Meta – previously known as Facebook – recently announced a final expansion at the Altoona Data Center. This final expansion will make the site the company’s largest operational data center WORLDWIDE!

The expansion, which involves two new buildings, is projected to be completed in 2025. In total, the Altoona Meta Data Center will occupy more than 5,000,000 square feet.

Interestingly, Meta announced the expansion at an event celebrating seven graduates from the Hardhat in Hand program. The innovative eight-week program – which launched in Iowa – partners with local academic institutions and businesses including Des Moines Area Community College and Turner Construction, Meta’s general contractor, to educate and train students for employment in the skilled workforce. 

In a boost to local employment, the Altoona Meta Data Center currently employs over 400 people in its 100% renewable wind energy powered buildings.

I’d love to talk more about the exciting things happening in and around Altoona and Des Moines. Feel free to contact me about how your commercial real estate development might fit into the bustling Altoona and Des Moines communities.

With the construction of a new railroad transfer station Des Moines will be open to global markets!

Des Moines has seized a “huge opportunity” according to Mayor Frank Cownie. Building a $15.6 million railroad transfer station will be a “boon” to the local economy. It is proposed to not only lower shipping costs but also create new jobs.

The facility, a “railport,” will link Des Moines to destinations all across the country. It will be built along four rail lines on East Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and will be a transfer point where materials move from semitrailers to trains. Companies with multiple railroads can save “up to 50% on shipping costs” indicates an MPO study. This will be a huge economic benefit as currently Des Moines’ existing facility is “limited” and central Iowa companies don’t have an option to ship using railroads.

Thanks to an $11.2 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant, the project could break ground as early as the end of 2019! According to David Maahs, executive vice president of economic development for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the project enables Des Moines to “be competitive with other metropolitan areas in the Midwest.” Luke Schryver, vice president of business development for Green Products Company adds: “it will add another arrow to our quiver.”

Being located at the intersection of Highways 35 and 80, Des Moines is already a “trucking hub.” The railport will provide another option and “increase flexibility” for customers. Not only will it entice businesses to the area, it will also enable current businesses to expand. An added benefit is that it can also be used by the Iowa National guard to transport military equipment thereby lowering its transportation costs. 

This is a thrilling time for Des Moines and surrounding communities! Serving companies within a 150-mile radius, the railport has been projected to “benefit the entire region.”

I’d love to talk more about the exciting things Des Moines has to offer. Feel free to contact me about how your commercial real estate needs might be part of Des Moines’ growth and expansion into global markets.

To read more about this exciting project, see: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2018/12/13/des-moines-transload-facility-awarded-federal-grant-railway-train-transportation-commodity-markets/2295188002/

I was recently featured in Business Record regarding some of the non-profit work I do. I would love for you to take a look!

Des Moines is reinventing and repurposing!

Schools are institutions that spark creativity and innovation. If plans come through, Franklin Junior High will embody both of those qualities. Jeff Young, owner of We Can Build It, has ideas to renovate the former Franklin Junior High School in a creative, innovative way — creating a mixed-use venue consisting of hotel rooms, office space, an eatery, and boutique bars. According to the Des Moines Register, Young’s “eclectic concept” includes converting the old classrooms into hotel rooms and offices and creating a restaurant out of the cafeteria. He also envisions using the gymnasiums for larger events or weddings.

The building, build in 1948, has been used as a public and private school, as well as a place of worship. The site was beautifully kept; and educating teens for years within its walls steeps the building in deep memories. Using the rich history and traditions of the building will add to the charm of the project.

While this is new and exciting for Des Moines, renovating schools is not a totally unique idea as Young is modeling the concept after historic renovations in the Pacific Northwest. Young plans to draw on the Pacific Northwest ideas as he strives to create “something that unites the people in the neighborhood.” Speaking with neighborhood associations, Young has been gathering input so neighborhoods feel invested and “take ownership.” As excitement builds, the neighborhood associations are “very optimistic that this area will become a unique place within [the] city.”

I’d love to talk more about the exciting, unique things happening in Des Moines. Feel free to contact me about how your commercial real estate development might fit into the Beaverdale, Merle Hay and Waveland Park neighborhoods.