And to Think We Saw It on Mulberry Street

In August 2019, Central Iowa Shelter Services (CISS), along with partnering sponsors, commissioned a study to explore future development of the area surrounding their home on Mulberry Corridor. The study was to envision future projects tackling a comprehensive look at fighting continued issues of homelessness. Through urban development within the Mulberry Corridor, SHYFT Collective was engaged for strategic real estate planning to address those issues of homelessness and neighborhood improvement. This was accomplished through the creation of connected community spaces that showcase art and culture, support wellness, and invest in social accountability and change in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).

Project implementation is expected to continue in January of 2021 for the Mulberry Corridor, with several projects within the corridor already underway. The area studied includes the space between Walnut Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway (north/south) and 15th/16th Street and 12th Street (east/west).

Why Mulberry?

The Mulberry Corridor isn’t known for its bustling activity. As it stands, the area lacks any main Downtown DSM attractions or businesses, instead serving as vacant land to be avoided. However, this area is also a chance to design something new that serves the surrounding neighborhoods and offers inspired progress for the city’s inhabitants and visitors to enjoy.

Mulberry Street Additions

CISS

The CISS project through SHYFT Collective introduced multiple programming and phases for consideration. These added community and wellness businesses, office space, commercial businesses, multi-family housing and entertainment amenities, including restaurants, attractions, community art and more. The study proposed four phases of development over the course of 15 years.

CISS CEO Melissa O’Neil says that through their work with DSM partners, the nine acres surrounding the CSS facility called for public input and a deliberate approach for serving the homeless population and community at-large. This included community discussion, support, and engagement led by SHYFT Collective for all those with a stake in the area. From these findings, up to 15 potential development projects were found. The four phases, and subsequent projects, are outlined below.

Phase I

Phase I of the project identified a timeline of 1-3 years and new programming, including:

• CISS Agri-hood (community gardens and greenhouse)
• Haven House (supportive housing)
• The 204 (adaptive reuse/mixed use — office, commercial/retail)Re:union (mixed use — multi-family housing, commercial/retail, hospitality/ entertainment)

Phase II

Phase II of the project identified a three-to-six-year timeline and new additions, including:

• The Bazaar at Mulberry Market (adaptive reuse — commercial/retail, entertainment/hospitality)
• Parc (mixed use — multi-family housing, commercial/retail, hospitality/ entertainment, wellness, office, civic/culture)
• New Pocket Parks + Art (civic/culture)
• Beneficent and Social Impact Center (nonprofit center)

Phase III

Phase III of the project targeted 6-10 years and included new additions of:

• Catalyst (mixed use — hospitality, wellness, office)
• Fourteen35 (mixed use — commercial/retail, multi-family housing)
• New Art Park
• M12 (mixed use — wellness, office)

Phase IV

Phase IV of the project timeline focused on 10-15 years with new additions of:

• 13Fourteen (mixed use — commercial/retail, multi-family housing)
• 212 (mixed use — commercial/retail, multi-family housing)
• Pedestrian Garden Bridge

Click here to view how each of the programming elements will be included within the Mulberry Corridor.

Watch the video below for a background on the Mulberry Corridor Site Study:

 

Greater Des Moines (DSM) has one of the best business climates in the country. The region is nationally recognized for having a talented and educated workforce, a cost of doing business 17 percent below the national average, a low cost of living and an exceptional quality of life.

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.