The zoning and land use classification was changed by the Des Moines City Council this week for the former Whittier Elementary School property at 1350 E. Washington Ave. The former school property has been unused for several years. Neighbors of the property formed a nonprofit group in 2022 to convert the century-plus old three-story brick building into a neighborhood center. New uses in the building will include office space, a studio, cafe and urban garden, according to information provided to council members. “I’m very excited to see this project move forward,” Kelli Lydon, who is involved with the project, told the council. “It’s going to be a great asset to our neighborhood and it’s also addressing a critical need in our neighborhood, which is a food desert.” The council unanimously approved the rezoning request.