Photo: Sue Danielson
(Des Moines, IA) -- Des Moines' historic Firehouse Number one, downtown is being sold. Abbott Properties plans to use it for an art gallery, retail space, and an upstairs events space. Proceeds will be used to retire the debt and support arts and culture. The sale is pending Des Moines City Council approval. The Council will take up the issue September 13th.
The Des Moines Social Club Transition Board was formed in 2019 to reimagine the campus and business model of the Des Moines Social Club. The Board found the current model and ongoing operations of the facility could not be sustained.
“While selling the campus was a difficult decision, the sustainability of the historic firehouse and the opportunity to continue to support arts, culture, and community have been our top priorities,” said Rob Feeney, Chairman, Firehouse Transition Board. “We are very proud to be hitting these priorities and we are extremely confident in the future of this space as we welcome the Abbott team to Des Moines.”
“My passion has been repurposing historic buildings to contribute to neighborhoods and to be places of creativity and community,” said Matt Abbott. “With our expertise in restoring historic buildings and creating community gathering places, we are committed to keeping the integrity and the authenticity of the original building and showcase it, while repurposing the space.”
Abbott also expects to use the courtyard for an outdoor music events and the Kum & Go Theater Building will be transformed into a boutique speakeasy concept.