West Des Moines Development
Concept renderingGrand Experience
A proposed entertainment district with a July 2026 development agreement and a later reported amendment.
Existing-site photographValley West Mall
Redevelopment planning follows a reported September 2026 sale of the existing mall.
Architectural conceptRecPlex Event Center
The city-owned sports and events addition is under construction. The facility anticipates opening in fall 2027.
Historical campus photographMicrosoft campuses
Separate data-center campuses, operating permits and infrastructure investments across West Des Moines.
Historical marketing planForest Place
A 101-lot subdivision with an approved final plat and accepted public improvements.
Early conceptMerchants Bonding
A three-story office addition, with construction reported in April 2026.
Historical neighboring contextLegacy Woods
Nature and heritage improvements near the Jordan House, with an open arboretum trail and later amenities still planned.
Actual mural-making photographVivid Junction
Five walkway murals completed in fall 2026 begin a wider Valley Junction placemaking initiative.
Actual facility photographDes Moines University campus
An 88-acre health-sciences campus that opened to students in June 2023, with space for future growth.
Historical area photograph122 Fifth Street infill
A planned two-story restaurant and tavern building would replace a demolished structure in historic Valley Junction.
Southbranch Business Park
A light-industrial business park adds warehouse capacity along the city’s southern growth corridor.
Actual project photographVal Air Ballroom renovation
The historic ballroom’s renovation renewed its concert venue and added lower-level dining and tavern space.
Raccoon River East Greenway & 1st Street Access
A new riverfront recreation area south of Valley Junction offers a boat launch, with connected trails and further amenities planned.
Actual project photographAthene Pedestrian Bridge
A pedestrian and cycling bridge links Raccoon River Park with Walnut Woods State Park and the regional trail network.
12th & Vine Regional Stormwater Facility
A regional basin manages stormwater, with grading, drainage improvements and a trail.
Existing-site photographSugar Creek Greenway Trail
The greenway trail extends neighborhood connections in western West Des Moines.
University Avenue Corridor
The city is exploring mixed-use redevelopment and improved walkability in an established office and retail corridor.
Water-main renewal
Replacement and road-linked water work renews the local distribution network across established neighborhoods and growth corridors.
88th Street aquifer storage and recovery
Aquifer storage and recovery work is in testing, with the latest progress report extending that phase into early January 2027.
Historical infrastructure contextWater-storage renewal
Tank and tower maintenance combines recent coating work with upcoming renewal and equipment projects.
A.C. Ward water-treatment renewal
Facility renewal and modernization continue at A.C. Ward, which West Des Moines Water Works operates for the regional authority.
Regional water-supply projects
Central Iowa Water Works projects support the regional system supplying West Des Moines, including new treatment capacity and transmission improvements.
Future water-network investments
The draft 2027 budget outlines future distribution, storage and treatment investment through 2036.
Historical infrastructure contextWastewater capacity and renewal
Current regional sewer construction and long-range improvements include a planned future West Des Moines outfall project.
Starling supportive housing
A hotel conversion planned to create 89 studio apartments with supportive services on Westown Parkway.
Actual project photographFive Waters recreation program
Five Waters connects lake recreation, performances, river access and trails. The boathouse and Jamie Hurd Amphitheater opened in 2020; the Marathon Loop and river greenway continue through multiple phases.
Sewer and stormwater renewal
City renewal programs maintain sanitary sewers, storm drains and streambanks. Recent work includes pipe and manhole rehabilitation, channel repairs and retirement of an older Grand Avenue sewer segment.
Actual project photographWater Works Distribution Shop
The new distribution shop provides expanded workspace for the local water-distribution team. Staff were operating from the building by April 2026, with a ribbon cutting held April 15.
Existing-site photographRegency West redevelopment
A proposed mixed-use transformation of Regency West Office Park, combining work, dining, housing and public spaces.