The City of Grimes is moving forward with plans to construct a new public administration building designed to consolidate municipal operations and better serve a growing community.
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City officials say the new facility will bring together staff currently split between City Hall and the Grimes Community Complex. According to the city, the nearly 100-year-old community complex would require roughly $10 million in repairs to address structural, HVAC and sanitary sewer issues. In addition, City Hall is slated for demolition once Highway 44 is expanded, although a timeline for that roadway project has not yet been finalized.
Operating from two separate facilities has created challenges for city staff, prompting leaders to pursue a centralized solution. Development Services Director Alex Pfaltzgraff said combining departments under one roof will streamline operations and improve service for residents.
"There's a kind of a back and forth today between the operations, because what happens in this building and what happens at the community complex, they're both critical functions of the city, so being under in one location will certainly be advantageous," Pfaltzgraff told Local 5.
City leaders also emphasized that Grimes’ continued population growth played a key role in the decision. The city believes the new facility will help modernize operations and strengthen engagement with residents.
The project carries an estimated price tag of $8.5 million and will be built at Waterworks Park, located at the corner of James Street and Highway 44. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2026, with the building opening in 2027. As part of the project, additional parking will be added near the park’s splash pad to accommodate increased use.
"[Grimes' city council] wanted a location that was visible, easily accessible and where people were already going in the community," Pfaltzgraff said.
Also located in Waterworks Park is the city’s former library building, which is currently vacant and scheduled for demolition this spring. The city said the structure is "too close to [Highway] 44 to remain once the road is expanded," and consultants determined it would not meet the city’s needs as an administrative facility due to its size and location.
While administrative staff will relocate to the new building, the Grimes Community Complex will remain open for programming. City officials said they are evaluating future uses for the property, including potential redevelopment or sale, and are "looking into new options for community spaces."
Officials say the new public administration building represents a long-term investment aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility and service delivery as Grimes continues to expand.
Originally reported by Mack Swenson in We Are Iowa.
