Wallace Building Demolition in Des Moines: A Look at the Project and Future of the Site

Demolition of the Wallace State Office Building in Des Moines is nearing completion, marking the end of an era for the iconic mirrored-glass structure. The building, once home to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, faced significant maintenance challenges that ultimately led to its decommissioning. This article examines the reasons behind the demolition, the relocation of state workers, and the future plans for the site.

Maintenance Costs and the Decision to Demolish

The Wallace Building required extensive renovations, estimated to cost over $85 million and take approximately four years to complete. In 2023, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds opted for a more cost-effective solution: purchasing a new office building at 6200 Park Avenue using $18 million in one-time federal pandemic relief funds. Radio Iowa reported on this decision, highlighting the substantial savings compared to the projected renovation costs.

Relocation of State Employees

The 540 state employees who worked in the Wallace Building were relocated to either the new office building at 6200 Park Avenue or the Hoover State Office Building. The move occurred between December 2024 and July 2025. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship was the last remaining tenant, officially moving to the fifth floor of the Hoover Building by July 1, 2025.

Future of the Site

Currently, there are no plans to construct a new office building on the Wallace Building site. The land will be restored to green space. While Governor Reynolds proposed a bill last year to sell the land, it did not pass legislative approval, meaning any future sale would require further legislative action. Iowa Capital Dispatch detailed this legislative hurdle.

Demolition and Restoration Costs

The total cost of demolishing the Wallace Building and restoring the site to green space is $7 million.

Historical Context

The Wallace Building housed the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for over four decades before the department’s relocation to the Hoover Building. The Des Moines Register reported on the start of the demolition process in November 2025.