Iowa DOT places driver’s license kiosks across state

Iowans are now able to replace or renew their driver’s licenses at 24 kiosks installed across the state. The Iowa Department of Transportation kiosks were placed in metropolitan areas, and all the kiosks are equipped with cameras to take new ID photos. The DOT began installing them in May and finished in early June. The primary locations are grocery stores and library branches. The agency did not comment on the cost of each kiosk, though it doesn’t anticipate a decrease in employees due to the kiosks.

Developers propose luxury apartments for downtown

Three developers have each proposed projects including luxury apartments that would be constructed atop a city-owned parking garage to be built at Seventh Street and Grand Avenue in downtown Des Moines. The only Des Moines-based developer, Nelson Development and Construction, proposed a 10-story complex with 150 units and an optional second phase with 112 units. The $35 million project includes a large rooftop courtyard and park-like space on top of the skywalk, similar to one in New York. Denver-based Linden Street Partners proposed a $20 million to $30 million project with five stories, 160 apartments and an optional 20-room boutique hotel that would allow guests to check in via smartphones rather than at a front desk. The most expensive proposal came from Minneapolis-based Sherman Associates and included a 13-story complex with 195 units totaling $51 million. This project would include an outdoor pool, sky lounge and concierge services provided by a hotel Sherman is building downtown.

Snack shop opening in Des Moines

A gourmet popcorn shop called Popcorn Heaven will open at 5828 Douglas Ave. on July 18 in the space formerly filled by Cherry Berry. The snack shop will offer about 60 popcorn flavors, including sweet, savory and traditional varieties. Flavors include pizza, grape, cinnamon toast, sea salt caramel and hot wings. Candy, gift tins and boxes will also be available. Prices range from $1 for a small size (about 3.5 cups) to $140 for the jumbo bag (282 cups). Popcorn Heaven provides popcorn stations for weddings, showers, parties, graduations and corporate events. Popcorn Heaven was started by Reshonda Young in 2014 in Waterloo. She also has a shop in Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville. Young has a licensed shop in Columbia, South Carolina. The Des Moines location will be her second licensed store, opened by Akylah Johnson. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Call 727-2228 or visit www.popcornheaven.com.

Clark and Associates Prosthetics and Orthotics opens new location

The Des Moines-based Iowa Clinic in Clive sold its orthotics and prosthetics practice last week to Clark and Associates Prosthetics and Orthotics. This transfer of ownership will mark the sixth location for Clark and Associates in Iowa, but the first in Des Moines. The sale was finalized on June 1. Certified prosthetist and orthotist Mark McDonald will continue to lead patient care as the clinic’s manager.

Facebook data center to expand

Facebook announced a summer groundbreaking for a third data center building in Altoona. This is the first time a third building has been added to any of Facebook’s data centers, according to manager Brice Towns. The first phase of the data center was completed in in 2014. The second phase is currently under construction and is expected to be finished later this year. The first building was a $300 million project. Facebook has previously been awarded $18 million in tax credits for the project from the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board.

Plans to redevelop Mercy Franklin Center in the works

Hubbell Realty Co. has a plan to redevelop the vacant Mercy Franklin Center at the corner of 48th Street and Franklin Avenue in northwest Des Moines. The company has a contract to purchase the hospital and is in the process of conducting a market survey to determine the best use of the site. The hospital is asking $1.195 million for the property, but Hubbell is waiting to purchase the property until it has the results of the study. If it is purchased, it’s likely the 53-year-old building would be demolished. Mercy Franklin is 60,000 square feet and has been empty for almost a year. CV