DES MOINES, Iowa — The long-awaited makeover on Mulberry Street at the former Des Moines Social Club is finally in the works, a decision that's been mulled over for years.
INVISION Architecture is moving into the building located on 9th Street and Mulberry Street downtown. Mike Bechtel, partner and architect with INVISION Architecture, said the company is leasing the space from its owners: Todd Millang, a senior vice president at CBRE Inc., and business partner Tyler Dingel, a CBRE executive vice president.
Negotiations to lease the two-story building have been going on for quite a while, Bechtel told Local 5.
For years, it was the Des Moines Social Club. At one point in time, it was fire station number one.
Bechtel said the move is necessary, since their staff has grown by 25% in the last year. While looking for a new space in Des Moines, they landed on 900 Mulberry Street.
"As part of our strategic plan, we've been focused on innovation and growth. Part of that growth is here locally, as well as throughout the state of Iowa and eventually, broader on a more regional basis," said Bechtel.
INVISION Architecture is renovating both levels of the building right now. Work started two months ago. Bechtel said they've worked on reimagining several older buildings downtown, such as Hotel Fort Des Moines and Bubba, so this is a project they were excited for.
"It's a very unique space, very bespoke, kind of boutique office space. There's not a lot of people who can say they have a historic handball court in the middle of their office area and we can now," Bechtel said. "It's a truly unique space that I think drives some of the creativity in some of our designers to imagine new and better things for our community."
Right now, the firm has approximately 45 employees in Des Moines but has growth potential to get to about 70 employees. There's also a location in Waterloo.
Bechtel also told Local 5 all work inside should wrap up by the start of 2024 and they hope to have their entire Des Moines team in the office space by Jan. 1.
"I think we're excited to be in the heart of the downtown again and access that we have to all the various amenities that are close by," Bechtel said.