(by Scott Schaefer, The Waterland Blog, August 5, 2022)
A grassroots coalition of around 50 community supporters, history buffs and historic preservation experts rallied to preserve the Landmark on the Sound/Masonic Retirement Home outside Des Moines City Hall before the City Council meeting on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.
The purpose of the rally was “to demonstrate the tremendous community support for preserving and revitalizing the majestic Des Moines Landmark on the Sound.”
As we previously reported, the historic building first built in 1926 once served as a retirement home for Masons, then most recently as the Landmark on the Sound event center. It was purchased by Zenith Properties, LLC, which is planning to demolish it, but has not yet revealed its plans. The SEPA review deadline has been extended to Aug. 25.
Activities at the event, co-organized by Barbara McMichael, included giving out original Masonic Home commemorative crowns, an interactive “Fun Fact” game, display of an original plein air painting by local Artist Dan Wend and more.
Participants also shared memories of the Masonic Home on a memory board, as well as ideas for repurposing it on a future board.
“There’s so many people who feel strongly about this, but they feel isolated in what they can do, so this is a chance to get people together,” McMichael told The Waterland Blog.
Local historian, filmmaker and lawyer Steve Edmiston agreed.
“I’m here for a couple of reasons – the primary reason is…
read more:
Activities at the event, co-organized by Barbara McMichael, included giving out original Masonic Home commemorative crowns, an interactive “Fun Fact” game, display of an original plein air painting by local Artist Dan Wend and more.
Participants also shared memories of the Masonic Home on a memory board, as well as ideas for repurposing it on a future board.
“There’s so many people who feel strongly about this, but they feel isolated in what they can do, so this is a chance to get people together,” McMichael told The Waterland Blog.
Local historian, filmmaker and lawyer Steve Edmiston agreed.
“I’m here for a couple of reasons – the primary reason is…
read more:
“There’s so many people who feel strongly about this, but they feel isolated in what they can do, so this is a chance to get people together,” McMichael told The Waterland Blog.
Local historian, filmmaker and lawyer Steve Edmiston agreed.
“I’m here for a couple of reasons – the primary reason is…
read more:
