Urbandale City Council weighs property acquisitions for Downtown Master Plan

In the heart of Urbandale, city officials gathered under the bright lights of the council chamber to discuss pivotal steps in the downtown revitalization effort. The June 3, 2025, City Council meeting focused on two potential property acquisitions that could significantly shape the future of the downtown area, a key component of the city's master planning initiative.

City staff presented two purchase agreements aimed at acquiring properties essential for creating a vibrant public space in the downtown "big node." The first property is a 14,000 square foot parking lot behind S and C Auto, while the second encompasses the Big Sky Bridal Building and the former Dairy Queen, along with their respective parking areas. These acquisitions are seen as crucial for facilitating community gatherings and addressing regional stormwater management needs, which are increasingly important as urban development progresses.

The proposed purchase price for the Big Sky Bridal property is $850,000, with a due diligence period set to conclude on August 15. The second property, the parking lot, is priced at $91,000, with due diligence ending on September 15. City officials emphasized the importance of these acquisitions in aligning with the broader goals of the downtown master plan, which is expected to be presented for approval in the coming weeks.

However, the council's discussion revealed a tension between moving forward with the property purchases and awaiting the master plan's approval. Some council members expressed concerns about setting a precedent by approving these agreements before the master plan is finalized. They suggested deferring action until the plan is approved, raising questions about potential renegotiations with property sellers and the implications of delaying the acquisition process.

City staff reassured the council that there are provisions in the agreements allowing for withdrawal during the due diligence period if the master plan does not receive approval. This assurance provided some comfort, but the council remained cautious, weighing the risks of proceeding without the master plan's endorsement.

As the meeting concluded, the council faced a critical decision: to proceed with the property acquisitions that could catalyze downtown development or to pause and ensure alignment with the forthcoming master plan. The outcome of this deliberation will not only impact the immediate future of Urbandale's downtown but also set the tone for how the city approaches urban development in the years to come.