Des Moines breaks ground on new affordable housing project at former Plaza Lanes site
Des Moines officials have broken ground on Alley Landing, a $14 million affordable housing project on the north side of the city.
"The Alley Landing development is certainly a positive step towards improving the accessibility and affordability of housing in the city of Des Moines," said Mayor Connie Boesen.
The project is being built on the site of the old Plaza Lanes bowling alley, which burned down in 2017.
Ohio-based Woda Cooper Companies collaborated with city, state, and federal leaders to finance the development.
The project includes two 40-unit buildings, a playground, and a dog park, all designed for renters at or below 60% of the median income.
"When it went up in flames, there were legitimate tears from people all around here, and we prayed that someday that this place would also live a new life that would benefit the area," said Des Moines City Council member Chris Coleman.
The city has emphasized the need for thousands more workers, and the former long-time owner of the property sees this project as a way to ensure affordable housing for them.
"It's been 60 years, and we're trying to make sure that that perpetuates into another 60 years," said property owner Randy Thomson.
"And that's what we hope is the generational, the second generation buildings and property will develop in this area," Thomson added.
Alley Landing is expected to be completed in about a year.
