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Board approves amended conditional use to let Drake-area arts venue sell limited beer and wine
Summary
The Zoning Board approved an amendment allowing the XPK performance venue at 1159–1163 24th Street to expand and operate a 250–500 sq ft mercantile area with limited packaged beer and wine sales (no more than 40% of retail sales); vote was unanimous.
The Des Moines Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously approved an amendment to a conditional-use permit that will allow an expanded performance-arts venue in the Drake neighborhood to include limited retail sales of packaged beer and wine.
City planner Frank Dun Young told the board the property (three parcels at 1159–1163 24th Street) satisfies the required separation distances for the proposed limited retail sales and that staff’s recommendation was supportive, subject to standard conditions. "This property has a separation distance of 150 feet from a place of worship, school, public park, or licensed child care facility," Dun Young said, and staff recommended approval with conditions.
Applicant Toby Parks described the expansion as an ancillary "mercantile" that will support community gatherings and merchandise tied to venue events, and he said parking agreements and neighborhood backing reduce staff concerns about impacts. Neighbors and adjacent business owners — including Delco Pizza and a local bicycling advocate — testified in support, praising the venue’s contributions to foot traffic and neighborhood vibrancy.
Board members said the requested change preserved the primary assembly use while allowing limited alcohol sales accessory to the venue. The motion to amend the conditional-use permit carried unanimously; staff will prepare a decision and order for the record and advise the applicant about permits and conditions.
