According to kcci.com, a million corporate headquarters project for the historic city hall

According to kcci.com, a $24 million corporate headquarters project for the historic city hall

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Des Moines Council Backs $24 Million Corporate Hub

According to kcci.com, a $24 million corporate headquarters project for the historic city hall location was selected by the Des Moines City Council, which passed over a $200 million performing arts center bid.

“This is not an easy vote,” Josh Mandelbaum, a member of the Des Moines City Council, said of the decision.

Heart of America Secures Historic Site Location

The corporate headquarters, proposed by Heart of America, will sit across the street from the historic municipal building. Heart of America owns Machine Shed restaurants and several hotels, alongside a history of major involvement in multiple East Village developments.

Des Moines City Council picks corporate headquarters plan over performing arts center

“I’m very excited about the prospect of having their corporate headquarters relocated into downtown. I think that is fantastic for us and for the city and for moving forward,” Mandelbaum said.

Bookey Proposal Sidestepped for Arts Center Vision

Spearheaded by local developers Harry and Pam Bookey, the competing performing arts center concept sought to convert city hall into supplementary space for a 1,200-seat facility. City leaders expressed enthusiasm for the idea but maintained that the proposal requires considerably more time to develop.

E locust st des moines ia east village heart of america group

“Our intention is not simply to build a performing arts venue; it’s to work with the city to preserve, restore and return historic city hall to meaningful public use while creating a world-class 21st-century performing arts facility on the Des Moines River,” said MD Isley of the Des Moines Metropolitan Center for the Arts.

Council Weighs Alternate Future Options

Des Moines City Council member Rob Barron weighed in on the alternate vision. “I think this is a good proposal, and I hope if we have a little bit more time to work with it, we can find the right spot for it,” Barron said.

Supporters of the performing arts center suggested a potential alternative approach after the initiatives to renovate the former city hall did not succeed.

A corporate HQ or a performing arts center? Des Moines City Council makes decision on vacant lot

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