Press Release

DES MOINES, IOWA — Wednesday, April 14, 2021 — The future of Des Moines’s Public Works Department and Fleet Services is taking shape on the City’s southside. Construction of the Municipal Services Center (MSC) II began in late 2020 and despite the coronavirus pandemic, is progressing on schedule.

“We’ve completed a majority of the grading and site work as well as installation of underground utilities. A significant portion of the precast concrete walls have been erected along with adjacent interior walls,” said Jim Hoff, manager of the City’s facilities division. “Fortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t affected construction but we are continuing to monitor material supplies and cost.”

In addition to Public Works and Fleet Services, the 260,000-sq. ft. structure will house the Solid Waste Department and Radio Services. The project is estimated at $45 million and will replace the City’s aging facilities south of East Market Street between Southeast 4th and 5th Streets.

"Our current facilities are old and outdated and were never built for the purpose they’re now serving. MSC II will allow us to be more efficient and cost-effective in our operations which is a benefit to residents,” Hoff said. “In addition, vacating our present location will open up significant development in the proposed Market District."

Hoff adds that MSC II will incorporate energy efficient systems to lower operational costs and that the City is seeking a LEED gold certification as a “green” building.  The facility should be completed in late May 2022.