Demolition of Dico Superfund site concludes

DES MOINES, Iowa (Nov. 18, 2021) —The Iowa Soccer Development Foundation (ISDF) is pleased to announce that demolition of all buildings on the Dico Superfund site is complete, marking the first activity here in more than three decades. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the city of Des Moines began demolition of the site in June 2021 to remove the dilapidated buildings and prepare the area for redevelopment. Find a link to timelapse video footage of the Dico site demolition here or view it on Facebook.

“The demolition of the Dico Site’s abandoned infrastructure is a major milestone, not only for the Pro Iowa Initiative and its supporters but also for the city of Des Moines and its residents,” said Charley Campbell, Iowa Soccer Development Foundation secretary. “For 38 years, this unusable and blighted space obstructed the true potential of downtown Des Moines’ southern gateway region. Now, our vision to bring a vibrant community space anchored by the Pro Iowa Soccer Stadium and Global Plaza is one step closer to reality.”

Earlier this year, the city of Des Moines took ownership of the Dico site and began working with the EPA in June to ensure a safe demolition of the building structures and site preparation of the surrounding land. Once the ISDF has secured the remaining corporate and private funds necessary for the project, construction can begin. The 6,000+ seat multi-use stadium will host Iowa’s first professional USL Championship soccer team, and the surrounding four-acre plaza will be used for community events, festivals and activities. While the city of Des Moines will retain ownership of the land, the ISDF will own the stadium and Krause+ will serve as lead developer and manage the construction of the project.

“Driving by what used to be a blighted eyesore in downtown Des Moines and now seeing the potential of the land is exciting and a long-time coming,” said Matt Anderson, deputy city manager of Des Moines. “Now, a new communal, multi-use space will fill that gap in the skyline and bring new life and activity to downtown Des Moines. What an exciting new way to welcome visitors to downtown!”

Fundraising Efforts Gain Momentum

As site work progresses, the ISDF is gaining momentum toward its $25 million fundraising goal. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Holmes Murphy & Associates and DMOS Orthopaedic Centers join Hubbell and Delta Dental as recent contributors.

DMOS Orthopaedic Centers - $100,000

Holmes Murphy & Associates - $250,000

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield - $250,000

“As a longtime supporter of the revitalization of the Western Gateway and downtown, Wellmark applauds the Pro Iowa Initiative and the work that has been done to transform the area,” said Cory Harris, Wellmark’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza will enhance our community’s infrastructure, encourage public recreation, and improve the health of our community.”

"The Pro Iowa movement is not only bringing the global sport of soccer to our great City and State, but we are transforming a beacon area of Central Iowa and Downtown Des Moines, to create cultural, wellbeing, economic, and business opportunities for generations to come,” said Dan Keough, chairman and CEO of Holmes Murphy. “Holmes Murphy is proud to support such a pinnacle and imperative initiative."

“We value what professional soccer will bring to the Des Moines Community,” said Nick Honkamp, Board President of DMOS. “The partnership will highlight positive community impact and bring a new level of access to sports opportunities for the city.”

With more than $20.8 million in private funding raised to date, the ISDF continues to work toward its goal of $25 million. Construction of the Pro Iowa Stadium and Global Plaza is anticipated to begin in 2022.

“The ISDF is humbled by the community support the Pro Iowa Initiative has received, including from our recent donors, Holmes Murphy, Wellmark and DMOS,” adds Campbell. “We look forward to working with our donors and future investors as we move the project closer to reality. We’re getting closer every day!”