Val Air Ballroom

The Val-Air Ballroom was constructed in 1939 as an indoor-outdoor facility; the building was erected on the reinforced concrete foundation of a 1921 uncompleted factory building. In 1955, the building was re-opened as a fully enclosed ballroom - the steel frame structure dates to the enclosure. The 1955 concrete block and steel, enclosed ballroom remains represented in the exterior character and interior floor plan. A fire in 1961 reportedly resulted in significant damage - the only documented loss was of the original dance floor. The building has been in near-continuous use as a music venue since it opened. The Val-Air Ballroom is listed on the National Register of Historic Places with a period of significance of 1955-1961.

The rehabilitation is aimed at adapting the historic building for continued use as a music venue. The treatments carefully balanced the preservation of the historic integrity against upgrades that were necessary in order to transform the building into a modern music venue that can, 1) accommodate a range of entertainers with the light and sound equipment required of contemporary musicians, 2) create a comfortable viewing environment for the audience, 3) support the operational requirements of a music venue, 4) and, control sound transmission for the benefit of the surrounding neighborhood. The planning of this rehabilitation brought together a team of experts representing the range of disciplines necessary to design such a venue while protecting the ballroom's historic character. Based in Des Moines, the new property owner has deep experience in music promotion; he and his team have been actively engaged in the planning process. Aware of the significance of the venue to the community of West Des Moines, the owner has also engaged with the City of West Des Moines in the planning process and gained their support for the rehabilitation. Photographer: Cameron Campbell