Des Moines Embassy Club Revenue and Competitors

The Embassy Club can trace its conceptual roots back to the Grant Club, which was established in 1885. The Grant Club was located at 514 Walnut and its board of directors was presided over by notable Des Moines resident Major Hoyt Sherman. The Club later merged with the Young Men's Republican Club and moved to 615 High Street. The organization maintained its Republican affiliations, allowing only Republicans to vote on club matters. The restriction remained in place until the club ceased operation in 1933. Within months, the Hawkeye Democratic Club took up residence in the building, and all voting Members were required to be Democrats. Over the years, the Club softened its political leanings and changed its name to the Embassy Club. However, it succumbed to economic troubles, in part fueled by a higher than average number of Prohibition-era police raids. History suggests that the close proximity of the building to the St. Ambrose Cathedral and Rectory drew unwanted attention to both illegal gambling activities and the sale of alcohol. A fresh start to form a club took place at the Hotel Fort Des Moines when the Gotham Club opened, but it also received more than its share of police attention. It was not until 1946 when the current Downtown Embassy Club opened in the former Gotham Club facilities that the newly invigorated Embassy Club was born. The Club went through several locations before settling at the top of the 801 Grand Tower in 1992.