Supporters of the historic Masonic Home in Des Moines are launching an appeal after the City released its Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) concluding that restoring the century-old “Landmark on the Sound” is financially unfeasible.
The city is expected to issue a demolition permit on Aug. 8, 2025, signaling the start of a 10-day window for public appeals.
“We will appeal the decision and have already raised $8,000 toward this,” organizer Elliott Lytle said about a GoFundMe campaign titled Save the Masonic Home of Des Moines: Support Our Appeal. They have retained Bricklin & Newman, a firm known for advocating historic preservation, and aim to raise up to $50,000 to cover legal fees, expert reports, and public testimony costs…