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Council approves acquisition of 1151 65th Street within urban renewal area
Summary
Council approved Resolution 20257 to accept acquisition of 1151 65th Street (purchase price $170,000) contingent on vacancy and a staff walkthrough; Lutheran Family Services signaled short‑term interest to use the property for refugee or low‑income housing, while staff said demolition is the fallback if no tenant is found.
On Jan. 23 the Windsor Heights City Council approved Resolution 20257 to acquire 1151 65th Street, a property within the city’s urban renewal area the staff identified as strategic for future redevelopment.
Staff told council the earlier recommended purchase price of $170,000 had been accepted by the owner. The purchase agreement is contingent on the property being fully vacated prior to closing and on city staff having the right to walk through the property to confirm condition; staff said they were not able to access the upstairs unit at the time of inspection because the tenant would not provide access. Staff also reported they scoped the sanitary lateral and found Orangeburg piping in place, which is functional now though its long‑term condition is uncertain.
City staff said they had discussed short‑term occupancy with Lutheran Family Services and with a Des Moines organization that had expressed possible interest in using the house for refugee or low‑income housing; Lutheran Family Services said it would walk through the property when staff could provide access and, if acceptable, could maintain short‑term use for several years. If neither group uses the property, staff recommended demolition rather than ongoing property management.
A council member asked how the acquisition would affect the Economic Development Fund; staff estimated that after the purchase and planned airport expenditures the fund would be largely exhausted but could be replenished through an interfund transfer and future TIF receipts. The resolution carried on roll call with one dissenting vote (Susan Skies voted no; Joseph Jones, Michael Libby, Lauren Campbell and Teresa Harms voted yes).
Staff said they anticipate being able to close in the next few weeks if access and vacancy conditions are met, and that they will coordinate inspections with Lutheran Family Services and other interested parties.
The council’s approval authorizes acquisition pending the contract contingencies; staff will return with closing details and any required follow‑up.
