Thought I would highlight the bulk of the projects going on in Des Moines. A little about Des Moines, it is a white collar city of 200,000 in a metro of 520,000 that is experiencing very respectible growth (over 10,000 people estimated growth in 2005). There have been some very big job annoucements lately, and like most midwestern cities, the downtown has seen a pretty tremendous rebirth.

I am a City Planner for the City of Des Moines and there even more projects I would like to show you, but confidentiality agreements won't allow me to just yet! Maybe I will update this thread in the future when some of the larger projects are announced. Downtown has added/soon will add 2 million square feet of new office space, unfortunately everything has been primarily low-to midrise so far. There are a few middle-sized towers in the works, but renderings have not been made public yet. Downtown has seen 2,700 new units of housing proposed, built, or under construction since 2001 with seemingly a new project every week or two. There are many quality of life and civic projects underway downtown as well. I'll spare you the smaller projects and listings of projects I don't have renderings for. There's even more going on than what's shown here. I might add, you can read up about all the projects on the website I am the co-founder of, www.absolutedsm.com

The suburbs are adding the lion's share of the growth in the Des Moines area, and they have a few projects to boot which I will show. The bulk of the interesting projects worth showing are being built around a new super regional mall called Jordan Creek Town Center.

Downtown/Midtown Projects:

Downtown Civic Improvements

Principal Riverwalk--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Principal%20Riverwalk/pedestrian%20bridge.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Principal%20Riverwalk/garden490px.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Principal%20Riverwalk/walkway490.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Principal%20Riverwalk/06janprwi.jpg

Asian Botantical Gardens/Cultural Center--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Asian_Cultural_Center/Chinese%20Cultural%20Center.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Asian_Botanical_Gardens/raygarden.jpg

Science Center of Iowa--recently completed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Science%20Center%20of%20Iowa/science%20center%204.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Science%20Center%20of%20Iowa/sci5-8-05.jpg

Iowa Events Center (17,000 seat arena, new convention hall)--recently completed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Iowa_Events_Center/modelnw.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Iowa_Events_Center/wellsfargoarena1-5-8-05.jpg

Central Library--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Des%20Moines%20Central%20Library/feb06centrallibrarydesmoinesb.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Des%20Moines%20Central%20Library/library7_jan06.jpg

Gateway West Park--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Gateway_West_Park/gateway_west_park_new.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Gateway_West_Park/gatewaypark1_jan06.jpg

Higher Education Learning Center--recently completed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Pappajohn%20Higher%20Ed%20Center/higher%20ed1.jpg

Principal Park Baseball Stadium Improvements--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Principal%20Park/principalpark1.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Principal%20Park/sectaylor2_jan06.jpg

Drake Stadium Renovation--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Drake%20Stadium%20Renovation/drakestadium4.jpg

Capitol Complex Visitor's Center--proposed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Capitol_Visitors_Center/capitolvisitorcenter.jpg



Commercial Projects

Wells Fargo Credit Division II--under construction (1,000+ new jobs)
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/images/GDMProjects/Downtown-Cental%20Proj%20Page/WFF2004/wellsfargo5.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Wells_Fargo_Expansion_II/15jan06wfexpIId.jpg

Allied Insurance Headquarters (4,600 new jobs)
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Allied-Nationwide_Insurance_HQ/Allied-Nationwidenew.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Allied%20Insurance%20Expansion/Alliednew5.jpg

Records and Property Building Renovation--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Records_Property_Building_Conversion/feb06State_Recordsa.jpg

Mercy Medical Center Expansion--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Mercy%20Medical%20Center%20Expansion/mercy1-october%202005.jpg

EMC Insurance Parking Ramp
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/EMC%20Parking%20Garage/EMC_garage2_jan06.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/EMC%20Parking%20Garage/emcgaragefeb05.jpg

Masonic Temple Performing Arts Theater--recently completed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Masonic%20Temple%20Renovation/Masonic%20Temple%20renovated%201.jpg

Federal Building Renovation--recently completed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Federal%20Building%20Renovation/federal%20building_reno.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Federal%20Building%20Renovation/federal%20building%20reno.jpg

World Food Prize Renovation--proposed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/World_Food_Prize_Renovation/Public%20Library%201.JPG

Court Avenue Entertainment Development--conceptualy proposed
http://www.pbase.com/image/57667152.jpg


Residential Projects

Equitable Building Conversion--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Equitable%20of%20Iowa%20Renovation/4.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Equitable%20of%20Iowa%20Renovation/equitable_balconies.jpg

Kirkwood Hotel Residential Conversion--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Kirkwood%20Hotel%20Conversion/kirkwood.jpg

Hubbell Building Conversion--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Hubbell%20Tower%20Residential%20Conversion/HubbellTower2_jan06.jpg

Gateway Lofts--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Gateway_Lofts_Residential_Development/gatewaylofts_2.jpg

Metro Lofts--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Metro_Lofts/Metro%20Lofts%20Exterior%20Picture.jpg

Gateway West Condo Tower--proposed
http://www.pbase.com/image/56216077.jpg


Water Street Brownstones--recently completed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Water_Street_Brownstones/waterstreetdone2.jpg

Brownstones on Grand Avenue--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Brownstones_on_Grand/brownstownongrand2.jpg

10th Street Lofts Conversion--recently completed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/10th%20Street%20Lofts/10thStreetlofts2may2005.jpg

111 City Lofts Conversion--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/111%20City%20Lofts%20Condo%20Conversion/eds%20building.jpg

Whiteline Lofts--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/White%20Line%20Lofts%20Renovation/whiteline1.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/White%20Line%20Lofts%20Renovation/White_Line_Lofts12-05.jpg

Olive Street Condos--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Olive_Street_Lofts/Olive_Street_Lofts.jpg

Spaghetti Works Renovation--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Spaghetti%20Works%20Renovation/courtaveapartments2.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Spaghetti%20Works%20Renovation/spighettiworks2.jpg

Mulberry Lofts--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Mulberry%20Lofts/Mulberry_Lofts_jan06.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Mulberry%20Lofts/mulberrylofts_august05rendering.jpg

Liberty Building Conversion & Parking Garage--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Liberty%20Building%20Renovation/05septlibertymodela.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Liberty%20Building%20Renovation/uliberty%20copy.jpg

East Village Square--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/East%20Village%20Square/Eastvillagesquare1.gif

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/East%20Village%20Square/feb06eastvillagesquare.jpg

Woodland Avenue Brickstones--recently completed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Woodland%20Avenue%20Brownstones/Woodland%20Avenue%20Brickstones2.jpg

University Place--completed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/University%20Place/University%20Place-color.jpg

SoHo Lofts--recently completed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/SoHo%20Lofts/soho%20lofts1-october%202005.jpg

Adio Lofts--proposed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Adio_Lofts_Development/adiolofts1.jpg

1912 Grand Avenue conversion--proposed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/1912_Grand_Avenue_Condo_Conversion/1912_Grand.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/1912_Grand_Avenue_Condo_Conversion/1912%20Grand2.jpg

Younkers Building Conversion--proposed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Younkers_Residential_Conversion/younkers2.jpg

Rumley Building Conversion--proposed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Rumley_Building_Conversion/Rumely_Building.jpg

Riverpoint West Urban Neighborhood (800 urban homes built from scratch)--proposed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Riverpoint%20West/riverpoint%20west%202006.jpg

Hawthorne Hill Renovation--proposed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Hawthorne%20Hill%20Renovation/Hawthorne_Hill.jpg


Court Avenue Residential Redevelopment--proposed
http://www.gewattier.com/images/work/court/corner_lg.jpg



Miscellanious

I-235 Freeway Reconstruction--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/I-235/I-235%20@%2042nd.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/I-235/WDMRiverJuly04.jpg

MLK Parkway Construction--recently completed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/MLK%20Extension%20(West)/MLKat5thW.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/images/Skyline_Photos/MLK_View2.jpg



Suburban Projects worth showing

Jordan Creek Town Center--completed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/images/City%20Gallery%20Main/West%20Des%20Moines%20Gallery/JCTC%20Area/JCTC/PierN.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/images/City%20Gallery%20Main/West%20Des%20Moines%20Gallery/JCTC%20Area/JCTC/jctclakexmas.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/images/City%20Gallery%20Main/West%20Des%20Moines%20Gallery/JCTC%20Area/JCTC/JCWaterfall.jpg

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (3,000 jobs and 960,000 sq ft--->this is all we got)
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Wells_Fargo_WDM_Campus/01mar06wellsfargocampusa.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Wells_Fargo_WDM_Campus/01mar06wellsfargocampuse.jpg

West Glen Town Center--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/West_Glen_Town_Center/jan06westglenh.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/West_Glen_Town_Center/jan06westglenb.jpg

Village of Ponderosa--proposed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Village_at_Ponderosa/Village%20at%20Ponderosa2.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Village_at_Ponderosa/Village%20at%20Ponderosa3.jpg

Glennan Square--proposed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Glennan_Square/glennan3.jpg

Jordan Creek Crossing--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Jordan_Creek_Crossing/01mar06jordancreekcrossinga.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Jordan_Creek_Crossing/jordancreekcrossingsiteplana.jpg

Ashworth Station--under construction
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Depot_At_Ashworth/01mar06depotatashworth.jpg

Des Moines Menance Soccer Specific Stadium--proposed
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/Projects%20and%20Construction/Menace_Soccer_Stadium/stadiumsoccer1.jpg

Awesome, keep sharing the info.

Don't you do this every year? Some DSM projects page, only gets about two responses, you wait a few months, and do it again.

Don't you do this every year? Some DSM projects page, only gets about two responses, you wait a few months, and do it again.

I for one like being updated. I don't usually respond, but I read it.

You guys can see for yourselves how UNREALISTIC these guys are, it's comedy.

Straight from AbsoluteDSM.com "Recent Press"

Des Moines "The Hippest City" in the USA?

In terms of the best place to have a career, maybe so according to Fast Company Magazine. Des Moines came in under the radar to land praise for having a growing economy, being a hub for employers that provide outstanding employee benefits, a low unemployment rate, high education rates, and high quality of life, among other considerations. After listing all that ails the economy in typically trendy coastal cities like New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area, this is what the article had to say about Des Moines: "In Des Moines, companies have only increased their family-friendly perks, making life in Iowa's capital city today feel as hip -- and as privileged -- as in Silicon Valley circa 1999. Not bad for a city that just narrowly avoided being named Fort Raccoon in the 1840s."

-October 2003

Yes, living in Des Moines is now considered as HIP, TRENDY, AND URBAN as New York City or San Francisco...the sad part is, these guys really believe it.

And gentlemen, just in case you need a date next Friday night...Remember this.

What Do Women Want? Des Moines.

Business Week Magazine outlines what many working women want in a place to live, work and raise a family and what Des Moines offers was mentioned. The article discusses how Des Moines offers plenty of career opportunities for female workers, with a staggering 70% of corporate management being female, the greatest percentage of any U.S. city. The usual quality of life, education and culture attributes are mentioned, versus Des Moines' bigger city peers.

-October 2004

YES, the ladies WANT Des Moines. ALL the "cultural attributes" (meaning none whatsoever) of Des Moines has made it such a chick magnet.

"Evidently" Des Moines is just getting TOO hip for its own good. You guys might wanna bring fly swatters next time you're in town to keep all the babes off you, after all you'd be in Des Moines.


Read (or laugh) for yourself
http://www.absolutedsm.com/httpdocs/recent%20press.htm

thanks for all the photos. This thread really shows how no one city is unique in this regard. Every American city, with very few exclusions, is experiencing an urban
renaissance. What strikes me as incredulous is that virtually every city has a carbon copy of this kind of development, despite the great geographic distances between American cities:

- Hospital expansion.
- Shopping mall close to downtown reinvented with a Vegas/Disneylike vigor
- fake row houses/town houses with outofscale rooflines, balconies or porticos.
- new, ugly, multideck, concrete form, parking garages
- (formed concrete riverwalk/sculpture.)some pastiche for the attempt at geographic, natural amenity near downtown.
- freeway "rebuilding" (concrete contract renewal again --20year cycle for corporate campaign donors)
- warehouse/factory gutted for "SOHO lofts" with fake metal balconies stapled(hung) from each outofscale window.

No city is immune to this, and every homer or local beams with pride with the assortment/mix of the above project types, when no one city is any more unique
or innovative than the other.

I am very happy all American cities and especially dowtowns are on the radar for local developers and concrete suppliers. I have for more than two decades been in the vocal minority as a cheerleader for the potential of a downtown over the sprawl of suburban strip malls (Caribou Coffee, Container Store, CostCo)
But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that developers would try to bring the gimmicky, schlock of the suburbs to downtown.

That arched bridge though is amazing, but probably doesn't get enough glam shots, competing against the glossies, and 2 minute 5oclock news segments on "SOHO lofts."

Good for Des Moines! The equitable building looks like a gem! I love your city's tallest, I wish it were in Indy. It would complement Chase tower nicely.

Good to see. I like Des Moines.

on the list:

I forgot to mention the sports complex/arena thing

Use this list for every American city downtown and midtown and see how much deviation is available.

I am not against Des Moines or any other city. I am very, vehemently opposed to developers throwing their weight around in city council meetings, and not one alderperson/city gov. official so much as squeaks. It seems as though city halls across the country are so money starved for attention, that they bypass any public decency, and throw shovels, money and land at any developer ( :bash: ) passing through town.

Architects, and urban designers no longer create, great monumental cities, developers rule the city grid and deface it with schlock.

Good for Des Moines! Some of those projects looked impressive. The people of Des Moines have a lot to be proud of.

I like Des Moines and used to live near there. A lot of those projects that were "recently completed" have been done for years. There's still no question that the downtown is improving, but I still wouldn't be buying yet.

I love Des Moines, it's a total class act, humble and thriving. A unique combination for a city and place.


And it's actually been chugging along nicely for quite sometime.

Drove through last fall for the firest time in years and was impressed by the growth. What's going on with the skywalk system? They have lost favor in places like Cincy, what's the word on that? They do sort of kill streetlife.

Great thread.

and why isn't this stickied? if green bay gets the glue, so should you.

great thread, i cant wait until i go on a cross country trek through the usa and get to check out des moines, looks great,

funny how style just doesnt get it, we like all cities here,
and i myself especially find lesser known cities very interesting, because that is how you get to know US history and culture, and architecture,
is it called boosterism when you are simply interesting in current construction and proposed and those projects underway?

its a very exciting time we live in when city life is becoming more and more valued and is thriving...
this definitely should be stickied

Mohammed, most cities are pretty normal places.

Des Moines is anything but.

This thread gave me a whole new outlook on this city. It seems to have much more going for it than I originally thought. BTW, isn't the metro population well over 800,000?

Great Des Moines thread!!

I think Toledo, Des Moines, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Omaha should be stickied.

Thanks for sharing Ryan! I really enjoy these comprehensive all-in-one threads. I can't wait to take a summer stroll on the Riverwalk when it's completed. Please keep us updated!

This thread gave me a whole new outlook on this city. It seems to have much more going for it than I originally thought. BTW, isn't the metro population well over 800,000?

More like 450,000-500,000.

I really dig that Science Center. Lots of cool projects here...this should be stickied.

I like these threads, I usually pop in on Absolute DSM from time to time. It must be an exciting time to live in Des Moines, it seems like it is always in transition. The city seems to think much larger than it is. Its a good thing.

More like 450,000-500,000.

Looks like 453,000 if you include Ames and the students at ISU.

It's 522,000 using 2005 estimates, and that doesn't include the Ames CSA. It would be 630,000 if the Ames CSA were included.

Here's a better rendering of a new condo project that has been recently proposed.

http://www.hatchdevelopment.com/images/Condo-Headon-Night.jpg

http://www.hatchdevelopment.com/images/Condo-Headon-Day.jpg

It's 522,000 using 2005 estimates, and that doesn't include the Ames CSA. It would be 630,000 if the Ames CSA were included.

Here's a better rendering of a new condo project that has been recently proposed.



But it's obviously NOT included so why do you play it off like it should be?

And how is "Ames CSA" 108,000 - last time I checked that town had a population of 50,731 (City-Data.com)

are you going to tell me the Census has a vendetta against them to so you feel the need to more than double their metro? They also have no suburbs, man, you guys just get more ridiculous by the hour.

Wow, I am really impressed by the pictures. I haven't been to Des Moines in quite awhile but it looks like it has come a long way. I am thinking that would make a good road trip this summer!

Ames CSA probably includes Boone, Nevada and Story City.

Ames CSA probably includes Boone, Nevada and Story City.

Yes, combine those three and you have maybe 10,000

Yes, combine those three and you have maybe 10,000
Blah blah blah.. negative comment. Everyone sucks. Life sucks.

So Des Moines is what Dayton would be like if Dayton had a booming economy? They are close in population range.

.....very very impressive the amount of development proposed and underway in Des Moines.

im always impressed with des moines.

Here's a new $40 Million mixed-use tower for Des Moines. It's 13 stories, and will have a mix of retail, parking and office. The glass cylinder will be briliantly lit up at night to be seen on the skyline and from the new Gateway Park near the core of the city.

This is a conceptual design.

http://www.pbase.com/image/58965722.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/58965725.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/58965726.jpg

Wow, I definetely think I'll be giving DSM a visit in the coming months. How kick-ass for a city of that size to see such tremendous growth!

Good to see a nice mixed-use project in dt Des Moines like this! "Mixed-use" always comes up when discussing parking structures, but it seems they're rarely discussed when new developments are actually announced.

Des Moines is kicking ass in the downtown dept. even competing with much larger cities. Are the suburbs growing at a rediculous pace too though, it would be great if that could be contained for the most part. I just hope that Des Moines doesnt grow into another mundane blob with an urban oasis in the middle.

It sure is SChristopher. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is about to wrap up a new 960,000 sq foot expansion in the suburbs. There are hundreds of thousands of square feet of retail and office going up by Jordan Creek Town Center (a lot of it is mixed use development-with apartments on top of stores and offices). Downtown (and surrounding neighborhoods) and the suburbs are ALL exploding with growth.

Some of the suburban projects going up in West Des Moines:

Glennan Square North and South (proposed):
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Glennan_Square/glennan3.jpg

Village @ Ponderosa (site being prepared):
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Village_at_Ponderosa/Village%20at%20Ponderosa1.jpg
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Village_at_Ponderosa/Village%20at%20Ponderosa2.jpg
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Village_at_Ponderosa/Village%20at%20Ponderosa3.jpg

West Glen:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/West_Glen_Town_Center/West%20Glen%20Town%20Center.jpg
Progress:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/West_Glen_Town_Center/jan06westglenb.jpg
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/West_Glen_Town_Center/jan06westglenh.jpg
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/West_Glen_Town_Center/jan06westglena.jpg

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Campus (960,000 sq feet, 4 buildings):
Front:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Wells_Fargo_WDM_Campus/01mar06wellsfargocampuse.jpg
Back:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Wells_Fargo_WDM_Campus/01mar06wellsfargocampusl.jpg
Parking Garage:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Wells_Fargo_WDM_Campus/Wells%20Fargo%20Mortgage10%209-05.jpg

Jordan Creek Crossing:
Site Plan:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Jordan_Creek_Crossing/jordancreekcrossingsiteplana.jpg
Progress:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Jordan_Creek_Crossing/01mar06jordancreekcrossinga.jpg

And the big daddy of the Jordan Creek area...Jordan Creek Town Center (completed Summer 2004):
http://www.absolutedsm.com/images/City%20Gallery%20Main/West%20Des%20Moines%20Gallery/JCTC%20Area/JCTC/PierN.jpg
http://www.absolutedsm.com/images/City%20Gallery%20Main/West%20Des%20Moines%20Gallery/JCTC%20Area/JCTC/JCWaterfall.jpg
http://www.absolutedsm.com/images/City%20Gallery%20Main/West%20Des%20Moines%20Gallery/JCTC%20Area/JCTC/BoardwalkS.jpg

There are numerous other developments happening in the suburbs...just go to absolutedsm.com (http://www.absolutedsm.com) to find out more!

I like these threads, I usually pop in on Absolute DSM from time to time. It must be an exciting time to live in Des Moines, it seems like it is always in transition. The city seems to think much larger than it is. Its a good thing.


You hit the nail on the head right there. You would think it is a good thing, but it's created a VERY strange city, where most of it's residents think it is close to being on par with NYC. It even names itself these "big cities". There is an East Village and SoHo in Des Moines, and an upcoming "Galleria". I do not dislike this town, but it is very strange.

You are from Houston I read, most local Des Moines residents would think Houston is a joke compared to Des Moines. I'm not kidding.

Ronnie Jonez is Style515.

Ronnie Jonez is Style515.


DM Ryan is really Andy Milonakis. Call him Ryan Milonakis.

I rock Court Ave on my head, but don't call me a Court head
Polk county's on my head, but don't call me a Polk head
Bill Knapp's on my head, but don't call me a Knapp head
Now please excuse me I've got to get my cornfed

You shop at Jordan Creek but I make my own clothing
I hang out with an Ingy that loves self-loathing

It's my town can't tell me what to do
Life hands me lemons I make green stew

It's Polk Co I'm Ryan Milonakis
It's my town I'm Ryan Milonakis

Nice rap. Nothing about bologna in my front pocket?

DM Ryan is really Andy Milonakis. Call him Ryan Milonakis.

I rock Court Ave on my head, but don't call me a Court head
Polk county's on my head, but don't call me a Polk head
Bill Knapp's on my head, but don't call me a Knapp head
Now please excuse me I've got to get my cornfed

You shop at Jordan Creek but I make my own clothing
I hang out with an Ingy that loves self-loathing

It's my town can't tell me what to do
Life hands me lemons I make green stew

It's Polk Co I'm Ryan Milonakis
It's my town I'm Ryan Milonakis

wtf

Nice rap. Nothing about bologna in my front pocket?

You already got the 2million plus DSM metro in your front pocket which extends from Omaha all the way down to the Missouri State Line

That I do my buddy, that I do.

Then why would you want bologna when you have all that?

DM Ryan is really Andy Milonakis. Call him Ryan Milonakis.

I rock Court Ave on my head, but don't call me a Court head
Polk county's on my head, but don't call me a Polk head
Bill Knapp's on my head, but don't call me a Knapp head
Now please excuse me I've got to get my cornfed

You shop at Jordan Creek but I make my own clothing
I hang out with an Ingy that loves self-loathing

It's my town can't tell me what to do
Life hands me lemons I make green stew

It's Polk Co I'm Ryan Milonakis
It's my town I'm Ryan Milonakis


Knowing you personally Ryan, that's hilarious. :) I don't think Josh is all that self loathing though.

LOL...self loathing???? I don't know anyone who would say I'm self-loathing (maybe you should look up the meaning of what your spewing Style). It may actually help if you knew me...maybe that would help you turn your frown upside down? It's just too bad I don't have any desire to know you.

I really hope you see a counselor or get prozac...you need help style (Ronny).

you're right. that's just too damn bad. your movie broke the All-time record for weekend DVD sales, congrats.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7749/narnia9io.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Now that is what I call a movie (although I would have West Glen and Clive as bonus footage)! You really keep up on this movie. I hope you could comprehend the story at your age. How many times have you seen it?

Now that is what I call a movie (although I would have West Glen and Clive as bonus footage)! You really keep up on this movie. I hope you could comprehend the story at your age. How many times have you seen it?

I've seen it over a 100 times. I know that's a lot, but after all, it's your movie. great special effects by the way, how did you guys manage to fly from Grand Ave to jordan creek in a matter of seconds in that one scene halfway through the movie?

Did you sprinkle some dogbo dust on yourself?

You must be jealous Style! Too bad you don't get paid for being a troll... :)

You must be jealous Style! Too bad you don't get paid for being a troll... :)

True that. I tell you guys shit that pisses you off, but look at what I've really said...DSM is NOT what you guys crack it up to be, and thats it. Last thing I said on your board was that Iowa City has more "culture" than DSM, and it's considered a troll post because you guys can't handle the truth.

ANYONE who isn't an idiot is going to agree with that comment, even many of your own members, except for the truly Narnian ones like you.

If anyone else said that comment, they wouldn't have been banned from our website. The comment was deleted (and screenname deactivated) due to who it was coming from. You are a troll, otherwise you wouldn't come back countless times (including this board) after being told your not welcome. The "truth" in your eyes is simply an "opinion". Unfortunately, you don't know how to handle yourself on these boards. I hope your real life isn't the same way.

About your narnia cracks, I could care less. I've never seen the movie and have no intentions to view it (I'm not into fantasy films). You can call it your "inside" joke to your friends. You used to really piss me off...but over time...I stopped getting mad and now laugh. It really drives you nuts that you can't change our opinions on something we feel passionate about. I feel sorry for you.

Since you enjoy trolling so much, I strongly urge you to seek counseling. Trolls usually deal with high levels of depression (I've observed major mood swings between different posts from you). I hope you are recieving some kind of help. At least look up the information. Your not fooling anyone.

From Wikipedia:
In Internet terminology, a troll is someone who comes into an established community such as an online discussion forum, and posts inflammatory, rude or offensive messages designed to annoy and antagonize the existing members or disrupt the flow of discussion (see Anonymous Internet posting).

That's not you? LOL

Well, the "Narnia" cracks are really catching on. Not everyone in Des Moines is half as dumb as you, thankfully. And that was one of the first comments I made regarding Iowa City being more cultured, you even "welcomed" me before that, then the second you were challenged with a dissenting viewpoint, you ban. It's amusing.

Straight from your site.

"In Des Moines, companies have only increased their family-friendly perks, making life in Iowa's capital city today feel as hip -- and as privileged -- as in Silicon Valley circa 1999. Not bad for a city that just narrowly avoided being named Fort Raccoon in the 1840s."

Please, DSM is NOT Silicon Valley. That is pure ignorance that most of you guys believe that I call you out on.

A LOT of your members have also agreed with me. You have to realize this is entertaining to me, and I've never taken you guys seriously (yet you take me very seriously), but *evidently* your constant ridiculousness DESERVES to be called out. On top of that, you really only post here when I do. A little creepy.

And quit with the Freudian bullshit, he'd probably have a better time figuring you out, for obvious reasons.

I only call them as I see 'em. Your a psycho. :) Please seek help immediately. I can't say it enough.

About your silicon valley comment, maybe you should complain to Fast Company Magazine...'cause I don't give a crap. Narnia is far from catching on when the only person I've seen it used by is a racist. Add one to the stylia side. Whatever dude.

If you would please note, I had posted on this topic before you. Who's following who and who wants to be a part of our community so desperately (you tried signing up again last night too psycho)? You evidently don't have a life of your own. That Dolce and Gabbana hat didn't get you very far besides gaining a racist online friend on juice.

You are a troll...

Style515 banned from:

absolutedsm.com
eomaha.com
kcskyscrapers.com
skyscrapercity.com

And these are the websites that I actually frequent...who knows if there are more.

See a pattern???? You continue coming back! Psycho Troll. I'm done giving you any more attention.

http://www.absolutedsm.com/images/Other/styletroll.jpg

Actually no, I'm sure you are banning people who you assume could be "style", which is probably anyone. I've only gone back to your site only to clown you guys. I've never wanted to be a part of the AbsoluteDSM community - obviously it makes you feel better to assume that. Reminds me of grade school, you make fun of someone, they are taught to believe you want to be them.

Obviously you haven't grown up much (no surprises there)

Yes, Narnia IS catching on. I'm sure it isn't gaining ground with "DowntownImpact" or one of the many "young professional" groups DSM pushes that everyone knows don't have an ounce of legitimacy. Remember, DSM is the only place where you can shuffle papers for $12.50 an hour at Wells Fargo...but as long as it's at Wells Fargo, it's considered "professional". So Narnia.

By the way, I'm not the first person to say DSM thinks its a big city when its sure not. If you're originally from podunk-town Iowa (most everyone), DSM is a big city to you, if you're from a big city originally you can see DSM for what it really is.

A decent-sized regular town, that is no better or worse than the next regular town. It's no San Fran, Chicago, NYC, Miami, or LA, although you consider it more "risque" than those cities as you've said before. You guys don't acknowledge reality, so it's fun to point it out.

nice photoshop skills. weeble wobble.

Back on topic:

It sure is SChristopher. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is about to wrap up a new 960,000 sq foot expansion in the suburbs. There are hundreds of thousands of square feet of retail and office going up by Jordan Creek Town Center (a lot of it is mixed use development-with apartments on top of stores and offices). Downtown (and surrounding neighborhoods) and the suburbs are ALL exploding with growth.

Some of the suburban projects going up in West Des Moines:

Glennan Square North and South (proposed):
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Glennan_Square/glennan3.jpg

Village @ Ponderosa (site being prepared):
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Village_at_Ponderosa/Village%20at%20Ponderosa1.jpg
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Village_at_Ponderosa/Village%20at%20Ponderosa2.jpg
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Village_at_Ponderosa/Village%20at%20Ponderosa3.jpg

West Glen:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/West_Glen_Town_Center/West%20Glen%20Town%20Center.jpg
Progress:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/West_Glen_Town_Center/jan06westglenb.jpg
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/West_Glen_Town_Center/jan06westglenh.jpg
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/West_Glen_Town_Center/jan06westglena.jpg

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Campus (960,000 sq feet, 4 buildings):
Front:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Wells_Fargo_WDM_Campus/01mar06wellsfargocampuse.jpg
Back:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Wells_Fargo_WDM_Campus/01mar06wellsfargocampusl.jpg
Parking Garage:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Wells_Fargo_WDM_Campus/Wells%20Fargo%20Mortgage10%209-05.jpg

Jordan Creek Crossing:
Site Plan:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Jordan_Creek_Crossing/jordancreekcrossingsiteplana.jpg
Progress:
http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Jordan_Creek_Crossing/01mar06jordancreekcrossinga.jpg

And the big daddy of the Jordan Creek area...Jordan Creek Town Center (completed Summer 2004):
http://www.absolutedsm.com/images/City%20Gallery%20Main/West%20Des%20Moines%20Gallery/JCTC%20Area/JCTC/PierN.jpg
http://www.absolutedsm.com/images/City%20Gallery%20Main/West%20Des%20Moines%20Gallery/JCTC%20Area/JCTC/JCWaterfall.jpg
http://www.absolutedsm.com/images/City%20Gallery%20Main/West%20Des%20Moines%20Gallery/JCTC%20Area/JCTC/BoardwalkS.jpg

There are numerous other developments happening in the suburbs...just go to absolutedsm.com (http://www.absolutedsm.com) to find out more!

Again, he is lying. DSM population shrank 1.3% in the last 4 years. I read the Cityview article about downtown. "SoHo" lofts only sold 13 of 32 units in the past year, and Court Ave (DSM's "entertainment" district if you will) is stale as ever and rarely fills up the parking lot, and everyone knows it. Jordan Creek never got the stores it was supposed to get either.The suburbs are growing, but not exponentially like before, for every person that comes, another leaves. Anyone from a bigger city doesn't want to stay in DSM for long.

You will probably say the census has a "vendetta" against Des Moines again. lol.

Ronnie=Style515
http://www.absolutedsm.com/images/Other/styletroll.jpg

"You can't handle the TRUTH" - Jack Nicholson

I'll clarify for you, I don't dislike Des Moines, I think it's a pretty fine town overall although it lacks culture and sophistication, or maybe Iowa City stole it from the entire state. It's the "Narnia" in it that is fun to point out, otherwise it's a decent place, it's clean for the most part as well.

Des Moines is as "exciting" as the next boring place like Omaha or Marshalltown. As one person put it, "Des Moines is alright, it's only as cool as the next regular place."

A definite step up from Boxholm though. Your hometown Ingy, good ol' Boxholm, Iowa, pop. 255.

http://www.absolutedsm.com/images/Other/styletroll.jpg \

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7749/narnia9io.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.absolutedsm.com/images/Other/styletroll.jpg

I can't belive how fast this thread went from a picnic in the park to a tragic domestic abuse case. Calm down kids.

This is long and rambling...but I'm bored and have been thinking it over now for a few minutes.

I for one grew up in Iowa City for 22 years, visited my grandmother in Des Moines about 4 times a year, and have lived in Chicago for 5 years - so I've kinda seen the city from many different angles. I've always loved Des Moines from visiting there growing up, it always had a weird placement in the state of Iowa for many reasons.

First - it was and still for the most part is the only "large" city in Iowa based off what people in the greater Iowa area are use to dealing with. Yes there is Omaha - but that's in Nebraska so it's always been somewhat of a rivalry. Then there's the Quad Cities, but they're split over IA and IL, and haven't really been doing much since the 1970's on a large scale basis. Recently the merge of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area has moved to a higher place in the state, but mostly just because of the large scale growth finally taking place there. This just leaves Des Moines at the top ( and pretty much dead center of the state ) as the state's big city. Iowans who wanted to stay in Iowa but wanted to get away from their smaller hometowns have been drawn to Des Moines more and more as it grows larger and larger - and is seen as a more plausable place to live than Waterloo, Fort Dodge, blah blah blah. I think the larger it gets, the more of a draw it will become - just because it is more and more polorized from the rest of the slow to no growth felt in most other areas of the state.

Keep in mind the Des Moines metro area has grown in the past 25 years or so from around 362,000 to 522,000 ( give or take ). In this same time period the state of Iowa has grown from 2,913,808 to 2,945,000. Des Moines grew by 44% while the rest of the state grew by around 1%. I think this has given Des Moinse a very healthy image of itself, rightfully so - and has given the state of Iowa something it can feel positive about as far as growing and not just growing OLDER.

It's crazy to drive around the western areas of the city now compared to when I was just a little kid. There has been relatively no positive net growth in the city in the past 25 years, yet the area has grown by around 160,000 people - all in the suburbs. I about shit my pants when I drove west on I-80 a few years ago and saw all the endless sprall out west. It looked like some endless big city suburbia.

Anyway, I appreciate being updated on what's going on in Des Moines, and I'm a little confused by all this attacking that's been going on by some people. These are just projects that have BEEN built, and are BEING built, or are concept designs. It's not like they're pitching all this bogus information on this thread that's just mindless bragging and false boasting. I'd be very proud of living in Des Moines at this time, and good for them informing everyone else that there is more to Iowa than some timeless trapped in the past non-growing city full of white people and tractors. It's wonderful for Iowa to have a stable growing CITY in a state that is just bleeding its well educated, competent, hard working 20-30 somethings to other areas of the country (yes, myself included). I don't know how it became America's stereotype of what living in a "farm" state is, and how all those stereotypes came about. I still love telling people that only 5.8% of the state's population actually lives on a farm.

It's a good place to live, especially if you are "white and plain". That is the vast majority, but not everyone. It has made some impressive strides in increasing diversity, mainly thanks to the Latino population, who saved DSM in the last census.

I don't think it's a bad town either. The only thing I've ever said that pisses off the "Des Moines boosters" is that it's not some big city with tons of culture and nightlife, but they think it is. I also find it odd how Des Moines REWARDS big-city problems, it exaggerates its traffic like no other.

On top of that, there is a real meth problem here (probably the worst in the country), and it's OK to make jokes about that (as if big-city drug problems were something to be proud of), but the very second you make a joke about Des Moines being "lame" or "boring" you're considered the worst person ever. Things do work backwards here sometimes, ok a lot of the time.

In a way, it's kind of fun to tell people from other places you live in Iowa, all of a sudden, it makes you more interesting, especially when you are anything but the "Iowa" stereotype.

That is a fair and balanced depiction Chicagoago. I lived in Chicago (Downtown) until last August and loved it (lived there for three years). After being there for a while, it was time to come back to Iowa. I love it here for many reasons...

No major traffic headaches
it's a growing, evolving metro
Good Broadway Shows (although later than Chicago)
Friendly people
ICUBS
IStars
Lots of development going on (which is why I'm on this site to begin with)
Easy to get involved to make a difference
Anything I absolutely can't live without isn't more than a day away (Chicago, Minneapolis)

and that's just the start of a list that can go on and on. Are we better than any other metro, no...are we inferior...NO. For a metro our size, we do pretty damn good. :)

Just had to laugh and tell you that I totally agree with the "it's kind of fun to tell people from other places you live in Iowa, all of a sudden, it makes you more interesting". I find that SO true living in Chicago.

People suddenly think you're some handsome boy next-door small town Iowa guy and start pouring over you with questions and "awww, that's so cute". It seems many people in the big city will give me a more in-depth, focused first impression once they know I'm from Iowa and not Buffalo Grove.

When I lived in Iowa I was always interested in talking to people who live in big cities. Now that I'm older and have met more people, I realize that a great portion of our country is from large cities, they're a dime a dozen. It's almost like you're an anomoly to many people because you grew up in a place that had nothing to do with a large city, and was for the most part rural compared to the east and west coast population centers.

In a way, it's kind of fun to tell people from other places you live in Iowa, all of a sudden, it makes you more interesting, especially when you are anything but the "Iowa" stereotype.
What is the "Iowa stereotype"? I wasn't aware of one.

What is the "Iowa stereotype"? I wasn't aware of one.

John Deere hat, wears overalls, doesn't hold his fork properly, drives a chevy, most of all, very plain.

Very similar to Oklahoma

In California, "Iowa" meant middle america...."the folks"....basic solid people, farm boys and girls, wholesome, etc etc.

This thread is great! Who knew SSC could be so entertaining.

Again, he is lying. DSM population shrank 1.3% in the last 4 years. I read the Cityview article about downtown. "SoHo" lofts only sold 13 of 32 units in the past year, and Court Ave (DSM's "entertainment" district if you will) is stale as ever and rarely fills up the parking lot, and everyone knows it. Jordan Creek never got the stores it was supposed to get either.The suburbs are growing, but not exponentially like before, for every person that comes, another leaves. Anyone from a bigger city doesn't want to stay in DSM for long.

You will probably say the census has a "vendetta" against Des Moines again. lol.


Ok style, whats with you always trashing DSM? Every post you make about it is bad. You go out of your way to trash it, I would say vendetta is right. The central city may have lost population, estimates have been known to be wrong though (look at chicago). Also if you think they are correct then you should mention the same estimates show the metro area growing over 40,000 since 2000. Some of the suburbs are really booming (Ankeny up 27%, Johnston up 36.1%, Altoona up 17.0%). If your not interested in Des Moines, and only want to say bad things why not just not come to this thread. The rest of us would thank you for that.

why hasnt RonnieJonez been banned yet?

^^Dont worry. He'll say something to get banned. He always does.

I was looking at pics of buildings in Des Moines (I wish 801 Grand was in Indy, it would compliment our skyline very well) and noticed how similar the EMC Building in DM looks to Humana in L'ville.

EMC:
http://www.emporis.com/files/transfer/5/2001/04/126321.jpg
http://www.emporis.com/files/transfer/5/2002/08/158116.jpg

Humana
http://www.dl.ket.org/humanities/arch/images/humana.jpg
http://faculty.evansville.edu/rl29/art105/img/graves_humana.gif

Might be the same building...do we have some creepy Twilight Zone shit going on?

Might be the same building...do we have some creepy Twilight Zone shit going on?

Considering Indianapolis is basically Des Moines on the other side of Chicago, it's very possible.

ignoring that last comment...someone needs to post like a mega-picture thread of des moines!! and all other small towns in iowa if possible. I also like debuque...its a quite little rivertown that has experienced alot in its days.

^^That would actually be a good idea

I hope to do a Des Moines photo thread but in all reality it will probably next semester before I am back to Des Moines. I hope to put on up soon about Ames and I agree with what you say about Dubuque I always enjoy passing through it on my way home.

RonnieJonez...do you just sit around and get stoned and hate on everything cause you think it's hilarious to piss random people off? I mean at least I could relate to that even though it's quite pointless. Or do you just get on all these threads and whine and complain about whatever it is that's put in front of your eyes because you're a sad person?

Honestly not trying to hate on you, but it's really not productive or conducive to these threads at all. This isn't 8th grade OR Americas Next Top Model.

Chicagoago...Style (Ronnie) has been doing this crap for probably a year and a half. He gets off on it for some reason. I've banned him numerous times from absolutedsm.com, he's also been banned on eomaha.com and kcskyscrapers.com. It's really sad...that's why I kept posting the "don't feed the troll" image. He pretty much ruins any thread that he posts on with his negativity and "facts".

And after a whopping sixty posts, he gets it. Good riddance.
In any event, a Des Moines photo thread would be much appreciated.

Hi im from the U.K, Is there any chance of getting some more pictures of the central libary? Looks like a amazing piece of architecture and cant really find many pictures of it, you may have guessed im a fan of david chipperfields work.

Des Moines is a nice looking place would like to visit it some time in the future

http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Des%20Moines%20Central%20Library/library7_jan06.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Des%20Moines%20Central%20Library/feb06centrallibrarydesmoinesa.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Gateway_West_Park/Gateway%20Park1_may2006.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Gateway_West_Park/Gateway%20Park12_may2006.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/Projects%20and%20Construction/Gateway_West_Park/Gateway%20Park5_may2006.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/images/Features/Central_Library_Opening/08apr2006dmcentrallibrary016.jpg

Thanks for the pics DMRyan. will pop back to this thread from time to time to see how things are going on in Des Moines.

Thank you so much for all the update! The pictures and updates are KILLER!!!

Wow, there's a lot going on in Des Moines. A very good friend of mine resides in Des Moines and when we both resided in Minneapolis, I would go on Des Moines retreats with her. Most of the people I met were cool. Anyways, congratulations on your city's progress (love that bridgewalk) and don't let that one dude get to you. What's his mission anyways? If he doesn't live in Des Moines, why does he care so much to put it down? Weird. By the way, Seattle has a suburb called Des Moines.

Des Moines looks like it has finally landed the illusive downtown grocery store, and it sounds like there will be plans for a second near full service store too.

The largest will be on the very fringe of downtown and is being compared to a "Whole Foods" store concept. Prepared meals, gourmet cheeses, fine wines, extensive natural produce, etc. It's a locally owned outfit that is putting to use the space that a former indoor farmer's market used to occupy.

Here's is the rendering, and subsequent link to a thread on the Des Moines forum.

http://www.pbase.com/image/63423994.jpg

http://www.absolutedsm.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1644&start=40

The other grocery store being talked about will be much smaller in scale, but the same type of outfit in scope. The smaller store will be much closer to most of the residential going up downtown, but will put to use an empty building in the Court Avenue Entertainment District. Downtown Des Moines currently has a downtown population of between 6,000 to 7,000 people. While not large, it's growing quickly and now the lack of a grocery store cannot be used as an excuse to not move downtown (which is a pretty poor excuse in a city this size anyway. Who doesn't drive to the grocery store?)