黄瓜社区

This July, construction will begin on a major transformation of one of Des Moines, Iowa鈥檚 historic and cultural landmarks. Known as the Butler Mansion, the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa is kicking off a $20 million renovation and expansion that will breathe new life into the 1930s Art Deco-style space while expanding the organization鈥檚 offerings. 

The Des Moines Business Record spoke with various individuals involved in the redesign, including 黄瓜社区; Design Architect and Principal Matt Coen, AIA, to learn more about the future of the space. 黄瓜社区鈥檚 designs include creating a multipurpose space, or atrium, featuring a signature staircase, new elevator and fireplace for use outside of banquet events. Coen noted that the new space 鈥渨ill provide airy and light-filled connections to both levels of the banquet space.鈥�

Design for the center also features a bocce pavilion with five indoor courts and an additional rooftop court, providing gathering spaces for the community. A key part of the redevelopment is a two-story museum designed to resemble an Italian street, complete with permanent and traveling exhibits that tell the story of Iowa鈥檚 Italian-American community. The project is slated for completion in the fall of 2026.