The council approved demolishing the former Chesterfield School at 2501 Maury Street without further historic review, by a 7–0 vote.
Approved the demolition request (Alternative B), subject to City Code § 58-70(d): Joppa must photograph and document the building and salvage as many fixtures and materials as possible before a demolition permit is issued. Moved by Gatto, seconded by Voss. Passed 7–0; no members voted no.
How each member voted
| Official | Seat | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Connie Boesen | Mayor | Yes |
| Carl Voss | At-large | Yes |
| Mike Simonson | At-large | Yes |
| Rob X. Barron | Ward 1 | Yes |
| Linda Westergaard | Ward 2 | Yes |
| Josh Mandelbaum | Ward 3 | Yes |
| Joe Gatto | Ward 4 | Yes |
More from the record
The former Chesterfield School, built around 1880, has been owned by the City since 1975 and has been vacant for an extended period. Joppa Village Project leases it with an option to buy and has been planning a tiny home community there. Joppa, through a representative, asked to tear the school down. City staff found the building meets the criteria for landmark designation, so the council had to decide whether to send the request to the Historic Preservation Commission for study. Joppa told the City that renovating would cost about $1.6 million more than demolishing and building new, and that the building would not meet its space needs (Joppa’s figures). Council Communication 26-259 (saved copy)
The alternative
Alternative A in the resolution: refer the request to the Historic Preservation Commission, which would have had 90 days to work with Joppa on options such as landmark designation, rehabilitation with tax incentives, a new use, a new owner or moving the building. Resolution 26-0936 (saved copy) · CC 26-259 (saved copy)
Housing and neighborhood
- Who
- Neighbors of 2501 Maury Street
- How
- A school building from about 1880 that meets landmark criteria can be torn down. Joppa has explored the site for a tiny home community.
- When
- After documentation and salvage are approved by the Development Services Director. Date: Not in the record
- Source
- Council Communication 26-259 (saved copy)
Money
- Who
- City of Des Moines
- How
- Fiscal impact listed as "None." Joppa’s estimate: renovation costs about $1.6 million more than demolition and new construction (Joppa’s figure, not verified by the City in the record).
- When
- Not in the record
- Source
- Council Communication 26-259 (saved copy)
Who gets a say
- Who
- The Historic Preservation Commission and the public
- How
- No 90-day commission review. The council considered comments at its Aug 3 meeting.
- When
- Aug 3, 2026
- Source
- Minutes, item 64 (saved copy)
Source Agenda for the whole meeting, item 64 (saved copy) · Full minutes for the whole Aug 3, 2026 meeting, p. 14 (roll call 26-0936) (saved copy) · Resolution, roll call 26-0936 (saved copy) · Council Communication 26-259 (saved copy)