The city of Des Moines received two letters of intent today for the purchase of Fire Station No. 1 at Ninth and Mulberry streets downtown, a structure that it being replaced by a new fire station and training station a few blocks west on Walnut Street.

One proposal was from Don Short, owner of West End Architectural Salvage, and the other was from the Des Moines Social Club, which is headed by Executive Director Zachary Mannheimer.

The Des Moines City Council could review the proposals as early as June 25.

Here’s a brief look at the proposals and what the city is looking for.

City of Des Moines conditions:

The city’s asking price for the building is $600,000, along with several conditions, among them that the city would have a say in any resale for a decade after its purchase.

Des Moines Social Club proposal:
The Des Moines Social Club offered $600,000 in its 64-page proposal. The nonprofit organization, which has proposed a variety of uses that include a theater, performance spaces and a restaurant, said it would make annual payments in lieu of property taxes of $10,000. In addition, for-profit entities would pay an estimated $86,400 in annual property taxes. The city would have oversight of any future sale for 10 years and would receive 50 percent of the proceeds beyond the original purchase price. The organization also proposes $2 million in renovations. Des Moines developer Jake Christensen would lead the project.

Click here to see the full proposal

Don Short’s proposal:
The owner of West End Architectural Salvage at 22 S.W. Ninth St. offered $300,000 for the building in a four-page proposal. Short told the Business Record he has outgrown his current location and would use the fire station for expansion and outdoor events. He also said the building needs a fire sprinkler system, which would cost $100,000 to install. His business, in addition to restoring antiques, also hosts events and functions as a manufacturer of residential and commercial furniture and fixtures. As a for-profit business he would be paying property taxes. Short’s proposal would limit the city’s oversight of a potential resale to three years. Short said he pays about $45,000 in property taxes on his present buidling, which is roughly the same footprint as the fire station.

Click here to see the full proposal