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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.

Des Moines plans evening golfing at Waveland Golf Course

Musco Lighting could install new lighting equipment to allow evening golfing.

The city of Des Moines wants to install lights on nine holes at Waveland Golf Course to extend playing hours into the evening.Why it matters: The project would open up tee times and generate more revenue, city staff say, though some nearby residents are concerned about light pollution and transparency.

B2wins take final Iowa bow before moving to Brazil

The B2wins are saying goodbye to Iowa after two decades of music and memories.

Music

After 20 years of performances in Iowa, twin violinists Wagner and Walter Caldas — also known as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="B2wins" data-vars-click-url="https://www.b2wins.com/about" data-vars-content-id="7eb6ee6a-c03f-4d13-9130-7841484ef9c7" data-vars-headline="B2wins take final Iowa bow before moving to Brazil" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.b2wins.com/about" target="_blank">B2wins</a> — are moving back to Brazil following a farewell concert this week at Jasper Winery.How it started: Wagner and Walter Caldas grew up in the &quot;slums&quot; of Rio de Janeiro, where their father built their first violins and their mother encouraged them to pursue music over manual labor.

Daytime DJs are bringing club vibes to coffee shops

A new monthly pop-up is bringing club vibes to local coffee shops and restaurants.

Culture

There&#x27;s a new type of club in Des Moines — and this one doesn&#x27;t center on nightlife or bars.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Club Café" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHgROvbuQQv/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="3f03d4e2-7f4c-47d6-bff7-935705cc28f7" data-vars-headline="Daytime DJs are bringing club vibes to coffee shops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DHgROvbuQQv/?img_index=1" target="_blank">Club Café</a> is a free monthly pop-up series that brings club music and DJs to coffee spaces and restaurants.

Hinterland offers ticket refunds if temperatures reach 90 degrees

Hinterland is showcasing a star-studded lineup this year and a new heat policy.

Hinterland is showcasing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="star-studded lineup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/lineup" data-vars-content-id="8bb3c1d3-fc00-4df4-a54d-ac93740c8130" data-vars-headline="Hinterland offers ticket refunds if temperatures reach 90 degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/lineup" target="_blank">star-studded lineup</a> this year and a new heat policy — if it&#x27;s predicted to reach 90° on your attendance day, you can get your money back.Why it matters: &quot;The 10 hottest years on record have all occurred in the past decade. At Hinterland, we are committed to raising awareness about climate change and its impact on our daily lives,&quot; according to the festival&#x27;s new &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="90 degree guarantee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/info/90-degree-gurantee" data-vars-content-id="8bb3c1d3-fc00-4df4-a54d-ac93740c8130" data-vars-headline="Hinterland offers ticket refunds if temperatures reach 90 degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hinterlandiowa.com/info/90-degree-gurantee" target="_blank">90 degree guarantee</a>&quot; policy.

Spotify Wrapped: Des Moines' most-listened music

From Taylor Swift to Drake, our most beloved songs of the year.

Spotify analyzed Des Moines&#x27; most-loved songs and no surprises here: Taylor Swift and country music reigned supreme.The big picture: Swift was also Spotify&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" most-listened to artist globally" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/37768886.14/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMTIvMDQvMjAyNC1zcG90aWZ5LXdyYXBwZWQtc29uZ3MtYWxidW1zP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/600a1412c7007c4fabd64e23Bd7a24871" data-vars-content-id="e8b349ba-eec1-4a1c-b972-8493a02a2b73" data-vars-headline="Spotify Wrapped: Des Moines&#x27; most-listened music" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/37768886.14/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjQvMTIvMDQvMjAyNC1zcG90aWZ5LXdyYXBwZWQtc29uZ3MtYWxidW1zP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/600a1412c7007c4fabd64e23Bd7a24871" target="_self"> most-listened to artist globally</a> for the second year in a row.

Scoop: 80/35 festival in jeopardy after Des Moines Music Coalition dissolution

The annual festival was the flagship event of the now-defunct coalition.

The organization behind the longtime <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="80/35 music festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/10/8035-music-festival-water-works-move" data-vars-content-id="468932bc-c988-4582-812f-cac86f96a140" data-vars-headline="Scoop: 80/35 festival in jeopardy after Des Moines Music Coalition dissolution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/10/8035-music-festival-water-works-move" target="_self">80/35 music festival</a> has dissolved, the group announced in a statement to Axios. Why it matters: The annual festival was the flagship event of the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC) and had, in some years, attracted tens of thousands of people to downtown Des Moines.

The Cowboy Junkies play Des Moines Thursday

They hope a Des Moines chef they call "Skippy" is in the audience.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cowboy Junkies" data-vars-click-url="https://hoytsherman.org/event/cowboy-junkies/" data-vars-content-id="c60761b7-3a39-471b-935a-31900b391c34" data-vars-headline="The Cowboy Junkies play Des Moines Thursday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hoytsherman.org/event/cowboy-junkies/" target="_blank">Cowboy Junkies</a> play Hoyt Sherman Place Theater Thursday.Catch up fast: They&#x27;re an alternative country and folk rock band from Canada and have recorded dozens of albums since they formed in 1985.<ul><li>Band member Michael Timmins answered a few of our metro-related questions via e-mail before their DSM arrival.</li></ul>

Wooly's still at risk without new noise rules, co-owner warns

Co-owner Josh Ivey is asking the city to consider changing its noise ordinance for music venues.

Development

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wooly&#x27;s liquor license" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" data-vars-content-id="cde62c47-b81f-45b9-8a5c-8b497a94aae8" data-vars-headline="Wooly&#x27;s still at risk without new noise rules, co-owner warns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" target="_self">Wooly&#x27;s liquor license</a> appears to be safe for now, but co-owner Josh Ivey says the venue&#x27;s future remains under threat until the city provides permanent noise exemptions for performance spaces.The big picture: After a zoning enforcement officer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recommended" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" data-vars-content-id="cde62c47-b81f-45b9-8a5c-8b497a94aae8" data-vars-headline="Wooly&#x27;s still at risk without new noise rules, co-owner warns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" target="_self">recommended</a> the city reconsider its liquor license due to noise ordinance violations, live music fans across Des Moines rallied in support of the venue, including the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Historic East Village Board of Directors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcci.com/article/woolys-des-moines-noise-complaint-historic-east-village-board-directors/62156563" data-vars-content-id="cde62c47-b81f-45b9-8a5c-8b497a94aae8" data-vars-headline="Wooly&#x27;s still at risk without new noise rules, co-owner warns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcci.com/article/woolys-des-moines-noise-complaint-historic-east-village-board-directors/62156563" target="_blank"> Historic East Village Board of Directors</a>.

Wooly's liquor license is safe after noise complaint resolution

Des Moines officials say a resolution was reached between the music venue and a neighboring business.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wooly&#x27;s liquor license" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" data-vars-content-id="3133d919-91c8-40fb-98c7-297d7ce506fd" data-vars-headline="Wooly&#x27;s liquor license is safe after noise complaint resolution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" target="_self">Wooly&#x27;s liquor license</a> appears to be safe after city officials said Friday a &quot;solution&quot; was reached regarding noise complaints against the live venue.Why it matters: After a zoning enforcement officer had <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recommended" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" data-vars-content-id="3133d919-91c8-40fb-98c7-297d7ce506fd" data-vars-headline="Wooly&#x27;s liquor license is safe after noise complaint resolution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/09/woolys-noise-complaints-liquor-license" target="_self">recommended</a> the city reconsider its liquor license, live music fans across Des Moines rallied in support of the venue, including the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Historic East Village Board of Directors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kcci.com/article/woolys-des-moines-noise-complaint-historic-east-village-board-directors/62156563" data-vars-content-id="3133d919-91c8-40fb-98c7-297d7ce506fd" data-vars-headline="Wooly&#x27;s liquor license is safe after noise complaint resolution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kcci.com/article/woolys-des-moines-noise-complaint-historic-east-village-board-directors/62156563" target="_blank">Historic East Village Board of Directors</a>.

Wooly's could lose ability to sell liquor after noise complaints

The East Village staple is one of the few midsize music venues in the metro.

Business

Wooly&#x27;s is at risk of losing its ability to sell alcohol after the property was deemed a &quot;nuisance&quot; because it violated the city&#x27;s noise ordinance, according to city documents.Why it matters: The East Village staple, which offers a stage for local and touring artists, is one of the city&#x27;s few midsize music venues.

This rural Iowa music venue is a taste of Margaritaville

Key Mid West is a newer music venue in rural Iowa.

Things to Do

Nestled among Iowa&#x27;s cornfields is a unique music venue that is attracting artists from around the country for its Floridian vibes.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Key Mid West" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/groups/3521776348149010" data-vars-content-id="3fbbd616-8e5a-47f3-9448-0a278125a77c" data-vars-headline="This rural Iowa music venue is a taste of Margaritaville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/3521776348149010" target="_blank">Key Mid West</a> is a small-town concert spot a little over an hour south of Des Moines near Sun Valley Lake — population just over 100.<ul><li>But artists like Peter Mayer, Jimmy Buffett&#x27;s lead guitarist, have traveled there to perform in the intimate setting: a converted machine shed.</li></ul>How it started: As major live music fans, owners Todd Beuse and his wife, Melana, frequently traveled to Key West to get their Jimmy Buffett fix. But as they entered retirement, they wanted to bring a taste of sunshine to the middle of Iowa.<ul><li>They purchased a rural property near their longtime cabin at Sun Valley Lake to create their own tropical oasis.</li></ul>How it works: Mostly, people have learned about the venue through word of mouth, says Beuse.State of play: Their first concert was June 2023, and they&#x27;ve been jamming out ever since.The intrigue: While most people don&#x27;t think of &quot;flyover&quot; country as a music destination, their venue has become one, Beuse says.<ul><li>Booking artists for shows midweek has become the standard, especially if someone is touring for weekend events and traveling between Kansas City and Minneapolis.</li></ul>If you go: The next show, on Thursday, features Donny Brewer, Trop Rock Music Association&#x27;s entertainer of the year, and Jason Walsmith of The Nadas.<ul><li>Entry is a $30 donation for the artists. Learn more from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Key Mid West&#x27;s Facebook group." data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/groups/3521776348149010" data-vars-content-id="3fbbd616-8e5a-47f3-9448-0a278125a77c" data-vars-headline="This rural Iowa music venue is a taste of Margaritaville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/3521776348149010" target="_blank">Key Mid West&#x27;s Facebook group.</a></li></ul>