Historic Highland Park building could be saved

One of the metro's most endangered buildings could be saved as part of a $500,000 purchase plan that goes before the Des Moines City Council tonight.

Why it matters: The International Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F) Fraternal Hall is a landmark building in Highland Park's commercial district, where preservationists recently lost a battle to save a historic apartment.

Driving the news: The City Council is considering acquiring the building from owner Ty Cawley due to its historic value.

Catch up fast: The three-story building was constructed in 1907 as the local meeting spot for the organization .

• Little remains of the original lodge hall and offices following multiple apartment and business conversions since 1930.
• A to Z Pawn, its last tenant, moved out several years ago and the city recently declared the building a public nuisance because of its poor condition.

What's next: If approved, DSM will solicit bids and transfer the property to a developer for rehab.

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