Des Moines Council Votes to Raze Historic School for Homeless Tiny Home Village

The Des Moines City Council voted unanimously Monday to demolish the former Chesterfield School, a historic but dilapidated building, to make way for a tiny home village for the chronically homeless. The project, led by the nonprofit Joppa, aims to provide stable housing and support services on a city-owned site east of downtown.

The decision bypassed a referral to the city’s Historic Preservation Commission, clearing the path for the Joppa Village Project at 2501 Maury Street. The 5.5-acre tract will eventually house up to 200 people in small, self-contained homes, with the first phase of 25 units set to break ground this fall.

Why the School Had to Go

Joppa CEO Joe Stevens told the Des Moines Register that the organization initially hoped to preserve the 1880 building for use as a community center. “We tried really hard to preserve the building,” Stevens said. “It just wasn’t feasible, so, given that, we’re excited to move forward because we’re going to be able to build a much nicer, newer, more purpose-built space for the people that are living there.”

The former Chesterfield School, built before the Des Moines school district existed, served as a school until 1971 and later as a city community center before sitting vacant for years. In June 2025, the Des Moines Heritage Trust named it one of the seven most endangered historic structures in the city. No one from the trust spoke at Monday’s meeting, and the group did not respond to requests for comment.

What the Joppa Village Project Will Look Like

Phase 1 of the project includes 25 tiny homes, a community center, underground infrastructure, laundry facilities, fencing, and security. Home sizes will range from under 200 square feet to nearly 400 square feet, each with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living space. The new community center will replace the old school and offer meals, health care, support services, a kitchen, a convenience store, and a gym.

Stevens said the new building will have lower operating costs than renovating the old school. “We’ll have something that is more purpose-built, much more functional and up to code,” he said.

Later phases will provide housing for more than 200 people, enough to serve two-thirds of Des Moines’ chronically homeless population. Construction on Phase 1 is slated to start Sept. 3, the same day Joppa celebrates its 18th year.

Local Impact and Next Steps

The city acquired the building in 1975 and leased it to Joppa in September 2025. Stevens said the organization plans to purchase the property after five years. Demolition could begin as early as 2027 if all goes according to plan.

Joppa originally purchased a tract near the Des Moines International Airport for the project, but city leaders determined the Chesterfield site was a better fit due to existing infrastructure and proximity to human services providers.

The project represents a conservative, community-based approach to addressing homelessness by providing a path to stability through private, nonprofit-led efforts rather than government-run shelters. It emphasizes individual responsibility and local solutions, aligning with values many Iowans share.

FAQ

When will the tiny homes be built?

Construction on the first five tiny homes begins this fall, with the full 25-home Phase 1 expected to be completed by 2027.

How many people will the village serve?

Phase 1 will house 25 people, with later phases expanding capacity to more than 200, covering two-thirds of Des Moines’ chronically homeless population.

Who is funding the project?

Joppa, a local nonprofit, is leading the project through private donations and a lease agreement with the city of Des Moines. The organization plans to purchase the property after five years.

— John Damon