Fleming Building

The Gateway Church is renovating a historic space in downtown Des Moines to serve our community and neighbors.

  • “Gateway Church's move into the space could be a big win for the intersection of Walnut Street and Sixth Avenue...”

    The Des Moines Register • Oct 21, 2024

  • “...they wanted to stay downtown because it's part of their identity and they want to serve the city.“

    KCCI • Oct 28, 2024

An open door

The Gateway Church’s new home in the Fleming Building is more than a renovation; it’s a chance to shape a welcoming space for the community. With a goal of raising $100,000 for the project, we’re calling on supporters like you to make this vision a reality. Your gift will go directly toward preparing and filling a space that will serve as a sanctuary in downtown Des Moines. Every contribution moves us closer to opening our doors.

Chart last updated Dec 18, 2024. Campaign started Oct 27, 2024.

Estimated costs

Demo / $1,400
Framing/drywall/ceiling / $25,000
ADA accessible stage / $7,400
Glass / $3,200
Doors / $14,000
Flooring / $1,000
Plumbing / $8,600
Electrical / $25,000
Signage / $1,000
Sound equipment / $6,500
Video projection / $5,000
Stage lighting / $5,000
Seating/furniture / $6,000
Classroom fixtures / $3,000
Interior decor / $3,000

Project estimate: $115,100

A place to gather

At The Gateway Church, we believe in the power of presence, formation, and renewal. In this spirit, we are taking an exciting step forward as we move into our new home on the second floor of the historic Fleming Building in downtown Des Moines.

This move marks a fresh chapter for our church—a place where people from across the city can gather, worship, and serve. Positioned in a part of downtown alive with history and promise, this space will be a vital part of the Walnut Street corridor.

As we work to bring this vision to life, there’s much to do to transform the space into a hub for gathering. From redesigning the layout to creating a safe, welcoming environment, key updates are essential. We invite you to support this project—through prayer, volunteering, or financial contributions—and help us build something beautiful together. We believe the best is yet to come.

An interior view of Fleming's large, historic windows.

Project updates

Worship band rehearsal

Presence

Our move into the Fleming Building is a step toward investing more deeply in the life of Des Moines. This new space allows us to be present where the city’s history and future intersect, offering a place for gathering, worship, and shared life. In addition to weekend services, the space will host cultural events like concerts, art openings, talks, movie nights, and meals, becoming a vibrant part of the community.

Pre-service fellowship at The Gateway Church

Formation

The renovated facility will be designed to serve people of all ages and abilities, hosting children’s and youth ministry events, classes, community groups, conferences, and more. We envision The Gateway Church as a healthy community, fostering meaningful relationships and lifelong spiritual formation. The Fleming Building will also enable us to host significant life events like weddings, funerals, parties, and baby showers, making it a true gathering place seven days a week.

The exterior of The Fleming Building

Renewal

The transformation of the second floor of the Fleming Building reflects our commitment to beauty, justice, and the flourishing of our city. As we renovate this space, we partner with God’s renewing work in Des Moines, creating a vibrant center where arts, service, and communion come together. We are thrilled to contribute to the ongoing renaissance of the Walnut Street corridor and anticipate becoming a vital gathering place for downtown and the metro.

Floorplan

Our new home at The Fleming Building is designed with both beauty and functionality in mind. The second-floor space will feature an open sanctuary with high ceilings, historic windows, and modern A/V capabilities, creating a welcoming environment for worship and community gatherings. Alongside the sanctuary, there will be dedicated areas for children’s ministry, meeting rooms, and flexible spaces for fellowship.

  • Our new sanctuary will accommodate 100 seated guests and showcase the Fleming Building’s historic large windows and high ceilings. The space will be fully accessible and equipped with modern A/V technology.

  • The classroom and pre-function areas will provide space for a nursery and pre-K, early elementary, upper elementary, and middle school classes. During the week, these spaces will remain flexible for meetings, groups, and classes.

  • The Gateway Church staff will have a dedicated office area for our growing team. Ample storage will be available for operations needs.

Get connected

We need your help! Join us by volunteering with the renovation and construction of our new space in the Fleming Building. Whether you have skills to share or simply a willingness to lend a hand, your contribution will make a difference. Sign up today to be part of creating a space that serves our community and reflects the heart of our church.

Partner with us

Our vision for the Fleming Building is ambitious, and we can’t achieve it alone. Your financial support will directly contribute to transforming this historic space into a home for worship, community, and service. Every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to realizing this vision. Join us in building something beautiful for downtown Des Moines.

Project blog