The City of Des Moines plans to demolish two deteriorating, historic buildings – the Founder’s Lodge and Caretaker’s Residence – at Des Moines Beach Park, where the city says their condition poses a safety risk.
The city has approved a budget of $220,000 for their removal.
The Founder’s Lodge was built in 1967, and the Caretaker’s Residence dates to the 1980s. Both have deteriorated significantly and continue to draw vandalism and unauthorized entry, according to City Manager Katherine Caffrey’s Nov. 13, 2026 report…