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Des Moines Water Works will build a $2.6 million facility for its grounds crew and equipment along George Flagg Parkway under a rezoning request approved last month by the city council. WHY
IT MATTERS: The project will help the public utility avoid future flood losses. * Their current facility, located within Water Works Park, is more than 60 years old and is not part of an
area protected by a flood wall. STATE OF PLAY: A 2.1-acre site was rezoned from mixed-use to industrial, to allow for outdoor storage of soil, salt, mulch and compost. * The
6,100-square-foot building will include multiple garage bays as well as offices and break room space for about two dozen employees. STATE OF PLAY: Final building design is expected in the
coming week. The project will be completed next year, Water Works spokesperson Jennifer Terry tells Axios. * The current facility — a metal barn — will continue to be used for storage of
items that are easily moved before floods. OF NOTE: The new building site is next to Jasper Winery, where weddings and special events are held. * A berm with landscaping will be constructed
to restrict the view of equipment and materials, Water Works officials told Winery employees at a neighborhood meeting in October.