62-550: 801 Grand High Rise Building (referred to as the 801 Grand Building and previously known as The Principal Building ) is a 45-story skyscraper in Des Moines , Iowa , United States , operated and managed by JLL Americas and owned by Principal Financial Group (Principal Real Estate) . The building was constructed in 1989 and is the tallest building in Iowa. It is part of a larger downtown campus run by Principal Financial Group and features
124-405: A council-manager government, with the council members elected at-large. In 1967, the city changed its government to elect four of the seven city council members from single-member districts or wards, rather than at-large. This enabled a broader representation of voters. As with many major urban areas, the city core began losing population to the suburbs in the 1960s (the peak population of 208,982
186-418: A skywalk and an eight-sided copper pyramid at its top. Formal construction of the 801 Grand Building began in 1989, with Principal Financial Group serving as the developers and owners. In February 1989, the foundation, consisting of 38,860 cubic yards (29,710 m) of concrete, was poured, and 139 caissons were drilled. The building was designed by Hellmuth Obata and Kassabaum . During the design phase of
248-507: A 5-foot-thick (1.5 m) coal bed. By 1876, this mine employed 150 men and shipped 20 carloads of coal per day. By 1885, numerous mine shafts were within the city limits, and mining began to spread into the surrounding countryside. By 1893, 23 mines were in the region. By 1908, Des Moines' coal resources were largely exhausted. In 1912, Des Moines still had eight locals of the United Mine Workers union, representing 1,410 miners. This
310-434: A darker variant of granite. The top of the building is an eight-sided pyramid covered in copper. Originally, the designers intended the copper to turn to a verdigris color via oxidation . Furthermore, the original 1987 designs indicate a light green cap that was designed to blend the building's profile in with the rest of Des Moines's skyline. This was never achieved due to the relatively low levels of sulfur pollution in
372-428: A female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.6% were non-families. 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.11. The median age in the city was 33.5 years. 24.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.9% were between
434-511: A peak in the warmer months. Winters are slightly colder than Chicago , but still warmer than Minneapolis , with summer temperatures being very similar between the Upper Midwest metropolitan areas. The city has the largest African American population in Iowa. The 2020 United States census counted 214,133 people, 87,958 households, and 48,599 families in Des Moines. The population density
496-410: A project to provide local employment and improve infrastructure. The ornamental fountains that stood along the riverbank were buried in the 1950s when the city began a postindustrial decline that lasted until the late 1980s. The city has since rebounded, transforming from a blue-collar industrial city to a white-collar professional city. In 1907, the city adopted a city commission government known as
558-485: A sizable financial-services and publishing business base. The city is the headquarters for the Principal Financial Group , Ruan Transportation, TMC Transportation, EMC Insurance Companies, and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield . Other major corporations such as Wells Fargo , Cognizant , Voya Financial , Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company , ACE Limited , Bayer , and Corteva have large operations in or near
620-516: Is a member of ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA . Through ICLEI, Des Moines has implemented "The Tomorrow Plan", a regional plan focused on developing central Iowa in a sustainable fashion, centrally-planned growth, and resource consumption to manage the local population. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has an area of 90.65 square miles (234.78 km ), of which 88.93 square miles (230.33 km )
682-530: Is at the juncture of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. It is mostly a level prairie with a few swells or hills around it. We have a court house of "brick" and one church, a plain, framed building belonging to the Methodists. There are two taverns here, one of which has a most important little bell that rings together some fifty boarders. I cannot tell you how many dwellings there are, for I have not counted them; some are of logs, some of brick, some framed, and some are
SECTION 10
#1732858577031744-452: Is land and 1.73 square miles (4.48 km ) is covered by water. It is 850 feet (260 m) above sea level at the confluence of the Raccoon and Des Moines Rivers. In November 2005, Des Moines voters approved a measure that allowed the city to annex parcels of land in the northeast, southeast, and southern corners of Des Moines without agreement by local residents, particularly areas bordering
806-477: Is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Iowa . It is the county seat of Polk County with parts extending into Warren County . It was incorporated on September 22, 1851, as Fort Des Moines , which was shortened to "Des Moines" in 1857. It is located on, and named after, the Des Moines River , which likely was adapted from the early French name, Rivière des Moines, meaning "River of
868-485: The Iowa Highway 5 / U.S. 65 bypass. The annexations became official on June 26, 2009, as 5,174 acres (20.94 km ) and around 868 new residents were added to the city of Des Moines. An additional 759 acres (3.07 km ) were voluntarily annexed to the city over that same period. The skyline of Des Moines changed in the 1970s and the 1980s, when several new skyscrapers were built. Additional skyscrapers were built in
930-581: The Iowa caucuses , and it is commonly visited by politicians and news personnel. In 2010, the First Church of Christ, Scientist relocated from their Des Moines building to the 801 Grand. In 2020, insurance company F&G moved their headquarters to the 801 Grand Building. This move involved a $ 9.4 million renovation of 83,000 square feet (7,700 m) of office space. Des Moines, Iowa Des Moines ( / d ə ˈ m ɔɪ n / də- MOYN )
992-569: The Monks ". The city's population was 214,133 as of the 2020 census . The six-county metropolitan area is ranked 81st in terms of population in the United States , with 709,466 residents according to the 2020 census by the United States Census Bureau , and is the largest metropolitan area fully located within the state. Des Moines is a major center of the United States insurance industry and has
1054-496: The 1990s, including Iowa's tallest. Before then, the 19-story Equitable Building , from 1924, was the tallest building in the city and the tallest building in Iowa. The 25-story Financial Center was completed in 1973 and the 36-story Ruan Center was completed in 1974. They were later joined by the 33-story Des Moines Marriott Hotel (1981), the 25-story HUB Tower and 25-story Plaza Building (1985). Iowa's tallest building, Principal Financial Group 's 45-story tower at 801 Grand
1116-470: The Des Moines Plan, comprising an elected mayor and four commissioners, all elected at-large , who were responsible for public works, public property, public safety, and finance. Considered progressive at the time, it diluted the votes of ethnic and national minorities, who generally could not command a majority to elect a candidate of their choice. That form of government was scrapped in 1950 in favor of
1178-588: The Des Moines Public Library, designed by renowned architect David Chipperfield of London, opened on April 8, 2006. The World Food Prize Foundation, which is based in Des Moines, completed adaptation and restoration of the former Des Moines Public Library building in October 2011. The former library now serves as the home and headquarters of the Norman Borlaug /World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. At
1240-717: The Des Moines River. Based on archaeological evidence, the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers has attracted humans for at least 7,000 years. Several prehistoric occupation areas have been identified by archaeologists in downtown Des Moines . Discovered in December 2010, the " Palace " is an expansive 7,000-year-old site found during excavations prior to construction of the new wastewater treatment plant in southeast Des Moines. It contains well-preserved house deposits and numerous graves. More than 6,000 artifacts were found at this site. State of Iowa archaeologist John Doershuk
1302-576: The Iowan chapter of the American Institute of Architects . In 1993, the 801 Chophouse was established on the second floor of the 801 Grand. In 2022, the Des Moines Register listed the 801 Chophouse among the 12 best steakhouses in Des Moines. This restaurant serves as the chain's flagship and features a gallery of cattle-themed artwork. The steakhouse has been used as a de facto clubhouse during
SECTION 20
#17328585770311364-681: The Polk County Administrative Building, with a newer addition); and the City Hall are surviving examples of the 1900–1910 buildings. They form the Civic Center Historic District . The ornate riverfront balustrades that line the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers were built by the federal Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid-1930s, during the Great Depression under Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt , as
1426-532: The State of Iowa Historical Museum (1987). The Des Moines skywalk also began to take shape during the 1980s. The skywalk system is 4 miles (6.4 km) long and connects many downtown buildings. In the early 21st century, the city has had more major construction in the downtown area. The new Science Center of Iowa and Blank IMAX Dome Theater and the Iowa Events Center opened in 2005. The new central branch of
1488-533: The age of 18 living with them, 43.7% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.5% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.04. The age distribution was 24.8% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
1550-476: The ages of 18 and 24; 29.4% were from 25 to 44; 23.9% were from 45 to 64; and 11% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.9% male and 51.1% female. As of the 2000 census, there were 198,682 people, 80,504 households, and 48,704 families in the city. The population density was 2,621.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,012.1/km ). There were 85,067 housing units at an average density of 1,122.3 per square mile (433.3/km ). The racial makeup of
1612-420: The area, mining coal from the riverbank for the fort's blacksmith. Settlers occupied the abandoned fort and nearby areas. On May 25, 1846, the state legislature designated Fort Des Moines as the seat of Polk County. Arozina Perkins, a school teacher who spent the winter of 1850–1851 in the town of Fort Des Moines, was not favorably impressed: This is one of the strangest looking "cities" I ever saw... This town
1674-412: The atmosphere, which led to the copper pyramid oxidizing to a deep brown color. The bottom three floors of the 801 Grand are designated for retail stores and restaurants, with the upper levels designated for office space. The third floor connects to a skywalk system and the top two floors serve as a private restaurant. The build was named one of the 50 most significant Iowa Buildings of the 20th Century by
1736-451: The building, the tower was designed to house office spaces and blend with the architecture of the local area. The tower cost $ 70 million to construct, with an additional $ 19 million parking lot being constructed and financed by the city of Des Moines. The building featured 705,000 square feet of office space, with 62 percent having been leased prior to completion of the building. In 1990, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Donald Avenson toured
1798-405: The campus featured white lights but these were changed to LEDs due to issues with the white lights attracting and killing corn borer moths . This project was part of a $ 284 million renovation. The 801 Grand Building follows a postmodern design . The tower's exterior is built out of granite with the upper levels featuring terraces and setbacks. This was designed to minimize the building's impact on
1860-734: The center of North America and far removed from large bodies of water, the Des Moines area has a hot summer type humid continental climate ( Köppen Dfa ), with warm to hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Summer temperatures can often climb into the 90 °F (32 °C) range, occasionally reaching 100 °F (38 °C). Humidity can be high in spring and summer, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms . Fall brings pleasant temperatures and colorful fall foliage . Winters vary from moderately cold to bitterly cold, with low temperatures venturing below 0 °F (−18 °C) quite often. Snowfall averages 36.5 inches (93 cm) per season, and annual precipitation averages 36.55 inches (928 mm), with
1922-719: The city for unincorporated areas not merged with the city proper was 66.2% White , 15.5% African Americans , 0.5% Native American , 4.0% Asian , and 2.6% from Two or more races . People of Hispanic or Latino origin, of any race, made up 12.1% of the population. The city's racial make up during the 2010 census was 76.4% White , 10.2% African American , 0.5% Native American , 4.4% Asian (1.2% Vietnamese, 0.9% Laotian, 0.4% Burmese, 0.3% Asian Indian, 0.3% Thai, 0.2% Chinese, 0.2% Cambodian, 0.2% Filipino, 0.1% Hmong, 0.1% Korean, 0.1% Nepalese), 0.1% Pacific Islander , 5.0% from other races , and 3.4% from two or more races. People of Hispanic or Latino origin, of any race, formed 12.0% of
801 Grand - Misplaced Pages Continue
1984-432: The city included 252 people incarcerated in adult correctional facilities and 2,378 people in student housing. Of the 87,958 households, 28.0% had children under the age of 18; 35.5% were married couples living together; 31.3% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 35.3% of households consisted of individuals and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
2046-407: The city was 82.3% white , 8.07% Black , 0.35% American Indian , 3.50% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander , 3.52% from other races , and 2.23% from two or more races. 6.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 20.9% were of German , 10.3% Irish, 9.1% "American" and 8.0% English ancestry, according to Census 2000 . There were 80,504 households, out of which 29.5% had children under
2108-496: The city's skyline. In total, the building's walls required a total of 3,000,000 pounds (1,400,000 kg) of granite. The granite used in the 801 Grand's exterior is specifically Venetian gold granite, which is known for its distinctive golden color. The stone used for the 801 was originally mined in Brazil, processed in Italy, and imported to Des Moines. Conversely, the windows are framed with
2170-514: The construction of a fort on the site where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers merge. Allen wanted to use the name Fort Raccoon; however, the U.S. War Department preferred Fort Des Moines. The fort was built to control the Sauk and Meskwaki peoples, whom the government had moved to the area from their traditional lands in eastern Iowa. The fort was abandoned in 1846 after the Sauk and Meskwaki were removed from
2232-418: The entire country east of the Des Moines River. Crops were utterly destroyed, houses and fences swept away." The city started to rebuild from scratch. On September 22, 1851, Des Moines was incorporated as a city; the charter was approved by voters on October 18. In 1857, the name "Fort Des Moines" was shortened to "Des Moines", and it was designated as the second state capital, previously at Iowa City . Growth
2294-468: The lowest insurance premium taxes in the nation at 1%, and does not charge any premium taxes on qualified life insurance plans, making the state attractive to insurance business. Des Moines has been referred to as the "Hartford of the West" and "Insurance Capital" because of this. Principal is one of two Fortune 500 companies with headquarters in Iowa (the other being Casey's General Stores ), ranking 201st on
2356-546: The magazine's list in 2020. As a center of financial and insurance services, other major corporations headquartered outside of Iowa have a presence in the Des Moines Metro area, including Wells Fargo , Voya Financial , and Electronic Data Systems (EDS). The Meredith Corporation , a leading publishing and marketing company, was also based in Des Moines prior to its acquisition by IAC and merger with Dotdash in 2021. Meredith published Better Homes and Gardens , one of
2418-571: The metropolitan area. In recent years, Microsoft , Hewlett-Packard , and Facebook have built data-processing and logistical facilities in the Des Moines area. Des Moines is an important city in U.S. presidential politics; as the state's capital, it is the site of the first caucuses of the presidential primary cycle. Many presidential candidates set up campaign headquarters in Des Moines. A 2007 article in The New York Times said, "If you have any desire to witness presidential candidates in
2480-491: The monks". One popular interpretation of "Des Moines" concludes that it refers to a group of French Trappist monks , who in the 17th century lived in huts built on top of what is now known as the ancient Monks Mound at Cahokia , the major center of Mississippian culture , which developed in what is present-day Illinois, east of the Mississippi River and the city of St. Louis . This was some 200 miles (320 km) from
2542-413: The most close-up and intimate of settings, there is arguably no better place to go than Des Moines." Des Moines takes its name from Fort Des Moines (1843–46), which was named for the Des Moines River . This was adopted from the name given by French colonists . Des Moines ( pronounced [de mwan] ; formerly [de mwɛn] ) translates literally to either "from the monks" or "of
801 Grand - Misplaced Pages Continue
2604-470: The most widely circulated publications in the United States. Des Moines was also the headquarters of Golf Digest magazine. Other major employers in Des Moines include UnityPoint Health , Mercy Medical Center , MidAmerican Energy Company , CDS Global , UPS , Firestone , Lumen Technologies , Drake University , Titan Tire , The Des Moines Register , Anderson Erickson , EMCO . Iowa caucuses Too Many Requests If you report this error to
2666-493: The nearly completed building, specifically visiting the 40th and 41st floors. In total, the project involved approximately 500 workers representing a dozen separate labor unions. The 45-story 801 Grand Building was completed and opened in 1991. The company JLL Americas serves as the buildings' manager. When completed, the 630-foot (190 m) building overtook the Ruan Center as the tallest building in Iowa. The building's height
2728-429: The population (9.4% Mexican, 0.7% Salvadoran, 0.3% Guatemalan, 0.3% Puerto Rican, 0.1% Honduran, 0.1% Ecuadorian, 0.1% Cuban, 0.1% Spaniard, 0.1% Spanish). Non-Hispanic Whites were 70.5% of the population in 2010. Des Moines also has a sizeable South Sudanese community. There were 81,369 households, of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.9% were married couples living together, 14.2% had
2790-412: The poverty line, including 14.9% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those ages 65 or over. Many insurance companies are headquartered in Des Moines, including the Principal Financial Group , EMC Insurance Group, Fidelity & Guaranty Life , Allied Insurance , GuideOne Insurance , Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa, FBL Financial Group , and American Republic Insurance Company. Iowa has one of
2852-478: The racial counts and placed in their own category) was 60.99% (130,599) White alone (non-Hispanic) , 11.46% (24,538) Black alone (non-Hispanic) , 0.28% (597) Native American alone (non-Hispanic) , 6.70% (14,348) Asian alone (non-Hispanic) , 0.06% (124) Pacific Islander alone (non-Hispanic) , 0.38% (817) Other Race alone (non-Hispanic) , 4.50% (9,630) Multiracial or Mixed Race (non-Hispanic) , and 15.64% (33,480) Hispanic or Latino . The 2020 census population of
2914-457: The remains of the old dragoon houses... The people support two papers and there are several dry goods shops. I have been into but four of them... Society is as varied as the buildings are. There are people from nearly every state, and Dutch, Swedes, etc. In May 1851, much of the town was destroyed during the Flood of 1851 . "The Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers rose to an unprecedented height, inundating
2976-530: The scale of vice and degradation, than all their intercourse with the whites for the ten years previous". After official removal , the Meskwaki continued to return to Des Moines until around 1857. Archaeological excavations have shown that many fort-related features survived under what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and First Street. Soldiers stationed at Fort Des Moines opened the first coal mines in
3038-545: The state and shifted to the Indian Territory. The Sauk and Meskwaki did not fare well in Des Moines. The illegal whiskey trade, combined with the destruction of traditional lifeways, led to severe problems for their society. One newspaper reported: "It is a fact that the location of Fort Des Moines among the Sac and Fox Indians (under its present commander) for the last two years, had corrupted them more and lowered them deeper in
3100-593: The turn of the 20th century, encouraged by the Civic Committee of the Des Moines Women's Club , Des Moines undertook a " City Beautiful " project in which large Beaux Arts public buildings and fountains were constructed along the Des Moines River. The former Des Moines Public Library building (now the home of the World Food Prize ); the United States central Post Office , built by the federal government (now
3162-506: Was $ 33,699 (+/- $ 740). Approximately, 12.1% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 24.3% of those under the age of 18 and 9.8% of those ages 65 or over. As of the census of 2010, there were 203,433 people, 81,369 households, and 47,491 families residing in the city. Population density was 2,515.6 inhabitants per square mile (971.3/km ). There were 88,729 housing units at an average density of 1,097.2 per square mile (423.6/km ). The racial makeup of
SECTION 50
#17328585770313224-605: Was 2,428.4 per square mile (937.6/km ). There were 95,082 housing units at an average density of 1,078.3 per square mile (416.3/km ). The racial makeup (including Hispanics in the racial counts) was 64.54% (138,200) white or European American (60.99% non-Hispanic white ), 11.68% (25,011) black or African-American , 0.69% (1,474) Native American or Alaska Native , 6.76% (14,474) Asian , 0.06% (135) Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian , 6.62% (14,178) from other races , and 9.65% (20,661) from two or more races . The racial and ethnic makeup (where Hispanics are excluded from
3286-441: Was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.3. The percent of those with a bachelor's degree or higher was estimated to be 19.9% of the population. Of the population age 25 and over, 86.7% were high school graduates or higher and 27.9% had a bachelor's degree or higher. 23.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% were 65 years of age or older. The median age
3348-405: Was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.5 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 38,408, and the median income for a family was $ 46,590. Males had a median income of $ 31,712 versus $ 25,832 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 19,467. About 7.9% of families and 11.4% of the population were below
3410-473: Was 34.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 104.4 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $ 54,843 (with a margin of error of +/- $ 1,544) and the median family income was $ 66,420 (+/- $ 1,919). Males had a median income of $ 38,326 (+/- $ 1,405) versus $ 29,855 (+/- $ 1,327) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old
3472-558: Was about 1.7% of the city's population in 1910. By 1880, Des Moines had a population of 22,408, making it Iowa's largest city. It displaced the three Mississippi River ports: Burlington, Dubuque, and Davenport, that had alternated holding the position since the territorial period. Des Moines has remained Iowa's most populous city. In 1910, the Census Bureau reported Des Moines' population as 97.3% white and 2.7% black, reflecting its early settlement pattern primarily by ethnic Europeans. At
3534-504: Was assisted by University of Iowa archaeologists at this dig. At least three Late Prehistoric villages, dating from about AD 1300 to 1700, stood in or near what developed later as downtown Des Moines. In addition, 15 to 18 prehistoric Native American mounds were observed in the area by early settlers. All have been destroyed during development of the city. Des Moines traces its origins to May 1843, when Captain James Allen supervised
3596-611: Was built in 1991, and the 19-story EMC Insurance Building was erected in 1997. During this time period, the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines (1979) was developed; it hosts Broadway shows and special events. Also constructed were the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (1979), a large city botanical garden/greenhouse on the east side of the river; the Polk County Convention Complex (1985), and
3658-526: Was recorded in 1960), as highway construction led to new residential construction outside the city. The population was 198,682 in 2000 and grew slightly to 200,538 in 2009. The growth of the outlying suburbs has continued, and the overall metropolitan-area population is over 700,000 today. During the Great Flood of 1993 , heavy rains throughout June and early July caused the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers to rise above flood stage levels. The Des Moines Water Works
3720-628: Was slow during the Civil War period, but the city exploded in size and importance after a railroad link was completed in 1866. In 1864, the Des Moines Coal Company was organized to begin the first systematic mining in the region. Its first mine, north of town on the river's west side, was exhausted by 1873. The Black Diamond mine, near the south end of the West Seventh Street Bridge, sank a 150-foot (46 m) mine shaft to reach
3782-487: Was submerged by floodwaters during the early morning hours of July 11, 1993, leaving an estimated 250,000 people without running water for 12 days and without drinking water for 20 days. Des Moines suffered major flooding again in June 2008 with a major levee breach. The Des Moines River is controlled upstream by Saylorville Reservoir . In both 1993 and 2008, the flooding river overtopped the reservoir spillway. Today, Des Moines
SECTION 60
#17328585770313844-554: Was taller than One Kansas City Place (626 feet (191 m) tall) and the Metropolitan Square in St. Louis (591 feet (180 m) tall), making it the tallest building in the Midwest between Chicago and Denver. This record was broken by Omaha's First National Bank Tower in 2002. In 2014, Principal Financial Group refitted their entire downtown campus with diode lights . Originally,
#30969