Ask CITYVIEW

What are those devices that have popped up all over Des Moines and the suburbs? They are black, like computer tablets, attached to the tops of tall poles, and they are always tilted. 

Donning the top of large poles, mainly streetlights as of late, are solar panels. 

According to the City of Des Moines, the large majority of streetlights in the city are owned and maintained by MidAmerican Energy. 

The goal with these is typically to reduce the city’s electricity bill, as well as use a clean energy source. According to EcoFlow.com, the average household in Iowa that uses solar panels to help power their homes saves $109.63 a year. Stretching that across the thousands of streetlights within city limits, Des Moines is sure to save taxpayers a few bucks.

Now that Des Moines University is moving to West Des Moines, what will happen to its campus on Grand Avenue at 32nd Street?

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is the second oldest osteopathic medical school in the country. They made the decision to move to a new state-of-the-art campus in West Des Moines at 8025 Grand Ave. in June of 2023, leaving its previous residence in Des Moines.

With their departure, the University leaves behind a prime piece of real estate, valued at $78.7 million as of 2020. When asked for comment on any progress of the sale of the campus, Director of Marketing and Communication Denise Lamphier responded, “Des Moines University continues to look for opportunities to grow our programs to respond to the health needs of Iowa and the nation. No specific decisions have been made at this time.”

How much did the new Drake University and Des Moines Public School stadium cost?

The short answer is $19.4 million. Both Des Moines Public Schools and Drake provided funds for the stadium in order to get the new facility over the line.

Des Moines Public Schools footed the majority of the bill using SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education), a sales tax fund. Drake paid the remaining cost and will be responsible for maintenance and upgrades in the future. ♦