News Story

Des Moines, Iowa — Wednesday, July 16, 2025 — The City of Des Moines is now accepting proposals for the renovation and reuse of the historic Argonne Armory building, located at 602 Robert D. Ray Drive.

The City’s Office of Economic Development is seeking development proposals for this 45,308 square-foot building and adjacent parking lot, which is located near the Women of Achievement Bridge on the Des Moines Riverfront and in the thriving East Village Neighborhood of Downtown Des Moines.

"The chance to redevelop the Argonne Armory building represents a unique opportunity to continue the vibrant growth we’ve seen in the East Village neighborhood," Mayor Connie Boesen remarked. "We look forward to working with interested developers to identify a proposal that will bring people to the downtown riverfront and the East Village."

Built in 1934, the Armory was originally designed to play host to ten Iowa National Guard units and the Argonne post of the American Legion. It initially included a dining hall, kitchen, club room, gymnasium, and rifle range in the basement. The building was then converted to offices and administrative space for municipal purposes in 1976 and has served in this capacity ever since.

The City of Des Moines seeks creative development proposals for the future of this building and aims to secure a development project and partner for a flexible and creative adaptive reuse. As an active participant in Downtown development, the city has an interest in collaboration with development groups to understand proposed project scopes and to help ensure a successful project outcome.

Proposals are due on Friday, October 31, 2025. For more information and to download the full Request for Proposals, visit DSM.city/ArmoryRFP.