DMACC Suspending Potential Sale of Evelyn K. Davis Center

Previously scheduled October 8 public forum is now canceled

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) announced today that it is suspending the potential sale of the property that houses the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families while it evaluates its options for the Center's building and programming. DMACC had announced earlier this month that it was considering selling the property and transitioning the programming to local nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines.

"The situation for DMACC has not changed," said President and CEO Rob Denson. "We have challenges in funding the Evelyn K. Davis Center now and we anticipate more in years to come. The Center's future depends on its ability to become self-sufficient or take on a new partner.

"But having heard input from community members and Center stakeholders, we understand that the community wants to be a part of the solution," Denson continued. "We will pursue an outcome that ensures that they have a greater voice in the process."

As a result of this suspension, the DMACC Board of Directors will no longer be voting on the sale of 1171 7th Street in Des Moines at its October meeting as previously planned. Additionally, the community forum previously scheduled for Wednesday, October 8 at the Evelyn K. Davis Center has been canceled.

As a path forward, DMACC will convene the Evelyn K. Davis Center's Advisory Committee, comprised of community members and stakeholders, to begin the work of evaluating the options for the Center.

"DMACC has played an important role in establishing the Evelyn K. Davis Center well over a decade ago. We believe in the Center's mission and its work in service of the community," Denson said. "Nobody wants to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Center more than we do."

For more information, contact:

Rob Denson, President and CEODes Moines Area Community [email protected]