East Village News

by **dogbo** on Mon Sep 12, 2005 3:11 pm

now...now...I didn't label the media "liberal" in my comment. I simply meant to point out how they love to play to readers' emotions and ignorance when they highlight quotes like that...and thus instead of educating (or even just impartially informing), they lead uninformed readers down an incorrect path....perpetuating the ignorance and stirring up unproductive emotional responses.

Just my take.

by **dmluvr** on Mon Sep 12, 2005 5:26 pm

oh dogbo--I was just playing with ya buddy!! I knew EXACTLY what you meant!! and I totally agree with you--hello--it's called the reggie. Not exactly the most cutting edge pap in town.

Just having a personal connection with ya---thought I'd play around.

sorry!!

by **DMRyan** on Mon Sep 12, 2005 5:26 pm

dmluvr wrote:I don't get it either. No question that changes needs to be made to the east village buildings. But where is the help for these small businesses or cooperation with the these buildings here that they are talking about. These are not in the worst of shape with the buildings in the village. Why not the emphasis with the buildings on grand? Yes--those got new owners now--which is great--but it's going to take a few years they say to get the work done.

Could this be that now that SoHO is done that there is a desire to knock the rest of these down?? I don't know how I feel about this. It appears that we may be loosing some very good eclectic shops if this pans out.

Once again--it appears that the city isn't being pro small business. do they not understand that it's small business and these street level shops that add color and life to a city??

To answer a few of the questions the luvr posed, these buildings are not in any danger of being torn down, that is not even a motive here. The buildings on the Grand Avenue side of East Village don't have to endure the same standards because they're not part of what is known as the East Village Study Block. Mr. Hamilton's building(s) lies in what is the core of the EV, and an urban renewal agreement the city has states that these buildings must be in such a condition, or face what is mentioned above. This is absolutely a last-resort option, but the pressure that several promiment business people have been putting on the city to either fix these buildings, or sell it to someone who can is becoming more immense. This may drag out for a while.

Also, I'm not sure if Mr. Hamilton has received any startup, or rehab loans that may have been offered, but if has, he is more than entitled to fix his buildings up at that point. If he hasn't received any loans, I have to give him credit for doing business without government subsidy, but should point out that there is money available to assist him.

I would hate to see his record shop business lose out because of something like this, but maybe he could relocate his businesses to an area of East Village under less scruntiny than this particular block. As it was mentioned before, he stands to make a profit if he sold his buildings.

I'm going to have to refrain from what I think about the precedent that this sets, along with the principals.

by **dmluvr** on Mon Sep 12, 2005 5:41 pm

Work it big daddy-- :lol:

Seriously though, I do understand, and furthermore, I don't disagree at all regarding the buildings being cleaned up more at all. I just think while we "pressure" these owners--let's not be combative about it and work together to make it right. Perahps their not, it's not like I've overheard the conversations.

Addtionally, why isn't Grand part of it?? I dont' get this--I did not know that----frankly-I think that's a horrible decision on whomever's part and they need to incorporate that. This is suppose to be a village, not a block.
DMRYan--is there any way of adding grand into the scheme? Dang it--yeah--way too good of an area with to much potential to not keep on as an emphasis.

by **dogbo** on Mon Sep 12, 2005 7:00 pm

dmluvr wrote:

oh dogbo--I was just playing with ya buddy!! I knew EXACTLY what you meant!! and I totally agree with you--hello--it's called the reggie. Not exactly the most cutting edge pap in town.

Just having a personal connection with ya---thought I'd play around.

sorry!!

Don't apologize....I got ya! Sorry if I came off as ticked or something, cause I wasn't with you. The quote by Hamilton just struck a never with me.

by **conquistador2** on Tue Sep 13, 2005 9:26 am

Hey everyone...

I know I'm fairly new to the board, but I wanted to clear up a few things. First of all, I wanted to let all of you know that Brad is not actually the owner of the record store. Brad currently owns both properties at 422 and 424 East Locust, as well as the t-shirt shop currently housed in 422. I am actually the owner of Zzz Records (which is at 424 E. Locust), and have been Brad's tenant for almost four years now. I'd be happy to talk to any of you personally via email (general@zzzrecords.com), or you can stop in and find me in the shop almost any time.

OK... where to start? A couple of you have mentioned that Brad stands to make quite a bit of money if he were to sell his properties. This is definitely true, and I think it's fair to say that city and private improvements on the block have definitely helped his cause. However, the real issue here is that Brad does not even want to sell; the buildings are currently not on the market. He has received several unsolicited offers to sell, but he chooses not to at this point. So when Brad talks about having someone steal away his property, this is what he is referring towards.

To disspell another rumor, Brad has put a lot more money than $12,000 into these properties. I've been his tenant since Jan. of 2002, and I've witnessed a new roof being installed, new electrical work throughout my building, restoration of the hardwood floors, and extensive facade improvements. If you look at the before & after pictures over the past few years, you'll be blown away. In fact, I would recommend that you take a look at the pictures that are still on the county assesor's site to see what these buildings used to look like. It's amazing the whole block wasn't torn down years ago!

I guess where Brad and the city are butting heads is over the use of city money. The city has been pressuring all tenants on this block to borrow city funding, because they have MUCH more control over the appearance of your buildings that way. In fact, I believe (but am not 100% sure) that the East Village Study Block design guidelines are only put into play for new development or if you are restoring a building using city-allocated funds. Most people on the block have accepted some money, so they are under stricter guidelines than us.

By the way, Brad and I will not deny that there is still work to be done on both buildings. And, I do completely understand why city officials would be pressuring Brad to make improvements! However, condemnation seems quite extreme, especially considering that, as far as we know, neither Rick Clark nor any member of the city council have even been inside our buildings.

This issue is a lot more complicated than this, but I think these are the main points to bring up for now. I'm going to try to put an open letter to the public on my website (zzzrecords.com) by the end of the day explaining what is going on, and what it means for the future of my shop. And again, if any of you would like to discuss this privately with me, feel free to do so. I've been beseiged with calls and email since yesterday morning, so it might take me a little while to get back to you!

Nate
a/k/a...

by **dmluvr** on Tue Sep 13, 2005 9:38 am

Thanks for the info Nate. I am supporter of your store and I enjoy buying my tickets to local shows as well as CD's from your place. Love the atmosphere and truely hope that it doesn't go anywhere!!!

I really hope that the city and Brad can work things out. Communication and cooperation from both parties is pivotal to really keep momentum building in the village!!

by **mistertwister** on Tue Sep 13, 2005 12:38 pm

I would hate to see your store go too. Or the T-Shirt business as I think these kind of enterprises are what can give a nieghborhood it's identity. But I still have to stand by my point that the taxpayers via the city have put in tremendous amounts of time and financial resources to bring this neglected part of the city to life. And while Brad has put forth some effort both physical and financial, it is not near the level as we are seeing in the other buildings and venues in East Village. I really don't think it is too much to ask that Brad invest more in his property or sell to someone who will.

What we have here is the spirit of the recent Supreme Court case in a nutshell. A property with owners who don't wish to sell but are unwilling or unable to improve upon thier property to a level consistent with the nieghborhood, and a city that stands to improve it's property tax revenue by condemning said property and selling it to someone who will. I hate to be the evil corporate conservative on this one, but I am.

by **dogbo** on Fri Sep 16, 2005 4:49 pm

conquistador2, Thanks for the info! I'd really hate to see you lose your spot in the EV. Hopefully Brad and the city will get this worked out. BTW, I thought I remember reading somewhere that a new business was going to be sharing your space. I can't recall what it was. What ever happened to that venture?

by **conquistador2** on Mon Sep 19, 2005 1:34 am

You're thinking of Mohair Pear. It's a vintage clothing store based out of Cedar Falls, run by Barb Schlif and Dave Diebler. They were 2/3 of the band House of Large Sizes, which was around from the late 80s up until just a couple of years ago.

We were hoping to get them moved in this summer, but the plans are on hold. When the city started sending letters to Brad earlier this year, we figured that we better wait before trying to get them moved in until things are less uncertain. They really wanted to open their second store in the East Village, but they couldn't find a spot that was affordable and the right size; that's why they asked us if we would share part of our building.

If we are somehow able to hang onto the building, then there is still a chance that they could move in.

by **Ingersoll1978** on Wed Sep 21, 2005 1:38 pm

OK...I went down there with my friend from Chicago over the weekend on different occasions. MY GOD. I have never had that WOW factor with the East Village until this point. With everything in SOHO and the rest of the shops...this area is definately getting hip. We easily were able to spend about 2-3 hours down there.

This was my opinions on the shops we went to...

1. SMASH-Very minimalist styled shop (like what you see in Chicago and NY) with a great owner. I loved the men's clothes! It was NEW vintage clothing that had old Des Moines area prints on T-shirts. They also had great "western" style shirts. Definately my "style". The owner was fun to talk to as well. I bought a shirt. Also, he gave out a mix CD too.

2. From Our Hands-Cool Shop. Very artsy...a little expensive. Didn't buy anything there yet...not ready to start accessorizing the condo yet!

3. Village Bean Co. Coffee Shop-GREAT COFFEE SHOP! The Milky Way Mousse was great. The iced mocha was good too. Great layout and furniture.

4. ZZZ Records- As we know...this is a shop we are pulling for. I really think the selection has greatly improved. I actually heard of a lot more of the music I like than before. I found a remix single of a Cher song that I hadn't seen before...and I took it home! (Conquist-I will introduce myself next time...it was quite busy in there!...also...I hope you are going to carry Madonna's new album...I will buy it!).

5. House of Bricks-We had lunch here...they have got to have the best burgers! Great service as well. Maria loved it. Ryan should agree!

6. Gong Fu Tea- I've never seen anything like it. It's a great atmosphere and at a fair price.

7. Eden-The owner of this shop was awesome. We got into a conversation of what was happening in the area. We were joined by other customers in there too talking about the excitement of the area. I asked her what type of product would be best for a jet tub...she took me to the spot...and I made the purchase. I liked the shop.

With all of the other shops that I've visited before down there, this is truely becoming a destination for shopping. Another thing I was impressed with was the foot traffic! I've never seen so many people down there. I can't wait to see more happen!

by **dogbo** on Wed Sep 21, 2005 2:58 pm

Ingersoll1978 wrote:

5. House of Bricks-We had lunch here...they have got to have the best burgers! Great service as well. Maria loved it. Ryan should agree!

Actually... HOB has the best Rueben's I've ever had...DSM or otherwise. Seriously. I order Ruebens a lot and I've never had one as good as what is served at the HOB's.

by **DMRyan** on Mon Sep 26, 2005 8:24 pm

The big news out of tonight's council meeting was the early start on what may become a new 5-story mixed use office, retail, and housing development on East 5th and Walnut Streets on a city owned lot.

Details were sketchy and this one might not come about for a while, but something to keep our eyes open for. This is exactly what East Village needs, a progression to the more undeveloped southside of the neighborhood.

by **Ingersoll1978** on Tue Sep 27, 2005 8:21 am

That is one thing nice about the East Village, lots of room for expansion. I'm looking forward to seeing this!

PS...I'm going to change the title of this thread to East Village news...it would fit the theme that has evolved better.

by **Young DSM Social Club** on Tue Sep 27, 2005 11:07 am

Who are the possible developers?

by **icia** on Tue Sep 27, 2005 11:35 am

Does anyone know if the East Village shops are open on Sundays? That's really the only day of the week I can make it to Des Moines.

by **dmluvr** on Tue Sep 27, 2005 11:47 am

yes--i'm not suer if ALL of the shops are open--but as long as you get down there during the daytime--you should be able to hit some goodness!

by **Ingersoll1978** on Tue Sep 27, 2005 12:28 pm

I believe most of them are closed on Sundays. THey are all open on Saturday though. As more and more people learn about this great place...I'm sure they will have Sunday hours.

by **Cheering on DM** on Tue Sep 27, 2005 12:50 pm

I, like all you guys am really excited about the potential growth of the East Village and it does have many unique/trendy shops. I'm just wondering who they are truly going to draw with these places. They are really expensive!!!! I love sticks, but could never buy anything there, same with some of those new Soho places. They all have that unique artsy appeal, but the pricetags are not so friendly. It's a good start though and I hope it will conitnue to grow.

by **NOG's Wife** on Tue Sep 27, 2005 2:02 pm

Cheering on DM wrote:I, like all you guys am really excited about the potential growth of the East Village and it does have many unique/trendy shops. I'm just wondering who they are truly going to draw with these places. They are really expensive!!!! I love sticks, but could never buy anything there, same with some of those new Soho places. They all have that unique artsy appeal, but the pricetags are not so friendly. It's a good start though and I hope it will conitnue to grow.

I have a feeling you grossly underestimate the amount of money in this city. There are PLENTY of people who can afford these things...maybe not you and me, but there are plenty.

Heck, Sticks has been around for 20 years, and they're even building a third location out in West Des Moines. There's definitely a market for these types of stores. And, since these more "upscale" stores are among the first in the market, they really don't have much direct competition for the goods they offer. I foresee most of these early pioneers being around for a long time to come.

by **dmluvr** on Tue Sep 27, 2005 2:15 pm

NOG's wife has a point---while myself is included with the "probably can't buy a lot of stuff at some of these places" group----i'm sure--and am hoping that more 'bohemian' friendly places will come!!

glad to see ya on here!! Cheer on big cheerer!!!!

by **NOG's Wife** on Tue Sep 27, 2005 2:18 pm

dmluvr wrote:NOG's wife has a point---while myself is included with the "probably can't buy a lot of stuff at some of these places" group----i'm sure--and am hoping that more 'bohemian' friendly places will come!!

Absolutely! It would be great if this area winds up being an eclectic mix of people...young, old, wealthy, not-so-wealthy...a little something for everyone.

by **Ingersoll1978** on Tue Sep 27, 2005 6:33 pm

Eventually the East Village will have to have different shops to attract more people. I doubt it will end up being only for the elite.

by **DMRyan** on Tue Sep 27, 2005 6:51 pm

Young DSM Social Club wrote:Who are the possible developers?

I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the interests of Iowa State Bank behind some major development in East Village, particularly if they don't take over Brad Hamilton's building(s).

I second the luvr in the fact that Des Moines could use a little more bohemian feel to it. I think places like this will be, or will soon be priced out of the main part of East Village along Locust Street. There's just too much development interia there and the storefronts will be in high demand. I'd love to see Bohemian pockets appear in the under developed southern portion of East Village. Highland Park's business district would be another good area for these kinds of shops. The most bohemian area of DSM is probably Dogtown, near Drake and I hope they're able to build on this.

Here's the skinny on the latest two businesses to open in East Village this week.

East Village shop to feature accessories

East Village continues to boom, especially as more businesses get up and running in the Soho building at 400 E. Locust St.

Accenti is the newest shop to open there.

Accenti has accessories for everyone, said Paolo Bartesaghi, who co-owns it with Mark Pritchard. They also own Touch of Italy, a 9-year-old Italian import shop in Valley Junction.

Accenti has scarves, hats, bags, jewelry and other accessories imported from around the world. Jewelry from Midwestern artisans is available. It is also an exclusive shop for Santa Maria Novella and Mandarina Duck.

Santa Maria Novella, an ancient apothecary in Florence, Italy, known for its scented shower products, perfumes and lotions, is reputed to have created a perfume for Catherine de Medici, an Italian who became a queen of France. Other outlets for Santa Maria Novella, which has products for men and women, are in Los Angeles and New York.

Mandarina Duck is best known for its luggage, casual bags and other leather products.

******

New gallery displays Venetian glassware

Bartesaghi and Pritchard also are opening Arte next to Accenti on Saturday.

The gallery is expected to feature art works from around the world, with a concentration on art from Iowa's sister states, Bartesaghi said.

A shop within the shop will be devoted to Salviati, an Italian company known for its Venetian crystal and glassware. Bartesaghi said Des Moines is just the second market to be granted the right to sell Salviati in the shop within a shop concept. The first is Bloomingdale's in New York.

by **rememberus** on Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:16 pm

I'm still apprehensive about the East Village, any word from the merchants down there regarding how the holiday sales went? I know it's a long-term waiting game type of thing, but I'd hate to see some of these original pioneers not be able to make it through the slow times...

by **Philby** on Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:46 pm

While this is just anecdotal - my girlfriend has asked the owners of both Aimee and Melrose (about a month ago) how business is going and they both said great.

Also the owner of Melrose thinks a designer bag and shoe store is opening up to the west of her space - there is also another salvage/thrift furniture store that opened up on Grand a store or 2 west of olympic flame. I think the businesses down there are doing fine and the area will continue to grow. I'm really excited for the work their doing above the shops on grand - big spaces up there - and that'd be a pretty cool place to live if you ask me.

by **Ingersoll1978** on Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:20 pm

I just got back from the East Village from the Village Bean Co. I usually get to talk to the owner often...but in the past two or three months, it's hard to! It seems to always be busy. Also, Locust Ave. was pretty full of cars with people walking around today. I think they are starting to do really well in that area. I try to go down there for everything I can.

by **Young DSM Social Club** on Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:51 pm

I've been looking for a place to buy my latest designer purse --- thanks for the heads up! Guess I can hold out awhile.

by **Ingersoll1978** on Tue Jan 17, 2006 10:55 pm

I just found this help wanted add in craigslist...

WANTED: Dog groomer for East Village

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: comm-117980975@craigslist.org
Date: 2005-12-13, 4:59PM CST

Looking for a dog groomer who would like to open in the East Village area of Des Moines. Rent will vary on the size of space rented. Would compliment other dog shop that will be opening.
this is in or around Des Moines-East Village

no -- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

Anyone heard about this?

by **Philby** on Wed Jan 18, 2006 8:08 am

Well I saw the ad on Craigslist also - but I haven't heard/seen anything else about it.

Too bad they aren't open for this weekends dog show at the fairgrounds. I wonder if they'll have someone their handing out flyers or with a booth depending on when they plan on opening.

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