DES MOINES, Iowa (CelebrityAccess) — Live Nation is reported to be eyeing downtown Des Moines as a possible location for a new live music venue.
According to the Des Moines Register, Live Nation has partnered with a local real estate developer to submit a bid to the city to transform the historic 67,872-square-foot Argonne Armory into a 2,000-capacity music hall, along with a smaller 800-seat venue performance space.
As well, a rifle range in the armory’s basement would be turned into a multi-purpose space and office area for the booking staff. A river deck would provide space for outdoor events.
Jake Christensen, president of the local real estate developer in the bid, told the Register that renovations, if approved, could take up to a year to complete and cost “north of $12 million and $15 million” with upgrades required to the building’s roof, HVAC system and other upgrades to bring the building up to code.
The bid is one of three under consideration by the city, the Register reported, with other developers eyeing the riverside property as a potential site for condos and a mixed-use office and residential space.
“This is an extremely unique, once-in-a-decade opportunity for the city,” Christiansen told the Register. “There are other qualified entities, but we’re lucky to get Live Nation.”
