The Des Moines Social Club, a nonprofit cultural center founded in March 2009 under the leadership of Zachary Mannheimer, announced yesterday that it will vacate its leased space at 1408 Locust St.

The Social Club, which is currently located in the former Kruidenier Cadillac dealership building south of the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, is negotiating with a short list of prospective landlords and plans to move this spring.

State Sen. Jack Hatch, who manages Westgate Partnership LLC, which owns the Western Gateway property, is working to secure a new tenant for the space.

The Social Club, which in the past two years has become a mecca for local artists and other creative types, offers an eclectic mix of year-round programming, such as live entertainment, professional networking events and educational opportunities.

Mannheimer, the club’s executive director, said in a press release that the organization, which includes an art gallery, a community theater and classroom space, as well as a for-profit bar, is entering the second phase of its development.

“Now, with phase one under our belt, (the Des Moines Social Club) is excited at this opportunity to grow and upgrade in order to continue to expand our programming in the future,” Mannheimer said.