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Des Moines Neighborhood Projects Shape Housing Access and Daily Life for Residents
Ongoing redevelopment and housing additions across several Des Moines neighborhoods carry direct effects on availability, property values and community spaces for local residents.
How we reported this
The Market District redevelopment covers 260 acres in a former industrial area and ranks as Des Moines' largest downtown development story, with vertical construction lots market-ready in early 2025 and work expected to run for a decade.
These projects matter now because they address housing supply in established neighborhoods where residents already face limited choices and rising demand. Additions in places such as Gray's Landing and north Des Moines can shift access to apartments and townhomes for families and individuals seeking to stay in the city.
Housing additions in specific neighborhoods
Gray's Landing added over 300 apartment homes in June 2025 through two new multifamily properties. Alley Landing, a $14 million project in north Des Moines, includes two 40-unit buildings plus a playground and dog park. The City of Des Moines expanded its Special Investment Districts in 2024 to cover Union Park and the North of Grand & Woodland Heights neighborhoods. A townhome complex off Grand Avenue on the western side received unanimous City Council approval in 2024.
Each of these steps ties to documented plans from local development records. The Market District effort alone carries a $750 million price tag, while Alley Landing adds 80 total units once complete in roughly one year from its recent groundbreaking.
Effects on residents and next steps
Residents in the affected areas stand to see changes in nearby commercial spaces and home values where the Special Investment Districts apply. The Gray's Landing additions and the approved townhome project point to incremental increases in local housing stock that could ease pressure for those looking within city limits.
Construction timelines already set for the Market District and Alley Landing mean continued activity through at least the next several years. Residents can track updates through city planning documents and partnership reports that list project milestones and district boundaries.