The amount of vacant office space in the Greater Des Moines area was 11.6% in the second quarter, down from the first quarter when the vacancy rate was 15.8%, according to a second-quarter office market report issued by JLL Inc., a global commercial real estate services company with an office in Des Moines.

Specifically, 21,305 square feet of office space was absorbed in the second quarter, which ended June 30, according to JLL’s report. The majority of the absorption – 19,644 square feet – occurred in the suburbs.

Other highlights from the report include:

• About 63,000 square feet of space was put on the sublease market at the Westfield Building (1080 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines) by Iowa Total Care.
• Two leases have been signed for the Oaks on Grand office building in West Des Moines. Construction of the building, developed by Jonathan Galloway, was completed in June.
• Average direct asking rent increased slightly to $20.90 per square foot. In the first quarter, average asking rents were $19.87.

To read the report, click here.