City of Des Moines Releases Request for Proposals for Former Fire Station 4

Former Fire Station 4 (and Station 15) located at 917 University Avenue in Des Moines.

Des Moines, Iowa - Thursday, June 11, 2026 - The City of Des Moines is ready to move forward with a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of former Fire Station 4 at 917 University Avenue, following City Council approval on Monday, June 8.

The City is seeking qualified respondents with the experience, capacity, and vision to transform the former fire station into an active, community-focused, economically productive use along University Avenue. Once a developer is selected, the property is anticipated to be sold or transferred, although lease options may be considered.

This site was decommissioned after the City of Des Moines Fire Department moved into its new Station 4, approximately one mile to the northwest. Operations have ceased at the 917 University Avenue facility, allowing the City to begin determining the site's next use.

"This is a rare opportunity to reposition a strong civic building in a highly visible location for continued public benefit," said Breann Bye, Economic Development Project Manager for the City of Des Moines. "The City is seeking proposals that respect the building's history, respond to community priorities, and bring new activity to the University Avenue corridor."

The former Fire Station 4 is a one-story, 8,620-square-foot building constructed in 1959-1960. The property totals approximately three-quarters of an acre and is located within the River Bend Local Historic District. The site also has a layered civic history - once part of Nash Park, a neighborhood park established in 1901 and later reshaped by the widening and realignment of University Avenue. Fire Station 15, later consolidated and renamed Fire Station 4, opened at this location in 1960.

The RFP emphasizes preservation and adaptive reuse of the existing building, activation of the University Avenue corridor, neighborhood-serving economic activity, financial and operational feasibility, multimodal access, and long-term public benefit. The City is especially interested in proposals that generate regular activity, support surrounding neighborhoods, make creative use of the building's spaces, and contribute to a more vibrant and accessible corridor.

Community input played a central role in shaping the RFP. The City hosted two public open houses in April 2026, attracting more than 100 attendees, and also received input through an online survey. Feedback showed strong interest in active, visible uses such as small-business and entrepreneurial spaces, food and beverage uses, flexible, community-oriented commercial space, childcare and family-serving services, recreation, wellness, youth-focused uses, and adaptive reuse of the existing building.

RFP responses are due by Thursday, December 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The City anticipates selecting a preferred developer in Winter/Early Spring 2027, subject to the quality and responsiveness of proposals received.

The full Request for Proposals is available at DSM.city/Station4RFP.

Contact
Devin Perry
Communications Specialist III, City Manager's Office
(515) 210-3966
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital city, and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.

Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety, and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines.

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