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Downtown Des Moines
A portion of the downtown Des Moines skyline.
A portion of the downtown Des Moines skyline.
CountryUnited States
StateIowa
CountiesPolk County
CityDes Moines
Elevation
955 ft (291 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total
5,431
ZIP code
50309, 50319, 50391, and 50392
Area code515
Websitehttp://www.downtowndesmoines.com

Downtown Des Moines is the central business district of Des Moines, Iowa and the Greater Des Moines Metropolitan Area. Downtown Des Moines is defined by the City of Des Moines as located between the Des Moines River to the east, the Raccoon River to the south, Center Street to the north, and 18th and 15th Streets to the west.[1] References to Downtown Des Moines will often include the Historic East Village Neighborhood to the east of the Des Moines River, which is widely considered part of Downtown Des Moines.[2]

In 2014, Downtown Des Moines was listed as one of the top 5 up-and-coming downtowns by Fortune.com.[3] Additionally, Downtown Des Moines boasts several regionally and nationally acclaimed events. In 2014, the Downtown Des Moines Farmer's Market was ranked as the number two best farmer's market in the United States.

Demographics

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Downtown Des Moines has a diverse community with a combination of young professionals, business leaders, low-income residents, and families.

Population

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As of the 2010 Census, Downtown Des Moines, including the East Village, had a population of 5,431 with a total of 3,667 housing units, with 3,085 of those being occupied.[4] However, this number is widely considered to be somewhat outdated. Downtown Des Moines continues to experience a housing boom that has added over 4,500 units in the last fifteen years with approximately 1,500 units under construction or starting soon.[5] Males accounted for 55.7% of the population while females accounted for 44.3% of the population. According to a market analysis report published in November 2013, the current downtown office vacancy rate is 19.7%.[6] Many downtown buildings were renovated into housing in 2014, making this number somewhat outdated.

Race

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According to the 2010 Census, 70.1% of the population was white; 20.8% was Black or African American; 4.7% was Asian; 1.9% was American Indian or Alaska Native; 0.2% was Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; and 5.7% reported Other. Of these percentages, 10.6% reported as white also reported Hispanic or Latino descent. The average household size was 1.58 members per household while the average family size was 2.83 members per family.[7]

Economy

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801 Grand is the tallest building in Iowa and is home to Principal Financial Group.

Downtown Des Moines boasts several corporate campuses, with Principal Financial Group's global headquarters calling downtown home. Other major corporations and downtown employers include Wellmark, Nationwide, Meredith Corporation, and EMC Insurance Company. Many of these companies have made huge investments into downtown by building large, impressive corporate campuses. Most notable is Principal Financial Group's 801 Grand.[8]

Transportation

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Downtown Des Moines is connected to I-235, which runs past the north portion of downtown and connects downtown to I-80 and I-35. Other major thoroughfares connecting downtown to the remainder of the city are Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway and Keosauqua Way. Major streets in downtown are Locust Street, Grand Ave, and Court Ave.

Downtown Des Moines is served by the Des Moines metro's transportation authority, Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART).[9] DART has several routes serving downtown, including a state-of-the-art, LEED certified transit station known as DART Central Station.[10] Additionally, DART operates a free downtown shuttle on Route 42 known as the D-Line Shuttle. This shuttle runs from the steps of the Iowa State Capitol to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.[11]

Additionally, Des Moines is served by a wide variety of taxi cab companies. In 2014, the popular ride share service Uber was introduced, much to the dismay of the Des Moines City Council. Many members of the city council believe that Uber should follow local taxi regulations while others believe the service should operate as an app rather than a taxi service.[12]

An example of a Des Moines skywalk connecting buildings. These unique connections are seen throughout Des Moines.

One unique aspect of Des Moines transportation is the expansive network of skywalks connecting the downtown buildings. The skywalk network is over four miles long and reaches as far as Wells Fargo Arena. Most of the skywalk system is air conditioned and features automatic doors. Expanded hours keep the skywalk open late into the night and early in the morning. The city has made an effort to better connect the skywalk system to the sidewalk, resulting in many new sidewalk access stairways and elevators throughout the system. The city has also created an expansive directory system to aid travelers in navigating the system.[13]

Neighborhoods and districts

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Looking east down Locust Street in the East Village towards the Iowa State Capitol.

Downtown Des Moines has many unique and lively districts that each have their own individual style and culture. Downtown is also undergoing a resurgence that is quickly changing the retail and physical landscape of Des Moines.

While the Downtown Des Moines area is defined as the area between the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers and 15th, 18th, and Center Streets, downtown includes neighborhoods extending all the way to I-235 to the north and Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway to the west, as well as SE 14th Street to the east. With these boundaries, many new districts and neighborhoods are included.

Historic East Village

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Main article: East Village (Des Moines)

The Historic East Village lies east of the Des Moines River and west of the Iowa State Capitol.[14] The district was once a collection of dilapidated, run-down buildings that were slated to be torn down. However, in 2000, a group of business leaders and concerned community members stepped in and began a decades-long transformation of the East Village.[15]

Today, the East Village is a vibrant district filled with fine dining, unique retail destinations, antique stores, and many bars and clubs. Des Moines' collection of gay bars are also located within the East Village. Within the East Village, one can find many notable, nationally recognized restaurants, such as Zombie Burger and Drink Lab. Many of the buildings in the East Village are included on the National Register of Historic Places. Because of the recent renaissance and transition to a trendy, walkable neighborhood, many young professionals have flocked to the area. This helps contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of the district.

Civic Center Historic District

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Main article: Civic Center Historic District (Des Moines, Iowa)
The Des Moines Public Works Building is a prime example of the architecture and design associated with the Civic Center Historic District

The Civic Center Historic District flanks both sides of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district is characterized by several public works buildings reflecting the Beaux-Arts style as well as ornate City Beautiful era balustrades, walkways, bridges, and lighting along the Des Moines River. Many of the buildings within the district were built between 1900 and 1928. The district still maintains much of the early 1990 era riverfront development.

Court Avenue District

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The Court Avenue District is a boisterous bar and restaurant district in downtown Des Moines. The district runs along Court Avenue and is bounded by the Des Moines River on the East and the Polk County Courthouse on the west. The district is known for its excellent nightlife and many bars and restaurants and the streets are dotted with period-style lanterns, planters, and advertisements. Street advertisements painted on the sidewalks is unique to the area. Also the oldest neighborhood in Des Moines, many of the buildings are unique and historic.[16]

Throughout the summer, the Court Avenue District also plays home to the nationally recognized Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market. The Market boast over 300 vendors and is free and open to the public.[17] Additionally, the Des Moines Bicycle Collective offers free valet parking for bikes, which is a unique feature of the Des Moines Farmers Market.[18]

Western Gateway

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The Des Moines skyline rises above the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in the Western Gateway.

The Western Gateway area of downtown is a modern, rehabilitated district characterized with a stunning, multi-million dollar sculpture park and several gleaming corporate campuses. Western Gateway stretches from 10th Street in the east to 17th Street on the west, and from High Street on the North to Walnut Street to the south.[19] Centered in the district is the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, boasting 28 pieces of art over 4.4 acres of green park space. The sculpture park is free and open to the public and provides self-guided cell phone tours.[20] On the eastern edge of the sculpture park is the iconic Des Moines Central Library. The library was designed by famed British architect David Chipperfield and is composed of floor to ceiling glass panels across the entire building and a green roof.[21] The Temple for the Performing Arts also anchors the east end of the park.

Surrounding the park are several corporate campuses including the headquarters of Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Nationwide Insurance, Meredith Corporation, and ING. These buildings give the park an excellent frame and add to the energy of the area. Additionally, Kum and Go plans to construct a $92 million corporate headquarters designed by famed architect firm Renzo Piano.[22]

Central Downtown

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Skywalks span Walnut Street in the Central part of Downtown Des Moines.

Though the center part of downtown is generally characterized by office space, a recent transformation has begun in the center of downtown. Many of the areas high rise buildings are slowly being converted into apartments, creating a urban neighborhood unlike any other in Des Moines.[23] Central Downtown contains a large downtown mall known as the Kaleidoscope at the HUB, though it has struggled in recent years to remain viable.[24] Central Downtown also uses a unique skywalk system that connects nearly every building in the district on the third floor crossing city streets.[25] Several notable, highly visible buildings are located within the district including 801 Grand and the EMC Insurance Building. Additionally, the Des Moines Performing Arts is located within this district and boasts a nearly 5,000 seat performing arts space.[26]

Since 2013, the City of Des Moines has been planning a revitalization of the Walnut Street Corridor.[27] The city envisions a walkable, urban pathway dotted with high end retail and restaurants. Public gathering and green space will be included to complement the completion of the newly renovated Cowles Commons.

Parks and recreation space

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Des Moines is blessed to have a wide area of green space available to its downtown residents and visitors. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture park is one example of an expensive green space available for public use. Additionally, the green areas surrounding the Des Moines Central Library and the Temple for Performing Arts are also intended for public use.

Downtown is connected to the Iowa network of trails via several trails, including the Meredith Trail. The Meredith Trail connects downtown to the adjacent Gray's Lake Park, and expansive park featuring a large lake and several walking paths and trails.[28]

Cowles Commons is a soon-to-be-completed public gathering space featuring a large sculpture and water features among trees and foliage. Cowles Commons will serve as an oasis and event space among the skyscrapers of downtown.[29]

The Principal Riverwalk

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Running throughout downtown Des Moines is the Principal Riverwalk. The Principal Riverwalk is the result of a unique public-private partnership between the Principal Financial Group and the City of Des Moines. The Riverwalk is 1.2 miles long and includes connections across the river via the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge and a converted train trestle bridge. The areas surrounding the river include landscaped promenades and large sculptures. It also includes a unique triangular building housing a bathroom and snack shop known as the Hub Spot.[30]

Also on the Riverwalk is the Brenton Skating Plaza. The skating plaza operates as an ice skating rink throughout the winter. During the summer, the plaza serves as a concert space for many events. A large canopy is erected over the plaza during the summer to protect patrons from the sun and the elements. A fenced in dog park can also be found along the riverwalk, located near the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge. Additionally, a unique children's park is located near the Iowa Women of Achievement Park that was donated to the city by the Rotary Club. The park is in the shape of a fishing bobber and includes swings and seating areas for parents.[31]

Culture

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Music, Art, and Theater

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Downtown plays host to the Des Moines Symphony, a local symphony dedicated to the performance of modern and classical instrumental music. The symphony hosts two special concerts a year on the Fourth of July and New Year's with appropriate holiday music and an outdoor venue for the Fourth of July concert.[32]

Ballet Des Moines is a privately funded ballet company that puts on several performances a year. The ballet partners with the Des Moines Symphony for some performances.[33] Every year, the area surrounding the Pappajohn Sculpture Park transforms into a large, regionally renowned arts festival known as the Des Moines Arts Festival. Throughout the festival, over 100 vendors fill the streets around the sculpture park and live music, theatrical performances, and film festivals run nearly all day. The Des Moines Public Library hosts several events as well for the Des Moines Arts Festival.[34]

===Festivals and Events 80/35 Music Festival is a major urban music festival that is held in the Western Gateway Park in downtown. The event has expanded from a small scale festival to a large, headliner event with over 35,000 patrons annually.[35]

The World Food and Music Festival is an event with more than fifty vendors featuring cuisine from around the world. Throughout the event, food tasting and culinary classes are offered as well as live music and other entertainment options. The festival spans the Walnut Street bridge in downtown Des Moines and takes up part of East First Street in the East Village.

Entertainment venues

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The Temple for Performing Arts in Downtown Des Moines

Downtown is home to a variety of unique entertainment venues for many different performance mediums. The wide array of performance venues adds to the creative vibe of downtown Des Moines. Each performance venue offers its own unique attributes and atmosphere and speaks to a wide variety of audiences. The venues are listed below.

  • Des Moines Performing Arts Civic Center
  • Temple for the Performing Arts
  • Simon Estes Amphitheater
  • Kum and Go Theater
  • Stoner Theater
  • Wells Fargo Arena
  • Hy-Vee Hall

References

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  1. ^ "Des Moines Neighborhoods". www.dmgov.org. City of Des Moines. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014.
  2. ^ "East Village — About". http://eastvillagedesmoines.com. Historic East Village Committee. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  3. ^ Gallagher, Leigh. "5 cities with up-and-coming downtowns". http://fortune.com. Fortune. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  4. ^ "United States Census Bureau Community Facts". http://census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  5. ^ Caylor, Bob (October 18, 2014). "Des Moines' downtown housing boom shows its appeal". News Sentinel. Fort Wayne News Sentinel. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014.
  6. ^ "2013 Market Report". http://www.siedenburg.com. Siedenburg Group. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  7. ^ "United States Census Bureau Community Facts". http://census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  8. ^ "Major Employers". http://www.desmoinesmetro.com. Greater Des Moines Partnership. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  9. ^ "About DART". http://www.ridedart.com. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  10. ^ "DART Central Station". http://www.ridedart.com. Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  11. ^ "Route 42 - D-Line Downtown Shuttle". http://www.ridedart.com. Greater Des Moines Regional Transit Authority. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  12. ^ Santana, Marco (12 Sep 2014). "Uber ride-share service hits D.M. today; officials balk". Gannet Publishing. The Des Moines Register. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014.
  13. ^ "Skywalk System". http://www.catchdesmoines.com. Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  14. ^ "Neighborhoods of Des Moines". http://www.dmgov.org. City of Des Moines. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  15. ^ "East Village — History". http://eastvillagedesmoines.com. Historic East Village. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  16. ^ "Court Avenue District". http://www.downtowndesmoines.com. Downtown Community Alliance. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  17. ^ "About Des Moines Farmers Market". http://desmoinesfarmersmarket.com. Downtown Community Alliance. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  18. ^ "Programs — Bike Valet". http://desmoinesfarmersmarket.com. Downtown Community Alliance. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  19. ^ "Western Gateway". http://www.downtowndesmoines.com. Downtown Community Alliance. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  20. ^ "Pappajohn Sculpture Park". http://www.desmoinesartcenter.org. Des Moines Art Center. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  21. ^ Assassi, Farshid. "Des Moines Central Library". www.archinnovations.com. Arch Innovations. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014.
  22. ^ Aschbrenner, Joel (21 Nov 2014). "Innovative architect picked for Kum & Go HQ". Gannett Publications. The Des Moines Register. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014.
  23. ^ Aschbrenner, Joel (12 Jan 2014). "Downtown Des Moines buildings to gain new life as apartments". Gannett Publishing. The Des Moines Register. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014.
  24. ^ "Kaleidoscope". http://www.downtowndesmoines.com. Downtown Community Alliance. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  25. ^ "Skywalk System". http://www.catchdesmoines.com. Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  26. ^ "Technical Information". http://desmoinesperformingarts.com. Des Moines Performing Arts, Inc. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  27. ^ "Walnut Street Transformation" (PDF). http://dmgov.org. City of Des Moines. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  28. ^ "Gray's Lake Park". www.dsmgov.org. Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014.
  29. ^ "Cowles Commons Announced!". www.desmoinesperformingarts.com. Des Moines Performing Arts, Inc. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014.
  30. ^ "PROJECT COMPLETE: Principal Riverwalk Now Open". WHO-HD Des Moines. WHO-TV.com. 31 Jan 2013. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014.
  31. ^ "Principal Riverwalk". www.absolutedsm.com. AbsoluteDSM.com. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014.
  32. ^ "About". http://dmsymphony.org. Des Moines Symphony. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  33. ^ "Company". http://balletdesmoine.org. Ballet Des Moines, Inc. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  34. ^ "Festival Information". http://desmoinesartsfestival.org. Des Moines Arts Festival. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  35. ^ "The Festival — About". http://80-35.com. Des Moines Music Coalition. Retrieved 11 Dec 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
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Category:Geography of Des Moines, Iowa

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