Planning commission recommends rezoning former lodge at 2340 East 9th to allow small event venue

The Des Moines Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that City Council rezone 2340 East 9th Street—formerly a fraternal lodge—to a limited RX2 Mixed Use District to allow reuse of the existing building as a small event venue.

Staff planner Sriyoshi Chakraborty told commissioners the property is a legal nonconforming fraternal use in an N5 neighborhood district and lies within the Union Park Special Investment District, which encourages small-scale commercial uses. Chakraborty said staff recommended rezoning to a limited RX2 district subject to an approved site plan and compliance with Chapter 135 requirements for parking and buffering.

The applicant, investor Elijah Macharia, said he plans to focus on family-friendly gatherings such as baby showers, small weddings and corporate events. "We will not be getting an alcohol license," Macharia said, adding the venue would close by 10 p.m. and require off-duty police at some events. He told the commission the property is under contract contingent on rezoning approval.

A nearby resident, Ryan McDonald of 2323 East 9th Street, urged the commission to deny the request, recounting past problems when the lodge was rented out: "Police were called. There was alcohol there," McDonald said, and he described recurring late-night noise and parking overflow onto the street that disturbed neighbors and nearby care facilities.

Macharia responded that neighborhood concerns were discussed at a required meeting, and he reiterated the applicant's commitments to no alcohol sales, early closing times and a buffer fence plus landscaping to separate the parking area from adjacent homes. Staff noted the concept plan is preliminary and that a full site-plan review will determine driveway spacing, parking layout and whether additional improvements are required.

Commissioners asked about buffering and curb cuts; staff said the code requires a fence and landscaping and that any additional driveway would be reviewed during site-plan review and must meet spacing standards. On occupancy, staff said the zoning code's broad maximum figure is constrained in practice by building and fire codes and the building's size; the applicant reported about 40 on-site parking spaces for the site.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to adopt staff's recommendation; the motion passed on a voice/hand-raise vote. Commissioners and staff emphasized that the commission's action is a recommendation and that the City Council will hold a public hearing and make the final decision.

The commission also approved routine meeting minutes and then adjourned. The rezoning recommendation now goes to City Council for consideration.