Commercial Development Proposals, Planning Ongoing in DSM

For many in Greater Des Moines (DSM), the past few months have been uncertain, a time to pause and reflect. While the COVID-19 pandemic has swept through the country, the people and businesses of the Midwest, and Iowa, have been forced to navigate uncharted waters. While the same goes for the commercial real estate businesses, industry leaders have continued to plan and innovate through the pandemic, sustaining development even during this unpredictable time.

Construction Projects + Proposals

Market District Vision 

Perhaps one of the most prominent recent developments of the past few months is the proposed plan for the city’s Market District. Approved by the Des Moines City Council just this month, the $750 million update to the Market District will include a hotel with office space, apartments, a park and an outdoor amphitheater. 

This summer, it is expected that restrictions on building height will be considered and lifted in order to accommodate the future Market District updates. Previously, the height restrictions were put in place to protect views of Iowa’s state capitol building. City officials, as well as JSC Properties and MidAmerican Energy Co., are working together to continue development while also protecting views of the Capitol.

Kreg Enterprises, Inc. Headquarters

The new headquarters for Kreg Enterprises, Inc. will continue construction at Crosswinds Business Park in Ankeny. The project, contracted through Graham Construction Co., will provide employment for an estimated 230 people in the 150,000 square-foot facility.

 

West Des Moines Bridge Project

A $17.2 million road expansion project will enter its final phase later this year when work begins on the Ashworth Road bridge project. The bridge will help ease traffic congestion in West Des Moines, as well as allow for even more development in the area.

Recent Proposals

Notable proposals currently underway across DSM include the following:

• Row houses, 20 units, on the former AIB campus, south of Downtown DSM — Kimberley Development
• Fast & Fresh Hy-Vee convenience store in West Des Moines — Hurd Development
• 350,000 square-foot warehouse in Ankeny — Ryan Cos.
• 57,720 square-foot flex/warehouse in southwest Des Moines — Airport Development LC, managed by Knapp Properties, Inc
• Indoor sports facility within Southridge Mall — Genesis Health Clubs

Learn more about these and other proposed projects and transactions.

Interested in site selection and development within DSM? Find out about available sites and buildings across the region, as well as development opportunities within Downtown DSM.

Development projects and renovations are expected to continue to ramp up through the summer. See an up-to-date list of the most recent development projects completed in DSM, and hear news on expansion and progress through the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s DSM USA Economic Development newsletter. For current impacts and future trends within the construction and development industry as it relates to COVID-19, see The Partnership’s playbooks for next steps related to economic recovery, including recommendations from leaders across all levels of government.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) has one of the best business climates in the country. The region is nationally recognized for having a talented and educated workforce, a cost of doing business 17 percent below the national average, a low cost of living and an exceptional quality of life.