Des Moines is taking proactive steps to rejuvenate its downtown area, which currently faces a vacancy rate of nearly one-third in ground-floor commercial spaces. To combat this, city officials have introduced the ‘Restore the Core’ initiative, a $7 million program offering matching reimbursement grants of up to $200,000 per project. This effort aims to attract businesses to long-vacant spaces and adapt outdated storefronts to meet modern demands for smaller, experience-focused venues.
The initiative targets a central zone of downtown bounded by Grand Avenue, Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, the Des Moines River, and 15th Street. Eligible businesses include restaurants, retail shops, medical and veterinary offices, recording studios, and certain bars. The proposal is currently awaiting formal approval from the City Council.
City leaders hope that ‘Restore the Core’ will revitalize the area, protect the tax base, and sustain recent investments, despite broader national trends of increasing downtown vacancies. This program reflects Des Moines’ commitment to fostering a vibrant business environment and supporting local entrepreneurs.