I’ve had the chance to meet many people that make downtown Des Moines their home.  I wanted to introduce you to them, and give them a chance to share what they love, and don’t love, and why they chose to move downtown.

Since moving downtown is about a lifestyle change I think it would be nice to share that lifestyle with you.

Part One–Dave Steppat

This picture is of myself (Josh) and Dave Steppat.  Dave decided to move downtown because he worked downtown, would drive to Johnston after work, then when he’d go out he would return downtown to eat, and for entertainment.  Moving downtown made a lot of sense to him.

Today Dave lives at The Kirkwood, and loves his lifestyle.  Since he also works downtown his commute can be handled by foot–in 5 minutes!  I asked Dave a few questions, which I’ve listed below.

Why did you move downtown?

I lived in Johnston and I found myself driving to work each day downtown, and when I would go out at night I would have to drive home, then drive back downtown for dinner, or to attend the symphony, I-Cubs for example.  Everything I was doing would involve returning downtown so the move made a lot of sense.

What do you like best about living downtown?

The convenience of everything.  My commute to work is a 5 minute walk.  I’m a baseball fan so I love walking to Principal Park to watch games during the summer.  The bike and running trails along the river and toward Gray’s Lake are great.  I also like that I can walk no more than 10 minutes and eat at my favorite restaurants, like Lucca in the East Village for instance.

Any perks you didn’t know about until you moved?

Haha!  Within 6 blocks of where I live I can try more than 500 different kinds of beer!

What does downtown need most?

A FULL SERVICE GROCERY STORE!!!

Tell me a little about where you live, The Kirkwood.

It’s great.  I’ve noticed that most of the people that live here are empty nester types.  Kids have moved out, and now the people want to leave the suburbs and embrace an urban lifestyle.  It’s very quiet here, there is only a tiny bit of road noise, and you barely ever hear your neighbors.

The Kirkwood is fantastic as well.  The price is great, all my utilities except electricity are included, there are 2 restaurants coming into the building and the workout facility is every bit as good as what we have at Allied.  They have also done a great job preserving the history of the building.

Downtown feels absolutely safe, I’m a former Marine so maybe that has something to do with it, but I never feel unsafe while I am walking around.  Whether it’s a couple blocks to see what’s going on at Court Avenue, over to the East Village, or walking to or from work.  I never feel nervous or unsafe downtown.

 

I’d like to thank Dave for his time.  If you’re thinking about moving downtown, or even more specifically The Kirkwood I hope that Mr. Steppat has helped you a little bit.