.bodytext {float: left; } .floatimg-left-hort { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right: 10px; width:300px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-caption-hort { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:300px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatimg-left-vert { float:left; margin-top:10px; margin-right:15px; width:200px;} .floatimg-left-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; font-size: 10px; width:200px;} .floatimg-right-hort { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px;} .floatimg-right-caption-hort { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 300px; font-size: 10px; } .floatimg-right-vert { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px;} .floatimg-right-caption-vert { float:left; margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; font-size: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 200px; border-top-style: double; border-top-color: black; border-bottom-style: double; border-bottom-color: black;} .floatimgright-sidebar p { line-height: 115%; text-indent: 10px; } .floatimgright-sidebar h4 { font-variant:small-caps; } .pullquote { float:right; margin-top:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-bottom:10px; width: 150px; background: url(http://www.dmbusinessdaily.com/DAILY/editorial/extras/closequote.gif) no-repeat bottom right !important ; line-height: 150%; font-size: 125%; border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid;} .floatvidleft { float:left; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} .floatvidright { float:right; margin-bottom:10px; width:325px; margin-right:10px; clear:left;} Construction on the new 91,200-square-foot Hy-Vee Inc. store on Fleur Drive is currently under way, however, major work can’t start until the company is given approval to move a crane to the site.

Chris Friesleben, assistant director of communications, said the company is waiting on approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to move a crane to the site due to its proximity to the airport. The new supermarket, which is located next door to the company’s existing store on Fleur Drive, is expected to open in the winter of 2008.

“We’re doing what we can now, and once we move the crane in, the big part of construction will begin,” she said.

The store, which Friesleben said will be the biggest Hy-Vee in the country, will have an attached wine and spirits section with a separate entrance, an expanded dining area and an extensive baby department. It will also feature aisles that have breaks in the middle so customers can “navigate in both directions,” Friesleben said.

A Starbucks and a Midwest Heritage Bank are also part of the plan. A gas station is currently under construction as well and should open this fall.

One of the most exciting features of the store, Friesleben said, is the addition of a community room with cooking facilities. The room can be used for classes, meetings or parties.

“Lifestyles are changing, and we want to change along with them,” she said. “This is going to be a 21st-century store. People no longer just go to pick up bread and milk. They want to talk to a dietitian, pick up their photos and buy fresh produce and meats. People expect more, so we have to provide more.”

The old store is around 52,000 square feet and currently employs around 200 people. Friesleben said the new store will employ at least 400 people.

Fairfield Inn & Suites

Heart of America Restaurants and Inns has begun construction on Fairfield Inn & Suites at 6880 Fleur Drive. The hotel is expected to open in March 2008, with 82 rooms and 25 employees in the $6 million development. This newest addition to the company’s portfolio is franchised from Marriott International Inc.

This Fairfield Inn & Suites is the newest prototype, with upgraded interior design and technology amenities including flat-panel TVs and a connectivity panel in every room. An indoor swimming pool, fitness center and 15 suites will complete the property.

“The continued growth of the Des Moines area economy provides us with growth opportunities for our restaurants and hotels,” said Mike Whalen, Heart of America’s founder.

Heart of America also owns and operates the Radisson Hotel Des Moines Airport and Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse next to the Fairfield site.