City Council To Honor Legacy of Mayor Cownie With Naming of New City Administration Building

The Des Moines City Council is set to honor the legacy of Mayor Frank Cownie by naming the new city administration building after him, officially titled the "T. M. Franklin Cownie City Administration Building. " This recognition comes after the city’s purchase of the former Nationwide building at 1200 Locust Street, which was revealed to the mayor in a surprise announcement. Mayor Cownie expressed his gratitude, stating that serving as mayor has been his greatest privilege over the past two decades.

City Councilor Chris Coleman emphasized that this naming reflects Cownie’s significant contributions to the transformation of downtown Des Moines. The building was acquired for $30 million, significantly below the current market rate for office space in the area. Plans for renovations are underway, with Phase 1 expected to start in late 2024 and conclude by 2026, aimed at creating collaborative workspaces for various city departments. City Manager Scott Sanders highlighted that the new facility will improve efficiency in serving residents and businesses. This initiative represents a major step in enhancing public service delivery in Des Moines and acknowledges Cownie’s enduring impact on the community.