficult downtown site.
Driving the news: The City Council will consider Hyper Energy Bar's appeal of the commission's June 18 decision involving its site plan near Southwest 11th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway.
Catch up quick: The council previously agreed to sell the irregularly shaped, roughly 2-acre property for $554,000 — contingent on the company securing approval for its development plans.
- The site has remained largely undeveloped for decades and is constrained by stormwater drainage areas, railroad access and overhead powerlines.
- Hyper's plans call for a one-story building, surface parking and two-sided drive-thru service — features generally prohibited under the property's downtown zoning.
Zoom in: The company sought 10 design exceptions, including relief from requirements governing building height, setbacks, street-facing windows, entrances, parking and drive-thrus.
- City planning staff recommended approval, arguing that the property's unusual shape and restrictions make conventional downtown development difficult.
The other side: Opponents said the car-oriented design conflicts with the city's goals for a walkable downtown and could create safety concerns where vehicles cross pedestrian and bicycle routes.
- Commissioners also questioned whether the building could be redesigned with one drive-thru lane or made more pedestrian-oriented.
What they're saying: Hyper CEO Chris Whalen told commissioners that drive-thru service is essential because downtown Des Moines lacks the pedestrian density to support the company's walk-in locations, such as those in Ames and Iowa City.
- The company says two service windows would keep vehicles from stacking onto Southwest 11th Street.
What's next: The council's public hearing begins after 5pm Monday.