Downtown DSM USA Initiatives Win International Awards
GREATER DES MOINES, IOWA (Oct. 25, 2018) – The International Downtown Association (IDA) has recognized two Downtown Des Moines (DSM) initiatives with Certificate of Merit Awards. Art Route DSM was awarded a Certificate of Merit in the category of Public Space. This category features capital improvements that have enhanced the urban design, transportation methods, physical function or economic viability of a community and its downtown. Connect Downtown was awarded a Certificate of Merit in the category of Planning. This category features planning efforts that have established a strategic position for a downtown, and that include elements of the plan that have already been approved, ratified and implemented. The awards were presented at the IDA’s 64th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, Oct. 25.
Art Route DSM in Downtown DSM leads patrons and visitors to 87 pieces of public art via a 6-mile trail. Art Route DSM is a collaborative project, led by a dedicated committee of volunteers through the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation. Art Route DSM is the first known trail of its kind in the nation and possibly the world: a trail connecting public art that includes a painted connector path and six vibrantly painted intersections.
Connect Downtown, an initiative led by the City of Des Moines, Urban Land Institute Iowa and the Greater Des Moines Partnership, is investigating opportunities to make getting around Downtown safer, more comfortable and more convenient. It aims to improve access to and within Downtown where people walk, ride their bicycle, drive and use transit. The Des Moines City Council voted to adopt the principals of Connect Downtown in 2017. The East Grand Avenue pilot project between East Second and East Fourth Streets is among the first updates through the Connect Downtown recommendations. This pilot project includes a lane reconfiguration to include two travel lanes, on-street parking and protected bike lanes.
Washington, D.C.-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city center districts. The Partnership is a member of IDA.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 340 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.