Des Moines planning commission backs PUD amendment to let Italian American Cultural Center expand at Butler Mansion amid neighbor traffic, safety concerns

The Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission on Feb. 6 voted to move the staff recommendation to approve a proposed Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment for the Butler Mansion at 2633 Fleur Drive that would allow the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa to operate a cultural and event center with building additions, a new single‑story bocce pavilion, expanded program uses and site improvements.

Staff presented the proposed amendment and urged approval subject to two conditions: that new and expanded parking be landscaped in conformance with Chapter 7 of the city code to the satisfaction of the planning and urban design administrator, and that all exterior work comply with Chapter 58 (the city’s historic preservation ordinance). Planning staff said the amendment also includes a companion change to the city’s comprehensive plan, PlanDSM, to revise future land‑use classifications for parts of the site.

The site is roughly seven acres and includes the Butler Mansion, a locally designated landmark. Staff and the applicant described several proposed changes: a one‑story building set into the hillside with a green roof and an interior bocce pavilion, a new vestibule and two additions to the existing mansion (a two‑story addition north of the courtyard and a one‑story service/storage addition to the northeast), removal of an existing sky bridge, minor circulation changes including a short new drive aisle to connect the eastern parking lot to the shared access drive, and wayfinding and a digital sign at the site entrance on Fleur Drive. Staff showed existing and proposed elevations and noted the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the project and granted a certificate of appropriateness subject to conditions.

Applicant representatives said the project will restore the historic mansion and provide museum and educational space, two event spaces, a culinary/kitchen area, a café and offices. "We're very excited about this proposed project, making a significant investment in the city and preserving a pretty significant piece of history," said Jeff Lamberti, chair of the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa. Matt Cohen of RDG Planning and Design said the two‑level event space and related uses could, at full capacity, be "in the neighborhood of 500 total attendees," though he said it would be unusual for both event spaces to be at capacity simultaneously.

Staff and the applicant said current on‑site parking totals about 49 off‑street spaces and would increase to about 55 with the proposed site improvements. The applicant stated that, on a full‑use scenario, the site would generate roughly 55 to 57 vehicles and that arrivals and departures would be spread over time rather than occurring in a single surge.

Opposition testimony focused on traffic, safety, lighting and noise. Several residents of the adjacent Druid Hill and Dewitt Hill townhome complexes urged the commission to delay or reject the rezoning until their concerns were addressed. "We don't believe that the zoning change should be approved until our concerns can be resolved," said Kelly Croft, a Druid Hill resident, citing traffic flow, public safety, light and noise intrusion and the potential for many more cars and events adjacent to their homes. Paul Morris, another resident, noted press reports and applicant statements that have cited capacities of "500 to 600," and said that number would not be supported by the site's parking. "The number that's being kicked around is 500 to 600," Morris said.

Residents described the shared access drive that runs up to the mansion as a potential safety risk because of a blind crest on the hill, a short steep slope that can become icy in winter and a 90‑degree turn near the townhome driveways. Several speakers said the neighborhood had limited notice of the scope of the proposed access changes and requested further outreach and a formal traffic study. "We can see every car that comes down that road," said Alicia Claypool, a resident whose house faces the shared drive, describing lights and late‑night arrivals that she said would affect quality of life.

The applicant team responded that the shared driveway functions by easement, that an extension at the southeast segment was anticipated when the easement was created, and that the project team is willing to discuss additional signage, striping and other safety measures. The applicant also said the bocce pavilion is intended to be an interior pavilion in its final funded configuration and that a large outdoor tournament configuration is not the immediate plan.

After public comment and discussion, a commissioner moved to adopt the staff recommendation to approve the PUD amendment as presented. The commission vote approved moving the staff recommendation forward; commissioners noted abstentions on the record. The action before the commission was an advisory recommendation; final approval of any zoning or PUD amendments will be decided by the Des Moines City Council in a subsequent public hearing. If the council approves the amendment, the project will still require subsequent site plan review, building permits and compliance with historic preservation conditions.

The commission meeting record shows staff received comment cards in support from the Southwestern Hills Neighborhood Association and multiple opposition comments from townhome residents to the south; staff also indicated the applicant held a neighborhood meeting. Several commissioners urged the applicant and staff to continue direct engagement with the Druid Hill and Dewitt Hill residents and to provide additional technical traffic information. Planning staff and the applicant said they would continue to meet with neighbors and that more detailed traffic and circulation analysis will be part of the later site plan review if the PUD amendment proceeds to the City Council.

Next steps: the commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for formal consideration; a site plan and building permits will be required if the council approves the amendment.