Ground was broken recently for the first new office building to be built in downtown Des Moines in over five years.

At three and a half stories, the Des Moines Professional Center at 22506 Marine View Dr. S. will be the tallest building in the city’s downtown core.

Steve Hughes, managing member of Obelist Development LLC, which is building the structure, said he wants “to create a special place where the professional business person can feel proud to have his clients come to his office, and a place where his employees will look forward to coming to work each day.

“As the world gets smaller with faster and easier communications systems, this center will allow the executive the freedom to work closer to home and family while staying in contact with her world of business associates.”

Des Moines Professional Center will accommodate all needs of high-speed digital communication.

It will house 5,700 square feet of leasable retail and office space, designed for two stores or offices on the first floor, two offices on the second and a single penthouse office on the third floor.

Parking will be behind the building, which will have a main-floor lobby for pedestrians.

Toth Construction is general contractor. Financing is by Sterling Savings Bank.

Obelist Development will own and manage the property, which is expected to be completed and open for business by this fall.

For more information, go to www.DesMoinesProfessionalCenter.com.