A vacant office building in downtown Des Moines, formerly occupied by Wells Fargo, could be transformed into a boutique hotel by 2027, according to recent plans submitted to city officials.
Redevelopment Plans for the Former Wells Fargo Tower
The 13-story tower, located at 206 Sixth Ave., has remained empty since Wells Fargo vacated the premises in 2022. A development group led by Christensen Development has proposed converting the property into a hotel featuring approximately 150 rooms, with amenities such as a restaurant, rooftop bar, and event space.
The project, estimated to cost $60 million, is expected to begin construction in 2025 if approvals and financing are secured. The development team anticipates the hotel could open as early as 2027.
Details of the Proposed Hotel Conversion
Plans submitted to the city indicate that the hotel would occupy all floors of the building, with the ground level dedicated to a lobby, restaurant, and meeting areas. Upper floors would be converted into guest rooms, while the top floor is slated for a rooftop bar and event space offering views of downtown Des Moines.
Developers have stated that the project aims to preserve the building’s historic character while updating its interior for modern hospitality use. The structure, originally constructed in 1926, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
City Review and Next Steps
The proposal is currently under review by the city’s Urban Design Review Board. If the project receives approval, the development group intends to pursue state and federal historic tax credits to help finance the renovation.
Christensen Development representatives have indicated that the project’s timeline is dependent on securing necessary funding and regulatory approvals. The company has previously completed several adaptive reuse projects in the Des Moines area.
Vacancy and Impact on Downtown
The Wells Fargo tower has been unoccupied since the company consolidated its downtown workforce into other locations in 2022. City officials have expressed support for efforts to repurpose vacant office buildings, citing the potential to revitalize downtown and attract visitors.
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