Redevelopment Plan for 2700 Ingersoll Ave. Advances in Des Moines

The proposed $8.2 million redevelopment of the former OfficeMax and Dollar General site at 2700 Ingersoll Ave. in Des Moines is moving toward final approval after clearing the city’s Urban Design Review Board on July 9. City officials are targeting mid-July for a Des Moines City Council vote on a development agreement that includes $850,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) incentives.

What is planned for the Ingersoll Avenue site?

Ingersoll Properties Group LLC intends to renovate the 32,000-square-foot structure into a dual-purpose commercial facility. According to city planning documents, the project will dedicate two-thirds of the building’s footprint to a UnityPoint Health PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) day center. The facility will serve up to 65 senior participants during weekday business hours. The remaining third of the building remains available for future commercial tenants. The renovation also includes significant site improvements, with the developer committing to provide 50 parking stalls for public use for a 15-year term.

How is the project being financed?

The Des Moines City Council reviewed preliminary terms for an Urban Renewal Development Agreement on June 8, which includes a TIF package capped at $850,000. Under these terms, Ingersoll Properties is barred from seeking additional commercial tax abatements for the property. City staff reports indicate that the project is expected to boost the property’s assessed value from its current $2.88 million to more than $7.3 million upon completion. The building, originally constructed in 1957, was acquired by the current ownership group in 2016 for $4.5 million, according to Polk County Assessor records.

When will construction begin?

Construction is projected to commence later this summer, with a target completion date set for early 2027. Economic Development Coordinator Carrie Kruse stated that the city is aiming for a July 13 hearing for the final development agreement, though she noted that negotiations regarding minor contract details could push the timeline into August. While the project has secured initial design approval, UnityPoint Health has not publicly commented on the specifics of the new day program site.

Project Overview

• Location: 2700 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, Iowa
• Estimated Cost: $8.2 million
• Incentives: $850,000 TIF (in lieu of tax abatement)
• Key Tenant: UnityPoint Health PACE
• Target Completion: Early 2027

The proposal represents a shift in strategy for the Ingersoll corridor, prioritizing service-oriented commercial use over traditional retail. By replacing long-vacant big-box retail space with specialized healthcare infrastructure, the project aligns with broader city efforts to increase the density and utility of the Ingersoll Avenue district.