City of Des Moines to Acquire Dilapidated Highland Park Property

The city of Des Moines is moving forward with plans to acquire a deteriorating 119-year-old building in the Highland Park neighborhood through a voluntary agreement with the property’s owner, aiming to address public safety concerns and support long-term revitalization efforts in the area.

The structure, known historically as the I.O.O.F. Hall/Drug Store, has remained uninhabitable for years and is located at the intersection of Highland Avenue and 19th Street. City officials confirmed the voluntary acquisition agreement is under negotiation, with the goal of transferring ownership to the municipality to allow for either demolition or adaptive reuse, depending on structural assessments and community input.

Building Condition and Safety Concerns

The three-story brick and masonry building, constructed in the early 20th century, has suffered from prolonged neglect, resulting in significant structural deterioration. Reports from the city’s building safety division indicate compromised load-bearing walls, roof collapse risks, and hazardous interior conditions due to water intrusion and vandalism. The property has been cited multiple times for code violations and is currently classified as a dangerous structure under municipal ordinances.

City officials emphasized that the voluntary nature of the acquisition avoids the need for eminent domain proceedings, streamlining the process while respecting the property owner’s rights. The owner, whose identity has not been disclosed in public filings, has reportedly agreed to transfer the title in exchange for relocation assistance and mitigation of ongoing liability tied to the unsafe premises.

Funding and Municipal Process

The acquisition will be funded through the city’s Neighborhood Revitalization Fund, which allocates resources for blight removal and infrastructure improvements in designated areas. Des Moines officials confirmed that no tax increment financing (TIF) or special assessment bonds are involved in this transaction. Instead, the city plans to use existing capital improvement budgets approved in the 2025–2026 fiscal cycle.

Community Impact and Next Steps

The Highland Park neighborhood, located just north of downtown Des Moines, has been a focus of recent investment efforts aimed at improving housing quality, commercial viability, and public space. Local residents and neighborhood associations have long advocated for action on the I.O.O.F. Hall/Drug Store site, citing its negative visual impact and potential to deter private investment.

Broader Context of Urban Renewal

This acquisition aligns with Des Moines’ broader strategy to address vacant and deteriorating properties across the city. Over the past five years, the municipality has acquired and demolished more than 40 blighted structures through similar voluntary agreements, reinvesting the cleared lots into affordable housing projects, green spaces, or small business incubators.

Official Statements

In a statement to Business Record, a spokesperson for the City of Des Moines’ Planning and Development Department said: The city is committed to eliminating safety hazards and creating opportunities for reinvestment in neighborhoods like Highland Park. This voluntary acquisition allows us to act decisively while maintaining transparency and cooperation with property owners.

The spokesperson added that environmental assessments and structural engineering reviews will begin immediately after the transfer of title, with a public consultation process expected to follow within 90 days to determine the future use of the site.