Valley Junction - District Building Histories

Historic West Des Moines is a community many love and call home. Filled with an array of new and multi-generational residents, eclectic shops and restaurants, organizations, and stakeholders, the community is rich in history, character, and opportunity.

The main core of the commercial business district is designated as a National Historic District.  As of 2025, there were 53 properties that qualify as “contributing historic properties” in the Valley Junction Commercial Historic District. However, designation can be amended to add contributing properties via successful nomination. 

What follows is an account of Historic Valley Junction commercial properties as identified in Valley Junction Commercial Historic District: 2022 Jacobsen Survey Update + Findings. The City encourages you to review this document and share any additional stories and photos that you have for any of the properties included by emailing them to ced@wdm.iowa.gov.