Nothing Major, a restaurant and cocktail bar operated by the local hospitality group Des Moines Does Things, is set to open at 700 Locust St. in downtown Des Moines. The establishment will occupy a ground-level space adjacent to the Des Moines Athletic Club, bringing a new dining and social option to the city’s central business district. According to public records and project filings, the build-out aims to activate a high-traffic corridor near the historic club.
Project Location and Context
The restaurant is located within the same building complex that houses the Des Moines Athletic Club. By choosing this location, the operators are positioning themselves in an area currently experiencing a shift in downtown urban density. The space at 700 Locust St. has been slated for commercial redevelopment as part of broader efforts to integrate street-level retail with existing private club facilities. This site is situated within walking distance of major downtown landmarks, including the Des Moines Public Library and the Western Gateway Park.
About the Operator
Des Moines Does Things is the hospitality group behind the project. The group is known for its focus on local culinary and social concepts within the Des Moines area. This expansion into the downtown core follows the group’s strategy of identifying underutilized urban spaces to host its dining brands. The name “Nothing Major” reflects the group’s branding approach, which often favors casual, approachable terminology for its venues. The project is currently in the final stages of site preparation, with city permits indicating recent progress on interior renovations.
Impact on Downtown Dining
The addition of Nothing Major contributes to the ongoing diversification of the downtown Des Moines food and beverage scene. Business analysts and local observers often track these developments as indicators of post-pandemic recovery for the city center. By locating next to the Des Moines Athletic Club, the restaurant expects to capture both the membership base of the club and the general downtown workforce. The project follows a trend of “niche” dining spots replacing traditional retail spaces in the downtown grid, a pattern supported by recent city zoning updates aimed at encouraging mixed-use developments.
Key Details
- Location: 700 Locust St., Des Moines, IA
- Operator: Des Moines Does Things
- Status: Under development
- Neighborhood: Downtown Des Moines
While an official grand opening date has not been finalized, the venue remains a focal point for local commercial activity on Locust Street. Future operations are expected to align with the operating hours of the nearby business district, serving both lunch and evening crowds.
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