Located in the heart of Des Moines’ Highland Park neighborhood, the French Way Building is a stunning historic event venue that melds character and capacity with modern flexibility. The building welcomes you with the grandeur of its original architecture — exposed brick walls, expansive windows flooding the space with natural light, high ceilings and an open-floor footprint ideal for seamless transitions throughout your event.
With seating for 350+ guests (and vendor-friendly space for even more), the venue is designed for maximum guest experience while retaining that warm, historic charm. Numerous large windows bring in daylight which transitions beautifully into ambient lighting for evening receptions; the exposed brick adds texture and personality, providing a ready-made backdrop that minimizes additional décor needs.
The history of the property adds to the story: originally built as part of the early development of the Highland Park area, the building has been thoughtfully repurposed for modern events while preserving its industrial-chic heritage. Today it serves weddings, corporate gatherings and private celebrations with full service rentals (tables, chairs, linens) and a vendor-friendly stance that allows you to bring the team you prefer.
With seating for 350+ guests (and vendor-friendly space for even more), the venue is designed for maximum guest experience while retaining that warm, historic charm. Numerous large windows bring in daylight which transitions beautifully into ambient lighting for evening receptions; the exposed brick adds texture and personality, providing a ready-made backdrop that minimizes additional décor needs.
The history of the property adds to the story: originally built as part of the early development of the Highland Park area, the building has been thoughtfully repurposed for modern events while preserving its industrial-chic heritage. Today it serves weddings, corporate gatherings and private celebrations with full service rentals (tables, chairs, linens) and a vendor-friendly stance that allows you to bring the team you prefer.
- Historic architecture with exposed brick and original large-pane windows — offering both visual impact and natural light
- Capacity for 350+ seated guests, with room for an even larger standing crowd if desired
- A versatile layout that accommodates ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception in one open space (or can be divided if needed)
- Vendor friendly: all outside vendors are welcome, giving you full control over catering, décor, entertainment, and rental elements
- Prime location in the Highland Park neighborhood of Des Moines, offering a blend of city convenience and neighborhood charm