Building Built

Originally built to house mainframe computers, the building was turned into a call center and later vacated in 2011. Designed by Des Moines architect Charles “Chick” Herbert, whose credits include the Des Moines Civic Center and Iowa State University’s College of Design.

Advisory Committee Formed

Leaders from business, arts and government came together in support of the vision and helped shape a path for making it a reality.

​Local Demand Study

Grass roots effort to demonstrate need for permanent affordable workspace existed.

Nonprofit Formed

Under the name DesMoinesArts, name changed to Mainframe Studios in 2016

Building Purchased

160,000 Square Feet and 5 floors

Renovation

Demolition took nearly entire building back to the precast concrete, curtain-wall shell; 164 new window openings added; 110,000 SF of concrete flooring ground down and burnished; entirely new electrical, plumbing and sprinkler systems installed

Phase 1 Opened

Included three of five floors (lower level, first and fourth floors), 75 studios and an event rental space of 4600 SF with adjacent commercial kitchen and resident caterer

ART

A striking art installation by renowned Graphic Designer Jay Vigon is featured above the elevators on the first floor of Mainframe Studios. Showcasing his iconic painted faces, the piece honors the building's diverse community and adds a vibrant, energetic touch to the lobby.

Jay Vigon

Phase 2 Opened

Added 58 more studios on 3rd floor. Opened during the pandemic. Renovations came in under budget and occupancy was at 100% within 30 days.

Critical Mass

Critical Mass is a mural by Molly Spain that visually represents the concept of collective creative energy through dark, totem-like columns inspired by Brutalist architecture and ancient structures. Completed in 2021 with over 1,500 hours of labor, the mural honors Mainframe Studios’ mission by highlighting the dynamic interplay of artistic disciplines and the transformative power of creativity.

Molly Spain

Man with the Moon by Jay Vigon and James Bearden // Mainframe Sculpture Pad

Man with the Moon is an outdoor sculpture created by artist James Bearden in collaboration with graphic designer Jay Vigon, transforming one of Vigon's designs into a striking three-dimensional form. Located near Mainframe Studios’ entrance, the piece features Bearden’s signature chunky metal textures, giving it a distinct and otherworldly presence.

Governor’s Award

On March 1st 2023, Mainframe Studios receives the Iowa Arts Council’s Governors Awards for Arts Service.

Siobhan Spain, founding director of Mainframe Studios, led the organization to receive the Iowa Arts Council 2023 Governor's Arts Award, reflecting her efforts to build a self-sustaining creative community in Des Moines. She emphasized, "What we feed grows and by collectively putting our dollars, attention and energy... we can be rural economic development”.

Building Renovations Completed & Mainframe’s operating expenses became finically self-sustaining.

$15 Million Capital campaign completed. Fundraising paid for the cost of purchasing the building, renovation costs and the cost of operations during the capital campaign. The five story, 181 studio building is fully occupied.

Final Studio Floor Completed

2nd floor opened to add 47 more studios

Mainframe Studios conducts National search for Executive Director and hires.

Julia Franklin was selected following a five-month executive search conducted by Arts Consulting Group, a leading arts and culture consulting firm in North America. 

“We are fortunate to have extraordinary talent in our own backyard,” said Justin Mandelbaum, founder of Mainframe Studios. “We interviewed candidates from coast to coast and culturally-rich cities from around the country. Many were amazed at what we have created here, and all had impressive credentials, but it was Julia who had everything we wished for and more. She’s a passionate advocate for the arts, strategically creative, and committed to elevating Mainframe Studios as a local arts asset. No doubt, the best is yet to come for our 200+ artists and the economic and cultural impact we believe is possible for our region.”

Inhale, Exhale

A rooftop installation titled Inhale, Exhale by Des Moines artist and activist Jordan Weber was installed at Mainframe Studios, featuring mirrored, LED-lit letters visible from I-235 and oriented toward the Oakridge Neighborhood. Designed as a meditative and healing message in the face of adversity, the piece reflects Weber’s ongoing work addressing racism and environmental justice through public art and urban intervention.

Jordan Weber

Mainframe Studios Develops Strategic Plan, and begins implementation.

From January - June 2025, in collaboration with Syverson Consulting and Schabel Solutions, Mainframe Studios gathered stakeholder feedback from patrons, external partners, tenants, staff and the board of directors.

This feedback was used to define Mainframe Studio’s Vision, Mission, Values & Strategic Pillars. We are pleased to share our 2026 - 2028 strategic plan with our dedicated and dynamic community!

Read more here.

Lighting Capital Project

Mainframe Studios is launching the Lighting Capital Project, a major initiative to enhance safety, visibility, and sustainability by illuminating its iconic architecture, murals, and gallery spaces.

Special thanks to our donors & partners Bravo of Greater Des Moines, Greater Des Moines Partnership, & Operation Downtown.

The Iowa Architectural Foundation recognizes Mainframe Studios with Community Enhancement through Historic Vitalization Award

In September of 2025, The Iowa Architectural foundation jury praised Mainframe Studios for boldly transforming a former Brutalist structure into a vibrant cultural space, catalyzing revitalization in a growing district at the edge of downtown, and for creating a thriving community of working artists.

Mainframe Studios receives a Bravo Spotlight Award

BRAVO Greater Des Moines Regional Arts Council recognized Mainframe Studios as a cultural partner for their transformative impact on the region.

Read more here.