
Uptown Commons
Spaces
Retail | 3 spaces available | 1,075 SqFt - 2,700 SqFt
Building description
Prime Corner Restaurant Space – New Construction – Drake Neighborhood, Des Moines, IA
Now leasing a highly visible retail corner retail/restaurant bay in a brand-new mixed-use building under construction in the heart of the Drake Neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. This premium space is purpose-built for a restaurant, café, coffee shop, or fast-casual concept seeking strong foot traffic, neighborhood loyalty, and long-term growth. Additional suites are ideal for office, general retail, or other neighborhood goods and services.
Located near Drake University, this site benefits from a dense mix of students, faculty, nearby residents, and daily commuter traffic. The surrounding area continues to see investment and revitalization, making this an ideal opportunity for an operator looking to establish a flagship neighborhood location.
Key Features:
New construction in a modern mixed-use building
Prominent corner location with excellent visibility
Designed specifically for restaurant use
Opportunity for signage and branding exposure
Strong pedestrian and vehicle traffic
Close proximity to Drake University and surrounding residential communities
Ideal for dine-in, takeout, delivery, and coffee concepts
Surrounded by apartments, offices, and neighborhood retail
Location Advantages:
This property sits in one of Des Moines’ most established and evolving neighborhoods, offering access to:
A built-in customer base of students and professionals
Stable residential density
Limited nearby restaurant competition for new concepts
Growing demand for quality dining and gathering spaces
Ideal For:
Fast-casual restaurants
Cafés
Neighborhood bistros
Breakfast and lunch concepts
Specialty food operators
Franchise or local operators seeking expansion
Gym & fitness
Medical
Financial Services
This is a rare opportunity to secure a new, high-profile restaurant or retail space in a walkable, high-demand urban neighborhood before construction is complete. Early tenants have the ability to influence final layout, utility placement, and finishes to fit their operational needs.
Building highlights
New construction mixed-use building
Prime corner location with strong street visibility
Designed for restaurant, café, and food service use, with flexibility for general retail, medical, and neighborhood-serving businesses
Excellent signage and branding opportunities
High pedestrian and vehicle traffic exposure
Close proximity to Drake University and surrounding neighborhoods
Strong daytime and evening customer base
Flexible buildout and finish options to accommodate multiple use types
Suitable for dine-in, carryout, third-party delivery, retail, professional, or medical office operations
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