Groundbreaking could take place in April for a commercial building in the 1500 block of East Grand Avenue, according to Carol Bower, executive director of the Neighborhood Development Corp.

That step would kick off Phase One of the NDC’s plan for the north side of East Grand, which includes two new buildings, a face lift for Los Laureles restaurant – including an outdoor patio area – and a refurbishing of a nearby grocery store. In Phase Two, the group plans to purchase more property on the block.

“We’re getting real close” to starting the work, Bower said. “One plan needs to be taken to the (Capitol Heights) neighborhood association for input; one site plan has been approved.”

The NDC has used money from a 28E agreement with the city of Des Moines to buy property for the project. Bower said the organization will borrow $900,000 to construct the two buildings.

The neighborhood has become a popular location for businesses owned by Mexican immigrants. Bower has predicted an investment of $4 million to $5 million in the area over the next 10 years.

“We’re hopeful that these changes will create interest from for-profit developers,” Bower said. “We haven’t marketed the area yet; we’ll start that in April.”

The owner of a shoe repair shop located within the parcel has relocated to Indianola. Bower said a bank has an option to buy the site at the northeast corner of East Grand and East 15th, but wouldn’t name the bank.

However, the owner of that property said he has no immediate plans to leave.

“We’re planning on staying until we find something we like better,” said Tim Lathrop, who co-owns Lathrop’s Carpet Clean with his brother. Their father started the business in 1960, and it has relocated twice since then to make way for building projects, including the State Historical Building at 600 E. Locust St.