Hearings on the future of the former Masonic Home property have been scheduled for Oct. 21 and 22, 2025, after the City of Des Moines issued a conditional demolition permit to the site’s owner, Zenith Properties LLC.
The decision to grant the permit was based on findings from an Environmental Impact Statement conducted by an independent consultant, which determined there was no feasible path to preserve the historic structure, according to the city.
The appeal period closed on Aug. 18, 2025.
Hearings will begin at 9 a.m. each day and will be held both in person at Des Moines City Hall, 21630 11th Ave. S., Suite D, and online via Zoom. The meeting ID is 881 2882 7248, with passcode 367554.
City officials emphasized that approval of the permit is only one step in a longer process.
Demolition is not expected for several months and will depend on the outcome of the appeals.
Read our extensive previous coverage of this issue here.
