DOWNTOWN WINTER FARMERS' MARKET

The 2nd Annual Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market will be held Saturday, Dec. 15, from 9 a.m.  - 1 p.m. located inside Capital Square and outdoors at Nollen Plaza, 400 Locust Street. This is your last chance of the year to enjoy your Downtown Farmers' Market favorites. The Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market is a perfect opportunity to stock up for holiday meals, parties, and gift giving.  Farmers will be selling a variety of locally raised eggs, beef, pork, elk, duck, holiday hams, and, of course, produce - there will be a variety of late season and greenhouse produce available.  Shoppers can also expect to find an abundance of fresh homemade products including locally produced honey, jams, salsa, wine, cheese, soy nuts, homemade noodles, baked breads, pies and cinnamon rolls. Market patrons will also find beautiful winter flowers such as poinsettias, fresh cut Christmas trees, hand-made holiday ornaments and home decorations at this festive farmers market. The new Downtown Gift Card will also be available to purchase at the market. The heart of the Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market is a celebration of local food.  Patrons will also enjoy the market ambiance created especially to celebrate winter and the holiday season.  The market will feature a wide variety of holiday activities for the entire family, including musicians playing holiday music, strolling carolers, artist demonstrations, kids’ activities and more. Visit our website for more information.

DOWNTOWN DES MOINES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The New York Times reporter Adam Nagourney says Des Moines "has most certainly become cool." Check out this article featuring our very own Downtown Des Moines in the Sunday issue of The New York Times.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/12/02/travel/02journeys.html

GIVE THE GIFT THAT'S TOO BIG TO WRAP - DOWNTOWN DES MOINES

It's the hottest gift this season - the new Downtown gift card. Good at more than 70 businesses downtown, from your favorite restaurants and clubs, the Civic Center and Science Center, Wells Fargo Arena, The Iowa Cubs - Stars, Energy and Barnstormers - even the City parking garages. Think of the fun they will have spending it. For a complete list of participating businesses, click here.

Starting Dec. 7, gift cards can be purchased on line at www.downtowndesmoines.com, in person at 700 Locust, Ste. 100, Downtown Des Moines or on the phone at 515-286-4950.

For more information, contact Amy Baker at 515-286-4919.

ROCKETTES KICK UP SOME HOLIDAY FUN

Presented for the first time in Iowa, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the World-Famous Radio City Rockettes, is making its triumphant debut at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, for the holiday season.  The beloved holiday production will play December 6 – 30, 2007 for 46 dazzling performances.

The Christmas Spectacular is exactly that…a spectacular.  A cast and crew of nearly 100 people will come to Downtown Des Moines this December to deliver a holiday show experience like never before. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is sure to give audiences holiday memories to last a lifetime.  Children of all ages will be enchanted by live holiday entertainment as teddy bears dance, wooden soldiers come to life, snowmen shimmy, reindeer fly, elves rap, and the Radio City Rockettes perform their fancy footwork and eye-high kicks. The New York Times raves, “Brilliant!  It lifts the spirit and spreads warmth, joy and good will!”

Those who may have glowing memories of the famed New York production of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular will be thrilled to see the spectacle and excitement debut in Des Moines.  Famed dance numbers that await are the classic scenes “The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “The Living Nativity,” both of which have been performed in the Christmas Spectacular since 1933.  In addition to the traditional favorites, the stage will come alive with newer scenes that will amaze audiences including “The 12 Days of Christmas,” a sizzling Rockette tap number and “Christmas in New York,” a high-kicking Rockette number direct from the stage of New York City.  The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is non-stop excitement until the curtain falls.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at http://www.civiccenter.org/purchase_tickets/purchase_tickets.php.

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR AT GUIDEONE IMAGINEVE!

GuideOne ImaginEve! is the perfect place to celebrate in Des Moines as Iowa’s only free, family-friendly, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration that is fun for the whole family. Join the excitement on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, from 4-8 p.m. at Hy-Vee Hall at the Iowa Events Center. And don’t miss the fireworks at 8:10 p.m.

GuideOne ImaginEve! features a wide range of bounce houses and awesome inflatable rides. Kids can test their skills on giant slides, obstacle courses and miniature golf, exercise their artistic side at eight Spin Art stations, or enjoy the excitement of carnival games where prizes are won regardless of the outcome. Don’t miss the caravan of clowns, toddler zone, sing-along stage, fireworks finale and more! And it is all absolutely free!

Free parking is available at the 7th and Center Street Park and Ride and at Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium.

For more information on GuideOne ImaginEve! visit www.imagineve.org or call (515) 286-4950.

TAKE IT DOWNTOWN THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE!

Forget Times Square this New Year’s Eve. The real party will be in Downtown Des Moines! Live music will take over the Historic Court Avenue District during the annual New Year’s Eve Party beginning at 9 p.m. Bar hop to your favorite establishments and enjoy your great local bands along the way. Or check out Raccoon River Brewing’s “Rockin’ in the Blue Year” and take advantage of hotel specials at nearby Hotel Fort Des Moines. Embassy Suites on the River is also hosting the "Downtown Countdown". Usher in 2008 with some classical music as Hoyt Sherman Place presents the Des Moines Symphony’s New Year’s Eve Pops. And for a New Year’s Eve On The Cheap, visit Blues on Grand where they will be featuring Reverend Raven & the Chainsmokin’ Altar Boys. Even the youngsters can get in on the action with GuideOne’s ImaginEve! beginning at 4 p.m. at HyVee Hall. For more great New Year’s Eve ideas sure to make even Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest jealous, visit www.downtowndesmoines.com.  

TAKE THE MULTI-SPACE PARKING METER SURVEY

The City of Des Moines is seeking public input on the electronic multi-space parking meters currently being tested in three locations in downtown Des Moines.  This study, which began Oct. 1, 2007 and is expected to span six months, will help determine the most suitable street parking options for downtown Des Moines in the future.

To gain a better understanding of the popularity of the new parking meters, the City of Des Moines encourages motorists to complete a multi-space parking meter survey. Surveys can be obtained near each of the electronic pay stations or on the City’s website, www.dmgov.org. Simply click on the Electronic Meter Survey link. 

For more information on multi-space parking meters in downtown Des Moines contact Mike Berry, Traffic Facilities Administrator for the City of Des Moines, at (515) 283.4973.

GROUP EXPRESS PACKAGES AT THE IOWA STARS

Iowa Stars Hockey is great for family fun, employee outings, networking events, team or club get-togethers, and more!
This season’s new Iowa Stars GROUP EXPRESS makes your evening of entertainment effortless.
Bring your group and we’ve got your ticket, food & beverage, and excitement covered!

Package includes:
Iowa Stars Hockey Ticket (Lower End Zone seating)
Hot Dog, Chips & Soda
Game Program
In-Game Group Recognition
Enter to win Group Raffle
Only $9.50 per person!
Group Minimum: 20

Contact the following to set up your group outing:
Jared Youngman: 515-564-8043 or jyoungman@iowaeventscenter.com
Meghan Comer: 515-564-8138 or mcomer@iowaeventscenter.com
Nate Lingren: 515-564-8090 or nlingren@iowaeventscenter.com
Don’t forget to ask about our great fundraising opportunities through Group Sales for your non-profit organization, sports team, club, charity group, etc.

COURT AVENUE GETS CAB STAND

Hailing a cab in downtown’s Court Avenue District just got a lot easier. From approximately 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights, visitors will find an abundance of cabs at the cab stand located at the north corner of 3rd Street and Court Avenue.  Simply hop in the backseat and you can be on your way. The cab stand, which was added to Court Avenue earlier this year, is part of Yellow Cab’s “Don’t Get Nabbed, Call Yellow Cab” promotion urging restaurant and bar patrons in the Court Avenue area to get home responsibly.  Patrons looking for a cab ride home Sunday through Thursday can still call Yellow Cab 24 hours a day at 282-8111 to schedule a pick-up time and location.

HOUSING SPOTLIGHT - 111 CITY LOFTS

The revitalization of downtown Des Moines has taken shape with the remodeling and extensive renovations of many former warehouses and office buildings built decades ago.  While these welcome projects have revived Des Moines’ past, the contemporary design and unequaled style of 111 City Lofts point to downtown’s exciting future.

The contemporary lofts were developed by Robert Bergazyn, who is no stranger to urban living with more than 40 years of work in metropolitan areas such as Chicago and New York, to name a few.  Designed by Baldwin White Architects, the one and two-bedroom lofts feature 12 to 16 foot ceilings with roomy terraces and large windows that fill each loft with natural light.  Residents of the 60-unit development also enjoy indoor parking, a welcome luxury during Des Moines’ chilly winters.

111 City Lofts reside at the south end of downtown’s booming 10th Street corridor and have been described as the perfect balance between style and functionality.  The developers went to great lengths to incorporate elements and technology to make the development more ‘green’ – as in environmentally friendly.

As the cornerstone of a distinctive neighborhood, 111 City Lofts sit within walking distance of many of downtown’s finest restaurants such as Centro and 43.  The lofts are also a short walk away from Court Avenue’s bustling nightlife while being far enough away to avoid the intrusive noise when they prefer a quiet night at home.  The Des Moines Public Library, the Science Center of Iowa, Principal Park and access to the skywalk are also nearby.

As a majority of downtown’s revitalization gives a nod to the city’s past, 111 City Lofts show that downtown Des Moines is also alive with contemporary style and design, making these lofts the perfect place for those seeking a truly metropolitan lifestyle.   

For more information or for a private tour, please call the Burnett Realty Project Director, Tim Rietz at 515.710.1331.

FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS GOLF IN THE SNOW…

Mark your calendar for the 23rd-annual Skywalk Golf on Feb. 9, 2008! This wintertime celebration in the skywalks of downtown Des Moines is a fun and unique way to spend time with family, friends and co-workers.

All you need is a putter and we provide a zany miniature golf course, souvenir golf ball, and long-sleeved t-shirt. The event consists of three 18-hole miniature golf courses, plus one bonus hole on each course, laid out in the downtown skywalk system. Each year, these courses are built in one day with each hole sponsored and creatively designed by a local business. The day’s events wrap up with entertainment, refreshments, and more fun and games at the 19th Hole. 

Entries are available in three divisions: singles, doubles and foursomes. Registration is $25 per golfer from Dec. 15, 2007 through Jan. 26, 2008, and $30 per golfer from Jan. 27-Feb. 8, 2008. Register early and online at www.skywalkgolf.com beginning on Dec. 15. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Stephen King at (515) 286-4927.

FOR THE BIKERS ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST

This holiday season get the bicyclist on your list the ultimate biking accessory - a Share the Road license plate. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is registering the first 500 applicants that register for this new license plate which will provide a gentle reminder to all motorists to respect the rights of cyclists while on the road. Ordering is easy. Just visit www.iowabicyclecoalition.org/strplate.htm and download the application. 100 percent of the profits go toward the Iowa Bicycle Coalition's educational efforts.  Contact the Transportation Management Association at 286-4969 or the Iowa Bicycle Coalition at 319-936-4948 with questions.

URBAN PIONEERS TOM TARBOX & JESSICA ROWE

“Why would anyone want to live downtown?”  Jessica Rowe recently overheard that inquiry in a nearby conversation and couldn't help but politely interrupt.  To the contrary, Rowe asks, “Why would you not want to live downtown?”

Jessica, a self-employed consultant, resides at 418 Liberty with her husband, attorney Tom Tarbox, and their two cats, Eloise and Oliver.  Their teenage son, Wilson, also lives in the downtown condo during breaks from the school he attends in Virginia.

With Wilson gone to school most of the year, Tom and Jessica decided to make the move to downtown in order to streamline their lives and focus more on their careers and less on their backyard garden.  While Tom says he enjoyed the hours spent working in his garden, he had become somewhat of a ‘yard slave’ and was ready to give it up and embrace the urban lifestyle downtown Des Moines offers.

Tom and Jessica studied the downtown market for more than a year before deciding on 418 Liberty.  Since they purchased their condo early in the development process, they were able to work with the developers to make modifications befitting their lifestyle. “Nelson Construction was great and they worked with us on the modifications we wanted,” says Tom.  It’s a wonderful perk of investing in downtown in the early development stage of any condo or loft building.

The family moved into their condo in August 2006 and immediately fell in love with their ninth-floor view which features spectacular sunrises and many Des Moines landmarks such as the nearby Traveler’s Insurance umbrella.  They were pleasantly surprised at how close they were to the incredible fireworks display on the 4th of July.

Tom and Jessica love the look of the Liberty Building and the clean design of their condo.  The high ceilings, large windows and convenient skywalk access were big selling points for the family.  “It’s such a great building,” says Jessica. “They have such a wonderful palette to work from.”

The 10-year tax abatement was a huge factor in Tom and Jessica’s decision.  “It really allowed us to buy more condo than we could have if property taxes were a factor.”  Tom also likes that the tax abatement means that their mortgage payments are comparable to that of their former house, but they are building equity much faster.  He added that he is comfortable that the condo will not only maintain its value, but will turn out to be a great investment as the downtown area continues its renaissance over the next decade.

Tom walks to his Court Avenue office each day and Jessica works nearby as well, so walking to work is truly a breeze.  For business purposes, the couple still owns two cars, but say the miles they drive have decreased dramatically.  The skywalk keeps them within easy reach of most of life’s necessities and they can walk to favorite venues such as Lucca, Zen Noodle & Sushi Bar, the Gateway Market and Saturday breakfast at Centro.

“Wilson loves being here when he’s home”, says Jessica, “and his friends enjoy hanging out here, too.”  One place the whole family enjoys is Gym F/X located on the first floor of the Liberty Building.  “Wilson absolutely loves working out there and riding his bike on the trails around Grey’s Lake,” adds Jessica, who says she and Tom used their bikes more this past summer than at any other time.  They are also happy about the amount of green space nearby when they want to be outdoors.

Tom and Jessica like being referred to as Des Moines’ urban pioneers in the revitalized downtown housing market, even as they realize some residents have called downtown Des Moines home for many years.  But the question still lingers…why would anyone want to live downtown?  Tom and Jessica know the answer and they’re sure that more and more people will soon find that living in downtown Des Moines offers more of the advantages and convenience many have been searching for.