Merle Hay Mall Redevelopment Approved
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- Des Moines, IA - After facing years of delays, the ambitious redevelopment of Merle Hay Mall is back on track following approval of an amended district plan and...
- What: Redevelopment of Merle Hay mall into a mixed-use sports and entertainment district.
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Merle Hay Mall Redevelopment Gains Momentum with IEDA Approval
Table of Contents
Des Moines, IA – After facing years of delays, the ambitious redevelopment of Merle Hay Mall is back on track following approval of an amended district plan and revised conditions by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) board. The project, aiming to transform the 66-year-old mall into a modern shopping and mixed-use sports and entertainment destination, will continue to receive the state’s allocated $26.5 million through the iowa Reinvestment District (IRD) program.
The Long Road to Redevelopment
The Merle Hay Mall, a 74.6-acre property, has been a fixture in the Des Moines area since its opening. However,like many conventional malls,it has faced challenges in recent years. The redevelopment project aims to address these challenges by creating a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, entertainment, and sports. The core of the plan centers around a $164 million arena and entertainment district.
The path to approval hasn’t been smooth. The initial round of IRD funding faced significant hurdles, exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “This round of IRD has been difficult since the very beginning. The timing of the [funding] round, with COVID sitting in the middle of it made these projects difficult to conduct right from the get go,” explained IEDA board member Mark Kittrell. Kittrell also expressed concerns about the IRD program itself, suggesting it may be discontinued due to the complexities involved in coordinating projects between cities, developers, and the IEDA.
A Collaborative Effort: Des Moines & Urbandale
A key aspect of the redevelopment’s success is the collaboration between the cities of Des Moines and Urbandale. The two municipalities are working together through a 28E agreement, a legal framework allowing governmental agencies to jointly enter into agreements. This partnership demonstrates a commitment to regional cooperation and a shared vision for the future of the Merle Hay area. [RESEARCH NEEDED: details of the 28E agreement – specific responsibilities of each city].
The Buccaneers and the Arena
A central component of the redevelopment is a new arena intended to be the home of the Des Moines Buccaneers hockey team.Mechanical issues at their current facility, the Buccaneer Arena on Hickman Road, have prevented ice production, forcing the team to seek a new home. The Buccaneers announced in [Year of Proclamation – from source] that they were actively pursuing a move to the new Merle Hay arena. [RESEARCH NEEDED: Current status of the Buccaneers – where are they playing now?].
– victoriasterling
The Merle Hay Mall redevelopment is a testament to perseverance. The project has navigated significant obstacles, from pandemic-related delays to the inherent complexities of coordinating a large-scale development involving multiple stakeholders. The IEDA’s continued support, coupled with the strong collaboration between Des Moines and Urbandale, signals a renewed commitment to revitalizing this crucial regional asset.However, the concerns raised by IEDA board member Kittrell regarding the IRD program warrant attention, as its future could impact similar projects across the state.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The $164 million investment in the Merle Hay Mall redevelopment is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the Des Moines metro area. [RESEARCH NEEDED: specific economic impact projections – job creation,tax revenue,etc.]. The project is anticipated to attract new businesses, create employment opportunities, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
The redevelopment aligns with broader trends in retail and entertainment, emphasizing experiential offerings and mixed-use developments. By combining shopping, dining, sports, and entertainment, the Merle Hay Mall aims to become a destination that caters to a wide range of interests.
FAQs
* What is the Iowa Reinvestment District (IRD) program? The IRD program is designed to help communities fund large-scale projects through state funding. [Link to: https://opportunityiowa.gov/community/revitalization/iowa-reinvestment-districts]
* When will construction begin? [RESEARCH NEEDED: Construction start date]
* **What will happen