There was a party in Downtown Des Moines today, and it went on all day.  The new Davis Brown Tower celebrated it’s opening with activities throughout the day. As we walked along 10th toward the Tower we saw a number of workers headed back to their jobs with plates of food.  The street was blocked off from Walnut to Locust so they could have a block party.

The Gateway Market provided the food, and their staff was rushing around making sure allwere fed without a lot of waiting.

No one went away hungry. When we arrived  most of the tables were full and everyone was having a great time.

Los Saltinos were entertaining with Latino music.
We took the tour of the building and were impressed.

The  meeting rooms we saw were bright and airy.

The view of Des Moines fromthose rooms insures you want to take photographs from every spot.

We didn’t go into Josephs Jewelers or First National Bank, but
am sure many people did and will.

This Tower should be a great addition to Downtown Des Moines.  If you didn’t get there today, you really should take a look at it.

photos and story by: Jo Hill

Iowa’s Golden girl was in Iowa tonight, and people were encourage to come and welcome her home, and let her know how much we love her.

There were so many people at the door so they opened the doors to Wells Fargo Arena early.  I walked up to the Arena later then most people, but there were still many late comers hurrying to get there.

I did notice West Des Moines was there with School buses so it looks like many of Shawn’s friends from West Des Moines had a chance to come.  When I go there—I found the place was full, actually the lower level was full, and they were sending people up to the next level for seats.I did get to go and
take pictures of the crowd. I was even given a poster of Shawn like everyone else.  But did I get to see her?  No, it was so crowded, so I walked back and watched her on TV.

Since there is no longer a grocery store downtown, I decided to the Gateway Market without a car.  I hopped on the Trolley at 5th and Grand, and rode to the Gateway Lofts.

From there I went on foot to the Gateway Market.

Inside the Market is bright and cheerful.  The produce looked wonderful, and the prepared foods inviting.  I made my purchases, and walked back toward the Trolley.  This gave me a chance to see some of the old historic houses in Sherman Hill, and to pass a bit of history.

On the corner of 17th and Woodland still stands the building that housed Woodland Sundries for years.This was a favorite place to eat for many in the neighborhood.Yes, way back when I also was one of their customers.
Now the building still stand, with the snack and Coca-Cola  Sign is still on the outside wall.  It is one of the most unique stores around.  Since I had not been there before–I took the time to enter Ancient Wisdom.

Inside was books, rocks, and clothing.  I even found a hematite bracelet I had been looking for.

After that purchase I decided to call it a day and go home.

Photos and Story by: Jo Hill

Everyone has a dream, here is mine.

Des Moines has some great homes that are in terrible condition. Instead of always tearing up new land to build another boring house in the suburbs,  can we make better use of what we already have? My dream is to start a new company that finds homes that need work, recycle them by cleaning them up and using as much of the original structure as possible.  Then sell them to a buyer who gets way more value then what they have to pay.

Let’s recycle what we have, and be better to our neighborhoods, and more important, good stewards of what we have been trusted with. We can do this. Let’s make the world a better place by starting right here in Des Moines.

I can’t do this by myself, I need good contacts such as, mentors, handymen, contractors, helpers, and people with money who want to invest. So  if you can help connect me with someone to help with this dream, or even better become part of this big dream with me.

Please contact me

my email-
downtowndesmoinesblog@gmail.com

Jason Bickford
PS - I have been in this type of business for 8 years and I have been featured in newspapers talking about recycling homes.

I had not walked around Gray’s Lake since before the 2008 flood. When I got out there I was surprised to see how much work remains to be done in the reconstruction.  Looking across the lake toward the north, there was much bare ground where grass once grew.  There was heavy machinery in several places around the park, including the parking area near the north side on Fleur.  As I walked,I could see where the
equipment had tore up the ground, but there was also fresh greenery popping up.  Returning to downtown Des Moines, I passed the parking area in the back parking lot. All the picnic tables were all lined up, waiting to be replaced. The plantings in that lot were almost bare. The flood waters must have killed most of the plants.  I have enjoyed them for years. I was happy to see most of the park back to normal, and thank everyone who has worked so hard and are still working to get the park back.

Photos and story by: Jo Hill

Not everyone throws themselves a party, but that is what Barb Magee did on Saturday.  She had a better reason then her birthday.  This was Barb’s way to help the less fortunate.  She planned to feed 500 people, but asked they bring food or a donation for the homeless.

There were scouts giving out snowcones, as well as other friends, family  and volunteers putting together hot dogs.No one should have gone away hungry.  All the fun picnic items were also there.

There were also many things to do as to having a massage, jumping robe, just sitting and watching people.

The mounted patron came by, as did several Firemen.

I enjoyed all the people and loved the smiles on their faces.

I’d like to thank Barb for a good time, and hope she was able to send a lot to the Homeless.

Everyone knows the Better Homes and Gardens Magazine,but did you know that every Friday this summer from noon to two its garden is open to the pubic.  The location is at the Meredith Corporation at 15th and Grand in Downtown Des Moines.  From the outside, you may not be prepared for the beauty.

But once through the gate you are greeted by a lovely courtyard with a large colorful fountain.

As you walk on the paths you find inviting areas to stop, rest, and enjoy the flowers.

If you are a gardener or simply love love a pretty garden, take time to relax next Friday at the test garden.  It’s worth the time.

Photos and Article by: Jo Hill

Des Moines Church News just did an article about the Downtown Church. Be sure to check it out.

I have to say its been amazing the amount of really good email I get each day. I have met so many great business owners and leaders in the Downtown area in just a few short weeks. I no longer wonder how we get all the best “inside” information in the Downtown area.

This site is the authority on Downtown housing, because we gets tons of emails from people wanting to move downtown and have no idea where to start. By reading the emails I get the idea they usually check into 1-3 buildings but quickly get turned off. Or they get excited and never really pull the trigger and buy unit. So I’m going to be working hard to get the best up to date resource put together to help would be buyers and renters find just that right condo/loft.  Also I will be working hard to find where the market is for renting and buying.

My wife and I used to live Downtown, but about a year ago we moved away when my wife got pregnant. We were thinking it was to expensive to live downtown and not good for families. Lots of the buildings we were looking at were over $2,000 per month for a small 2 bedroom.  Now each and everyday that goes by we miss living Downtown. Maybe that’s why I bought this website So we are planning to move back in the next couple of weeks.

If you have a place you would like us to check out before we sign a lease with a new unit, please email us. A couple people have mentioned doing some sort of advertising deal where we help them market in exchange for better rent. However those units didn’t work very well for a family with a baby. I don’t know how I could get any work done without being able to separate myself from our baby when he’s crying:)

We will be Downtown today for the Farmers Market, then we have a few meetings with condo projects.  Tonight we plan on attending BarbaPalooza and the Downtown Church to do an article for Des Moines Church News. If you would like to get together please email us at DowntownDesMoinesblog (at) Gmail dot com

My wife and I purchased this website from Josh a few weeks ago. We have been working around the clock to merge it with the rest of our websites.

We will do a new post to introduce ourselves next week.

Thanks again and we look forward to serving you better.

Jason & Tammy