After three years of study and public interest, the City of Des Moines announced on Friday, July 25, 2025 that it has completed its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the historic Zenith property, commonly known as the Masonic Retirement Home or Landmark on the Sound.
City officials confirmed the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) will be released Thursday, July 31.
The report will be posted on the City’s website and presented to the Des Moines City Council during its Aug. 7 informational meeting at City Hall.
The City commissioned the EIS after the property’s owners submitted an application to demolish the century-old structures on the blufftop site overlooking Puget Sound. The 11-acre property, long considered a cultural and architectural landmark, has been the subject of extensive community debate over its future.
While City Council does not vote on demolition or development permits, city staff are authorized to make decisions based on municipal code and state environmental policy. Per state law, staff may act on the demolition permit beginning Aug. 8, following a required seven-day waiting period after the FEIS is released.
The window to appeal the findings of the EIS and the permit decision begins on the decision date (anticipated Aug. 8) and closes 10 days later (Aug. 18), under Des Moines Municipal Code 16.05.320.
“The City has invested significant resources over the past three years on this review,” City Manager Katherine Caffrey said in her weekly report. “I know this is an important issue to the community, and I hope you will join us for [the upcoming] meeting.”
Community Meeting Set for Aug. 21
A community meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Beach Park Auditorium, offering residents a chance to ask questions and learn more about next steps.
