“The possibility of connecting these office and residential users with the retail space and park system is exciting,” said Cordaro (pictured). “It would bring more activity to the [Eighth Street] corridor on weekends and weeknight.

“It brings some life to the community.”

And if the multi-use trail is developed and connected to the Walnut Creek Trail, Cordaro’s proposed developments would also benefit.

Cordaro plans on constructing a 40,000-square-foot Class A office building at 1021 Office Park Road. Construction is scheduled to start in April.

The developer also owns five parcels along the north side of Office Park Road, from Eighth Street west to 1011 Office Park Road. Office buildings and a gas station are on the parcels. Cordaro also owns a parcel with an office building on the south side of the street at 950 Office Park Road.

In addition, Cordaro’s company Jarcor, LLC owns four parcels along the east side of Eighth Street including the building that houses Pad Thai Garden.

He plans on constructing two four-story buildings that would have commercial and retail on the ground floor and apartments on the other three floors. About 80 apartments, all market rate, are planned.

The proposed development would help bring life back into an area that once buzzed with activity, Cordaro said.

“Eighth Street used to be the place to be,” he said. “Now it’s a forgotten destination. That’s why we’re working on rebranding it.”

Connecting a multi-purpose trail along Eighth Street with the Walnut Creek Trail will help rejuvenate the area, he said. So will bringing new restaurants, coffee shops and other commercials businesses to the area, he said.

Clyde Evans, West Des Moines’ community and economic development director, said he’s hopeful Cordaro’s plans will induce other property areas in the area to update buildings.

“The area is important to West Des Moines,” Evans said. “It’s one of our first commercial areas right off the interstate. … Reinvestment there is important to us.”