Downtown Des Moines Made Forbes List of 15 Emerging Districts

Des Moines' effort to revitalize its central core has won a spot on Forbes magazine's list of U.S. Cities' Emerging Downtowns. The article cited development of a master plan, expanded public transportation and increased housing. Other cities on the list include Denver, Louisville, Milwaukee and Atlanta.

Since 2000, more than $3 billion has been allocated to redevelop Des Moines' downtown. In 2008 the city enlisted urbanist and Princeton professor Mario Gandelsonas to help draw up a master plan that encompasses a skywalk system, updates to and expansion of public transit, and a public art-filled Riverwalk. From 2001 to 2011, more than 4,500 residential units were constructed in the area, boosting the local population above 8,000 residents, the largest demographic of which is young professionals ages 25 to 34 (16%). And there’s one place this desired demographic, college-educated professionals, tends to want to live: tight-knit urban neighborhoods that are close to work and have lots of entertainment and shopping options within an easy walk. This is one of the reasons city planners have been plowing money and resources into revitalizing their core business districts.

Several major projects add to the appeal of the downtown area. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park, opened in September 2009, features artwork by 21 of the world’s most celebrated artists and located on a 4.4-acre park site. The Principal Riverwalk, started in 2004, was recently completed. It includes the Hub Spot on the west side of the Des Moines River near Court Avenue. It's a landscaped plaza and kiosk that will offer food and drink options. Wells Fargo Arena, opened in 2005, is part of more than $3 billion in public and private investment downtown since 2000.

For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com. 

*Sources: Forbes.com and The Des Moines Register


For all of your real estate needs ~ call, text, or email Lori Adrianse @ 515-556-0515, Lori.Adrianse@CBDSM.com.