Several public hearings will be held in August by the Des Moines City Council to begin the financial steps of acquiring the former Nationwide office building at 1200 Locust St. in downtown Des Moines.

The council on Monday approved setting Aug. 7 as the date for the public hearings to approve financing to cover just over $56 million to buy the building and adjacent parking garage and remodel the structure.

If the purchase moves forward, the city would be able to consolidate offices now spread among five buildings, a move that would improve efficiencies and reduce overcrowding, officials have said. The purchase would also reduce a surplus of vacant office space in downtown Des Moines.

Among the departments moving to the Western Gateway office building would be police.

“Tonight, our City Council is taking a major step towards a historic move for the City of Des Moines,” Deputy City Manager Matt Anderson said. “This purchase has the potential to redefine how we serve our residents for generations to come.”

The decision follows an architectural feasibility study led by city facilities staff and OPN Architects that confirmed the Nationwide building will fit the city’s needs. “This study showed us that there are multiple layout options for the potential workspace that will foster a welcoming environment for the public and enhance collaboration between departments,” Anderson said. “We believe this is a unique opportunity to replace some of our most aged infrastructure and reinvent our city services in a more efficient way.”

The council last September approved buying the property; it authorized the feasibility study in December.

The purchase of the former Nationwide office building is expected to eventually lead to the closure of two city buildings, the police headquarters and the Argonne Armory.

Related article: City of Des Moines considering buying mostly vacant downtown office building, parking garage for $40.6 million