Wellmark recently announced its decision to build a new corporate headquarters in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. The project, which will encompass construction of a new 500,000 square feet office building and 2,000-space, privately owned parking garage, will frame the northern edge of Western Gateway Park between 11th and 14th Streets. Wellmark’s new corporate headquarters will bring together, in one location, employees from multiple offices in the downtown area and accounts for approximately 2,000 jobs in downtown Des Moines. Western Gateway Park was designed and constructed by the city as a catalyst to attract development such as that announced earlier today by Wellmark.

“The last 12 months have truly been a public/private partnership, with Wellmark and City staff continuously thinking outside the box to make this project a reality,” said Richard Clark, city manager of Des Moines. “Special acknowledgement must be paid to Iowa Health Systems, for without their leadership and corporate stewardship in facilitating the transaction; this project could not have been possible on the Western Gateway.”

The City Council is expected to take action on preliminary terms of a financial assistance package at its upcoming City Council meeting. The assistance package will be the first in City of Des Moines history to include an incentive for employing environmentally sound practices in the building’s construction. “As we strive for new sustainable initiatives in the city, it is imperative to engage our corporate partners in implementation of these initiatives.” said Frank Cownie, mayor of Des Moines.

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