Des Moines Performing Arts is no longer pursuing the Argonne Armory to house its arts education center.
A little over a year after the nonprofit announced interest in purchasing the city-owned building, Des Moines Performing Arts told donors in a June 26, 2025, email that the building isn’t “a viable option.”
The armory would have required significant construction and long-term funds to meet the organization’s vision.
When Des Moines Performing Arts announced interest in the building in May 2024, the city of Des Moines estimated renovations would cost $15 million.
The city plans to vacate the Argonne Armory, located in the East Village on Robert D. Ray Drive, to relocate to the former Nationwide Mutual Insurance Office building on the west side of downtown.
The 91-year-old building was designated as a local landmark by the city on June 9.
The organization said when it first announced plans that its summer camps could sell out in minutes. Its strategic plan for the last decade has called for increasing its physical footprint in order to expand programs.
Des Moines Performing Arts is pursuing other opportunities in downtown Des Moines, according to the email.
“DMPA remains committed to expanding access to the arts for individuals of all ages and backgrounds and continues to actively pursue other opportunities in downtown Des Moines that can support a vibrant, sustainable space for arts education and engagement,” according to the email.
Other organizations, including Live Nation, have walked away from proposals for the building in recent years.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Performing Arts says Argonne Armory not ‘viable’ for its education center
Reporting by Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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