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Slump in architectural billings continues in June

Architectural billings, an indicator of overall health in the construction industry, continued to be down in June, according to the most recent AIA/Dektek Architectural Billings index (ABI). The index remained in negative territory in June with a score of 46.8, down from 47.2 the prior month as more firms reported a decrease in billing. The…
By Business Record Staff | Jul 30, 2025
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NOTABLE TRANSACTIONS: Hotel property in West Des Moines sold for $14.5 million

An investment firm located in Sarasota, Fla. has acquired hotel property in West Des Moines, Polk County real estate records show. Staysharpe West Des Moines LLC, managed by Glaxis Capital Management LLC, paid Silverwest I WDM LLC $14.5 million for property located at 575 S. Prairie View Drive in West Des Moines, records show. The 1.7-acre parcel includes a four-story,…
By Kathy A. Bolten | Jul 30, 2025
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Fitness center, nutrition store sign lease in Highland Park’s Klein building

The redevelopment of the former Klein Department Store building in Highland Park is nearing completion, and the last commercial tenant lease has been signed, said Chloe Bratvold, who along with her husband, Tim, own the 120-year-old building. The tenant, Jeremy Toland, president and field operations manager for JC Toland Painting, will take occupancy on Sept….
By Michael Crumb | Jul 30, 2025
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Planned annexations continue Ankeny’s northeastern push

The city of Ankeny is continuing its growth with two planned annexations that total more than 1,000 acres on the city’s northeast side. One is 857 acres south of 36th Street, with 517 acres owned by development company DRA Properties LC. The other area is about 500 acres north of Costco, with about 300 acres…
By Michael Crumb | Jul 30, 2025
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Nine Iowans receive State Historical Society’s Excellence in History awards

The State Historical Society of Iowa presented its annual Excellence in History Awards during a recent ceremony in Des Moines, recognizing outstanding contributions to the state’s history in several categories. Kenneth Quinn, former U.S. ambassador to Cambodia and former World Food Prize Foundation leader, received the William J. Petersen/Edgar R. Harlan Award, which honors long-term or ongoing contributions…
By Business Record Staff | Jul 29, 2025
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Iowa business survey shows lowered expectations for Q3

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry released the results of its latest business survey of Iowa business leader’s third quarter expectations. The survey shows a weakened outlook in sales, hiring, investments and growth. “As 2025 unfolds, we’re seeing a leveling out of expectations across Iowa’s business community,” ABI President Nicole Crain stated in a press release….
By Business Record Staff | Jul 29, 2025
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LBS acquires Pilgrim Packaging

LBS, an employee-owned company in Des Moines specializing in book binding and packaging, has acquired Pilgrim Packaging, a supplier to the floral industry. The transaction closed on July 15. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. LBS is investing in new equipment and qualifying additional materials for customers in the book and premium packaging…
By Business Record Staff | Jul 29, 2025
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Tracing the innovation journey

By Sarah Diehn and Lisa Rossi In the 2025 innovationIOWA Magazine, we posed a question to several successful Iowa innovators: How did you get there? We asked them to take us back to when innovation was still new to them. In a series of essays these innovators have shared with us where they got started….
By Business Record Staff | Jul 29, 2025