DES MOINES, Iowa — The site where the Younkers department store burned seven years ago may soon become a park in downtown Des Moines.
EMC Insurance, owner of the lot, said Friday that it plans to develop a neighborhood park that will include sports courts, public artwork, flower beds and sitting areas. The company hopes that the park will open next summer.
Mayor Frank Cownie said it will fill a void for the downtown area.
The project also will include fixing and replacing sections of the skywalk near the site, and the addition of a new stair access from the skywalk to the park.
The park must still receive approval from the city.
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