American Equity Investment Life Insurance Co. has moved into its new office at 1150 Locust St., in downtown Des Moines, bringing more than 700 employees to the Central Business District.

The company held an open house and tour last week to introduce the community to their new offices. American Equity occupies part of the second floor and all of the third through seventh floors.

The company announced in 2024 its plans to move its headquarters from West Des Moines to downtown.

The Business Record sat down with American Equity CEO Jeff Lorenzen during last week’s event to discuss the move and how it will benefit not only American Equity employees but the downtown culture as well.

Here is some of what he had to say in his own words:

Selecting the Locust Street site for American Equity’s new headquarters:

How the move will affect employees and downtown Des Moines:

How the building is surpassing expectations:

 Related story: American Equity celebrates opening of new downtown headquarters