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Older Iowans face some of the nation's toughest license rules

Iowa's strict renewal rules put older drivers under scrutiny.

News

Iowa has some of the nation&#x27;s toughest license-renewal rules for older motorists, despite mixed evidence that stricter requirements improve safety.Why it matters: Iowa&#x27;s rules highlight a broader debate over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whether age" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/07/iowa-s-gray-is-growing-census-data-shows" data-vars-content-id="ffafcfe1-321c-4211-9336-11258f0de6e5" data-vars-headline="Older Iowans face some of the nation&#x27;s toughest license rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/07/iowa-s-gray-is-growing-census-data-shows" target="_self">whether age</a> alone is a fair basis for driver&#x27;s license requirements.

Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro

From ice cream to Vietnamese coffee, there's a range of new dining spots.

Food and Drink

Des Moines&#x27; restaurant scene has hit a rough patch, where it seems like every week, a beloved joint announces that times are tough (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="which they are" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/06/des-moines-restaurants-closing-fast-economy" target="_self">which they are</a>) and it&#x27;s time to close shop.<ul><li>So let&#x27;s talk about some places that are opening — or have already opened — that you should check out. (Eat local, friends.) </li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Home Sweet Cone — (Ingersoll)</h2><figure><img alt="Close-up of a pink ice cream cup with a blue cone logo and the text Home Sweet Cone, holding a scoop of chocolate ice cream with a white plastic spoon, outdoors with a blurred storefront." height="872" id="dad54da0-0c6a-4f31-8d29-d35f1521460e" src="https://images.axios.com/KEllBQnmtf7Q6NTPZYjKd-Wo_sk=/2026/07/15/1784151927357.png" width="1570"/><figcaption>Olive oil drizzle and salt flakes on chocolate ice cream from the Waukee location. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios</figcaption></figure>The ice cream shop, which has locations in Waukee and West Des Moines, is opening its third location in September at 2701 Ingersoll Ave. in the Star Lofts, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Business Record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessrecord.com/home-sweet-cones-sweet-expansion-into-des-moines/" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessrecord.com/home-sweet-cones-sweet-expansion-into-des-moines/" target="_blank">Business Record</a>.<ul><li>(Yes, we also dream of the salted Oreo flavor.)</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">The Breakfast Club (East Village)</h2><figure><img alt="Urban street scene with a modern building featuring large windows and a bright orange sign reading &quot;The Breakfast Club&quot; with a sun graphic. Pedestrians pass by and a silver car is parked in front." height="1872" id="66ff997a-7a8c-4a03-87fa-c7ae32f5041b" src="https://images.axios.com/hPDXbBcgNJUf7nQxzX-OZOp2IAU=/2026/07/03/1783095351743.jpeg" width="3330"/><figcaption>The Breakfast Club, · 418 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios</figcaption></figure> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The brunch spot moved" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/07/breakfast-club-new-east-village-move-waukee" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/07/breakfast-club-new-east-village-move-waukee" target="_self">The brunch spot moved</a> from its original East Third Street storefront into a larger space at 418 E. Grand Ave. <ul><li>It also opened a location last month at Kettlestone Central in Waukee, expanding its suburban reach.</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Saigon Day Cafe &amp; Bakery (Clive)</h2><figure><img alt="Split image: left lounge with striped wood wall, round mirrors, and a long cushioned bench; right three iced drinks in clear cups with domed lids on a wooden table in a bright cafe." height="882" id="2e1ec712-eeeb-4d08-b050-9dd85d4e4768" src="https://images.axios.com/4VupyLV4nEAnRxMqOtx517WbU2o=/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png" width="1568" srcset="https://images.axios.com/Wi_4Tja1mDaut7eljwsc8Z0qQBo=/0x0:1568x882/1920x1080/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/5ndHdIxar_Wm6i_DTW310ecpplg=/0x0:1568x882/1600x900/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/DbwuVHKBp2ZVASUkBwfSJG3PEXQ=/0x0:1568x882/1366x768/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/tQmEvuQcuL2vYO939RwQMoDbJbU=/0x0:1568x882/1024x576/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/uzYfNChCnYQGYYsSc1sNPDHsWzE=/0x0:1568x882/768x432/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/_D8xwvQRSAmB3Mqf9Kt-kHzPjSI=/0x0:1568x882/640x360/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/PAPVccmy3ciez0yW3ytfKJOjYac=/0x0:1568x882/320x180/2026/07/15/1784152408499.png?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>The inside of Saigon Day Cafe &amp; Bakery and coffees and a matcha. Photos: Linh Ta/Axios</figcaption></figure> Opened by a niece-aunt duo, offering a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="full menu of Vietnamese coffees" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/02/saigon-day-cafe-bakery-vietnamese-coffee-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/02/saigon-day-cafe-bakery-vietnamese-coffee-des-moines" target="_self">full menu of Vietnamese coffees</a>, including cà phê muối (salted coffee) and cà phê trứng (egg coffee), off University Boulevard near Taste of Italy.More openings we&#x27;re hyped about:🍾 Cuvée (downtown) — A Champagne lounge and tapas bar is opening at the former Café Madeleine location, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Register reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/07/14/cuvee-champagne-lounge-cafe-madeleine-downtown-des-moines-restaurants/90829313007/" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/07/14/cuvee-champagne-lounge-cafe-madeleine-downtown-des-moines-restaurants/90829313007/" target="_blank">the Register reports</a>.<ul><li>The lounge is being opened by Chef David Baruthio&#x27;s former sommelier. It&#x27;s planned to open in late summer.</li></ul>🍨 Nothing Major (downtown) — Nick Tillinghast, owner of Hello, Marjorie and Secret Admirer, is rebranding and moving his speakeasy into a new cocktail bar and ice cream parlor. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Planned for this summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/24/owner-of-hello-marjorie-opening-another-bar-in-downtowns-equitable-building" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/04/24/owner-of-hello-marjorie-opening-another-bar-in-downtowns-equitable-building" target="_self">Planned for this summer</a>.🍣 Osaka (West Des Moines) — A sushi and Japanese takeout spot at 640 S. 50th St. offering nigiri, onigiri, matcha and protein smoothies. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Japanese-owned shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/osaka_ia/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/osaka_ia/?hl=en" target="_blank">The Japanese-owned shop</a> opened in May.🍸 T12 Distillery (Valley Junction) — T12 Distillery, which founder Scott Turczynski began in fall 2022, took over Foundry Distilling&#x27;s former space at 111 S. 11th St. in late May, per the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Business Record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.businessrecord.com/t12-distillery-finds-home-in-valley-junction/" data-vars-content-id="0c51c8c6-f364-473e-bd9c-68e4b028eac9" data-vars-headline="Here are 7 new dining spots opening in the Des Moines metro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.businessrecord.com/t12-distillery-finds-home-in-valley-junction/" target="_blank">Business Record</a>.<ul><li>The name refers to the T12 vertebra, which sits at the transition between the mid and lower back. Turczynski suffered a spinal cord injury after falling off a retaining wall.</li></ul>

New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents

The demographic shift could deepen Iowa's labor and care gaps.

Iowa lost more than 41,000 people ages 45–64 since 2020 — a group central to the state&#x27;s workforce, tax base, and caregiving system.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa is losing experienced workers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" target="_self">Iowa is losing experienced workers</a> and caregivers just as its aging population needs more of both.By the numbers: Iowa&#x27;s 45–64 population fell 5.3% — from about 778,900 in April 2020 to 737,300 in July 2025 — according to an Axios analysis of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Census Bureau" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-detail.html" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-detail.html" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau</a> estimates released last month.<ul><li>The decline was larger than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the national decrease" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/gen-x-population-shrinking-taxes-economy" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/gen-x-population-shrinking-taxes-economy" target="_self">the national decrease</a> of 3.2% but smaller than the Midwest&#x27;s 6.2% drop.</li><li>Meanwhile, Iowa&#x27;s population age 65 and older grew 13.1%, to nearly 650,000.</li><li>The number of Iowans younger than 18 fell 3%, while the state&#x27;s overall population grew 1.5%, to nearly 3.24 million people.</li></ul><div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--OU1PE" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--OU1PE" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s-/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A bar chart that shows U.S. population change by age group from 2020 to 2025. Adults 65 and older grew the most, up 16.2%. Ages 25 to 44 rose 5.7% and ages 18 to 24 increased 3.2%. Under 18 fell 2.4%, while ages 45 to 64 declined 3.2%." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s-/fallbacks/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--fallback.png" width="1200" height="420"/><img alt="A bar chart that shows U.S. population change by age group from 2020 to 2025. Adults 65 and older grew the most, up 16.2%. Ages 25 to 44 rose 5.7% and ages 18 to 24 increased 3.2%. Under 18 fell 2.4%, while ages 45 to 64 declined 3.2%." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s-/fallbacks/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--apple.png" width="750" height="466"/></div><figcaption>Data: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population estimates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/vintage-2025-pop-estimates.html" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/vintage-2025-pop-estimates.html" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population estimates</a>; Chart: Russell Contreras/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>The big picture: The 45–64 cohort includes most of Generation X and the youngest baby boomers, many of whom are retiring faster than younger generations are replacing them.<ul><li>Iowa&#x27;s median age increased from 38.6 in 2020 to 39.3 in 2025.</li><li>About 20% of Iowans are now 65 or older, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Census QuickFacts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/IA/AGE775221" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/IA/AGE775221" target="_blank">Census QuickFacts</a>.</li></ul>State of play: Iowa has already struggled to find enough workers, a longtime economic constraint compounded by young college graduates leaving the state.<ul><li>Economists have linked the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sluggish economic growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/07/iowa-economy-gdp-economic-decline-agriculture" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/07/iowa-economy-gdp-economic-decline-agriculture" target="_self">sluggish economic growth</a> to workforce shortages and demographic headwinds.</li><li>Iowa was also recently ranked among the states with the highest outbound moving rates, potentially further shrinking its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="future workforce and tax base" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/06/iowa-moving-population-losing-migration" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/06/iowa-moving-population-losing-migration" target="_self">future workforce and tax base</a>.</li></ul>Zoom in: Older Iowans are helping fill the gap. Iowa had the nation&#x27;s second-highest share of residents age <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="65 and older still working" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/31/iowa-oldest-workforce-retirement-age" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/31/iowa-oldest-workforce-retirement-age" target="_self">65 and older still working</a> in 2023, at 23.9%.Yes, but: Relying on people to work later may become less sustainable as more residents require care themselves.<ul><li>Iowa lost more than 250 health care facilities between 2008 and 2023, including elder-care and home-health providers, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2024 report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/11/iowa-health-care-access-closures" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/11/iowa-health-care-access-closures" target="_self">2024 report</a>.</li><li>The state&#x27;s nursing home system has also faced persistent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staff shortages and facility closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" target="_self">staff shortages and facility closures</a>.</li></ul>The bottom line: Iowa&#x27;s overall population is still growing, but the shrinking ranks of its most experienced workers and caregivers could make the state&#x27;s existing labor, health care and budget challenges even harder to solve.

Iowa fertility rate tops U.S. average

Iowa's relatively high rate could help mitigate — though not reverse — the effects of declining birth rates

Iowa is part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="swath of central states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/14/central-plains-states-buck-fertility-decline" data-vars-content-id="60df8f42-4f4c-4c1f-91b0-75ab06f65fdb" data-vars-headline="Iowa fertility rate tops U.S. average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/14/central-plains-states-buck-fertility-decline" target="_self">swath of central states</a> where fertility rates remain relatively high despite a decades-long national decline.Why it matters: It could help mitigate — though not reverse — the effects of declining birth rates on schools, the workforce and the state&#x27;s aging population.

Caring Hands plans accessible community garden

The raised garden beds could help provide education for people of all abilities.

From the parking lot to the garden beds, a local nonprofit wants to build a community garden in Altoona that people of all abilities can dig into.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Caring Hands" data-vars-click-url="https://caringhandsiowa.org/" data-vars-content-id="e4aef3d9-4266-43d9-978a-e14065065cf2" data-vars-headline="Caring Hands plans accessible community garden" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://caringhandsiowa.org/" target="_blank">Caring Hands</a> wants to build a $1 million ADA-accessible community garden outside its outreach center in Altoona, chief development officer Amanda Eggers tells Axios.

A giant indoor slide park is opening in Clive

The giant slide at the Iowa State Fair has some competition: A 33,000-square-foot indoor park with 13 slides is opening Friday in Clive.Driving the news: Two Altoona families are opening <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Slick City Action Park" data-vars-click-url="https://slickcity.com/ia-west-des-moines/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23894701419&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA_SKzOmpB-rYzFOWqvWn6hL9joLXD&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwguLSBhDLARIsAH-yPrE081TVBvv51BFdmMS71GEZ8dvpGlOZSXX2i-0BuoxzU1kl5lqGdwEaAmGPEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="0135a57d-1211-4706-989a-7696419fc980" data-vars-headline="A giant indoor slide park is opening in Clive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://slickcity.com/ia-west-des-moines/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23894701419&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA_SKzOmpB-rYzFOWqvWn6hL9joLXD&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwguLSBhDLARIsAH-yPrE081TVBvv51BFdmMS71GEZ8dvpGlOZSXX2i-0BuoxzU1kl5lqGdwEaAmGPEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Slick City Action Park</a>, a Texas-based chain, at 9999 University Ave., near Valley West Mall, in the former Joann Fabrics.

West Des Moines considers denser, more walkable neighborhoods

West Des Moines is reexamining its zoning code for the first time in 30 years.

West Des Moines is considering a new zoning district that would let developers build denser, more affordable neighborhoods.Why it matters: Suburbs are known for their wide sprawl and huge backyards, but the new &quot;blended neighborhood&quot; district could create more entry-level homes in walkable neighborhoods.

Development grows fast in Cumming

Development grows fast in Cumming as new coffee shop, apartments open

Development

Most suburban growth around Des Moines follows the familiar pattern of large apartment complexes and sprawling single-family subdivisions, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Middlebrook" data-vars-click-url="https://middlebrookfarm.com/live-in-the-agrihood" data-vars-content-id="275fcfe2-fd40-4526-b47d-6f3be92d31d0" data-vars-headline="Development grows fast in Cumming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://middlebrookfarm.com/live-in-the-agrihood" target="_blank">Middlebrook</a>, an &quot;agrihood&quot; that is being constructed in Cumming, is modeled on Iowa&#x27;s walkable small towns.The big picture: The 800-acre agrihood by Diligent Development will include a town center, mixed housing types, local restaurants, outdoor recreation, farms and a community garden, says Tim Portzen, manager at Diligent.

Two of Des Moines' oldest and vacant buildings could get new life

Developers are exploring housing and storefronts near B&B Grocery.

Redevelopment of two of Des Moines&#x27; oldest commercial buildings, located across the street from B&amp;B Grocery in the Columbus Park neighborhood, could begin as early as next year.Why it matters: The project would convert long-vacant, fire-damaged buildings into housing and storefronts while preserving part of the neighborhood&#x27;s pre-Des Moines identity as the independent town of Sevastopol.

Polk County could build affordable housing at churches and strip malls

A new report identifies potential available land that could be home to more entry-level homes.

A new report from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Polk County Housing Trust Fund" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pchtf.org/_files/ugd/ba4e6e_587fb86f1e2f4853886535211fde087c.pdf" data-vars-content-id="fae23384-3f6f-4523-b869-4581f7bfff13" data-vars-headline="Polk County could build affordable housing at churches and strip malls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pchtf.org/_files/ugd/ba4e6e_587fb86f1e2f4853886535211fde087c.pdf" target="_blank">Polk County Housing Trust Fund</a> identifies hundreds of underused properties across the metro, from church parking lots to vacant office parks, as potential sites for affordable &quot;missing middle&quot; housing.Why it matters: The Des Moines metro is one of the fastest growing in the Midwest, but our housing construction is stuck at two extremes: single-family homes and large apartment complexes.

Thrasher's Hardware building is up for sale

The east side building is available for purchase.

An east side building that was once home to the iconic Thrasher&#x27;s Hardware store is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="up for sale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.crexi.com/properties/2349537/iowa-3001-e-14th-sthttps:" data-vars-content-id="1188daf2-d8e3-453d-beeb-fb50f246c5eb" data-vars-headline="Thrasher&#x27;s Hardware building is up for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.crexi.com/properties/2349537/iowa-3001-e-14th-sthttps:" target="_blank">up for sale</a>.Why it matters: 3001 East 14th St. hasn&#x27;t seen much use in recent years, but now that it&#x27;s up for sale, there are interested buyers who want to bring it back to life, says Matt Connolly, a commercial broker with Iowa Realty Commercial.

Valley West corridor makeover begins in West Des Moines

West Des Moines is beginning a long-term redevelopment of the University Avenue and Valley West Mall area.

West Des Moines officials are reimagining the aging Valley West Mall area as a denser, more walkable district, starting with a block near Valley West Drive and Westown Parkway.Why it matters: The corridor still draws a steady number of visitors, and decisions made now could shape how it evolves over the next 10 to 20 years.

Kwik Star plans new West Des Moines location

The new 9,000-square-foot store would open off Valley West Drive.

Business

Kwik Star plans to build a new convenience store at Westown Parkway and Valley West Drive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="at the former Iowa Realty site" data-vars-click-url="https://www.loopnet.com/property/3501-westown-pky-west-des-moines-ia-50266/19153-32004882602000/" data-vars-content-id="dbfa634e-1367-4b50-aefe-b50520b4d136" data-vars-headline="Kwik Star plans new West Des Moines location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.loopnet.com/property/3501-westown-pky-west-des-moines-ia-50266/19153-32004882602000/" target="_blank">at the former Iowa Realty site</a>, according to West Des Moines city officials.State of play: The company has proposed demolishing the existing building and constructing a 9,100-square-foot convenience store with eight gas pumps at the northwest corner of the intersection.

Ankeny plans new trail at High Trestle Trail park

The new path will include small rising and falling hills along an otherwise flat trail system.

Ankeny&#x27;s growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="High Trestle Trail Experience Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/08/06/ankeny-high-trestle-trail-experience-park" data-vars-content-id="e3285b37-cd16-469d-83ad-009bf98734dc" data-vars-headline="Ankeny plans new trail at High Trestle Trail park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/08/06/ankeny-high-trestle-trail-experience-park" target="_self">High Trestle Trail Experience Park</a> is getting a new &quot;flowline&quot; trail this year, giving outdoor enthusiasts some new ups and downs to explore.Driving the news: The nearly 900-foot paved path will be built off the High Trestle Trail and include small rising and falling hills along an otherwise typically flat trail system, Ankeny economic development director Derek Lord tells Axios.

Development 🏗️

Caring Hands plans accessible community garden

A giant indoor slide park is opening in Clive

West Des Moines considers denser, more walkable neighborhoods

Development grows fast in Cumming

Two of Des Moines' oldest and vacant buildings could get new life