Skywalks Reimagined: Phase 2 Builds on Momentum to Transform Downtown Skywalk Through Art
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (July 9, 2025) – The Skywalks Reimagined initiative is continuing its mission to transform the Downtown Des Moines (DSM) Skywalk into a more vibrant and welcoming pedestrian corridor with the addition of three new art installations in Phase 2.
-
701 Grand Parking Garage at Eighth Street and Grand Avenue: Bright, bold colors highlight the corridor’s architectural features, while patterned window vinyl reflects existing shapes and plays with natural light.
“The Skywalks Reimagined initiative continues to bring meaning into an everyday space,” said Renae Mauk, Vice President of Downtown Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “This second phase expands on the energy and vibrancy we introduced recently in other areas of the Skywalk. It’s exciting to see it evolve into a more vibrant, welcoming experience for the Downtown DSM community and visitors.”
Phase 2 of Skywalks Reimagined was made possible by Prairie Meadows and builds on the momentum of the initial “Joy Walk” installations completed earlier this year with funding from Operation Downtown and Bravo Greater Des Moines.
Additionally, a mural by artist Ashley Mary in the Insurance Exchange Building, originally installed in 2020, has been enhanced through funding from Operation Downtown to support the Skywalks Reimagined initiative and complement the other “Joy Walk” installations.
Through collaboration between Downtown DSM, Inc., local creative agency Project7 Design, and property representatives from Principal, Lawmark Capital and EMC Insurance, the latest additions carry forward the “Joy Walk” theme, designed to enhance the user experience and infuse the Skywalk system with color, energy and delight as pedestrians move through Downtown DSM.
“With each installation, we continue to focus on bringing new energy to the Downtown DSM Skywalk system and the way residents and visitors experience the Skywalk,” said Katherine Hutchison, Partner & Artist with Project7 Design. “For Phase 2, we continued to lean into bold colors, playful form and layered textures to create pieces that surprise and uplift, adding something unexpected to people’s daily experience.”
“The Skywalks Reimagined project reflects the kind of forward-thinking community investment Prairie Meadows is proud to support,” said Julie Stewart, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Prairie Meadows. “Projects like this showcase the power of public art to enhance the quality of life in our communities.”
The installations advance the goals of the Downtown DSM: Future Forward Vision Plan and Action Plan which outlines a vision for a multi-dimensional, multiple use destination that both brings people to and moves people through the Skywalk. This plan is an ongoing initiative where Downtown DSM, Inc. is committed to expanding in future phases as part of continued public and private investment in the Skywalk system.
About Downtown DSM, Inc.
Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking. The Downtown Events Group enhances the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through the creation, elevation and activation of arts, culture and humanities events and community placemaking.
About Operation Downtown
Created to help make Downtown Des Moines (DSM) a safer, cleaner place to work, live and visit, Operation Downtown is classified as a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID). The mission is keeping Downtown DSM safe, clean, welcoming and vibrant, in support of a positive experience. Programs include trash cleanup, flower planting and visitor assistance. Operation Downtown, a 501(c)6, was formed in 1998 by business leaders to provide enhanced services that are not provided by the City of Des Moines. Today, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Operation Downtown help to keep DSM among the highest-rated, most vibrant regions in the country.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves 12 counties in Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa: Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek and Warren. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 6,700 Regional Business Members, The Partnership drives economic growth and talent development to advance quality of life in DSM 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.