Des Moines Downtown Younkers Fire: Iowa Time Machine March 29, 2014

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On March 29, 2014, the iconic Younkers department store in Des Moines was engulfed by flames. This historic building, dating back to 1899, had been a cornerstone of Iowa's retail and cultural identity for over a century. Once home to Iowa’s first escalator and the elegant Tea Room where generations gathered for special occasions, the building was undergoing renovations to transform it into apartments and retail spaces when tragedy struck.

From its beginnings in Keokuk in 1856 to its relocation to Des Moines in 1874, Younkers evolved into a retail powerhouse, merging with other stores and introducing modern innovations such as air conditioning and escalators. Its flagship downtown location was a hub for shopping, dining, and even dancing in its heyday.

The fire caused the upper floors to collapse, forcing the demolition of its eastern section. Despite the fire, developers pressed forward with restoring the surviving western half of the building. Today, the remainder of the building stands as a testament to Des Moines’ ability to honor its past while embracing the future, a blend of historic charm and modern utility.

The Younkers fire serves as a poignant reminder of how places shape our memories and identities. While the flames may have erased part of its physical presence, the legacy of Younkers lives on in the hearts of Iowans and in the revitalized spaces that continue to breathe life into downtown Des Moines. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar