Des Moines’ tallest building, 801 Grand, stands at 630 feet (192 m) and rises 44 floors above the Iowa capital’s skyline as of 2026.
Where is 801 Grand located?
801 Grand sits right in downtown Des Moines, smack on the west bank of the Des Moines River. This prime spot anchors a bustling mixed-use district where finance, insurance, and government services all coexist. Honestly, it’s one of the most strategic locations in the city.
How tall is the Principal Building in Des Moines?
At 630 feet tall with 44 floors, 801 Grand is the undisputed king of Des Moines’ skyline as of 2026.
What’s the primary use of 801 Grand?
This tower is strictly for office space, serving as the headquarters for Principal Financial Group, Iowa’s largest publicly traded company.
Who owns 801 Grand?
The building is owned by Principal Financial Group, which has called 801 Grand home since moving its headquarters downtown in 1992.
When was 801 Grand completed?
Construction wrapped up back in 1991, when it first opened as the Equitable Building.
What was 801 Grand’s original name?
When it debuted in 1991, the building went by the name Equitable Building before becoming 801 Grand.
How many floors does 801 Grand have?
Counting up to 44 floors, this skyscraper dominates the Des Moines skyline.
What architectural style does 801 Grand represent?
The building’s design follows 1980s corporate architecture trends, with a classic setback style that gives it that distinctive stepped profile.
What renovations have been done to 801 Grand?
A 2019 renovation modernized the lobby, elevators, and HVAC systems, earning LEED Silver certification while cutting energy use by 18% compared to its original setup.
Is 801 Grand open to the public?
You can pop into the lobby for a self-guided tour on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but you’ll need a photo ID to get in.
Are there any public amenities inside 801 Grand?
On the 18th floor, you’ll find a café, and the 42nd floor houses a sky lobby with jaw-dropping panoramic views of downtown and the Des Moines River valley.
Where can I park near 801 Grand?
The building has an adjacent garage—801 Grand Garage—where parking runs $1.50 per hour or $12 daily as of 2026.
What’s the nearest public transit option to 801 Grand?
DART bus stops are conveniently located at 8th and Grand and 7th and Locust, with buses running every 10-15 minutes during peak hours.
How does 801 Grand reflect Des Moines’ economic evolution?
This tower’s rise in 1991 marked Des Moines’ shift from a midwestern agricultural hub to a regional powerhouse in financial technology and data analytics.
What’s the significance of 801 Grand’s height in Iowa?
When it opened in 1991, 801 Grand became Iowa’s first modern skyscraper to break the 600-foot mark, cementing its place in the state’s architectural history.
