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On the Move

New Drake development on University Avenue

7/27/2016

 

Drake University issued a request for proposals from a pre-determined group of 11 Iowa firms. The school is requesting plans to develop a plot of university-owned land on the south side of University Avenue between 25th and 27th streets, excluding First Christian Church. The site is nearly 2.65 acres and is currently vacant. From 1905-1996, it served as the home of Memorial Hall. The university is collaborating with the Neighborhood Development Corporation (NDC) on the project, which is a non-profit organization that strives to revitalize areas with sustainable development.

WDM company buys a winery

Krause Holdings Inc., a business based in West Des Moines and headed up by President and CEO Kyle Krause, has purchased an historic Italian winery in Castiglione Falletto in the Piedmont region of Italy. The company obtained 84 acres along with the winery that was founded in 1873, according to Wine Spectator magazine. The price hasn’t yet been disclosed.

Windsor Heights eateries

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Koester Development is planning construction on a new five-story Windsor Heights building at the intersection of University Avenue and 66th Street. The building will cost nearly $7 million, and plans include office space and opportunities for three restaurants. Chef David Baruthio, owner of Baru 66, is reportedly interested in filling the restaurant space on the third floor. A café is envisioned for the ground floor, and a neighborhood-style family restaurant could be in the works for the second floor. The city of Windsor Heights will vote on Aug. 1 on the project plan and whether to approve $2 million in tax increment financing that would span a 10-year period. Under the agreement, a forgivable loan in the amount of $250,000 would go to Kester if the building brought three restaurants in. Koester also owns the building occupied by RE/MAX Real Estate Group, which is located on the southwest portion of the same intersection.

Bear closes

Ankeny’s The Bear Restaurant and Wine Bar, located at 302 S.W. Maple St., is reportedly set to close after only slightly more than a year from its debut.

Two new places for cocktails and dreams

The newly renovated downtown Hotel Randolph is expecting two new watering holes this summer. Bar Taureau will be a cocktail lounge that will also serve charcuterie plates and is owned by the same group that owns the East Village’s high-end restaurant, The Continental. The new bar will be located at 208 Fourth St. and is expected to open later this summer or early fall. 1908 Draught House, is also expected to open this year, it’ll be located close by at 409 Court Ave. This is the third 1908 Draught House in the Des Moines area, and it will have similar fare as the other two restaurants in Johnston and Waukee, including burgers, sandwiches and desserts.

Both of the new establishments will be on the ground floor of the Randolph project, which also includes more than 50 apartments, a Pita Pit as well as other developments.

Correction: Vivian’s Diner & Drinks

In last week’s On the Move section, we mistakenly reported Des Moines’ new downtown diner, Vivian’s Diner & Drinks, which is set to open the second week of August at 400 Walnut St. in the historic Hotel Kirkwood, will be operated by Two Rivers Hospitality. In fact, the new diner is owned and operated by Des Moines native, Jeff Duncan. The eatery will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, and the menu will feature classic diner favorites with a fresh, modern twist. In addition to the diner, Vivian’s will also be the exclusive caterer for the newly renovated banquet room and the Hotel Kirkwood lobby, and it will cater offsite events. The new restaurant’s unveiling will take place on July 29 from 4:30-10 p.m. with a cocktail party that is open to the public. Complimentary appetizers, beer and wine along with entertainment will be provided, and free-will donations will benefit the Zachary Paulsen Memorial Scholarship Fund for students with autism. CV

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