Axios Des Moines

June 18, 2026
π It's Thursday, and we're missing Neal Smith's special white calf.
βοΈ Weather: Sunny, with a high of 76 and a low of 56.
π Happy birthday to our Axios Des Moines members Molly Stagner and David Reese!
- And happy early birthday to Wes Mullins, Jared Hassman, Marcy Davis and Kathy Hellstern
Today's newsletter is 1,058 words β a 4-minute read.
1 big thing: DART's new campus
DART has completed the first phase of a new campus.
Why it matters: The project could free the agency's 11-acre downtown site for redevelopment near the future Pro Iowa soccer stadium and Global Plaza.
Driving the news: DART began using the new 76,848-square-foot maintenance garage and parts department at 3500 Vandalia Road this month, completing the first phase about $1 million under its $34.8 million budget.
- The transit agency is now gearing up for the final phase of the project that will likely include bus storage, fueling, a bus wash, a body shop and administrative offices.
Catch up quick: DART's facility at 1100 DART Way was built in the 1970s, is past its useful life and is landlocked in a developing urban neighborhood.
- The site has also experienced repeated flood damage, though Des Moines has since invested millions of dollars in levee improvements intended to reduce flood risks.
- DART estimated that repairing and updating the existing campus would have cost nearly $70 million and would not have qualified for federal funding, which covers the majority of the new campus.
Zoom in: The new campus was projected to cost about $110 million, although DART officials say that estimate will be reduced due to project downsizing.
Between the lines: Building a new downtown campus was preferred by metro leaders, partly because local governments would have had to foot a larger share of the bill had the current campus been rehabbed.
The intrigue: The second phase is being adjusted because DART's redesigned bus network means the agency will operate fewer buses than initially planned, deputy CEO and chief operating officer Luis Montoya tells Axios.
State of play: DART has not yet released a final cost for the second phase.
- In February, the agency received a $20 million federal grant for the project and expects commissioners to vote this summer on a proposed design and budget.
- It could break ground next year and open in 2029.

Behind the scenes: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Bondurant) are scheduled to tour the new facility today to highlight the Federal Transit Administration's Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.
What we're watching: What proposals might emerge as the agency prepares its final move from the downtown campus.
2. School approved for Tiny Village reuse
A vacant 1880s school building has received a city permit to serve as a community hub for Joppa's planned Tiny Village in Des Moines.
Why it matters: Reusing the school could preserve a piece of Des Moines history while supporting people transitioning out of homelessness.
Catch up quick: Joppa, a Des Moines nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness, is developing a Tiny Village on the former Chesterfield School site at 2501 Maury St.
- The village could include about 55 tiny homes and supportive services for residents transitioning out of homelessness.
- The project is modeled after Austin's Community First Village and could cost up to $10 million.
State of play: The Des Moines Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a conditional-use permit last month, allowing the 15,000-square-foot former school building to be converted into a community center with a 5,000-square-foot gymnasium addition.
- City documents envision the facility providing village residents with kitchen and dining space, recreation, worship, storage and health care services.

Flashback: The former school was most recently used as a community center before the city began considering whether to demolish the aging building.
Reality check: Plans for the building's reuse are not yet finalized.
- Joppa is still evaluating the best way to create safe, functional, code-compliant spaces, CEO and co-founder Joe Stevens tells Axios.
What's next: Joppa aims to break ground on the Tiny Village this year, with the first residents potentially moving in 2027.
βοΈ 1 fun thing to go: The school was the answer to yesterday's "Where's Jason?"
- Axios DSM reader Amanda Lela won tickets to Summer Solstice Sip & Stroll tomorrow, courtesy of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
3. π½ The Ear: I will follow you into the starch
Maj. Brad Hovey of Adel was killed Monday when a B-52 aircraft crashed at Edwards Air Force Base. (KCCI)
π¨ Former Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts spoke with KCCI and said an administrative error led to a wrongful arrest decades ago. (KCCI)
- A newly released video also shows when Roberts was arrested. (WHO-13)
ποΈ Des Moines City Council will consider a request to demolish the long-vacant parking garage at 4th Street and Grand Avenue on June 29. (Business Record)
4. Your weekend plans
Friday
β½ World Cup Watch Party: USA vs. Australia | Cheer on Team USA on giant outdoor screens with soccer bingo, giveaways, yard games, kids' activities and $2 pizza slices. | 1pm | Fong's Pizza
πΆ Sips & Songs featuring Day Ashworth + Jeni Grouws Band | Enjoy a free outdoor concert and stick around for a silent disco after the show. | Gates open 5:30pm | The District at Prairie Trail | Free!
Saturday
β Juneteenth Neighbors Day Celebration | Celebrate freedom, culture, and community with live entertainment, food vendors, shopping, youth activities, and more. | Noonβ6pm | Western Gateway Park | Free!
π¦ Cajun Fest: Boil & Brew | Feast on all-you-can-eat crawfish, seafood boils, and Cajun favorites while enjoying live music and Mardi Gras-style entertainment. | Noonβ8pm | Meridian Event Center | Tickets: $55+
β Happy Home Coffee Grand Opening | Be among the first to visit this new downtown coffee shop and celebrate its official opening. | 8amβ2pm | 606 Walnut St.
ποΈ Landfill Tour | Take a rare behind-the-scenes look at Iowa's largest landfill and learn how waste, recycling, and compost are managed. | 3β5pm | Metro Park East Landfill | Free!
Sunday
π Inger-Solstice at the Woodland Realm | Celebrate the summer solstice with family activities, music, food, and a puppet performance in an urban garden setting. | 1β4pm | The Woodland Realm | Free!
Happy Juneteenth tomorrow, and best wishes to all the dads on Sunday!
- We're off for the holiday tomorrow, but we'll be back bright and early Monday.
This newsletter was edited by Chloe Gonzales.
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