The timeline may have taken several years to iron out, but Topgolf's eventual debut in Des Moines, Iowa, swung through at just the right time, with the city and its surrounding neighborhoods hoping the venue will drive future retail growth.
The golfing entertainment provider opened its doors last year, marking its first location in the state as well as its faith in the burgeoning West Des Moines retail corridor. A Topgolf outpost had been on many Iowa residents' wish list for years, and the venue's presence is expected to become a significant economic development driver for the greater Des Moines region, a role that earned it a 2025 CoStar Impact Award, as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.
The $13 million development at 7475 Mills Civic Parkway is spread across 65 acres and includes the full line-up of typical Topgolf features such as a high-tech driving range, bar and restaurant. The two-level venue is one of the latest additions to the area's dense population of big-name retailers, a roster that already includes the likes of Walmart, Dave & Buster's, Target and Costco.
The venue "will draw even more people into our city and will provide our residents with yet another fun activity," West Des Moines Mayor Russ Trimble said in a statement about the new TopGolf outpost, which is expected to employ about 300 positions.
About the project: Developer Hurd Real Estate spent several years convincing Topgolf executives that the entertainment operator had an eager market in the Des Moines area. Lease negotiations and construction on the two-level venue took about three years, with the first Iowa location opening to customers in September.
What the judges said: "To land this caliber of entertainment in Central Iowa brings a lot of pride to our city," said CoStar Impact Awards judge Maria Davis, a vice president of commercial realty at R&R Realty Group. It establishes "West Des Moines as 'a big city.'"
They made it happen: Richard Hurd, the founder and president of Hurd Real Estate, spearheaded both the deal with the entertainment operator as well as the venue's development.
CoStar Market Manager Alyssa Ricca contributed to this report.