BOTANICAL CENTER: New Lease, Renovations Ahead

Des Moines Water Works has handed over the keys to the Des Moines Botanical Center.

The non-profit organization Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden now leases the tropical attraction.

A ceremony was held Thursday morning to complete the transfer. The garden’s campaign has raised more than $11 million for renovations since 2011.

The Botanical Center will close for two months in July for the interior renovations.

Water Works operated the center for the past nine years.

The city of Des Moines still owns the Botanical Center.