Everyone knows where the Merle Hay neighborhood is because of the Merle Hay Mall, which was built in 1959 and is still the largest shopping center in Polk County.  With 4,500 homes, this is the largest neighborhood in Des Moines in both area and population.

The mall, street, and neighborhood were names after Merle Hay, the first American soldier to die in World War I.  The neighborhood contains restaurants, churches, businesses, shops, schools and parks.  The neighborhood association has receieved revitalixaaion status fromt he city and county, so watch for changes.