DIG: Mezzo on Walnut in collaboration with ULI Iowa

Join ULI Iowa and the Des Moines Chamber's DIG for an inside look at Mezzo on Walnut, the adaptive reuse of downtown Des Moines’ iconic Financial Center into a mixed-use destination featuring 209 apartment homes, commercial space, and hospitality-inspired amenities.

Constructed in 1973, the 345-foot International Style tower was the tallest building in Iowa when it opened and helped establish downtown as the region’s business center. Lawmark Capital’s multimillion-dollar redevelopment converts 18 of the building’s 25 floors from offices to studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences while retaining commercial uses above and at street level.

Hear from the project team about the opportunities and technical challenges of adapting a 1970s office tower for 24-hour residential use while navigating historic tax credit requirements. The tour will explore the restoration of the exterior envelope; replacement of original mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; insertion of residences within former office floor plates; and integration of operable windows, high ceilings, enhanced soundproofing, modern finishes, and building-wide connectivity.

Experience how this ambitious conversion preserves a familiar skyline landmark while adding new residents, walkability, and street-level energy to the urban core. Mezzo on Walnut is located at 606 Walnut Street in downtown Des Moines.

The event kicks off at 4 pm with drinks and networking in the lobby space with the presentation to begin at 4:30 pm and tours to follow.