The Latest on Newton’s Legacy Plaza Project

In 2016, Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) received the gift of the eight buildings remaining of the former Maytag headquarters, totaling over a half million square feet. The campus is now named Legacy Plaza. DMACC accepted the gift as one of the community partners, along with the City of Newton, Newton Development Corporation, Jasper County and Jasper Economic Development Corporation to position the buildings for new use, adaptive reuse and bring them back to full value for the community. The Iowa Reinvestment District program has also provided funding for the project so that Legacy Plaza can continue to be developed and updated with the help of the partners listed above as well as Christensen Development.

Legacy Plaza Vision

The Legacy Plaza project include the following developments:

• Housing
• Office space
• Boutique hotel
• Retail space
• Green space
• Courtyard
• Walking path
• DMACC academic building

Apartments, expected to open in October, are in the four-story historic brick building and include studios and one- and two-bedroom options with exposed brick and rafters, along with other amenities. The boutique hotel, with an estimated 50 rooms, will be extended-stay style, featuring sitting space and kitchenettes, and is expected to be completed in December. The courtyard hosts local live music acts like the high school jazz band performing next month or the Newton High School alumni event in June. Taco Fest takes place in Legacy Plaza this summer, too, and apartment tours should begin in July or August.

Photo Credit: John Lee Photography

Legacy Plaza has also allowed for coworking and meeting space for community businesses or those passing through the area. Engage Coworking is open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Graduation parties, pop-up events, anniversary celebrations, workplace retreats and more have been held at Legacy buildings, too. Gezellig Brewing holds fun events for community members as well. In April, enjoy Comal Kaxi tacos and burritos in Legacy Plaza. This June, paint a dinosaur along with your favorite young artist. There is also tons to do at this Newton taproom!

To learn more about Legacy Plaza, read the history and view the layout here.

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 13% below the national average, a low cost of living and an exceptional quality of life. In 2022, Site Selection Magazine named it a top metro for a number of economic development projects.