The City of Des Moines is seeking a novel purpose for a long-standing civic landmark, inviting developers, local business owners, and residents to propose the redevelopment of former Fire Station No. 4 in Des Moines. Located at 917 University Ave., the site has develop into available following the transition of emergency services to a new, strategically placed facility.
The move to the new station at 1505 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway was designed specifically to optimize emergency response times within the city’s northwest area. With the operational needs of the fire department now met by the modern facility, the city is turning its attention toward how the University Avenue property can best serve the current needs of the surrounding neighborhood.
To ensure the site’s next chapter aligns with community interests, city officials have initiated a public feedback phase. This process includes a series of open houses held on April 7 and April 11, as well as an active digital outreach campaign. The data gathered from these interactions will directly shape the criteria for a forthcoming request for proposals (RFP), which is expected to be released in May.
Integrating Community Vision into Urban Planning
The transition of a municipal building from a public safety hub to a private or mixed-use development is rarely a simple real estate transaction. In the case of Fire Station No. 4, the city is emphasizing a collaborative approach to avoid the pitfalls of top-down development that can sometimes alienate long-term residents.
Breann Bye, an economic development project manager with the city, emphasized the historical significance of the site and the necessity of local input. “Fire Station 4 has been part of this neighborhood for decades, and we want to hear from residents and stakeholders about what comes next and how this site can support their broader vision for the area,” Bye said in a prepared statement.
Residents and interested parties are encouraged to provide their input through the city’s official channels to ensure their priorities—whether they be for affordable housing, retail expansion, or community services—are reflected in the redevelopment goals.
The city has provided a dedicated online survey for those unable to attend the physical open houses:
Official City of Des Moines Redevelopment Survey
The Economic Significance of the University Avenue Corridor
The location of the former station is a critical detail for any potential developer. University Avenue serves as a primary artery in Des Moines, characterized by a blend of commercial activity and residential pockets. From a financial and urban planning perspective, the redevelopment of this specific parcel offers an opportunity to fill a gap in the corridor’s continuity.
Urban revitalization projects of this nature typically focus on several key metrics to determine success:
- Walkability: Increasing pedestrian traffic between existing businesses and new developments.
- Tax Base Expansion: Converting a tax-exempt municipal property into a tax-generating private or semi-private asset.
- Mixed-Use Synergy: Combining residential units with ground-floor commercial space to ensure 24-hour activity in the area.
- Architectural Preservation: Balancing the need for modernization with the aesthetic legacy of the original fire station.
By soliciting input before issuing the RFP, the city is essentially conducting a market analysis of “community demand.” This reduces the risk for developers by signaling exactly what the neighborhood is lacking, whether that be a grocery store, a medical clinic, or creative studio spaces.
Timeline and Next Steps for Development
The process for the redevelopment of former Fire Station No. 4 in Des Moines follows a structured municipal timeline. The current phase of community engagement is the prerequisite for the formal bidding process. Once the survey results and open house feedback are synthesized, the city will draft the specific goals and constraints for the site.
The following table outlines the projected sequence of events for the project:
| Phase | Activity | Estimated Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Community Input | Open Houses and Online Surveys | April |
| Planning | Synthesis of Feedback and Goal Setting | Late April / Early May |
| Solicitation | Issuance of Request for Proposals (RFP) | May |
| Selection | Review of Proposals and Developer Selection | TBD |
The RFP will be the definitive document for any entity wishing to acquire or lease the property. It will likely detail the city’s preferences regarding zoning, environmental requirements, and the desired balance of public versus private utility.
What This Means for Local Stakeholders
For residents, the outcome of this process will determine the daily character of their street. A successful redevelopment could mean new jobs, increased property values, and improved amenities. For business owners along University Avenue, a new development at 917 University Ave. Could mean an influx of new customers and a more vibrant commercial atmosphere.
The shift of emergency services to the northwest area is already delivering its primary benefit—improved response times—while the city now works to ensure that the “left-behind” infrastructure is not wasted, but rather repurposed as a catalyst for local growth.
The next official checkpoint for the project will be the release of the request for proposals in May, which will provide the first concrete glimpse into the city’s formal requirements for the site. Updates are expected to be posted via the city’s economic development portal.
Do you have thoughts on how the former fire station should be used? Share this story and join the conversation in the comments below.
