The hub of Des Moines’ city government is beginning its move to downtown’s Western Gateway district.

Over the next month, 11 city departments currently located in four different buildings will relocate to the T.M. Franklin Cownie City Administration Building at 1200 Locust St. The city paid Nationwide $30 million for the office property in 2023.  

Buildings that are being vacated include Polk County River Place, Municipal Service Center, Argonne Armory and City Hall. Departments that are relocating to 1200 Locust St. include the city manager’s office, city clerk, finance, legal, engineering, information technology, development services, neighborhood services, housing, community impact and relations, and human resources. Information technology will be the first department to relocate.

“We’re taking staff that have worked separately for decades and getting them all under the same roof,” Deputy City Manager Matt Anderson said in a prepared statement. “That will help our ability to collaborate efficiently and simplify the process for residents who are trying to access our City’s services.”

The move is expected to be completed by mid-February. A grand opening celebration is also planned in February. 

The city of Des Moines has operated out of the historic city hall at 400 Robert D. Ray Drive since the building opened in 1912. A decision on the future use of the building has not yet been made.

City offices have been located in the Argonne Armory for nearly 50 years. The building was constructed on the east bank of the Des Moines River around 1934 for use by the Iowa National Guard and the Argonne post of the American Legion. The city moved some of its offices to the building in 1976 after the National Guard moved to a different location.

The Argonne Armory at 602 Robert D. Ray Drive is expected to be redeveloped by the Omaha-based White Lotus Group. The redevelopment proposal, accepted by the city council in November, includes creating 43 residential units in the facility, first-floor retail space and an upscale bar in the lower level.

Residents and others who plan on visiting a city department are encouraged to check where the department is located by visiting DSM.City/Moving or calling the department prior to the visit.