DESTINATION 10TH STREET PARTY
Destination 10th Street invites you to celebrate the exciting entertainment district emerging on 10th Street within the Western Gateway of Downtown Des Moines. This first ever event is a party featuring live music, dining, shopping and entertainment.
Celebrate the grand opening of the Davis Brown Tower on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 10th Street, between Walnut & Mulberry in downtown Des Moines at Davis Brown Tower.
Destination 10th Street Events
10 am - A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Davis Brown Tower featuring Martha Willits, President & CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership; Mayor Cownie, City of Des Moines and Jon Garnaas, President & CEO,LADCO Development
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Building tours led by architects of RDG Planning & Design
11 am – 2 p.m. Free Gateway Market Lunch provided by First National Bank of Iowa
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Live Music by Los Saltinos
4 – 7 p.m. Live Music by Chris Ranallo Trio
4 – 7 p.m. Happy Hour with $2 Raccoon River Brewing Co beer and $2 appetizers from Django
In addition, Josephs Jewelers and First National Bank (both located on the street level of Davis Brown Tower) will hold an open house complete with giveaways and specials throughout the day. First National Bank will be giving away a plasma TV, home theater system, IPOD nano, X Box 360, digital camera and a Nintendo DS. And Josephs Jewelers will give away a $5,000 shopping spree at the new downtown store (to be awarded at a later date).
You can also meet the artists of Davis Brown Tower throughout the day: lobby wall art, “Des Moines Color Fields” by STRETCH; outdoor bronze sculpture, “Yesterday” by jd Hansen.
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FIRM SELECTED TO CONDUCT TRAM FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR DOWNTOWN
The Downtown Community Alliance (DCA), along with The City of Des Moines, Polk County and Nationwide announced that HDR out of Omaha will conduct the tram feasibility study for Downtown Des Moines. The study will focus on a tram linking Downtown’s Western Gateway to the East Village and the study is expected to be completed in early spring.
On the heels of the completion of the new Downtown Plan, Nationwide announced last March that they would provide funding for the tram feasibility study. After an extensive search and RFP process, officials from the City, DCA, Polk County and Nationwide determined HDR was the best firm to complete the study. Qualifications of HDR’s team of professionals include 25 tram feasibilities studies nationwide, as well as actually building the structure for these systems. Genus, a local subconsultant to HDR, will also assist with the project.
“We are confident in our decision to commission HDR to complete this study,” said Mary Lawyer, president of DCA. “They understood our desire for a feasibility study that is focused on developing a viable project that builds on the momentum in our downtown as well as providing top-notch technical analysis. Their experience in engineering and transportation projects is unmatched.”
The study will determine factors such as cost, type/style of tram, routes, infrastructure needs, funding options and timeline. The DCA and the City of Des Moines have established a formal steering committee to oversee the study. During the study, three input meetings will be held to give the public an opportunity to voice their opinions and ideas.
“It is an honor to contribute to the continued energy and development in Downtown Des Moines,” said Charles Hales, HDR’s national director for streetcar/tram projects. “Our experience with tram studies for other cities throughout the nation makes us uniquely qualified for this project.”
The tram feasibility study is the first step toward progress of the new Downtown Plan, a collaborative effort between the City, County and business community through the DCA that focuses on movement and development for Downtown Des Moines. 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 for Downtown.
For more information regarding the Downtown Plan and this next step in the progress, visit www.downtowndesmoines.com.
GIVE THE GIFT OF DOWNTOWN
Looking for the perfect gift for that hard to buy for person? Need an incentive for your employees? Or just want to say thanks? The Downtown Gift card offers nearly 100 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 Alba, Hessen Haus, Embassy Suites and Doozies to the program.
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BIKE RENTALS AT BRENTON SKATING PLAZA
Riding the trails downtown just got easier. Brenton Skating Plaza is teaming up with Bike World to offer bike rentals through October. Rent bikes by the hour, half day, day or week. This new service offers Des Moines area residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy Downtown Des Moines on two wheels. And for those of you who prefer to bike a little farther, Iowa offers miles of trails to explore. Check out Metro Area Bike Trails to plan your excursion.
Brenton Plaza is open daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., weather permitting. Visit www.brentonskatingplaza.com for more information.
SAVE MONEY AND LIVE GREEN
As the price of gas rises, Iowans are becoming increasingly aware of how their daily commute affects not only their pocketbook, but also the environment. Finding ways to save money on your daily drive to work and help the environment is easy at www.DriveTimeDesMoines.org. The web site offers a commuter calculator to compute the monthly cost of your drive to work as well as tips for using alternative transportation. Information on van pools, mass transit rates, as well as tips on healthier modes of getting work such as biking or walking are also available.
What’s even more exciting is that www.DriveTimeDesMoines.org will reward you your efforts to save money and become greener. Those who wish to try a new commute option at least one day a week, or those that already use an alternate commute option to get to work, can join the “Rest Your Car” program. Active members of the program who use an alternate commute option at least four times a month and log their commutes online at www.DriveTimeDesMoines.org are eligible for prizes such as a quarterly trip valued at $2,500 and monthly drawings Downtown gift cards.
To learn more about alternative transportation and the “Rest Your Car” program you can visit www.DriveTimeDesMoines.org or contact the Transportation Management Association by calling 286-4969 or emailing info@DriveTimeDesMoines.org.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - DORNICK
We spoke with Sarah Dornink to learn more about this full-scale fashion house located in Downtown’s trendiest shopping area, the East Village.
Where is Dornink located?
Dornink is located at 518 East Grand Avenue in the East Village. You can also find us online at www.dornink.com.
Be sure to visit the web site to view photos of Des Moines natives Shawn Johnson and Lolo Jones. Dornink provided four dresses to each athlete for use during their Olympic activities.
What are your hours?
We are open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please make an appointment if you are interested in custom designs. Otherwise, feel free to shop at will.
What is Dornink?
Faythe Dornink, Sarah’s mother, began making custom dresses 26 years ago out of her Des Moines home. Faythe founded Dornink in 2004, and Sarah moved back to Iowa to join the business in 2005. After moving around to different rooms in the house and outgrowing an addition, Faythe and Sarah decided to move the company downtown. The store opened in May 2008.
What types of products/services does Dornink offer?
The mission of Dornink is “flatter all that is feminine.” We offer a wide variety of products including wedding, cocktail, and evening gowns as well as show choir costumes and covered buttons. Custom and tailor-made options are available. Alterations can be made to women’s clothing, even if the items are not bought in the store. Dornink also sells the fabric used in the gowns and costumes.
Why did you choose Downtown?
We love Downtown and did not consider going anywhere else. There is such an energy and feel to the Downtown community; it reminds me of Brooklyn in a way! The historic aspect of the East Village is great. Also, the community’s support has been amazing, and we have appreciated everyone’s help during our transition Downtown.
U.S. CELLULAR ANNOUNCED AS TITLE SPONSOR OF WORLD FOOD FESTIVAL
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The Downtown Events Group is pleased to announce that U.S. Cellular has signed on as the new title sponsor of the U.S. Cellular World Food Festival on Oct. 10-12, 2008, in downtown Des Moines’ East Village. The fourth-annual Festival is an award-winning taste and entertainment event featuring amazing international cuisine, music, cooking demonstrations, performing arts, and craft beers.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with U.S. Cellular on the World Food Festival,” Stephen King, Downtown Events Group executive director said. “U.S. Cellular provides great support in this community and will be an excellent partner for this ever-growing annual event of flavor.”
The Festival’s highlights include live strolling entertainment, cooking demonstrations, staged headline entertainment, and of course food! Guests are invited to taste samples for $1 or go for the full-plate option. All options at Festival culinary cafes are priced no more than $5 each. Along with culinary favorites from India, Mexico, Bosnia and Greece, vendors will also showcase tempting food options from Ecuador, China, Ethiopia, and more. And the three-day Festival is free to attend.
The opportunity for culinary lessons abounds with live cooking demonstrations. Participating vendors and local cooking experts will take turns throughout the weekend demonstrating their craft. Music, dance and acrobatics are not confined to the stage as groups roam the site throughout the weekend, providing strolling entertainment. The Festival will close each night with energetic live music on the main stage. Don’t miss the marketplace where merchants and artisans offer a unique selection of gifts.
The U.S. Cellular World Food Festival is presented by U.S. Cellular and produced by Downtown Events Group. The Festival is sponsored by Des Moines Radio Group, WHO-TV 13, Nationwide, Pioneer, Level B Design, and Doll Distributing, LLC.
NOMADE MAKES A TEMPORARY MOVE
It may feel like Western Gateway Park is missing something. That's because the 25-foot tall sculpture by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, entitled Nomade, has been temporarily moved to the Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Arrangements for loan of the art were made prior to purchase of the piece.
The sculpture was purchased in December 2007 by John and Mary Pappajohn and placed in a temporary location in Western Gateway Park. This piece and 16 additional sculptures by world-renowned artists are being donated to the Des Moines Art Center by the Pappajohns for placement in the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park being developed between 13th and 15th Streets and Locust Street and Grand Avenue.
Nomade will return to Downtown in late April or early May 2009, when it will be permanently installed in the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
SMART CARD, EASY PARKING
The City of Des Moines is making parking downtown easier. While downtown parking meters will continue to accept coins, soon they will accept the Smart Card as well. The Smart Card, which is the size of a credit card, operates similarly to a debit card. A monetary amount is purchased and placed onto the card. Downtown parkers then insert their Smart Card into the slot on the parking meter and place the desired amount of time onto the meter. What frequent downtown parkers will like most about the Smart Card is the ability to place their unused meter time back onto the card.
Initially the City is adding the Smart Card feature to existing parking meters located in the Downtown central business district, the Grand Avenue, Locust Street, Walnut Street and Court Avenue river bridges, and areas in the East Village. An expansion of the Smart Card feature to additional parking meters is planned as the City’s budget allows.
Smart Card dispensing machines will be located at the 3rd Street and Court Avenue Parking Garage, the 9th Street and Locust Street Parking Garage, and at City Hall, located at 400 Robert D. Ray Drive. City officials expect to implement the Smart Card program in December.
The Smart Card service has already been successfully implemented in cities such as Davenport, San Francisco, Savannah, and Louisville. Stay tuned for additional information about this convenient new service.
NEWS FROM THE EAST VILLAGE
*The Historic East Village web site has been redesigned, updated and is up and running. Check out the site at www.eastvillagedesmoines.com for the latest in East Village news.
*Watch for the new full color map and guide to the East Village at stores located in that area of Downtown. You’ll find a large map to help guide you to various retailers, restaurants and bars in the area, as well as helpful information about many of them. Participating stores will have them available, free of charge, in early September.
*The Underground, a new bar in the basement of the Teachout Building, 500 East Locust, is expected to open this month.
*New tenants in East Village Square, 333 East Grand, include two artists, a vintage store and cd, vcd, and dvd sales and rental store. Lee Ann Conlan has moved to Loft #104. Alex Carter is showing his work in Loft #110. See a selection of cd’s, vcd’s and dvd’s at Kito in Loft #113. And, if you’re looking for vintage in all its glory, stop by Two Percent to Glory in Loft #111.
MEET CHRIS BLITZ – OPERATION DOWNTOWN
Chris Blitz is one of the newest members of the Operation Downtown team. Starting just seven months ago, he is a clean ambassador who really enjoys meeting and greeting people on the streets and helping visitors find their way. You might find Chris running the Green Machine sweeper, pressure washing the sidewalks and taking care of the trash throughout Downtown. He also keeps our sidewalks and curbs free of litter and large debris.
When Chris isn’t working Downtown, he enjoys playing pool, fishing and hanging out at inPlay.
DES MOINES DOWNTOWN CHAMBER NEWS
A new Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce is forming and all interested businesses are invited to attend an organizational meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 8 a.m. at the Cub Club at Principal Park. Discussion will center on why this is being done, and how Downtown Community Alliance, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau will work with the new Chamber. RSVP’s for the meeting are required by Sept. 17 at info@dsmdowntownchamber.com or by calling the Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce at 286-4999.
SAVE THE DATE FOR HOLIDAY LIGHTS DES MOINES
Holiday Lights Des Moines is a new annual celebration of the holidays in downtown Des Moines on Friday, Nov. 28 from 4 - 7 p.m. with the lighting at 6:28 p.m. Coming together on the Friday evening after Thanksgiving Day are carolers, horse-drawn carriages, specialty food vendors, family crafts, musicians, costumed characters, live performances, and more. Just past dusk businesses, city parks, street décor, city and county buildings will join together to flip the switch on downtown. At the center of it all will be a 52-foot lighted tree! The city tree along with the entire downtown – buildings, skywalks, parks, lamp posts, and decorations will, with a flip of a switch illuminate the night sky.
Look for more information in future newsletters.
URBAN PIONEER - AUDREY BERGLUND
Having made a quick transition to downtown living, Audrey has decided downtown Des Moines is the place to be. After living and working in Iowa City, Audrey decided it was time to make a change. During her job search, she interviewed with the Iowa Chops (formerly the Iowa Stars). The interview took place on a Wednesday, Audrey got the job later that week, and started working the following Monday. After a whirlwind interview process and a quick, weekend move, Audrey found herself in Des Moines.
Since Audrey moved and started her new job with the hockey team so quickly, she had to put most of her personal items in storage and slept on a friend’s living room floor for a few months while searching for housing. “All my friends from Iowa City suggested I live downtown or in the East Village, so I decided to check it out.” There was an opening at the Park Place Apartments, and she was sold. Audrey and her boyfriend Josh now enjoy short, environmentally friendly commutes to work; she walks through the skywalk while Josh rides his bike.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market is one of Audrey’s favorites, and she visits weekly to pick up fresh meat and produce. “I don’t remember the last time I went to a real grocery store. Josh and I buy most of our food at the Market.” Because of the skywalks and downtown’s “walkable” environment, Audrey feels the community is easily accessible. “I basically stay within a 12 block radius. Everything I need, whether it’s groceries or a new pair of shoes, is all right here.”
“Downtown is a great place for young professionals. There is so much going on and many things to do.” Audrey spends most of her time going to events at the Iowa Events Center and trying out different restaurants for dinner and drinks. “My boyfriend went to Brewfest recently and can’t wait for next year’s event!” Audrey also enjoys listening to jazz music and frequents The Continental to do so. “If we ever need something to do, Josh and I pick up Juice to check out what’s going on.”
Unfortunately, working as both the Director of Corporate Partner Services and the Director of Game Entertainment for the Iowa Chops doesn’t leave Audrey much free time. Although she has lived downtown for about a year, there are many things she hasn’t seen or done. “I haven’t been to a show at the Civic Center yet, and I would like to go to the IMAX Theater at the Science Center. I am looking forward to checking out both places as well as exploring the rest of downtown.”
After making a whirlwind decision to move to Des Moines, Audrey feels her quick thinking paid off. “My friends were right – downtown Des Moines really is the place to be.”
