Polk County Board of Supervisors Approves Entertainment District Master Plan
Date Updated: October 7, 4:11 PM
The Polk County Board of Supervisors has approved an agreement with Simonson and Associates for master planning and market analysis aimed at developing an entertainment district around the Iowa Events Center. The announcement was made during the board’s meeting on Tuesday.
The Iowa Events Center, located in downtown Des Moines, encompasses the Casey’s Center, EMC Expo Center, and Community Choice Convention Center, all owned by Polk County.
Simonson and Associates will be tasked with conducting a thorough market analysis and creating renderings of potential development options. Those options are expected to be available for public review in December.
Board Chair Matt McCoy expressed the importance of the project, stating, “We want something that is going to be a real asset to the people of Polk County and to the entire downtown core.” However, Supervisor Angela Connolly abstained from voting due to a lack of involvement in early discussions, as the Iowa Events Center falls within her district. The agreement was approved with a vote of 3-1, with Supervisor Tom Hockensmith absent.
The study will focus on a 3-acre area south of the Iowa Events Center, bordered by Park Street, Third Street, Grand Avenue, and Fourth Street. This includes the former Koch Office Group site at 325 Grand Ave and the Brown Garage complex at Fourth Street and Grand Avenue. Additionally, the analysis will cover a 9-acre property north of the events center, bordered by the convention complex, Third Street, I-235, and Fifth Street.
Adjacent to this project, there are proposals from leaders of Hometown Holdings, Sporting Kansas City, and MLS Next Pro to build a 6,000-seat soccer stadium on an existing surface parking lot north of Principal Financial Group’s headquarters. A county spokesperson clarified that this stadium initiative is separate from the master planning effort.
Frank Marasco, Polk County Administrator, emphasized the need for redevelopment around the Iowa Events Center. Previously, Knapp Properties had engaged Simonson and Associates for efforts to redevelop these parcels; now the county will oversee the master planning process to ensure broader economic impact and versatility in collaboration with developers.
The total cost of the agreement stands at $200,000, with contributions from Knapp Properties totaling $50,000 and an additional $25,000 from the City of Des Moines.
Additional Board Actions:
- $500,000 Funding Agreement: To support the Ankeny Art Center’s new 10,000-square-foot facility, expanding its educational and community offerings.
- $400,000 Forgivable Loan: For FOCUSS, aimed at establishing a youth crisis observation center.
- $1.5 Million Agreement: With the Polk County Housing Trust Fund for affordable housing strategies.
- $100,000 Community Grant: To the Des Moines Council of St. Vincent de Paul Society for a new resource center supporting families and individuals.
These initiatives reflect the Board’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community resources and supporting development across Polk County.
