Dowling Catholic's $76M Expansion Plan Heads to City Council

West Des Moines leaders weigh growing enrollment against traffic concerns for private high school's major campus overhaul.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:38am

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A $76 million expansion plan for Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines is heading to the city council for final approval after clearing a key hurdle with the Plan and Zoning Commission. The comprehensive campus overhaul aims to address the school's capacity issues and prepare for expected enrollment growth of 10% over the next three years, but city leaders remain focused on the project's potential traffic impacts on the surrounding community.

Why it matters

As one of Iowa's largest private high schools, Dowling Catholic's growth is seen as a positive for the West Des Moines community. However, the city must balance the school's expansion needs with concerns about increased traffic congestion and its effects on nearby neighborhoods.

The details

The Dowling Catholic expansion plan includes new academic and student spaces, an expanded cafeteria and gathering areas, upgrades to athletic and activity facilities, a secure main entrance, safety improvements, and renovations to existing areas like locker rooms. The project also calls for reconfigured parking, traffic flow, and campus access, including a potential new entrance on 17th Street.

  • The West Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the project in March 2026.
  • The West Des Moines City Council is expected to take a final vote on the expansion plan on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Dowling Catholic High School

A private Catholic high school in West Des Moines, Iowa, and the largest private school in the state with over 1,400 students.

West Des Moines City Council

The governing body of the city of West Des Moines, Iowa, which will make the final decision on Dowling Catholic's expansion plan.

Steve King

A representative from RDG Planning & Design, the firm working on the Dowling Catholic expansion project.

Matthew McKinney

A West Des Moines city councilmember who expressed support for Dowling Catholic's growth.

Kevin Trevillyan

A West Des Moines city councilmember who raised concerns about potential traffic issues from the expansion.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing this sort of growth out there, I think is a great thing for our community, and I'm excited to support this.”

— Matthew McKinney, West Des Moines City Councilmember

“The queuing that happens right now on Buffalo Road could potentially happen on 17th Street, but it says if that does happen, that's something that Dowling Catholic is going to have to address.”

— Kevin Trevillyan, West Des Moines City Councilmember

What’s next

The West Des Moines City Council is expected to make a final decision on the Dowling Catholic expansion plan during their meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

Dowling Catholic's ambitious $76 million campus overhaul highlights the challenges cities face in balancing the growth needs of private institutions with the potential impacts on surrounding neighborhoods, particularly when it comes to managing increased traffic congestion.