At the Des Moines city council meeting on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, a significant discussion unfolded regarding the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the demolition of the historic Masonic Home.
Despite strong community interest in preserving the building, city staff and legal representatives presented a case for allowing its demolition, citing safety hazards and prohibitive costs.
The presentation detailed why preservation efforts have been deemed unfeasible, and the discussion touched on potential mitigation measures and the appeal process for the demolition decision.
This meeting captured the tension between preserving a historic landmark and the practical challenges of its upkeep, with public comments reflecting both passionate opposition to the demolition and support from local labor unions.
Masonic Home Update
Staff gave a presentation on the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the demolition of the historic Masonic Home. City Attorney Tim George introduced the topic, explaining that the city council has had no say in any decisions regarding the Masonic Home. The decisions have been administrative, based on what is possible and what is legal in this situation.
City Manager Katherine Caffrey said that the community has been very invested in this property, with many hoping it would be preserved. While the city has long supported preservation, it would come at too high of a cost. Staff have looked into federal and state preservation programs, but there is just no viable pathway to preserving the building. While the outside and grounds still look nice, the inside of the building has degraded, due to natural forces as well as trespassers. In its current state, it is a safety and fire hazard. In addition to the main building, there are several other structures facing demolition on the 30 acre property.
Over the years, the esteemed building has been considered for senior housing, a casino, and even family housing. Various businesses have looked into taking on the project, including McMenamins, and found that it would not pencil out. The costs of preserving a historic building run two to three times higher than new construction.
One of the concerns the city has heard from the public over the years is that the developer has not said what they will use the property for after demolition. The permit under consideration is just for demolition, and the owner is not required to state their plans. Any future development on the property will be subject to zoning requirements, including permitting. At that time, the public will have their answer to the unknown long term plan.
Demolition Mitigation Measures
The city has come up with several mitigation measures that will be in place if demolition proceeds. They include protection of archaeological and historic resources. The owner must implement a plan for inadvertent discovery of artifacts. They must also allow access for architectural salvage work before demolition. In addition, an on-site historical interpretation installation is required, so the future public would be able to visit and see what once stood on the site. Also, the owner must pay $1.16 million to a dedicated preservation fund for the repair and rehabilitation of city-owned and managed landmarks and properties of local significance.
The owner must prepare and implement a construction noise reduction plan. They must prepare for soil and erosion control, as well as have a stormwater pollution prevention plan. A bald eagle nest survey must be performed, and trees not marked for removal must be adequately protected. Cleared areas must be replanted with native species.
Appeal Window Closes Aug. 18
Formal appeals of the demolition decision can be made until August 18th. Appeals will be considered by an independent judge. On Aug. 21, after the appeal window is closed, there will be a public information meeting at the Beach Park Auditorium from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The city cannot be seen to influence the appeal process in any way.
Public Hearing
After the presentation, dozens of people spoke during the public hearing on the Masonic Home demolition. One speaker mentioned how Jackie Kennedy helped to save Grand Central Station in New York City, and now people from all over the world flock there to see the great structure. No one flocks to see the newer stations.
Many speakers said they would continue to fight the demolition of this building, which has been a local landmark for nearly 100 years, as long as there was something to fight for. One speaker said there was a group preparing to appeal the decision. He shared that anyone who wants to help can go to their Facebook group, and that there is also a GoFundMe to support the cause. Another speaker said the updated mitigation plan was a big improvement on the old one, but that it is still inadequate for a building this unique and historic.
A handful of union laborers spoke passionately in favor of the demolition, which they would be performing. One said that financial and structural realities don’t support the preservation of this building. A later speaker said that local labor unions were being used as pawns in the plan to get the building removed.
Video
Below is raw, full video of the meeting:
