An archaeological report clears the way for a proposed tiny village on Des Moines’ southeast side, after an earlier investigation suggested the site might overlap with a historic Native American burial and village area.
Why it matters: The site was being considered for a new DART facility, but that idea was abandoned about four years ago after federal regulators raised concerns about potential impacts on culturally sensitive land.
- Nonprofit Joppa now plans to develop the property into a community of 50 small homes for people exiting homelessness.
Catch up quick: The land at 2501 Maury includes the former Chesterfield School and is within a mile of the “Palace site,” which archaeologists describe as having the oldest record of human habitation in the state, dating back 7,000 years.
- Geoarchaeological investigations on a nearly 26-acre area, which included the site, in 2021 found a prehistoric fire pit and recommended a more intensive study.
- DART decided against developing on the site and is now constructing the $35 million first phase of its nearly $100 million Operations & Maintenance Facility at a site near Pleasant Hill.
State of play: The DSM City Council this month directed the city manager to negotiate a 20-year lease-purchase agreement with Joppa for a 5.5-acre portion of the site…