DOWNTOWN D-LINE CONTINUES TO ATTRACT RIDERS

Ridership on the new Downtown Shuttle continues to increase as the downtown residents, workers and visitors get more comfortable with the new system. The shuttle service connecting the Capitol Complex and Western Gateway launched May 5th and provides free rides for all employees, residents, and visitors in the downtown area. The shuttle’s route, to be called “D-Line”, is a loop running west on Grand Avenue from the State Capitol to Central Campus before turning around to come back east on Locust Street. In May, ridership averaged 500 people per day. In June the numbers climbed to 630 per day and in July they jumped to 705 riders.

The shuttle runs every 10 minutes, providing continuous and fully accessible service from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Shuttle stops with unique signs will be posted at each block along the route with the shuttle picking up or dropping off as needed.

Plans for a downtown shuttle have been in the works for several years. The City of Des Moines, State of Iowa, Downtown Community Alliance (DCA), and Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) joined together in late 2007 to secure the funding necessary to get the free shuttle on the road.

WEST CAPITOL TERRACE ADDS BEAUTY TO DOWNTOWN

Amid the castle like structure, beautiful black-eyed susan’s peek around the corner and ornamental grasses line sidewalks. Newly planted trees, lush green grass and a dynamic view of downtown make this new park a relaxing and inviting space for all to enjoy. The West Capitol Terrace, a massive conversion from a concrete parking lot to signature public space, is nearing completion of its second phase. Designed by Confluence (formerly Brian Clark & Associates), the park now features meandering sidewalks, 42 benches, 16 flower gardens with primarily native plants and 111 new trees. 

“This park is the perfect way to connect a vibrant East Village to the Iowa State Capitol,” said Mollie Anderson, director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, the agency overseeing construction. “With more than 100,000 people visiting our capitol every year, we believe the West Capitol Terrace will be a vital public space far into the future.”

Covering 10 acres, the West Capitol Terrace is ideal for picnicking, resting or simply to observe Iowa’s beautiful Capitol – one of the best preserved state capitols in the nation. 

Other important changes of the second phase of construction include additional parking on Finkbine Drive on the east edge of the park, additional lighting on walking paths and to illuminate trees, benches with plaques of every Iowa Governor and space for public and private events. 

There is no charge for using the West Capitol Terrace. However, events must be scheduled through the General Services Enterprise of the Department of Administrative Services. The park is the home of the annual Yankee Doodle Pops performance, the Hy-Vee Triathlon and many other special events.

Future plans include a fountain in the Central Plaza portion of the park as well as further pedestrian-friendly features.

RECEIVE A PERSONALIZED CALL FROM COACH LIANG CHOW AND SHAWN JOHNSON

Want to surprise your out-of-town friends with a phone call from Shawn Johnson? As a part of its workforce attraction efforts, the Greater Des Moines Partnership has recently launched a new, interactive online marketing tool featuring US Coach of the Year, Liang Chow and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson.

Just click here to generate a personalized call or e-mail from Chow and Johnson. In the message, Johnson calls the receiver by name and she and Chow talk about “Doing More” in Greater Des Moines.The message also includes variables that you can choose from to customize the message for the person receiving it. Its' a fun and entertaining way to let friends and family know that you can “Do More” in Greater Des Moines. Send one today!

SELF SUPPORTED MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

The campaign to renew the Self Supported Municipal Improvemet District (SSMID)in Downtown Des Moines is underway.  The SSMID allows the City and County to collect an additional $1 per thousand dollar of assessed value on commercial property in Downtown.  The dollars collected pay for additional services over and above basic services provided by the City of Des Moines. 

Primarily the dollars collected pay for Safe, Clean and Beautiful services.  Operation Downtown Board manages these funds collected.   Operation Downtown provides more than 12 Goodwill Ambassadors who police the streets of Downtown and manage to collect and remove more than 200,000 pounds of waste each year.  Additionally, our Ambassadors make thousands of contacts with Downtown visitors and residents and assist police in discouraging pan handling and removal of graffiti on our buildings.  Efforts are being made to collect signatures from commercial businesses within the 144-block area of our Downtown.

HOUSING SPOTLIGHT – MIDTOWN HEIGHTS

One of the most important factors prospective home buyers consider when buying a home is location. Those who choose Midtown Heights, Hubbell Realty’s new 17 home community located on the edge of downtown Des Moines at Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and High Street, will not only find a great location but also superior craftsmanship on which the Hubbell name has been built.

The Midtown Heights community features attractive three-story townhomes priced from $177,900 to $187,900. A 10-year tax abatement makes these homes an affordable investment, allowing homebuyers to purchase more home for less money.

The townhomes offer two spacious floor plans, consisting of 1135 and 1203 square feet of living space and attached tuck-under two-car garages. Granite kitchen counters and hardwood floors accent the open design of these homes. Each kitchen is equipped with beautiful stainless steel appliances including a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher and microwave. Additionally, the larger floor plan comes with a breakfast bar, which offers a great place to cook a gourmet meal or entertain friends and family. The bedrooms feature tray ceilings, walk-in closets and, best of all, private full bathrooms. The laundry room is on the same floor as the bedrooms. Each home’s exterior has a unique color and design with a generous number of windows and a private entrance and deck.

You won’t have to go far to find some of the city’s best restaurants and clubs, as well as an ever-expanding array of entertainment choices when living at Midtown Heights. Wells Fargo Arena, Principal Park, the Science Center of Iowa and the Des Moines Public Library are just a few of the great attractions that have helped make downtown Des Moines a true entertainment destination. And the new Downtown Shuttle offers a great alternative to driving to work.

So drive less, sell the shovel, rake and mower and start doing some of the things you enjoy most. And If you’re a first time home buyer, be sure to ask about the $7500 tax credit recently passed into law. For more information about Midtown Heights, visit http://www.midtownheightsdm.com or call (515) 208-2255 or (515) 991-0734.

GIVE THE GIFT OF DOWNTOWN

Looking for the perfect gift for the bride and groom? Need an incentive for your employees? Or just want to say thanks? With more than 90 places to shop, eat, play, dance, relax, party, catch a game, drink -  this is the gift that everyone will love. For a complete list of participating merchants, click here.  Gift cards can be purchased on line at DowntownDesMoines.com or in person at the Downtown Community Alliance office located at 700 Locust Street, Downtown Des Moines from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The Downtown Community Alliance welcomes Sarpino's Pizza and Quiznos to the program. 

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT– JOSEPHS JEWELERS

We spoke with John Joseph of Josephs Jewelers to learn more about this long-standing, family owned business that has become a staple to downtown Des Moines.

Where is Josephs Jewelers located?

We have three locations. You can find Josephs Jewelers downtown in the Davis Brown Tower at 215 10th Street, Suite 100. We are also located in Valley West Mall and West Glen. You can find Josephs online at www.josephsjewelers.com.

What are your hours?

Hours vary depending on location. Downtown we are open Monday through Friday 10 AM to 5:30 PM and on Saturdays 10 AM to 5 PM.

What is Josephs Jewelers?

Solomon Joseph opened Josephs Jewelers in 1871, and we continue to offer quality jewelry and additional services to Des Moines and the surrounding areas. Voted “Best Jeweler in Des Moines” by Business Record for the past 5 years, Josephs’ tradition of competitive prices and unmatched personal service lives on today. We have just relocated to the Davis Brown Tower after 84 years in the Equitable Building and are excited to see what this new opportunity has to offer.

What types of products/services does Josephs Jewelers offer?
“Many people think you have to spend a lot of money to get a high quality piece of jewelry – we disagree. Josephs Jewelers offers quality at a reasonable price, giving customers the best value at all price points. With products starting at just $20, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get something nice that you can enjoy for years to come.”

In addition to offering quality jewelry, Josephs provides an array of additional services. Custom jewelry can be designed to fit the customer’s needs, and gold smithing as well as appraisals are completed. Josephs offers Rolex and Breitling watches, and repair can be done on-site. Bridal registry and giftware is also available.

Why did you choose to stay Downtown?

Downtown Des Moines is undergoing a great revitalization, and we want to be a part of it. With so many new restaurants and entertainment options as well as the Western Gateway Park and the East Village development, downtown Des Moines has fantastic potential. Josephs Jewelers first store was downtown, we are committed to the area, and we want to continue the tradition of being downtown into our family’s fifth generation.

DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORS GATHER FOR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

If you live downtown, this is an event you won't want to miss. BBQ and live music will be free for everyone at National Night Out, a Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) celebration of police and community partnerships on Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 6 - 9 p.m. at the red pedestrian bridge just south of Court Avenue. Come on out to enjoy the weather and get to know your neighbors, City Council members, legislators and law enforcement officers! Live music will be provided by "Mr. Goldshine," a jazz keyboardist.

"The Downtown Neighborhood Association is excited to celebrate our continued partnership with the Des Moines Police Department and the Downtown Neighborhood Task Force," says Ben Washburn, DNA president. "Tuesday, August 5th marks the 25th Annual National Night Out in which Downtown neighbors come together to celebrate crime prevention in the heart of the City. The Downtown Neighborhood Association is committed to enhancing our ongoing partnership with the City and its leaders." 

For more information about this event or how to become part of the DNA visit  www.desmoinesdna.com.

MEET DAWN KONEN - OPERATION DOWNTOWN

A transplanted Jersey girl, Dawn moved to Des Moines in 2000 and started working for Operation Downtown (OD) in 2001 as a security ambassador. She was a police officer in Jersey for 12 years until an injury cut her career as a police officer short.  Dawn loves her job with OD and has been recently promoted to team leader. She works very closely with the Des Moines Police Department, and can be seen working Farmers' Market every Saturday and in the winter harassing those elusive crows. Dawn loves to read, bowl and spending time with her dogs, Ginger and Sasha.

EAST VILLAGE WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

The Historic East Village, Inc. Board of Directors welcomed four new members and two returning members at its annual meeting on June 30. Elected to the board were Pat Amedo, Patrick Green, Donna Richard-Langer, Brian Wood, Abra Pulley and Bob “Mongo” Eikleberry. The new officers for the 2008-09 year, selected by the HEV Board at theJuly meeting, were Sarah Oltrogge, Chairperson; Abra Pulley, Vice Chairperson; Phil Parrott, Secretary and Nancy Wilson, Treasurer.

DOWNTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A new Downtown Chamber of Commerce is being organized to represent businesses and organizations with ties to Downtown.  The Downtown area should benefit by having a chamber speak with one voice on critical issues relating to support for Downtown business.  

The first organizational meeting will be help Sept. 23 at 8 a.m. at the Cub Club located at Principal Park.  Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend this first meeting.  Anne Moeller is the acting President of the group and can be reached at 515-245-5260.  Please call Anne with questions or if you’re interested in joining. 

URBAN PIONEER — AUDREY VANDER MOLEN

After living downtown for about 18 months, Audrey Vander Molen and her husband Kyle have found their new downtown lifestyle quite enjoyable. “There is so much going on in downtown Des Moines. We live right on the skywalk, so getting to all the events is pretty easy. You never know what the weather in Iowa will be like, so having a safe, sheltered walking space is great.”

While Audrey’s husband attended Iowa State University, the couple lived in Ames. Audrey and Kyle were ready for a change, and when Audrey landed a job as the resident manager for the Hubbell Tower Apartments, they decided to give downtown living a try. “Since I got a job downtown, it only made sense to move. I was sick of my long commute to work; now the walk from my home to my desk takes about 15 seconds! It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Audrey and Kyle enjoy trying out all the new restaurants in the downtown community. “There are at least 15 great restaurants that we go to quite often. I love that there are so many different, unique places to eat. The best part – they are all with-in walking distance!” Audrey loves cheering on the I-Cubs and watching the fireworks after the baseball games. Going to the Arts Festival and the 80/35 Music Festival also top the list of neat things to do downtown.

“We never get bored living in downtown Des Moines. If my husband and I need something to do, we just pick up the newspaper and see what’s going on.” Even though the couple has lived Downtown for more than a year, they are still busy trying new things. “We haven’t been to the East Village yet and would like to do some exploring in that area.”

Although Kyle now commutes back to Ames, the couple is staying put. “Fortunately my husband is able to carpool, which help keeps the costs down. We don’t want to give up our new downtown lifestyle.” With the continued downtown development and renovation, the couple is excited to see what the future holds for the community. “Downtown has changed so much. I would have never thought about living in downtown Des Moines 10 years ago, but look at me now!”