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Court Avenue District
The Court Avenue District is one of Des Moines' oldest downtown neighborhoods. Dating back to 1846, the Court District area has been home to many of Des Moines' firsts - the first 2-story house, public school, post office, bank and bridge across the Des Moines River at Court Avenue. Today, historic office buildings and shops have been reinvented as popular restaurants, nightclubs and an assortment of rapidly growing residential dwellings in a dynamic mix that continues to evolve.
Anchored at the west end by the stalwart Polk County Court House, the Court District extends east to the river bridge. Period street lamps, planters and park benches dot the sidewalks up and down the street, making it an attractive and pedestrian-friendly setting. Jazz and modern rock spill out of the establishments, as do the tantalizing scents of the restaurants along the avenue. Court District hosts the Downtown Farmers Market. The Downtown Farmers Market is one of the countries' largest and entices throngs of weekend shoppers, street entertainers and musicians every weekend from May through October.
The Court District is an ideal location that offers retailers, restaurateurs and residents an abundance of downtown activity and foot traffic. The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines is just a block from the Court District that serves up dinner, drinks and post-performance fun to theater patrons. Sports fans heading to the nearby Principal Park, home of the Iowa Cubs, often make the district their first stop. The proximity of the new multi-million dollar Science Center of Iowa on 4th Street and the planned Principal Riverwalk at the district's east end will encourage even more visitors to easily discover this one-of-a-kind downtown entertainment district. |
