Historic Neighborhoods

Historic Des Moines

Des Moines’ unique and rich history is manifested in the layout of the city as well as the architecture of its buildings. Preserving historic and architectural resources contributes to the quality of life in the city, the metropolitan area and the state. The city’s historic neighborhoods celebrate our past and our future by combining good quality housing with a "sense of place".

Local Historic Districts

The City of Des Moines established the ordinance for local historic districts to recognize significant neighborhoods and to insure that those neighborhoods retain their architectural integrity. A Historic District Commission was created in 1982 to review exterior alterations to properties located in designated local historic districts and to give advise to the City Council on historic preservation. The design review component is based on guidelines for reviewing rehabilitation, demolition and new construction. Des Moines' local historic districts are listed below.

  1. Owl's Head
  2. Sherman Hill

Local Landmarks

City of Des Moines Local Landmarks include any building, site, or improvement that has a special character or special historical or aesthetic value for the City of Des Moines. Local landmarks range from signs, to buildings, to portions of Greenwood Park.

Designation as a local landmark provides protection to properties that are locally significant. The City’s Historic District Commission, Plan and Zoning Commission, and City Council must all act to declare a property a local landmark. Once designated the ordinance requires design review before the city’s Historic District Commission prior to making any exterior alterations.

National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's cultural resources worthy of preservation. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archeological resources. The National Register is administered by the National Park Service under the Secretary of the Interior. Properties listed in the National Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. These resources contribute to an understanding of the historical and cultural foundations of the Nation.

Useful Information


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