Built in 1929 as the former home to Globe Hoist Company, 217 East 2nd Street in Des Moines was home to many businesses. Sitting vacant since 2018, the 20,000 square-foot building was deteriorated and in need of significant work. Teams worked on an expedited timeline to restore the building’s historic clerestory windows, saw-toothed roof, brick walls, metal framing roof trusses, and exposed duct work while creating open and contemporary office space.
This $12 million project utilized federal and state historic tax credits and municipal tax rebates to leverage $6 million of private investment.
The Lobby features original masonry, wood ceiling, large windows. The second-level mezzanine is original to the manufacturing of automobile hoists. Today, the restored mechanical room is an educational opportunity. Hot water pipes are colored red, and cool water pipes are coded blue.
Attracting visitors, employees, and consumers downtown, the open kitchen and gathering space is now a hub for community events and galas for the greater Des Moines community.
