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Iowa's Wallace Building is coming down — its underground tunnel stays

State officials haven't revealed how the tunnel might be used in the future.

News

An underground tunnel linking the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mostly demolished" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/24/wallace-building-iowa-demoltion-mold-historic" data-vars-content-id="a8c52ecb-7479-4ec9-be94-43873e62cb48" data-vars-headline="Iowa&#x27;s Wallace Building is coming down — its underground tunnel stays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/24/wallace-building-iowa-demoltion-mold-historic" target="_self">mostly demolished</a> Henry A. Wallace Building to the Capitol and other state offices is being closed but not torn down.Why it matters: The link is potentially valuable if the state reimagines the site.

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.

Roundabouts proposed for Des Moines' Southwest Ninth Street

Over 500 crashes were reported along the corridor in five years.

Des Moines is considering its most significant overhaul of southwest Ninth Street in decades — including two roundabouts and a direct sidewalk connection across the Raccoon River to finally link neighborhoods with downtown.Why it matters: It&#x27;s one of the south side&#x27;s busiest and most crash-prone streets.

Former Des Moines University campus reborn as DMU32

Kemin Industries is among the new tenants at the medical and nonprofit complex.

The former Des Moines University campus is getting a second life, including a new high-tech medical training and hands-on simulation facility that&#x27;s hosting a public open house Thursday.Why it matters: The former DMU campus — rebranded last year as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DMU32 Health and Business Complex" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dmu.edu/blog/2025/10/des-moines-university-announces-dmu32-health-and-business-complex/" data-vars-content-id="59203376-b789-45fd-bdaa-6110e6d7d9bd" data-vars-headline="Former Des Moines University campus reborn as DMU32" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dmu.edu/blog/2025/10/des-moines-university-announces-dmu32-health-and-business-complex/" target="_blank">DMU32 Health and Business Complex</a> — spans about 25 acres and is among the largest redevelopment opportunities in Des Moines.

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.

Development

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.

Developments we're watching in 2026

From Valley West Mall to downtown Des Moines, there's movement happening.

There&#x27;s a lot of movement happening across the Des Moines metro this year, including pickleball courts, medical spaces and a second life for downtown buildings.<ul><li>Below are the developments we&#x27;re excited about.</li></ul>

A $76M courthouse-adjacent project is proposed in downtown Des Moines

The project would be a block away from 515 Tower.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The parking lot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/11/courthouse-adjacent-redevelopment-plans" data-vars-content-id="0e7a16e1-41d5-4bd6-9ce8-d05a5b36caed" data-vars-headline="A $76M courthouse-adjacent project is proposed in downtown Des Moines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/11/courthouse-adjacent-redevelopment-plans" target="_self">The parking lot</a> adjacent to the Polk County Courthouse would become a nearly $76 million, six-story complex with 280 apartments under a proposal that goes before the DSM City Council on Monday.Why it matters: The project would deliver another significant increase in available housing in the Court Avenue entertainment district.

West Des Moines' Valley Junction rezoning revives debate

Plans to rezone parts of Valley Junction could bring shops and more housing options.

West Des Moines officials are considering rezoning some residential neighborhoods in Valley Junction to grow more businesses and new types of housing.Why it matters: Some residents and elected officials say the rezonings could cut down West Des Moines&#x27; supply of affordable single-family homes, though supporters say it would help build needed &quot;middle housing,&quot; like townhomes and duplexes.

Panera Bread leaving Jordan Creek Town Center location

Kura Sushi is moving into the Panera Bread location at the mall.

Panera Bread is leaving its longstanding location at Jordan Creek Town Center, per West Des Moines city documents obtained by Axios.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kura Sushi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/04/conveyor-belt-sushi-opening-at-jordan-creek-town-center" data-vars-content-id="80950d24-e705-4a70-8e96-7d4a8d516ee7" data-vars-headline="Panera Bread leaving Jordan Creek Town Center location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/04/conveyor-belt-sushi-opening-at-jordan-creek-town-center" target="_self">Kura Sushi</a>, a popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant, will be moving into the space.

Sherman Hill neighbors push back against proposed home

A proposed house design is drawing criticism from neighbors who say it doesn't fit the neighborhood.

Sherman Hill neighbors are questioning the approval process for a proposed new home that doesn&#x27;t fit the rest of the neighborhood.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sherman Hill" data-vars-click-url="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherman_Hill_Historic_District" data-vars-content-id="49c97e81-280d-49eb-97d8-964babb5ca5a" data-vars-headline="Sherman Hill neighbors push back against proposed home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherman_Hill_Historic_District" target="_blank">Sherman Hill</a> is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, known for its preserved historic homes, including many Victorian, Queen Anne and Craftsman-style houses.

West Des Moines offers free path to data center jobs

10 participants will get laptops, mentors, child care and a shot at jobs.

The City of West Des Moines is launching a tuition-free, 15-week data center technician <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="training program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/government/human-services/programs-services/workforce-opportunities/datacenter-academy-application" data-vars-content-id="74ac756a-9e78-45d2-94d2-a168f9a06c10" data-vars-headline="West Des Moines offers free path to data center jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/government/human-services/programs-services/workforce-opportunities/datacenter-academy-application" target="_blank">training program</a> for under-resourced people wanting to jump-start a new career.Why it matters: The program&#x27;s goal, in collaboration with DMACC, is to help 10 people gain upward mobility in a growing career field, says WDM human services director Audrey Kennis.

Waukee's Kettlestone area could be its next downtown

Developers hope to make Kettlestone Waukee's walkable hub.

Waukee developers are pitching the growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kettlestone Central" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kettlestonecentral.com/" data-vars-content-id="17579dbb-62ee-433f-a14a-2f7ba53fa1c6" data-vars-headline="Waukee&#x27;s Kettlestone area could be its next downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kettlestonecentral.com/" target="_blank">Kettlestone Central</a> district as the city&#x27;s future &quot;Main Street&quot; area.Why it matters: Waukee has never had a traditional Main Street, but developers hope the 164-acre mixed-use district will become the town center, complete with restaurants, housing, entertainment and walkable streets, says Justin Washburn, realty director for local developer Caliber.

Development 🏗️

Valley West corridor makeover begins in West Des Moines

Kwik Star plans new West Des Moines location

Ankeny plans new trail at High Trestle Trail park

Developments we're watching in 2026

A $76M courthouse-adjacent project is proposed in downtown Des Moines