Latest news with #Osweiler
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Prominent Des Moines hotel could begin an important new chapter
DES MOINES, Iowa — One of Des Moines' most visible buildings is in line for a whole new life. 'It came on our radar in September,' says Emily Osweiler of Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing, 'and so we went for a tour and it seemed like perfect fit.' She's talking about the downtown Holiday Inn. It has sat perched over I-235 for decades, but has long since fallen out of favor as an upscale hotel. In fact, its underground parking area is in such disrepair it can't be used. But this week, the Des Moines City Council agreed to contribute up to $5 million in HUD grants toward the purchase of the property, and housing advocates see it as a small but desperately-needed step toward addressing one of the city's biggest needs. Metro marathon man joins elusive 50/50/50 club Matt Hauge of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund says the building's size will allow it to provide tenants with more than just affordable shelter. 'It's not every day that we have the opportunity to combine housing, plus the opportunity for needed support services all in one venue and check off 160 units that we know are really needed here in Greater Des Moines,' he says. Osweiler says services located in the lobby will be aimed at helping all tenants — from those who are just off the streets, to those who simply need to build enough savings to move into market-rate housing. 'Case management, rental assistance, food pantry, groups and classes,' she says, 'so all kinds of ways to support people kind of in different aspects of their lives.' While Osweiler's group has secured the necessary $8.75 million to purchase the property, it will need to locate another $25 million in public and private funds for building renovations before any work might actually begin. Metro News: Broadlawns Medical Center removes barriers to healthcare employment through TECH & TEACH apprenticeship Healthcare workers demand UnityPoint cease anti-union actions Prominent Des Moines hotel could begin an important new chapter How will Trump's auto tariffs affect car prices? Iowa Cubs ready for Opening Day Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Des Moines provides last of funding to purchase downtown Holiday Inn for supportive housing
A local nonprofit says it has secured the funds it needs to purchase the downtown Holiday Inn in Des Moines and convert it into affordable housing. The Des Moines City Council, meeting Monday, approved $1.25 million apiece in American Rescue Plan and block grant funds, to be awarded in the form of forgivable loans, each with terms of 15 years. Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing CEO Emily Osweiler said the money will push her group across the finish line. The nonprofit could acquire the hotel in a matter of months. "We are thankful to have all the financial support that we need," Osweiler said. "There are still some details to iron out, but we're close." To complete the $8.75 million sale, Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing has already received a $3 million commitment from Polk County, $1 million from the Polk County Trust Fund revolving loan program and a $2.5 million part gift, part loan from a private foundation. Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing plans to turn the aging, 12-story hotel at 1050 Sixth Ave. north of Interstate 235, with its sweeping views of the city's downtown skyline, into 160 studio apartments. The nonprofit's concept would give those on the verge of homelessness the chance to build a rental history while providing them job training, transportation and access to an on-site food pantry. Osweiler said the group is still discussing what it'll do with the hotel's parking structure, which currently is barred from use and requires extensive repairs. On the bright side, she said, a supportive housing project doesn't need as much parking as a hotel. That extra surface space could become a pocket park, a community garden or both. "When you think of a home with a yard... How can we create that?" Osweiler asked. "How can we make it beautiful not only for our residents, but our neighbors and the surrounding community? We're keeping that all in mind." She said the hotel's crown jewel, a rotating restaurant and lounge (which hasn't actually spun in years) could remain as a community gathering space. Though the nonprofit has the funds to purchase the building, paying for its renovation will be another challenge. The city estimates the total project cost be $33.8 million. In the meantime, Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing is identifying and applying for various funding sources. "We're getting all of our ducks in a row for that," Osweiler said. The investment comes at a time when housing needs are acute. The city has struggled in the past two years to meet its affordable housing goals, according to annual reports it submits to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Another privately run affordable housing complex, Christian Church Homes' Stone Crest Apartments on East 25th Street, is preparing to add 60 units to its current 130 to help whittle down what its administrator, Brenda Maddison, said is a waitlist of 130 prospective residents. And Central Iowa Shelter & Services, citing short resources strained by a new Des Moines ordinance banning people from sleeping in public places, has said it will implement limits on how many people beyond its usual 150-bed capacity it can house in periods of extreme heat and cold. Addison Lathers covers growth and development for the Des Moines metro. Reach her at 608-931-1761 or alathers@ and follow her on X at @addisonlathers. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Housing nonprofit secures funds to buy Des Moines downtown Holiday Inn
