WEST DES MOINES – After more than 120 years in the city, Des Moines University is leaving its location on the West side of Des Moines to a new space in West Des Moines. It’s going to be near the DMACC campus on Grand in West Des Moines.
The number one reason? DMU has outgrown its space in Des Moines. While this may be good news for the city of West Des Moines, neighbors near DMU’s campus in Des Moines are worried.
When Michael Kuehner’s wife was studying at DMU, they made sure to buy an apartment nearby. “To be close to school and be able to walk back and forth.” Michael’s wife has since graduated but they’ve kept the apartment as an investment. “We’ve always and exclusively have rented out to DMU students.” But with DMU announcing it’s intent to relocate to West Des Moines, that could change.
Michael and other landlords say they are unsure what DMU’s move could mean for their neighborhood. “It will be a real loss not having those folks here in the neighborhood.” A spokes person for DMU says the move “Is part of an effort to accommodate necessary growth and innovation.” That decision may not be sitting so well with some landlords in the area.
But West Des Moines officials say they’re eager to welcome DMU. “Having the university in the area will be another attraction for the city.” Clyde Evans, the city’s Community and Economic Development Director says having faculty and students in the area could generate money for West Des Moines, although he’s still unsure how much. “They are not asking for any incentives from the city they just want us to help them with developing a master plan.”
DMU declined to say how much money they will pay for this land. However, they made it clear that the move will not impact tuition rates for students.
Local 5 contacted the Polk County Assessor’s Office and they say the land where this campus would be built is worth about $70 million. DMU could close on the sale by next month.