Urban Renewal Projects, Including I-235 Construction, Led to Destruction of Des Moines’ Predominantly Black Center Street Neighborhood
The construction of I-235 and the Oak Ridge Urban renewal project in Des Moines led to the destruction of the predominantly Black Center Street neighborhood. This development displaced residents and business owners, contributing to economic hardship and the loss of…
Des Moines Ames, IA, October 8, 2026 — The construction of the Interstate 235 highway and the broader Oak Ridge Urban Renewal project in Des Moines resulted in the demolition of the predominantly Black Center Street neighborhood. This large-scale urban development initiative led to significant displacement of residents and business owners from the area.
The loss of the Center Street neighborhood is a documented consequence of urban planning decisions made in the mid-20th century, which often prioritized infrastructure projects over existing community structures. The Oak Ridge Urban Renewal project, like many similar initiatives across the United States during that era, aimed to modernize city centers and improve traffic flow.
However, for the Center Street neighborhood, this modernization came at a profound cost. The construction of I-235 directly led to the physical destruction of homes, businesses, and community gathering places within this predominantly Black area. Residents were forced to relocate, and many business owners saw their livelihoods dismantled.
The displacement contributed to considerable economic hardship for those affected. The established social networks and cultural vibrancy of the Center Street neighborhood were irrevocably disrupted. The narrative surrounding this period highlights a recurring pattern where urban renewal projects disproportionately impacted minority communities, leading to lasting social and economic consequences.
Story summarized from the original created by Natalie Dunlap, Dani Gehr, Charity Nebbe on www.iowapublicradio.org, see more information here.
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