Des Moines, Iowa — Lawmakers are considering the future of the State Historical Building which sits two blocks west of the State Capitol.
Representative Gary Mohr of Bettendorf says the building is in disrepair and the tab for renovating it is a staggering 30 to 50 million dollars.
Mohr says no decisions have been made, but a bill pending in the legislature calls for assembling a group that would evaluate relocating the State Historical Building. One idea: move it to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The building today sits in what’s become known as the “East Village” of Des Moines. It’s a bustling district between the Des Moines River and the State Capitol that features restaurants and bars, retail shops and new housing. Mohr says there’s been no evaluation yet of what the state might gain by selling the property.
Thunderstorms have invaded the State Historical Building for years. One long-time Democratic lawmaker recalls there were buckets inside, catching water, during the building’s grand opening. Three years ago, museum officials touted an 80 million dollar plan to upgrade the facility and protect the 200 million artifacts on display and in storage, but legislators balked at the price tag. Mohr says it’s time to quit kicking the can down the road and start making some long-term plans.
A budget bill that cleared a House committee last week sets aside a million dollars for a 10-member task force to begin considering what’s next for the State Historical Building.
