Crescent Chevrolet

Post author:BK
Post published:February 23, 2021
Post category:Abandoned / Abandoned Des Moines
Post comments:1 Comment

Crescent Chevrolet - Under Renovation

555 17th St., Des Moines, IA 50307 (17th and High streets)

Downtown Des Moines’ last car dealership – Previously Abandoned

Crescent Chevrolet, located at 555 17th St., Des Moines, IA 50307 (17th and High), has sat vacant for some years now. Bill Jensen, a longtime automobile dealer, owned the business for over 27 years. He began working there in 1949, and eventually purchased the dealership in 1980. He kept the name Crescent Chevrolet and the business was named Bill Jensen’s Crescent Chevrolet. In 2007 Jensen sold the dealership. The property and many buildings including the showroom, service building, and warehouse, has changed hands a number of times in the last 10 years. It is currently owned by Kum and Go. The purchase was made in 09-16-2014 for two million dollars. Woody 1 LLC, an entity created by Terrus Real Estate Group, paid $995,000 for the properties in 2008.

The property description is still listed as Crescent Chevrolet and the building’s signage remains. There is work being done inside to the interior. Kum and Go is currently constructing their headquarters on Grand Avenue just a block away. They do not have set plans for this location, but they have stated they might put in a KG gas station and convenience store and possibly a training center. However these statements were made over two years ago and this could have changed. For now it still looks a lot like it did when it was a car dealership.

UPDATE: On April 5, 2022 The Des Moines’ Landmark Review Board voted unanimously to approve landmark status for the Crescent Chevrolet sign. Plans are in motion to restore the sign back to it’s original condition including new lights. Big Grove Brewery will be opening in the East side of the building and office space will be created in the West portion.

All photos by abandonedexplorers.com ©

Vintage photo circa 2004 – Polk County Iowa assessor page

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