Page 39 - Reflect DSM (City of Des Moines, IA)

– Outlines how unnecessary hardship may be
determined when applying for a COA; and
– Identifies requirements for review of
proposed demolition of a historic building.

Local Historic Districts and Landmarks

Des Moines’ historic preservation ordinance
provides the authority and procedures
to designate resources at the local level
that are recognized as important to the
history of Des Moines. Nominations for
local designation are most often led by Figure 3. Butler Mansion, a local landmark. (Source:
community members or neighborhoods, IowaArchitecture.org)
rather than by City staff or elected or
appointed officials.

Historic resources can be individually
designated as local landmarks or in a group
as a local historic district (an area of historic
significance) in order to provide protections
from inappropriate alterations that would
threaten the integrity of the resource(s).
Once designated, local landmarks and
historic districts qualify for state tax credits,
but are also subject to local design review
and demolition restrictions.

The City of Des Moines currently has the
following designated local historic places: Figure 4. Colonial Bread Sign, a local landmark. (Source: TopTen
Des Moines)

Three Local Historic Districts
1. Owl’s Head Local Historic District
2. River Bend Local Historic District
3. Sherman Hill Local Historic District

30 Local Landmarks
1. The Lexington Apartments (1721 5. Southeast Watertrough (S. E. 11th and Scott
Pleasant) Streets)
2. The Gold Star Monument (700 E. 6. Colonial Bread Sign (Second and University
University Avenue) Avenues)
3. Woodland Cemetery (Corner of 7. Butler Mansion (2633 Fleur Drive)
Woodland and Harding Road) 8. Glendale Mausoleum (1550 48th Street)
4. Drake University Municipal 9. Rose Garden at Greenwood Park (Grand Avenue
Observatory (University Avenue at at 47th Street)
49th Street)

Adopted Plan (September 2023) 33