Moline, Ill.-based Heart of America Group has leased office space in the historic Teachout Building in Des Moines’ East Village, where it is developing the AC Marriott Hotel. Heart of America Group also owns and operates the Johnny’s Italian Steakhouses, the Iowa Machine Shed restaurant and six hotels in Greater Des Moines. The company also has properties in five other Midwestern states. “Given Heart of America Group’s substantial investment and commitment to the Golden Circle, we need to have a consolidated and growing office presence, and the Teachout is a cool place that is centrally located,” Mike Whalen, Heart of American chairman and CEO, said in a release.