Antique store · Des Moines, Iowa

West End Architectural Salvage

22 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

41.5830° N 93.6278° W

West End Architectural Salvage is an antique store at 22 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50309.

About the shop

West End Architectural Salvage is a vast four-floor (plus basement) treasure trove in historic downtown Des Moines specializing in architectural salvage, antique furniture, vintage decor, and eclectic finds from all eras. Founded 20 years ago by Don Short to preserve historical architectural pieces, the store offers an immersive browsing experience across multiple levels filled with stained glass, metalwork, vintage signs, hardware, and unique Americana. The integrated full-service coffee bar and cocktail lounge enhance the experience, while the beautifully preserved historic building itself adds character. West End also functions as an event venue and offers custom furniture design services. Featured on HGTV and multiple People's Choice Award winner.

From directory research

What you'll find

Architectural SalvageAntique FurnitureVintage Decor

Compiled by AntiqueStoresNearby from public listings and reviews

The particulars

Shop format
Single Owner ShopFrom directory research
Shop size
Vast WarehouseFrom directory research
Price range
$$$From directory research
Typical visit
Half-Day DestinationFrom directory research
Multiple floors
YesFrom directory research

What reviewers mention

Largely positive

Praised

  • Friendly, helpful, and accommodating staff
  • Vast selection of unique, quality antiques and vintage items across multiple floors
  • Beautiful historic building with great atmosphere and character

Keeps people coming back

  • Exceptional staff friendliness and helpfulness
  • Unique, curated inventory with high-quality pieces
  • Multi-sensory experience combining shopping, coffee, and beautiful historic space

Worth knowing

  • High prices/expensive (mentioned in 3 reviews)
  • Upper floors lack air conditioning in summer heat
  • Not handicap accessible

Our analysis of public reviews — a summary of what people wrote, not a star rating. Tone: Enthusiastic and nostalgic. Customers express joy, wonder, and delight at discovering treasures. Many describe it as a 'must-visit' destination and compare it favorably to major attractions. Strong emotional connection to the experience of browsing and memory-making..

Make a day of it

Sketch map centered on West End Architectural Salvage, showing 6 nearby antique shops within 2.0 miles and Des Moines, IA0.7 mi1.3 mi2.0 miNDes Moines, IA0.6 mi123456
Nearby antique destinationDes Moines, IA0.6 mi
  1. 1Olio Oddities340 Sw 5th St, #122, Des Moines, IA 503090.4 mi
  2. 2CKD Home520 Sw 9th St, UNIT 114, Des Moines, IA 503090.4 mi
  3. 3Funky Finds Vintage & Retro1731 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 503090.7 mi
  4. 4Hank's Fuzzy Guitars + Furniture333 E Grand Ave, #109, Des Moines, IA 503090.9 mi
  5. 5Reclaimed: a Junklady's Philosophy500 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 503091.0 mi
  6. 6509 City Vintage509 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 503091.0 mi

Further reading