Rowhouse Project to Transform Industrial Site in North Des Moines

North Des Moines is currently witnessing a pivotal shift in its landscape, as a long-dormant industrial corridor is being reimagined as a vibrant residential hub. The transformation centers on a site south of Highland Park, where a massive warehouse once stood, now slated for a $7.4 million rowhome project. This isn’t just about adding housing units; it’s a calculated effort to breathe new life into a neighborhood that has spent decades grappling with the remnants of its industrial past. By converting a former warehouse site into a residential neighborhood, the city is betting on the power of urban density and aesthetic appeal to trigger a wider economic ripple effect across the north side.

The Blueprint for the Riverview Urban Renewal Plan

The rowhome project is the cornerstone of the broader Riverview Urban Renewal Plan, a comprehensive strategy approved by the Des Moines City Council. This plan encompasses a 59-acre area surrounding Riverview Park, aiming to integrate new housing, commercial spaces and businesses to create a cohesive, walkable community. The specific site at 2814 Seventh St., which was previously occupied by the Des Moines Cold Storage Facility, serves as the primary catalyst for this revitalization. The facility was acquired in 2023 by the Neighborhood Development Corporation (NDC), a nonprofit funded by both the city and Polk County dedicated to residential and commercial revitalization.

The path to this development wasn’t without hurdles. The NDC initially envisioned a mixed-use development for the Cold Storage Facility, but a thorough assessment revealed that the building’s state of disrepair was simply unfixable. This led to the demolition of the facility in 2024, clearing the way for a fresh architectural approach. The resulting concept is a series of three rowhome buildings, each containing 12 units, totaling 36 residences. These homes are designed to overlook Riverview Lake and the park’s Riviera amphitheater, ensuring that residents have a direct visual and physical connection to the surrounding green space. This shift reflects current residential growth patterns that prioritize “placemaking” over simple construction.

Modern Amenities and Urban Integration

Designed for the modern urban dweller, the $7.4 million development focuses on sustainability and accessibility. The rowhomes will feature private entrances, balconies or patios, and essential modern conveniences like in-unit washers and dryers. Recognizing the importance of multimodal transportation, the NDC is incorporating secure bike storage in every unit, providing seamless access to the adjacent bike trail. The project includes electric vehicle charging stations and a dedicated dog park, acknowledging the lifestyle needs of a diverse resident base.

The timeline for the project is aggressive. Construction is expected to initiate in the fall of 2025, with the first building potentially ready for tenants by the fall of 2026. The entire complex is slated for completion by spring 2027. For long-time community members like William and Pam Thompson, this development represents more than just new real estate; It’s a realization of a hope to reignite development in a childhood neighborhood. William Thompson has noted a frustrating trend where developers often prefer to build in “cornfields” on the edge of town rather than investing in the attractive, existing pockets of the city. This project stands as a direct counter-narrative to that trend, emphasizing strategies for urban revitalization that value existing city footprints.

The Legacy and Future of Riverview Park

The success of the residential project is intrinsically linked to the revitalization of Riverview Park. Opened in 1915 and modeled after the famous Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York, Riverview operated for 65 years as the city’s premier amusement park before its closure in 1978. The closure coincided with the rise of Adventureland Park, which became one of the region’s largest attractions. However, the spirit of the park is being revived through the efforts of the Parks Area Foundation, which represents the Union Park, Oak Park, and Highland Park neighborhoods.

A key component of this revival is a proposed $1 million stage project. This outdoor concert venue, designed to hold approximately 10,000 people, is intended to anchor improvements for both Riverview and the adjacent McHenry Park. Even as the project faces the challenge of competing for funding with the Des Moines Water Works Park Foundation’s own outdoor venue plans, the Parks Area Foundation has already raised tens of thousands of dollars through a series of summer concerts. To manage the influx of visitors for these large-scale events, organizers are planning to run shuttles from the North High School parking lot, while similarly utilizing a nearby county community center for logistical support.

Socio-Economic Implications for North Des Moines

The convergence of the NDC’s residential project and the Parks Area Foundation’s entertainment goals creates a powerful synergy. By increasing the residential population immediately adjacent to the park, the city creates a built-in audience for the proposed amphitheater and a steady stream of patrons for the new businesses envisioned in the 59-acre renewal plan. This “live-work-play” model is designed to attract investment that might otherwise bypass the north side of Des Moines.

The involvement of the Des Moines City Council and the funding from Polk County underscores the public-sector commitment to this area. By transforming a “brownfield” industrial site—characterized by the ruins of the Cold Storage Facility—into a high-density residential neighborhood, the city is effectively removing an eyesore and replacing it with a tax-generating asset. This transition is critical for the long-term sustainability of the Highland Park and surrounding areas, ensuring that the neighborhood evolves without losing its historical identity.

Local Resource Guide for Urban Transition

Given my background in analyzing regional development and urban shifts, I know that transitioning from an industrial zone to a residential neighborhood creates specific needs for both new residents and local property owners. If you are looking to navigate the changes in the Riverview area or are planning a similar move into a revitalized urban pocket in Des Moines, you will need specialized professional guidance. Here are the three types of local professionals you should seek out:

Urban Zoning and Land Use Consultants

With the implementation of the Riverview Urban Renewal Plan, property boundaries and usage rights can grow complex. You need a consultant who specifically understands the Des Moines City Council’s current urban renewal frameworks. Seem for professionals who have a proven track record of navigating “mixed-use” designations and can explain how the 59-acre plan affects adjacent private parcels.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists

Because this area was dominated by industrial sites like the Cold Storage Facility, environmental considerations are paramount. If you are purchasing property or investing in the area, hire an environmental consultant specializing in industrial remediation. Ensure they are experienced in Iowa-specific environmental regulations and can provide certified clearances regarding soil and groundwater quality from former warehouse sites.

Urban Residential Real Estate Strategists

Buying into a developing neighborhood is different from buying in a stable suburb. You need a realtor who specializes in “emerging markets” and new construction rowhomes. Look for agents who can provide data on the projected appreciation of properties adjacent to city-funded projects and who understand the specific amenities—like EV charging and bike trail access—that drive value in the modern Des Moines market.

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