Beyond the Stadium: Major Redevelopment District Nears Key Milestones in Downtown Des Moines

The 72.65-acre district includes three neighborhood hubs connected by short community corridors which are accounted for in the total area of the district.

For many Des Moines residents, the Pro Iowa soccer stadium has become the most recognizable part of the long-discussed redevelopment planned south of downtown. But the stadium is only one component of a much larger vision that is now moving closer to several important milestones.

The Capital City Reinvestment District encompasses more than 70 acres of redevelopment opportunities spanning the former Dico Superfund site, Gray's Landing, and the Western Gateway area. Together, the projects are designed to transform underutilized land into new destinations for residents, visitors, and businesses while creating a stronger long-term tax base for the city.

Infographic reflects the 2024 Application Capital City Reinvestment District Reimagining the Superfund Site found at Iowa Reinvestment Districts. https://opportunityiowa.gov/co...

According to the district's economic analysis, the full redevelopment plan is projected to generate more than $5 billion in economic activity over 20 years*, create more than 6,800 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs, and attract nearly one million annual visitors once fully built out. The plan includes hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, retail space, housing, community gathering areas, and of course, Iowa's first professional soccer stadium.

At a time when city leaders are facing increasing budget pressures and looking for ways to grow revenues without relying solely on existing taxpayers, projects like these create new sources of economic activity and future property and sales tax generation. The district's analysis projects hundreds of millions of dollars in new tax revenue and a nearly tenfold increase in property valuation across the area.

Importantly, years of environmental cleanup, planning, site preparation, and public-private investment have already occurred. What was once one of the city's most challenging redevelopment sites is positioned to become a new neighborhood that connects downtown, Gray's Lake, Water Works Park, and surrounding attractions.

While many of these economic projections were developed several years ago and should be viewed as estimates, they still illustrate the scale of the opportunity. As key approvals, funding commitments, and development agreements continue to advance, Des Moines is moving closer to turning a long-awaited vision into a catalyst for jobs, tourism, private investment, and future city revenues.

Data sourced from 2024 Application Capital City Reinvestment District Reimagining the Superfund Site found at Iowa Reinvestment Districts. https://opportunityiowa.gov/co...