Photo: 7713Photography / iStock / Getty Images
(Des Moines, IA) -- Conversations are continuing about what's next for the old Spaghetti Works location on Court Avenue. The next proposed use for the space is the relocation of Teehee's Comedy Club, which used to operate at 15th and Walnut Streets.
Deb Madison-Levi is the President of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Des Moines, which put out a survey to members asking what they'd like to see in the area.
"Nearly 70% of the people that responded indicated that they would love to see a performance, event, even comedy venue there at some point in time," Madison-Levi says.
That's because it could compliment what's already there but not duplicate it.
"There's a lot of folks that miss the Spaghetti Works," Madison-Levi says. "It was space for gatherings and people of all ages...It's just having that sort of camaraderie that is welcoming and good for everybody."
Earlier this year, Des Moines bar owner Larry Smithson applied to put a bar in the space, but the city's Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously rejected that idea.
"I think people just didn't want to see more bars in the area," Madison-Levi says. "I mean, that came out loud and clear."
In that process, the neighbors wanted a seat at the table and didn't get it. Madison-Levi says it may be a downtown area, but people still live there.
"It's a residential neighborhood," Madison-Levi says. "People live here. They work, they live, they play, they engage with one another. You know, we just have to have that vibe that feels comfortable and safe."
And Teehee's is trying to do that. They're hosting a meeting for neighbors to learn more about their plans this weekend. They are scheduled for a "discussion public hearing" at the city's Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on Wednesday.