Des Moines Daily Local Brief: South-side fire, SW Ninth safety plan, East Village upgrades
Des Moines, IA – February 28, 2026 – A south-side house fire, safer SW Ninth Street plans, and East Village upgrades top today’s local brief.
Here is what Des Moines is talking about heading into Saturday: an early-morning house fire on the south side, new ideas to tame a crash-prone corridor, and more neighborhood upgrades moving through City Hall.
Public safety
Fire crews responded before sunrise Friday to a two-story home fire in the 5200 block of Willowcreek Avenue, just southwest of the airport. Officials said the house was fully involved when crews arrived, and firefighters worked defensively to keep flames from spreading. Details on occupants and cause were still developing as of Friday morning.
Transportation and street projects
SW Ninth Street safety changes
The city is eyeing a major redesign of Southwest Ninth Street, including roundabouts near Bancroft Street and Bell Avenue. The proposal is part of a longer push to improve safety and access along a corridor that has drawn years of concern from neighbors and commuters. Separate from the roundabout concept, the city has an agreement tied to bridge rehabilitation over the Raccoon River, with work expected to start in fall 2027.
East Village streetscape refresh
In the East Village, a nearly $1.6 million streetscape project is set to replace most of the county sidewalk plaques along East Locust Street and add curb extensions at key crossings. The goal is a cleaner look and shorter pedestrian crossings in one of downtowns busiest walking areas. Construction is expected to start in the coming months and wrap up by fall.
Parks and weekend note
The city is also moving toward lighting nine holes at Waveland Golf Course for evening play, a plan intended to add tee times and revenue. The proposal has raised neighborhood concerns about light spill and process, and the city scheduled a public open house this week to gather feedback.
For a family-friendly weekend fundraiser, the annual Guns n’ Hoses charity hockey game is set for Saturday afternoon at the RecPlex in nearby West Des Moines, with proceeds supporting local causes.
- If you drive SW Ninth regularly, expect more discussion this spring as the city weighs funding and design options.
- If you live near Waveland, watch for updates on lighting placement, hours, and any operating conditions tied to approval.
Sources
- https://www.kcci.com/article/des-moines-crews-fighting-fully-engulfed-house-fire-on-south-side/70531685
- https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/27/roundabouts-des-moines-southwest-ninth-street
- https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/25/east-village-streetscape-county-plaques-des-moines
- https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/02/26/des-moines-light-up-waveland-golf-course-evening
- https://whoradio.iheart.com/alternate/amp/2026-02-24-annual-guns-n-hoses-game-to-raise-funds-for-charity-saturday/