BUILDING RENOVATION
From its origin as an extension of the War Recreation Board for Black Officers at Fort Des Moines, to providing year-round programming for youth from low-income families today, the Willkie House has been serving the Des Moines community for over 100 years.
Embarking on a large-scale improvement project, our first major update since our 1983 expansion, we are in progress with exciting new renovations as part of our capital campaign to enhance the Willkie House facilities and better serve the community. Phase I of the project was focused on the gym, and is now nearly complete. Phase II will have a wider scope throughout the building, updating or replacing key infrastructure. It will include a dedicated STEM classroom, additional classroom capacity, much needed repairs, improved accessibility, and integration of 21st-century technology.
This is a mock-up of the planned floor plan for the Willkie House main floor, including the lobby and upstairs classrooms, courtesy of our talented architects at Studio MELEE in Des Moines.
Also from Studio MELEE, a rendering of the future exterior of the Willkie House with a ramp for accessibility.
