🏢 Major Company Could Bring New Headquarters to East Village
One of the biggest development stories in Des Moines right now is the potential relocation of Heart of America Group's headquarters to East Village. The proposal includes a brand-new five-story office building that could bring new jobs, investment, and even more momentum to one of downtown's fastest-growing districts.
Why it matters: East Village continues to attract major businesses, proving that downtown Des Moines remains a place where companies want to grow and invest.

☕ A New Filipino Coffee Shop Is Coming to Des Moines
A family of seven siblings is bringing something unique to the local coffee scene with the upcoming opening of Grounded, a Filipino-inspired coffee shop in East Village. Expect specialty drinks, unique flavors, and a fresh addition to Des Moines' growing food culture.
Why it matters: Local entrepreneurs continue to make Des Moines more diverse, vibrant, and interesting for residents and visitors alike.

🏗️ One of Downtown's Largest Housing Projects Is Taking Shape
Construction continues on the massive 515 Walnut Tower, a project that will add hundreds of new residential units, retail space, and more activity to downtown Des Moines. Once completed, it will become one of the most significant additions to the city's skyline in years.
Why it matters: More downtown housing means more people living, shopping, dining, and investing in the heart of the city.

🌳 A $54 Million Park Transformation Is Officially Underway
Work is moving forward on the ambitious redevelopment of Birdland Park. The project includes major recreational upgrades and plans for a unique all-season skate ribbon that will create a destination unlike anything else currently available in the metro.
Why it matters: Investments like this help make Des Moines a more active, family-friendly, and attractive place to live.

🏛️ Historic Buildings Could Soon Get a Second Life
Two of the oldest commercial buildings near Columbus Park may soon be transformed into new housing and storefront spaces. Instead of being lost to time, these historic structures could become part of the next chapter of neighborhood growth.
Why it matters: Preserving local history while encouraging new development is a win-win for the community.

🏠 Affordable Homeownership Opportunities Are Expanding
The first homes from a new community land trust initiative are beginning to hit the market, creating more affordable paths to homeownership for local families. The program is designed to help keep housing accessible while supporting long-term neighborhood stability.
Why it matters: Affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges facing growing cities, and this initiative offers a practical solution.

🌱 A New Kind of Neighborhood Is Growing Near Des Moines
A unique "agrihood" community is gaining attention by combining homes, farms, walking trails, restaurants, gardens, and gathering spaces into one connected neighborhood. The concept focuses on community, sustainability, and walkability rather than traditional suburban development.
Why it matters: Innovative projects like this show how Central Iowa is experimenting with new ways to build communities.

💙 Bottom line: From new businesses and major developments to park upgrades and affordable housing initiatives, Des Moines continues to build momentum heading into summer, with projects that are shaping the city's future while improving quality of life for residents today.

📚 Use the "Teach It Back" Method: After learning something new, ask your child to explain it to you in their own words. If they can teach the concept clearly, they truly understand it. If they struggle, you've identified exactly where they need more practice.

⏰ The 10-Minute Start Rule: Many students procrastinate because a task feels overwhelming. Instead of saying, "Finish your homework," challenge them to work for just 10 minutes. Getting started is often the hardest part, and momentum usually takes over from there.

🧠 Mix Subjects to Improve Memory: Research shows that alternating between subjects can strengthen learning. Instead of spending an hour on only math, try 20 minutes of math, 20 minutes of reading, and 20 minutes of science. The brain stays more engaged and retains information better.

📱 Create a Phone Parking Spot: During homework time, have all devices stay in a designated charging area outside the study space. Even seeing a phone nearby can reduce focus and increase the urge to check notifications.

🌟 Ask Better After-School Questions: Instead of "How was school?" try questions like "What made you laugh today?" or "What was the most interesting thing you learned?" You'll get more meaningful conversations and better insight into your child's day.

Need more than homework help? Camp Homework is here to support confidence, focus, and stronger learning habits every step of the way.

School's almost out — and summer slide is real. Kids can lose months of progress over the break without even realizing it.

Camp Homework is offering a free course at PreventSummerSlide.com to help your family get ahead of it before summer even starts.

And if your kid needs a little more support, Camp Homework connects K–12 students with real human tutors (not AI) starting at $150/month — affordable, flexible, and actually effective.

Somewhere between the office buildings on Office Plaza Drive, there's a food truck that Des Moines hasn't fully discovered yet — and the people who have found it are fiercely protective of that fact. The Guntur Talkies is parked behind the Motel 6 in West Des Moines, open seven days a week from 11 AM to 10 PM, and it is quietly serving some of the most authentic South Indian food you'll find anywhere in Iowa.

Chef Shankar didn't stumble into this. He spent twenty years in professional kitchens — including time on an international cruise line and a gold medal in a national culinary competition — before opening twenty-one restaurants for other people. The Guntur Talkies is the first one he's opened for himself. That backstory matters, because you taste it in every single bite.

The menu is rooted in Andhra Pradesh, one of India's most celebrated culinary regions, but there's a detail about how this kitchen operates that we think will stop you mid-scroll. And there's one dish in particular — something Chef Shankar prepares using a technique entirely his own — that regulars are already driving across town to get.

Every order, by the way, comes with something extra. Something made fresh that morning. Every single day, without exception.

Read the full story

Noises Off — Des Moines Playhouse
🗓️ Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
📍 831 42nd Street, Des Moines

Running through June 21st, this is the last week to catch one of the funniest plays ever written. A hapless theater troupe tries to put on a production called "Nothing On" — but flubbed lines, lost costumes, and full-blown backstage chaos turn every performance into an unforgettable disaster. The Des Moines Playhouse has knocked this one out of the park.

Love You Des Moines Days
🗓️ Sunday, June 21
📍 West Des Moines
400+ free activities for the entire community at the Valley Community Center, 4444 Fuller Road. Runs daily through Sunday, June 21. Something is happening every single day.

Pacapalooza at Rose Farm
📍 Norwalk, 🗓️ June 19
his one is exactly what it sounds like: a fluffy, feel-good celebration of all things alpaca at Rose Farm in Norwalk, just south of the metro. Rose Farm is a three-acre flower farmstead and event space at 7197 43rd Avenue, Norwalk, and Pacapalooza is a quirky, family-friendly event you won't find anywhere else.
Note :Reservations required

We want to hear from you! Des Moines Digest exists to help locals find the best things to do, see, and explore across the metro — but we can only make it better with your input. Tell us what sections you love, what you skip, and what you wish we covered more. Whether it's a hidden gem, an event type, or just a quick "keep doing this" — we're all ears. Your feedback shapes every issue, so hit reply or click below and let us know. This digest is for you, Des Moines! 💬
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Thanks for starting the week with us, Des Moines. See you Thursday! 🌱

— Alex | Des Moines Digest 📘
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