Meredith Corporation reports jump in profits
2/4/2015Des Moines-based publishing company Meredith Corp. announced a profit increase of almost 30 percent in the second quarter, the same day it announced its acquisition of Shape magazine from American Media. Meredith will put its first issue of Shape out in May with a starting publishing base of 2.5 million. In the last six months, Meredith has also acquired the rights to two Martha Stewart magazines, a wedding planning site and a digital advertising firm in New York. Meredith also reported a 12.6 percent jump in quarterly revenues for a total of $398.9 million.
Waukee prepares for growth with new apartment complex
Construction will begin this spring on a 434-unit apartment complex in Waukee. A local development team is behind Autumn Ridge, the $40 million market-rate apartments on Alice’s Road. The project will take shape in four phases, and it includes 13 two- and three-story buildings with the first units scheduled to open in August and the final phase to end in 2018. Another $30 million apartment complex, Springs at Prairie Crossing, is set to open this summer.
Moe’s Southwest Grill expanding to Iowa
The fast-casual restaurant franchise that offers burritos, tacos, quesadillas and other southwestern items is coming to Iowa. Scott Davis, Matt Middendorp and Mike Middendorp signed a franchise agreement and plan to build 12 Moe’s locations in the state, including four or five in the metro area. The partners also own Pizza Ranch restaurants in several cities around Iowa. Moe’s makes its food fresh and customized to each order. It also offers free chips and salsa. The first Iowa location will open later this year in Davenport.
Dahl’s assets up for bidding
Hy-Vee and Kum & Go have both made offers to buy some of the bankrupt grocery store’s assets. Dahl’s filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Nov. 9, 2014. Hy-Vee Inc. plans to purchase the pharmacy assets of three Dahl’s stores, while Dahl’s has plans to sell one property to Kum & Go. The property is located at 5003 E.P. True Parkway in West Des Moines, and documents showed Kum & Go is looking to buy the property and equipment. Hy-Vee plans to buy pharmacy assets at the E.P. True location, along with those at 3400 E. 33rd St. in Des Moines and 8700 Hickman Road in Clive.
Stylist opens salon in home furnishing store
Chrystal Wuertz has been a stylish for nine years and has recently opened a hair salon inside Renovation Home. The downtown furnishing store offers both new and vintage items. It is located at 106 11th Street. Wuertz previously worked at Pure Aveda Salon and Spa in Ankeny. She will offer cuts, colors, highlights, waxes and up-dos at her new salon, which opened Feb. 3. A 20 percent discount will be given to new clients through the end of March. The salon will be open on Saturdays, as well as Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon and evenings. To make an appointment, call 515-491-3541 or visit www.chrystalw.genbook.com.
Better Business Bureau moves from downtown
The Better Business Bureau relocated earlier this year to 2625 Beaver Ave., where the consignment shop Fashion Junction was formerly located. The Bureau had been previously located at 505 Fifth St. in the Insurance Exchange Building for many years. The new building is larger and more accessible to the public. Its hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 515-243-8137 or visit www.bbb.org/iowa.
Metro West Learning moves locations
Though it didn’t go far, Metro West Learning has moved its offices to 13300 Hickman Road, Suite 110 in Clive. The center, which offers students support through social language groups and tutoring, was previously located at 2555 Berkshire Parkway in Clive. Metro West helps students with autism and behavior challenges and offers speech, occupational and physical therapy among its other services. Call 515-987-8853, visit www.metrowestkids.com or find it on Facebook.
CrossFit moves from East Village
CrossFit 8035 recently moved into a renovated building called The Garage from its previous spot in the East Village. The new location at 1221 Keosauqua Way in Des Moines was formerly the Owen Crist Auto Body. CrossFit now has 6,000 square feet of space that includes a workout area, kid’s room, three bathrooms and showers, an office and a lobby. Hours are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and grand opening activities are set for 8 a.m. to noon on Feb. 14. Visit www.thegaragedsm.com or find it on Facebook. CV
