DES MOINES, Iowa — A groundbreaking in Des Moines started the multi-million-dollar cultural redevelopment, housing educational and recreational activities.

State, county, and city leaders were all in attendance and spoke about the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa’s importance to the local community in the metro. After posing for a photo with ceremonial shovels, leaders gave remarks on what this will mean for the Iowa Italian-American community.

“To have a permanent home for the cultural center has been a dream for the last 25 years,” said Jeff Lamberti, chairman of the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa’s Board of Governors.

“We looked at two or three different places, but never in my wildest imagination that I ever would have come up with the Butler Mansion. I can’t take credit for any of that, I don’t know who found it. Thank you God, that’s who found it,” said Patricia Civitate, Founder of the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa

The project is $20 million, with the main purpose of the center to serve as a museum. But the space will also act as an event center, with bocce ball courts, a speakeasy bar, and Italian cooking classes that will be available. The museum is designed to look like an Italian street, with the three-car garage becoming a market.

Several million dollars from the project came from both state and Polk County grants to be used for different purposes.

“The impact of Italian-Americans on our state and their rich heritage is why I am so proud that the state was able to invest $2 million in this new cultural center through our Destination Iowa grant program,” said Gov Kim Reynolds.

“Polk County is proud to play a part in making this a reality, supporting this center with over $1.2 million in funding,” said Matt McCoy, Chairman of the Polk County Board of Supervisors.

The county grant money will fund new video monitoring and surveillance for the property. With the groundbreaking on Thursday, the property is expected to be ready to open doors to the public in the fall of 2026.