Four projects proposed in Des Moines have been awarded tax credits through Iowa’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, the Iowa Economic Development Authority announced.
The projects are among 13 historic renovations to receive over $25 million in tax credits from the program. Projects are scored based on readiness, financing and local support and participation.

The projects in Des Moines that were awarded the tax credits include:

• The Carpenter Paper Co. project at 106 S.W. Seventh St. Developer Tim Rypma has proposed renovating the four-story warehouse that was built in 1918 and includes over 46,800 square feet of space. Proposed building improvements include the restoration of windows that have been blocked with bricks or other materials; tuckpointing and other masonry repairs; replacement of heating and cooling systems; and possibly replacement of exterior materials on the building’s north facade, according to city information. In addition, a floor will be raised to create proper window views for use by new office tenants, according to a news release. The project was awarded over $4.7 million in tax credits.
• The former Klein Department Store building at 3614 Sixth Ave. The structure, built in phases beginning in 1905, is being redeveloped to include commercial space on the first floor and one-bedroom apartments on the second floor. The project was awarded $763,661.
• The former North Des Moines Hall at 1601 Sixth Ave. The two-story brick structure was built in 1888 and is believed to be one of the oldest surviving commercial buildings in the Des Moines area, according to information provided to the city’s Urban Design Review Board in May 2022. The first floor will be converted to commercial space; the second floor will include four apartments. The project was awarded $580,787.
• The former Kingsway Kathedral at 901 19th St. HighPoint Church now operates out of the historic building that has been renovated. The project received $797,500.

In addition, a project in Newton to convert four historic buildings into a boutique hotel and market-rate apartments was awarded over $6.9 million in tax credits. The buildings are on the former Maytag corporate campus, now known as Newton Legacy Plaza Campus. Christensen Development purchased the properties in spring 2023.

The Historic Preservation Tax Credit program is administered by IEDA. The next application round for large projects opens in January. Applications are due March 18.

To view the list of the most recent projects to receive awards, click here.