Downtown Office to Apartments: 221 Units Planned at Two Ruan Center

Building permits were issued in December for the construction of two rowhouses at 901‌ SE​ Seventh ​St. in des Moines. The project is being developed by DEV partners.Rendering courtesy of Shyft collective

In fall 2023, a joint venture was ​announced ⁤between Ruan Inc., Block⁣ Real ⁣Estate Services and Foutch Brothers ​to convert ⁣Two Ruan Center from⁤ office to residential.

In December, more than two years ‍after the declaration, ⁢a building ⁤permit⁤ was issued for the project at 601 ‌Locust St. in downtown Des moines.During the two-year period,the⁢ growth team secured financing for the project. In addition, the Ruan Center complex, which includes Two Ruan ⁤Center,‍ was listed on ⁣the National Register of Historic Places, a move that opens up other avenues ⁢of financial assistance.

The permit for Two⁣ Ruan Center was among⁢ 30 issued in December by Polk County and 13⁣ area communities ‍for new commercial projects, remodels or tenant improvements, and additions,‍ a Business Record review ⁣shows. the permits placed the value of the⁢ projects at over $107.3 million.

When the⁢ Two Ruan Center project was first ​announced, developers had said construction would be completed in 2026. With the later start, the project ⁢likely will be completed in 2027. Work ​will include converting much of the office space into 221 multifamily units. In addition, other work will include ‌creating fitness centers, coworking space, a ⁣bike wash and repair station, pet ‌spa ⁢and rooftop pet park, covered indoor parking and a rooftop lounge.