Facility FAQs

Describe the facilities planned for the south campus land.

The Community Center plans are conceptual at this point, and will be finalized after commitments have been received from the ministry expansion.  We anticipate the facility will have many attributes similar to “The Plex”, which is a ministry facility in Ames, IA as part of the Ames Evangelical Free church.  A floor plan of The Plex is available here. In addition, we plan for the Community Center to also have the following features:

• Athletic fields
• Outdoor event garden
• Indoor playground

Describe the City Center property.

City Center is at the corner of SW 9th St and Army Post Rd in Des Moines. The address is 6305 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315.  The facility has 12,000 sq ft of contiguous open space which was formerly a strip mall, now with all interior walls removed. The facility will require renovation to prepare for ministry use.

Will the City Center property require renovation?

While the core of the facility is in good condition, work will need to be done to finish the space for ministry usage.  Initial cost estimates indicate that approximately $350,000 will need to be invested in the facility to prepare for ministry.  Timing of this renovation will be prioritized alongside the construction of the Community Center, which is ultimately dependent on God’s provision through the ministry expansion.

Could the City Center property be sold?

Yes, but it is complementary to our vision of loving Des Moines and thus Valley desires to utilize the property for ministry that will be unique to ministry in that area of Des Moines. While the donor of the property would prefer that the property be used for ministry, selling the property to fund other ministry efforts is also an acceptable option.  The value of the property is currently assessed by the Polk County Assessor at $518,000. As final costs are determined and the results of the ministry expansion are made known, a final determination will be made to confirm the vision to utilize the facility for ministry.

Will we have an opportunity to see the facilities?

Yes!  Over the next weeks and months, there will be several planned events for Valley Church attendees to visit the South Campus property and you are always welcome to drive past the City Center property.  

Will a gymnasium be built on the South Campus land?

The conceptual plans include construction of sports fields, a gymnasium, and more as part of the Community Center.  God’s provision through the ministry expansion process will determine the final construction plan, but a gymnasium is a very high priority.  

How will we access the Community Center on the South Campus?

Primary access is envisioned via Fuller Road, across from the two entrances to our current facility.  

How will this affect current staff and what additional staff will be required to maintain/run this ministry?

Our current staff will be involved in planning ministry for each facility in their infancy.  The startup costs anticipated include additional staff members to maintain the expanded ministry facilities and to lead the ministries.  

Who will be in charge of the facilities?

Valley Church will own and maintain all of the facilities brought about with the ministry expansion.