RE-VISIONING PLANS UNDERWAY FOR NOLLEN PLAZA

Plans for redeveloping the heart of the city are underway - the City of Des Moines, Civic Center and Cowles Foundation are working together on “re-visioning” plans for Nollen Plaza.  A design charrette is scheduled for April 23 – 25.

The charrette process will provide intense energy and enthusiasm over a three day period with the end result being a conceptual design that can be used for fundraising purposes. World renowned Landscape Architect and Iowa State University graduate Ken Smith along with San Francisco Artist Jim Campbell have been selected to provide creative input for the charrette.  Ken Smith’s portfolio includes a rooftop garden at MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art in New York City) and work around the World Trade Center site.  He is presently commissioned to design the country’s largest new park in Los Angeles.  Jim Campbell is a rising star in the art world, recently working in light and digital mediums for installations across the country.

The public is invited to attend the public workshops for a presentation and an opportunity to give input on the future design of Nollen Plaza on the first day of the charette. Day two of the charrette will be an all day work session for the design team. On day three, there will be a public open house at the Civic Center to review the design proposals and short presentation will be given by the design team.  Public input is encouraged and welcome throughout the 3-day charette. Please see the schedule below and check back to our website for more details.

April 23
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.  
Public Workshop (including presentation and input session)
Civic Center, 221 Walnut Street

5:30 – 7 p.m.      
Public Workshop (including presentation and input session)
Civic Center, 221 Walnut Street

April 24         
All day work session for Design Team – open to public
(location TBA)

April 25            
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Public Open House
Civic Center, 221 Walnut Street
An opportunity to review charette material and design proposals
Short presentations by the design team at 11 a.m. and noon.

For more information about the history of Nollen Plaza and its future, visit www.downtowndesmoines.com.
 

DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET ANNOUNCES 2008 SEASON

Opening day for the 2008 Downtown Farmers’ Market season is Mother’s Day weekend Saturday, May 10 from 7 a.m. – noon.  The Market is located in the Historic Court District in downtown Des Moines and takes place every Saturday morning through Oct. 25. Come enjoy the sights, sounds and of course tastes of the freshest market season yet. 

Returning this year are your favorite local producers and food vendors along with new Market vendors. Local entertainment will be back, including the sounds of The Kinsers, Tropical Steel and many more.  Early season produce will include: asparagus, beets, green onions, arugula, carrots and beans along with meats, cheeses and fresh baked goods vendors.

New for 2008, in effort to support our cohesive market community, the Market will officially open at 7 a.m. Market patrons will not be able to make purchases before 7 a.m. with this new enforced rule. This will allow all vendors ample time to get their booths set up and ready for the day.

The Downtown Farmers’ Market continues to be a dog friendly market.  This year we are introducing “Dog Etiquette Guidelines” for our four legged friends to help ensure safety and health at the market.  The Market, at times, can get hot and very busy and is not the best place to bring a pet.  If patrons do choose to bring their dogs, we ask that they adhere to these six rules to make everyones experience at the Market a pleasant one.

Dog Etiquette Guidelines

1. Dogs must be under control on a six foot leash and by the owner’s side at all times.
2. Dogs need to be kept away from produce, plants and prepared food products.
3. Dogs need to be sociable with other dogs and children to earn the right to be at the market.
4. Be understanding – not everyone is a dog lover.
5. Please clean up after your dog.
6. The Downtown Farmers’ Market enforces The City of Des Moines laws regarding pets which include a lease law not to exceed six feet, clean up of droppings, current tags and a current rabies certificate.  Pamphlets further explaining The City of Des Moines Animal Licensing and Regulations can be picked up at our Downtown Farmers’ Market Information booth located at the corner of 4th and Court. 
Market Management reserves the right to ask any pet owner not willing to adhere to these rules to leave the Market.

To see what's new each week at the Market, visit www.desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.
 

YPC IMPACT CHALLENGE... IN MOTION

The YPC Impact Committee has received an overwhelming response from YPC members for the YPC Impact Challenge! YPC had its first event with the Children and Families of Iowa’s Elevate group (www.elevate2inspire.com) on March 4, 2008. The meeting was an absolute success.

At the first event, young professionals and youth in the foster system interacted face-to-face. It was a learning experience for everyone involved. Admissions staff from Grand View College presented on applying for college and financial aid which resulted in a great discussion among young professionals and the Elevate youth.  The entire room was involved and interacting.








Currently, YPC Impact is collecting donations for the Apartment Make-Over Day. The committee has “adopted” an Elevate youth who has recently aged out of the foster system and is raising a child and her younger sister. On April 26, four to six young professionals, along with a professional interior decorator involved in YPC, will spend a morning transforming this youth’s two-bedroom apartment into a home.  The morning will end with a fun lunch in her new home.  Donations to help fill her new home are needed, please click here see the wish list of items.  Financial donations are also being accepted.  Please contact Shannon Michelsen to make a contribution. Gateway Lofts has graciously offered space to store all donations allowing ease in transferring donations.
 

EARTH DAY TRASH BASH

Operation Downtown, Des Moines Parks and Recreation and Riverfront Development Authority are honoring Earth Day with the Earth Day Trash Bash – a clean up event to give downtown a fresh start to the spring season on Tuesday, April 22 from 1 – 4 p.m.  in downtown Des Moines.

Volunteers are needed to clear away litter that has accumulated on our streetscapes and trails over the winter months. While mostly collaborative in nature, this event will allow for some friendly corporate competition – all to benefit and beautify our downtown.  Businesses are encouraged to form teams and compete in the Trash Bash Corporate Challenge. Prizes will be awarded for the most unusual item found and largest percentage of employee participation.

Teams are encouraged to register as soon as possible so territories can be assigned. Trash collecting supplies will be provided for all volunteers. For more information on how you can make a difference,  or call Rachel Brown (515) 208-0277. 

COURT AVENUE RESTAURANT & BREWING CO. CELEBRATES ‘75 YEARS OF BEER’ ON BREW YEAR’S EVE!

This year marks the 75th anniversary of President Roosevelt signing legislation for the repeal of the Volstead Act.  This great day ended the prohibition on beer, so we can now enjoy fresh brewed pints of our favorite hand-crafted ales! 

On Friday, April 4 Court Avenue Brewing Company invites you to come down, step back in time, and help celebrate Brew Year’s Eve . Admission to the event is free and live entertainment will be provided by Mr. Baber’s Neighbors from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.  1920’s and 1930’s dress is encouraged.  In addition to the great music and fun, a special all-inclusive speakeasy lounge will be available where you will be treated to Templeton Rye samples and specialty drinks, Court Avenues Brew's specially brewed 21st Amendment Ale, and Templeton Rye inspired appetizers.  There is limited seating by reservation only in the speakeasy lounge.   Call 282-2739 to make reservations or visit www.courtavebrew.com for more details.

WIN TICKETS TO SALTIMBANCO!

Want to win tickets to see Cirque du Soleil? Click here to Email  us for your chance to win two tickets to Saltimbanco at Wells Fargo Arena, April 10-13.  Saltimbanco is a Cirque du Soleil signature show inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colorful inhabitants.  Saltimbanco -from the Italian "saltare in banco", which literally means "to jump on a bench"-explores the urban experience in all its myriad forms: the people who live there, their idiosyncrasies and likenesses, families and groups, the hustle and bustle of the street and the towering heights of skyscrapers. Between whirlwind and lull, prowess and poetry, Saltimbanco takes spectators on an allegorical and acrobatic journey into the heart of the city.  

For more information about Saltimbanco, click here or to purchase tickets, go to the Iowa Events Center box office or purchase online at www.dahlstickets.com.
 

A NEW WINE BAR AND RESTAURANT COMING TO COURT AVENUE

Full Court Press, Inc. will open Sbrocco, a new Wine Bar in May at 208 Court Avenue in Downtown.  Named after the family who ran a business at the same location decades ago, Sbrocco will be a wine-centric business including a bar, restaurant and retail wine shop.

The wine bar on the ground level will feature 42 wines by the glass, 200 wines by the bottle including varietals that span the globe including Iowa.  The wine list boasts 150 wines for under $50 a bottle to round out an eclectic, yet accessible compilation.   Wines will be available in 2 oz or 6 oz pours, in pre-designed flights or in a “create your own flight” format.

The restaurant will focus on fresh, local, organic and seasonal ingredients that will compliment the wine offerings. Sbrocco and will serve both lunch and dinner.  Chef Darin Sturgill will strike a balance between comfort and adventure as he thoughtfully prepares dishes to accompany wine offerings.  Cheese, olive, anti-pasta and chocolate plates will also grace the menu and will be available along with select other items after the kitchen closes at 10 p.m.

“We are as passionate about food as we are about wine,” said Sbrocco Manager Tim Grimes. “I think of Sbrocco as a wine-lovers paradise where anyone will feel at home.”  Sbrocco will also continue to serve the loyal wine customers who supported River Bend’s wine shop.  The wine shop, which is located on the lower level of the business, features a world-class wine cellar which carries more than 1,000 varieties of wine including all of those featured on the wine list in the bar upstairs.  Shoppers will also be able to purchase a bottle of wine in the shop and enjoy it in the restaurant for a minimal corkage fee.  Gourmet meats, olives and artisan cheeses will also be available in the wine shop as well wine accessories including stemware and decanters.

Free wine tastings will be offered every Thursday in the wine cellar from 5-8 p.m. and a calendar of special events will also be planned.

Watch our web site for additional details about the menu, hours of operation and special event details in late April.

Sbrocco is the latest addition to the Full Court Press, Inc. family of downtown businesses.  Full Court Press Inc. is also the parent company of Buzzard Billy’s, el Bait Shop, Hessen Haus, High Life Lounge, The Royal Mile & The Red Monk.
 

NATIONWIDE MOVES DOWNTOWN PLAN FORWARD

Nationwide, along with the City, County and Downtown Community Alliance, announced that Nationwide will provide will provide funding for a tram feasibility study for Downtown Des Moines. The study will focus on a tram linking Downtown’s Western Gateway to the East Village.

“Nationwide has been excited to be a partner in the development of the Western Gateway over the past eight years,” said Kim Austen, President of Allied Insurance. “Our commitment today to provide funding of a downtown tram keeps the momentum we’re experiencing throughout downtown Des Moines moving forward.”
 
The announcement is a result of the new Downtown Plan, a collaborative effort between the City, County and business community through the Downtown Community Alliance (DCA).  World renowned architect Mario Gandelsonas, along with a steering committee comprised of a broad representation of the downtown community held numerous public forums and got broad citizen input in the development of the Downtown Plan that will guide the next 20 years of development downtown. 

“Two major areas of focus for the future of downtown are movement and development,” explained Mayor Frank Cownie. “Central to the plan is the transformation of Walnut Street, currently a bus transit mall, to a main transportation corridor for vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists and a new tram.”

The study will determine factors such as cost, type/style of tram, routes, infrastructure needs, funding options and timeline. The Downtown Community Alliance and the City of Des Moines are establishing a formal steering committee to oversee the study.  The next steps for this process will be a request for proposals from consultants and teams qualified to complete the study.

“We are thrilled to receive this gift from Nationwide,” said Mary Lawyer, President & CEO of Downtown Community Alliance. “The idea of a tram will help transform Walnut Street and will be integral to the continued energy and development in downtown Des Moines.”

IOWA STARS PLAYERS AND APPRENTICES “STICK UP” FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Final AHL challenge joins Stars with Children & Families of Iowa
 
The third and final Apprentice Hockey League challenge is upon us. The final two contestants Jerah Gallinger and Tony Dressen have now been tasked to give back to the community which has so graciously helped them in the first two rounds. The Iowa Stars have partnered with Children & Families of Iowa (CFI) for this event in which the two AHL finalists will raise money for CFI’s Family Violence Center.
 
The Stars and CFI team up on Friday, April 4th at the game versus the Peoria Rivermen for the final Apprentice Hockey League challenge. Proceeds from funds raised by the AHL contestants will support victims at Children & Families of Iowa’s Family Violence Center and the Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center in Adel, Iowa.
 
The Stars players will wear purple ribbon stickers on their helmets and fans are encouraged to wear purple attire to show their support for victims of domestic violence. Fans are also encouraged to bring a pair of new women’s or children’s socks for the “Sock Drop” to be given to victims staying at the Family Violence Center shelter.
 
The Apprentice Hockey League contestants and the Iowa Stars are helping to raise funds for and awareness about domestic violence by getting the word out about healthy family relationships. The Stars and players are helping spread the message that hurting your family and those you care about doesn’t get you ahead in life, and they are encouraging others to “be a role model – speak out and stick up for victims of domestic violence.”
 
CFI’s Family Violence Center (FVC) provides a unique, holistic approach to helping victims of domestic violence rebuild their lives. The FVC is Iowa’s largest safe, certified domestic violence center and the only such shelter in Polk County. In addition, FVC provides crisis counseling, outreach and support to victims and their loved ones. The FVC also works with schools, legal and medical professionals, and other community groups to provide domestic violence education to the community.

The two finalists, Dressen and Gallinger, are busy raising funds through parties, silent auctions and other activities. The final tally from their efforts will be announced at the Iowa Stars home game on April 4 versus Peoria. The winner—that is, the contestant that raises the most money—will go home with an incredible prize package including Bon Jovi suite tickets, Iowa Stars season tickets, hotel stays, airline tickets and tons of other great prizes. According to John Campbell with the Iowa Stars, the contestants’ activities have already raised over $25,000, all of which will benefit CFI’s Family Violence Center.

For more information on the final Apprentice task or how you can help CFI contact Jill McMillan with the Stars at (515) 564-8708 or Susan Joynt with CFI at (515) 697-7961

DRIVETIMEDESMOINES.ORG MAKES DEBUT

The Transportation Management Association (TMA) will be launching a new web site this month, www.DriveTimeDesMoines.org.  The site will serve as the online home for the TMA and focus on keeping metro area workers informed of their commuting, transit, and travel options.  

DriveTimeDesMoines.org will combine two sites currently run by the TMA, RestYourCar.com and AvoidTheRush.org.  TMA Director Nathan Treloar describes DriveTimeDesMoines.org as the new “one-stop-shop” for the region’s transit and transportation needs.  “Rest Your Car has been our incentive program for commuters and Avoid The Rush posts information on roadway construction and detours,” Treloar said.  “DriveTimeDesMoines.org will combine these two functions and make it easier than ever for our workforce to get where they need to go.”

Rest Your Car is the most popular of the TMA’s programs and will see some enhancements after it moves to the new web site.  On the current Rest Your Car web site, participants log in whenever they use an alternative form of commute – walk, bus, carpool – anything except for driving alone.  Participants who log at least four alternative commutes per month become eligible for monthly and quarterly prizes ranging from a $20 Downtown Gift Card to a $2,500 travel voucher.  The program will be run the same on the new site but users will be able to log multiple commutes at once and get real-time reports on the number of miles they have saved.

“We want people to come to DriveTimeDesMoines.org to get the best information available before they head to work or come back home,” Treloar said.  “But, we also know that more than a few will be coming to see if they’ve won this month’s prize, and that’s fine, as long as they keep resting their cars.”       

The Transportation Management Association is a division of the Downtown Community Alliance.  At its creation, the TMA served as a communication link between the Iowa Department of Transportation and metro businesses during the major reconstruction of Interstate 235.  The TMA now administers several programs aimed at reducing commute congestion, encouraging alternative transportation, and providing businesses and their employees with up to the minute transportation information. 

HOUSING SPOTLIGHT - 418 LIBERTY

The 418 Liberty Condominiums in downtown Des Moines encourage you to “Live closer to the center”.  Located in the historic Liberty Office Building at 418 6th Avenue, 418 Liberty places residents at the center of a vibrant, emerging urban community populated by professionals who crave the excitement and energy of downtown living. 

The 12-story Liberty office building was built in 1923 and originally housed Bankers Life Insurance and WHO Radio.  After an extensive remodeling effort, 418 Liberty is now home to 21 premium downtown residences ranging from 1070 square feet to 2500 square feet.  With five unique floor plans ranging in price from $278,600 to $528,000, 418 Liberty offers something for most lifestyles.

A state-of-the-art electronic registering system ensures the safety of 418 Liberty’s residents while an enclosed, skywalk-accessible ramp offers secure parking.  Residents often find that their cars stayed parked more often as they take advantage of nearly three miles of skywalk with access to most of life’s necessities.  If a brisk journey through the skywalks doesn’t satisfy your need for exercise, residents are also given a free, one-year membership to Gym/FX, a 13,000 foot premier fitness and tanning facility located on the building’s ground floor.

Each condominium offers spacious 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, premium carpet, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.  The units include a washer and dryer and have been pre-wired for cable T.V., phone and high-speed internet.  Self-contained heating and cooling units allow residents to stay comfortable, whether they prefer cozy or cool.

The historic building also offers same-level storage rooms large enough to convert into a home office, studio or workspace area.  A community room with a kitchenette and lounge offers ample space for large celebrations or private gatherings.

418 Liberty offers a generous 10-year tax abatement that can help you afford more for less or keep more money in your pocket to enjoy the unique dining and entertainment venues available throughout the downtown area.

If you want to live closer to the center of downtown Des Moines’ emerging, vibrant community, contact project managers and 418 Liberty residents, Tina M. Johnson, at (515) 314-5701 or Brett Fine, at (515) 314-8673.
 

BE ENTERTAINED AT WELLS FARGO ARENA

Wells Fargo Arena is alive with excitement as some of the biggest names in entertainment visit Des Moines this April.

April kicks off as DeeDee, Rooney and Moe Doodle get on the bus and get ready to sing and dance in an interactive concert experience perfect for the entire family. Doodlebops Live comes to Wells Fargo Arena, April 6 for one show only.

Cirque du Soleil brings Saltimbanco to Wells Fargo Arena, April 10-13.  Saltimbanco is a Cirque du Soleil signature show inspired by the urban fabric of the metropolis and its colorful inhabitants.

For the first time, Billy Joel makes Des Moines a stop on his world tour as he fills Wells Fargo Arena with two hours of hits on April 15.

His Lost Highway Tour leads right to Des Moines, as Bon Jovi with special guest Daughtry rock out Wells Fargo Arena, April 20. This almost sold out show is guaranteed to be great experience.

Bringing a warm, engaging voice and unassailable taste in music to Wells Fargo Arena; Kettle One presents Michael Buble on April 25.

Our Party Never Runs Out Of Ice – The Iowa Stars wrap up their regular season against league rivals including Quad Cities, Peoria and San Antonio. For more information call 515-23-STARS.

The NBA Dream Starts Here – The Iowa Energy wrap up their inaugural season with games against the Dakota Wizards and the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Tickets are still available by calling 515-4-NBA-TIX.

The Boys Are Back In Town – April 14, the Iowa Barnstormers kick off their return to Des Moines as they host the Lexington Horsemen in the home opener at Wells Fargo Arena. Get your tickets today by calling 515-633-BALL.

Tickets are available for all Wells Fargo Arena events through the Wells Fargo Arena Ticket Office, charge by phone at 866-55-DAHLS, online at www.dahlstickets.com or all area Dahl’s Foods Locations.

WELCOME BACK JOHNNY'S HALL OF FAME

Johnny’s Hall of Fame reopened on St. Patrick’s Day following a major remodel that transformed the Court Avenue classic into downtown’s latest hot spot. Sports fans are being treated to an updated menu, soon to include pizza served until closing, and a new all glass storefront and large windows along 3rd Street bringing the building back to its original and historic look. Johnny's opens daily at 11 a.m. serving a great lunch menu.

The 40-foot bar running lengthwise of the restaurant and a large gaming area with over a dozen games have been big draws so far according to manager Lisa Amerson. “The biggest difference though, has been the change to a non-smoking environment,” she said. "I can’t tell you how many people have thanked me for that change.” 

Of course the big draw remains all of the sports you can watch on any of the 18 high definition big screen TVs. “We made sure to order every sports channel DirecTV offers and then some,” said new managing partner Todd Millang. “This is the place to hang out downtown with friends and a game.” Millang also noted that the Barnstormers and the Iowa Cubs will be making frequent appearances at Johnny’s, so make sure to stop by after every game.

To see more pictures of the new Johnny’s and the updated menu, visit JohnnysHallOfFame.com, or just stop by after work.

NOW OPEN

MEA Specialty Gifts has opened in the East Village at 333 E. Grand Ave., Loft 109. The store carries a variety of specialty gifts including: African-American art and angels, home decor,candles and incense, and bath items. Hours are  12:30 - 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays - Fridays and 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

URBAN PIONEERS - JEFF AND KRIS WATSON

When Jeff and Kris Watson, long-time Ames residents, decided to move to downtown Des Moines, they jumped into the urban lifestyle with both feet and haven’t looked back. The Watsons had always enjoyed visits to downtown Des Moines and downtown Chicago and thought the urban lifestyle would be a good fit for them once their children left home.  When the time came, they purchased a townhome in the Brownstones on Grand, a Hubbell development located in the heart of downtown Des Moines. 

Jeff and Kris instantly soaked up their new lifestyle by joining the Downtown Neighborhood Association and were surprised to find out how many people now call downtown home. The association members were very social and welcoming and they were pleased to find that many people living downtown were a lot like them.

The Watsons joined the Civic Center and have enjoyed walking to many of the shows with the luxury of not worrying about a parking space.  Jeff has found that “there are no excuses not to go” to the downtown YMCA since it’s so close, so the couple is improving their health by working out more and walking to many of their favorite downtown venues.

While Jeff and Kris still love Ames, and commute there daily for their jobs, Jeff loves coming home after a day of teaching 6th grade and taking a short walk to Principal Park to watch the Iowa Cubs.  He doesn’t have to worry about parking or driving home if he’s had a few beers at the game.

Kris, a nurse recruiter for Mary Greeley Hospital, really enjoyed having family over for Thanksgiving and Easter and liked the fact that after everybody’s tummys were stuffed full, they could walk it off in the comfort of the skywalks instead of enduring the cold weather outside.

Now, the Watson’s friends in Ames say Jeff and Kris are living the life they dream of.  They often visit on weekends to enjoy downtown Des Moines’ many new restaurants and exciting events.  Jeff and Kris feel like their list of places to go and things to do is “stacking up” because something new seems to pop up all the time. 

Jeff and Kris knew living in downtown Des Moines would agree with them and today they feel like they are in the middle of everything and their entertainment options seem endless.  They are happy they made the investment in downtown Des Moines and they look forward to a summer on their rooftop garden, overlooking all the possibilities downtown holds.