Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Des Moines, Iowa
Photographs August 2006: Courtesy of Phil Edwards
 
 
Des Moines-West, Iowa
 -- 2525 West Grand Ave.
 -- 2512 Ingersoll Ave.
 

Initially just the site of a free-standing restaurant which opened in about 1960, Iowa's first Motor Lodge was built on an adjacent parcel of land in 1962. Lasting almost twenty years the facility relinquished the Howard Johnson's name in 1981.

Right: The site's towering ca. 1970s street sign was recycled by the former Motor Lodge's occupant, The Terrace Hill Apartments.

Below: Phil Edwards discovered that the Restaurant had been demolished and a newer building occupied its former spot.
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Des Moines, Iowa
 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Des Moines, Iowa
 
 
 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Des Moines, Iowa
 
An unusual three story design, Des Moines-West remained remarkably recognizable with its original balcony railings in place.
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Des Moines, Iowa
Photographs April 23, 2004: Courtesy of Scott Sargent
 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Des Moines, Iowa
 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Des Moines, Iowa
Photographs August 2006: Courtesy of Phil Edwards
 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Des Moines, Iowa
 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Des Moines, Iowa
 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Des Moines, Iowa
 
 
Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge and Restaurant Des Moines, Iowa