Final Environmental Impact Statement concludes that restoring Des Moines historic Masonic Home is financially unfeasible

On July 31, 2025, the City of Des Moines released its final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding the historic Masonic Home, bringing the contentious demolition proposal closer to fruition. Zenith Properties LLC, which acquired the property in 2019 for $11. 5 million, has applied for a demolition permit due to safety concerns stemming from structural deterioration and ongoing vandalism. The 90-page EIS concludes that restoring the landmark, built in 1926, is financially unfeasible, despite community efforts to save it. The property, which has been a local landmark for nearly a century, has suffered years of neglect since its closure in 2004 and is now considered unsafe.

Although the EIS suggests some mitigation measures, such as salvaging significant architectural features and contributing to a historic preservation fund, the future use of the property remains unknown. The city’s lack of a formal historic designation for the site has left it vulnerable to demolition. City staff will present their findings to the City Council on August 7, 2025, but the council will not vote on the demolition permit. A decision on the permit is expected shortly thereafter.