DES MOINES, Iowa — The Merle Hay Mall is preparing for a vote to restart construction on the Merle Hay Arena, which will host some new tenants.

In 2021, Merle Hay Mall announced plans to build a $26.5 million multi-use arena on the site of the Younkers which closed. The 3,500-seat arena was meant to be the new home for the Des Moines Buccaneers.

Shortly after breaking ground for the new site, the Buccaneers pulled out from the project stating cost and contractual issues. The site has remained untouched since then as the mall attempted to find new tenants.

Now, the mall says they have new plans and new tenants.

We are very excited about our plans for the former Younkers building and have been working hard on the amendment with our municipal and state partners. Drake’s Hockey team and the Iowa Demon Hawks will be playing their games in the arena. We are talking to many additional groups who will also use the arena for their activities. A portion of the development will house a volleyball training, practice, and league facility. The tremendous success of Dinks Pickleball (opened in 2023) and their 17,000 unique users has given us a wonderful roadmap map to the great success that additional sports and entertainment will deliver. These are strong, local teams run by great organizations, and we could not be more enthused about what this will mean to our development and this entire area.

Merle Hay Mall Director of Leasing Jared Hassman

The Des Moines City Council is set to vote on the new plans on Monday, which includes a redesign allowing for additional gym space, music and performance acts, and improvements to infrastructure and the mall.

If Des Moines approves the application the vote will then move to Urbandale on April 15. Following approval from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Merle Hay Mall says they hope to continue construction later in the year.