The next step in advancing the development between 25th and 27th Street along the south side of University Avenue is removal of the five Drake-owned rental homes. Since the beginning of this process, Drake neighborhood representatives, faculty, and staff prioritized the concept of moving one or more of these homes. The ideal outcome would be to transition some of the homes to another site, transforming them from rental units to affordable, single-family homes in or near the Drake Neighborhood. Interested buyers are working closely with moving experts and the City of Des Moines to finalize plans and their commitments to this project.

From a structural and safety standpoint, not all of the homes are good candidates for relocation and will instead be taken down. We are working with Habitat for Humanity to ensure as much repurposing of materials as possible is accomplished. The adjacent parking lots will continue to be available for Drake’s use—we don’t anticipate that changing until 2018. Watch OnCampus for updates and information, including project schedule.

—Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer