Equitable Building

This building is one of my personal favorites in downtown, as it has a neo-gothic architecture style with medieval detailing on the exterior. This building was also the first skyscraper in Iowa, constructed in 1924. The most iconic feature about this building that makes it very recognizable is the tower on the top that can be seen for miles. The original intent of this building was to occupy the office space of the Equitable Life Insurance Company back in 1924. In 2006 local developer Bob Knapp bought the building and planned to turn it into apartments, however, he was placed in prison for two and a half years for not checking or removing asbestos from the air. The building is now open for new development, but it will always be a landmark of the Des Moines skyline.