The Investing in Iowa Show

EP101 Downtown Momentum: Reimagining Des Moines with Jesse Bunney


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What does it take to turn a flooded bank into a luxury, mixed-use anchor in downtown Des Moines?

Jesse Bunney, General Manager at Lawmark Capital, shares the inside story of the Mezzo on Walnut project, from redevelopment hurdles and $12 million renovations to 209 luxury apartments and game-changing leases.

With deep experience in asset management and a mindset built on persistence, Jesse walks through the vision, grit, and community partnerships it takes to pull off one of the city's most ambitious downtown transformations.

🧠 Jesse Bunney's Top 5 Takeaways: • How a $10/hour job at Chick-fil-A helped Jesse rebuild his career and align with his purpose. • Why persistence and empathy became the foundation for leading complex real estate projects. • How mixed-use momentum is redefining downtown Des Moines. • What it takes to balance construction, leasing, and tenant needs, without losing your mind. • Why every building is a business, and success comes down to people and process.

👤 About Jesse Bunney: Jesse Bunney is the General Manager at Lawmark Capital, where he leads asset management, development strategy, and operations for over 1 million square feet of commercial real estate, including the landmark Mezzo on Walnut project in downtown Des Moines. Originally from Miami, Arizona, Jesse's path has taken him from commercial brokerage at CBRE to leading redevelopment for Lawmark's growing portfolio. His career spans asset management, leasing, ground-up redevelopment, and relationship-first leadership.

Known for his hands-on approach and passion for people, Jesse has helped reshape downtown Des Moines through strategic vision, deep local partnerships, and a commitment to making every project better than the last.

Contact Info:

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/jbunney

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessebunney/

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The Investing in Iowa ShowBy Neil Timmins