DES MOINES – The U.S. General Services Administration has released new renderings of a proposed federal courthouse that has drawn intense scrutiny from local officials.
The $136.6 million courthouse concept remains subject to minor modifications, according to budgetary, operational and security requirements, according to a GSA release.
“GSA is focused on delivering the best value in real estate to our federal partners and the American people,” said Heartland Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner Kevin Rothmier. “We will continue to work with our intergovernmental partners and the Des Moines community as we fulfill the Judiciary’s request, as authorized by Congress, for a new federal courthouse for the Southern District of Iowa.”
Plans for the former Riverfront YMCA site have been slow to materialize, with former Des Moines City Councilwoman Christine Hensley saying there’s no need for a new, government-funded structure.
GSA said in the release that over $10 million has been invested in the project, which is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2022.
“This is an important step toward building a functional, secure, and critically needed courthouse that will serve the court and the public for many decades. The court appreciates our partnership with GSA, the architects, builders, and staff in this ongoing collaborative effort. This is a great project for Des Moines, the court, and the entire Southern District of Iowa,” said Chief Judge John A. Jarvey of Des Moines.
A summer groundbreaking has been planned for the project.