Plans for a proposed Dutch Bros in downtown Des Moines have been withdrawnfollowing opposition from neighborhood leaders concerned about pedestrian safety and car-oriented development.
Why it matters: The withdrawal removes a test of whether the city would allow another downtown drive-thru, following this month’s approval of similar exceptions for Hyper Energy Bar.
Catch up fast: The coffee shop was proposed to be built on what is currently a surface parking lot near Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway at 175 SW 9th St.
- The Downtown Neighborhood Association opposed the shop’s drive-thru, citing concerns that it could create conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists and encourage low-density development.
The latest:Ride On Des Moines, run by downtown resident and cycling advocate Carol Maher, first reported on its social media account late last night that the coffee shop project had been withdrawn. City staff confirmed the withdrawal to Axios.
- Developer Tim Rypma did not immediately respond to Axios’ questions.
Context: Maher, a former plan and zoning commissioner, publicly opposed drive-thrus for both the Hyper and Dutch Bros. projects…