Des Moines is moving forward with plans to revitalize its government operations by purchasing the former Nationwide building at 1200 Locust Street, which will be renamed T. M. Franklin Cownie City Administration Building. The City Council's decision aims to consolidate various city departments, streamlining services for its population of over 214,000 residents. The current City Hall, operational since 1912, will be creatively repurposed, with ideas including transforming it into a museum, performance space, or art gallery, as noted by Deputy City Manager Matt Anderson.

This decision underscores a significant shift in how the city envisions the use of its historic buildings, allowing them to serve the community in new ways. Interior design efforts for the new facility will continue through the rest of 2024, followed by construction in 2025. The first departments scheduled to relocate include the City Clerk, City Manager’s Office, and others, with the transition expected to commence in 2026. These developments are part of a broader strategy to modernize city services and enhance the quality of life for residents. The city's commitment to sustainability and community engagement remains at the forefront of this initiative.