Downtown Des Moines Blog - Greater Des Moines Partnership

515 Walnut Tower Reshapes the Downtown DSM Skyline

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Towering above Walnut Street, the 515 Walnut Tower is rapidly transforming the Downtown Des Moines (DSM) skyline — and signaling continued investment and momentum in Downtown DSM and the entire region.

Mission Cancer + Blood: From the Heart of Downtown Des Moines to a Statewide Cancer Care Network

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Greater Des Moines (DSM) is known for many things — insurance, economic development, being a top 10 U.S. city for Gen Z workers and more recently, as a hub for cancer care and expertise. For nearly 45 years, patients and families across Des Moines and Central Iowa have trusted Mission Cancer + Blood for their cancer care, and more than 300 oncologists, advanced practice providers (APPs), nurses, care teams and administrative professionals have chosen to practice in the communities they call home.

New 4th & Court Walking Path Ideal for Summer Exploration

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Creativity is on full display when you walk the new 4th & Court Walking Path in the Historic Court District of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). The walking path, which was installed by Slingshot Architecture, is a lighted three-dimensional art piece that features a durable corten steel structure. With the help of Teknephos, Factor Fabrication and Tri-City Electric, Slingshot Architecture constructed a dynamic feature to enhance the area without disturbing the existing trees, turning the walkway into a safe and beautiful experience.

Rooftop Art: Renowned Artist Jordan Weber’s New Installation at Mainframe Studios

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

_{Header image: Ryan Damman Photography}

Is Downtown Des Moines the GOAT for Older Americans?

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT

I’ve called Des Moines home for the last 20 years and never cease to be impressed with the ways Downtown Des Moines (DSM) continues to grow and attract residents of all ages. Young people impressed by the bar scene and living next to the largest skatepark in the nation are not the only ones who want to live in Downtown Des Moines. I often hear from older Iowans that the amenities and lifestyle of downtown living have turned out to be the perfect fit for enjoying retirement and later life on their own terms.

William G. Stowe Foundation Working to Install Jordan Weber’s Water Curia in Des Moines Water Works Park

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

During his career, William “Bill” Stowe proved himself to be a visionary leader capable of bringing people together to make the community he served better. As Director of Public Works for the City of Des Moines and as General Manager and CEO of Des Moines Water Works, Bill was well known to Central Iowans. The William G. Stowe Foundation was formed in his honor to provide accessible environmental education and resources to the community.

Building Downtown Des Moines for Future Families, Residents and Visitors

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

After attending college and law school in Iowa City, Brandon Brown got a job in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), moving into the Arlington and Hallett Apartments at 13th and Locust Streets. At the time, there wasn’t a lot going on in Downtown DSM aside from the first downtown Starbucks opening, which was a big deal. Later, Brandon moved into the Sherman Hill neighborhood, where he met his now wife. For a few years they moved out of downtown to the South of Grand area, but returned in 2019 after their son was born and before welcoming a daughter, two years ago.

A Downtown Des Moines Resident on What It’s Like Living in Downtown Des Moines

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The DART D-Line is no longer in operation. Please visit DART's website to learn more about their available routes in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) and across the region.

We Believe in the Future of Downtown DSM

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

“I said ‘Someone should do something about that.’”

Creating + Growing the Skateboarding Community in DSM

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

When you hear Des Moines, Iowa, I’m sure a thriving skateboarding town is not the first thing you think of. Being one of the dots on the skateboarding community map was something that only those who knew what goofy-foot or indy grab was could fathom happening here … a vision that only Norm Sterzenbach and youth in the Greater Des Moines (DSM) skating community could imagine. With Lauridsen Skatepark in the works, Norm pushed for partners to help lift up the DSM skate community. By reaching out and bringing together close colleagues and friends throughout the region, he formed what is known as Skate DSM. Skate DSM is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to make DSM a community where skateboarding is a celebrated activity for all ages. As the organization works with public and private organizations to host programs and events that educate and build positive relationships in the skateboarding arena, this vision is now becoming a reality.