The Center at Sixth is a community driven redevelopment project in Des Moines that transforms a long underutilized urban site into a welcoming neighborhood destination for gathering, learning, working, and connection. Located along the Sixth Avenue corridor, the project was envisioned as more than a single building. It was developed as a catalyst for community investment, supporting local entrepreneurship, neighborhood services, and shared civic life.
The design balances openness and flexibility with a strong sense of identity. Public facing spaces are organized to create an active, approachable presence along the street, while interior spaces support a range of uses including meetings, events, programs, offices, and community focused activities. The building is intended to feel accessible and durable, with materials and spaces that can support daily use while still conveying care, pride, and permanence.
A central goal of the project was to create a place that reflects the aspirations of the surrounding community. Rather than treating redevelopment as an isolated real estate project, the Center at Sixth positions design as a tool for strengthening neighborhood relationships and expanding opportunity. The project brings together architecture, urban design, and mission driven development to create a setting where residents, organizations, and visitors can participate in the ongoing life of the corridor.
The completed project contributes to the larger revitalization of Sixth Avenue by filling a visible gap in the streetscape, supporting pedestrian activity, and offering a flexible platform for future programming. Its value lies not only in the physical improvements, but in the way it reinforces the belief that thoughtful design can help communities see new possibilities for themselves.
Center at Sixth also carries a deeper cultural memory: The name recalls Center Street, Des Moines’ historic Black commercial and social hub, much of which was displaced by Interstate 235. In returning entrepreneurial energy to Sixth Avenue, Center at Sixth seeks to restore a sense of belonging, momentum, and shared investment.
Project Completion Date: May 5, 2025
Size: 11,157 SF
Building Type: New Construction
