City Moves Forward With Finding Partners For Historic Preservation Project

Press Release

Des Moines, Iowa- Thursday, October 3, 2024- An iconic 117-year-old historic building on the north side of Des Moines is poised for a rebirth.

The City is in the process of acquiring the Highland Park Odd Fellows Hall located at 200 Euclid Avenue and is issuing a Request for Proposals for its redevelopment and historically sensitive rehabilitation. The City of Des Moines' Neighborhood Inspections Division recently identified several deficiencies that render the vacant building currently unfit for occupancy and, if not addressed soon, threaten its long-term stability. This project will be a catalyst for additional investment in the Highland Park Business District, which is already experiencing significant revitalization momentum.

"The aquisition of 200 Euclid Avenue is an incredible opportunity for us to intervene at a defining moment in the life of this historic building and ensure it will survive as a neighborhood asset for generations to come," Mayor Connie Boesen remarked. "We look forward to working with our development community to identify a proposal that brings vibrancy to this corner and positively impacts the entire business district."

Built in 1907 as the Highland Park Odd Fellows Hall, this property is historically significant and contributes to the College Corner National Historic District. At the time of construction, it was the tallest structure outside of downtown, and hundreds of Odd Fellows members and residents celebrated the grand opening.

The City of Des Moines seeks creative proposals that align with historic preservation standards and return the exterior to a more historically appropriate condition. Proposals may be submitted by a single developer or a team of developers. All proposals should include a mix of commercial and residential users, with at least 51% of the residential units rented at fair market rates to tenants with incomes at or below 80% of the Area County Median Income for a minimum of 15 years.

Proposals are due on Monday, November 25, 2024. An open house for interested developers will be hosted at 200 Euclid Avenue on Tuesday, October 15, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information and to download the full Requests for Proposals, visit DSM.city/200EuclidRFP.