Principal Riverwalk

[dsmLA]

We could talk, and probably still not come to an agreement knowing both of our vested interests.

Believe it or not, I would be on your side.

[dogbo]

^ And the nominees for the vague forum conversation of the year are…

[casbern]

^ And the nominees for the vague forum conversation of the year are…

[hawk61401]

As the t-shirt says, Des Moines: Hell Yes



photo attributed to Jason Mrachina @ http://bit.ly/yRAwfc

[hawk61401]

It looks a little different here but all is goood. Spring is coming to the riverwalk ...

[DMRyan]

Here's the released plan for the proposed Des Moines Riverfront skate park, to built in three phases. The first phase is said to begin this year, although I don't have any idea how fundraising is going to see if that date is realistic.

I never knew the plans had this so close to the Center Street pedestrian bridge. I think this skatepark is great for Des Moines, and I like seeing more active recreation uses that will really launch the riverfront as a hub of activity similar to Gray's Lake--BUT, I wish this were moved to the north a little bit. I don't mean to unfairly stereotype every skateboarder out there, but the skating (counter)culture doesn't have the best reputation or track record...It's lame of me I know, but I sure as hell hope that we don't see tons of vandalism on the riverwalk. Of course, the counterpoint to this is that proximity ensures that there will be more eyes on the skate park to hopefully deter criminal activity.

Speaking of grafitti, I hope they let the kids spray paint/put grafitti art on their skate park. Trying to stifle this by cracking down or cleaning it up every few weeks will only lead to it going on other things like the Center Street Ped Bridge.

[dogbo]

^ couldn't help but notice there is zero parking alloted and I don't beleive the street currently allows for parking in that stretch.

[dogbo]

"The Hub Spot" progress report. Still looking for a tenant....

New 'Hub Spot' Takes Shape Downtown
POSTED: 4:28 pm CDT April 5, 2012

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The city of Des Moines is looking for a unique business to move into a brand-new building on the river in downtown.

The Hub Spot building is the last project to be completed for the $50 million Principal Riverwalk project. Construction crews are now putting the finishing touches on the Hub Spot between Court and Walnut avenues.

The city is looking for a restaurant or shop to bring vitality to the Spot

Read more: http://www.kcci.com/money/30843004/deta ... z1rGZbOQPQ

[DMRyan]

Principal is stepping up to the plate once again to get the riverwalk completed. Due to funding shortages with intended greenbuilt improvements funding from the Corps of Engineers, Principal is chipping in another $3.5 million to fund the remaining improvements to be built in 2012. This should complete the entire phase I of the Principal Riverwalk.

Here are the remaining improvements to be built:
-promenade adjacent to YMCA
-floodwall and walkway between Court Avenue and the Red Bridge along Water Street and E. 1st Street
-lighting between the Red Bridge and Walnut Street (east)
-pedestrian crossings at Court Avenue and Walnut Street (east).

[DMRyan]

The last untouched segments of riverwalk near the Federal Courthouses have started construction. They really need to hold a big grand opening ceremony when all of this is complete. It's been under construction and unusable for so long now, the general public won't know when to use it if they're not told.

[dogbo]

Update on the Jun Kaneko installation at The Hub:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/p ... 2305200008

[Mastermind]

A little off topic here, but has anyone else noticed the gang graffiti popping up in and around downtown?

[DMRyan]

I don't know if it's gang graffiti, but there does seem to be more tagging going on. So far, I've been pretty impressed with how quickly the've gotten around to cleaning up graffiti on the riverwalk.

And let the kids have those flood walls down by Central Campus for graffiti art (just as long as it doesn't start spreading all over the place).

[Mastermind]

I don't know if it's gang graffiti, but there does seem to be more tagging going on. So far, I've been pretty impressed with how quickly the've gotten around to cleaning up graffiti on the riverwalk.

And let the kids have those flood walls down by Central Campus for graffiti art (just as long as it doesn't start spreading all over the place).

Im pretty sure i saw it in the Western Gateway area and Art Dive wall. It is definitely gang graffiti.

[Ingersoll1978]

The little peeing dog bike rack at the corner of E 5th/Locust was tagged recently...along with Ephemera's bench. I believe they have both been cleaned up.

[casbern]

The little peeing dog bike rack at the corner of E 5th/Locust was tagged recently...along with Ephemera's bench. I believe they have both been cleaned up.

I just don't get the point in destroying public spaces.

[dogbo]

The last untouched segments of riverwalk near the Federal Courthouses have started construction. They really need to hold a big grand opening ceremony when all of this is complete. It's been under construction and unusable for so long now, the general public won't know when to use it if they're not told.

I assume this also includes the section from Court Ave to the red pedestrian bridge?

[hawk61401]

Im pretty sure i saw it in the Western Gateway area and Art Dive wall. It is definitely gang graffiti.

Is it the Nortenos gang? They like to tag with their symbol the number “14″. The letter “N” is the 14th letter in the alphabet.

And even it is the Des Moines version of the Nortenos, it's a bunch of wannabees. Not the hard core ex cons.

[Ingersoll1978]

The East Village was tagged a couple of weeks ago (including some of the art bike racks). It disappears really quick though.

[DMRyan]

The last untouched segments of riverwalk near the Federal Courthouses have started construction. They really need to hold a big grand opening ceremony when all of this is complete. It's been under construction and unusable for so long now, the general public won't know when to use it if they're not told.

I assume this also includes the section from Court Ave to the red pedestrian bridge?

I think this includes the section from Walnut Street down to the red bridge. I have no idea on the status of the Iowa Bar's Association's proposed plaza and artwork installation.

Before construction ends, the next steps will be crucial. A real legitimate use needs to be found for The Hub Spot kiosk, and there needs to be real focus at getting vendors, street performers, etc. onto the west side of the riverwalk to get people and activity down there. This project has been under construction for so long, most locals may need the red carpet rolled out for them to let them know it's OK to come down and get on the riverwalk. Hopefully Principal and City can help spearhead a major grand opening celebration next spring when things in Phase I should finally be completed.

[DMRyan]

The new riverfront dog park should start construction soon. This is located near the underused West River Drive park area just to the north and west of the Center Street Ped Bridge, and north of the proposed skate park.

[DMRyan]

Took a few random shots of the Hansen Triangle this week and I got to thinking about how this space could be better used. Right now, it really serves as nothing more than eye candy. I rarely see people actively using this space. What could be done to get people into this site? Programed activities like yoga in the park? A new splash fountain for the kiddies? A basketball court or two?

Also, I wonder if the pump for the fountain at the 'Quantum Leaf' sculpture is broken? It hasn't been turned on yet this year, but perhaps they didn't want to turn it on while the major sewer construction project on 2nd and Grand is going on. Add that to the other broken fountain list over at Nollen Plaza... Some of the planting areas could also use a little TLC. Plants have died out, weeds have taken over. Once the riverwalk is complete, I think another look should be given to this space. It's on such prime real estate, it deserves to more frequently used and better maintained.













A few other random shots along the riverwalk:

The bridge doesn't look so big from this angle:


The Armory Building in its dumpy glory:


Demolition candidate?




Gorgeous:

[dsmspence]

Demolition candidate?

Highly agreed...

[hawk61401]

The Des Moines Riverwalk isn't fun enough. Sure, it's fine if you wanna go out for a stroll. The Hansen Triangle is a case in point. The fountain at the 'Quantum Leaf' sculpture and that whole area attracts more squirrels than people.

Hellooooo, can we have some fun, attract kids and families? http://tinyurl.com/6t9udwn

[casbern]

The Des Moines Skate Park's website is up and running: http://desmoinesregionalskatepark.com/

It's the nation's largest open skate park.


I really dislike to stereotype, but I'd hate to see increased tagging and vandalism in and around the river walk due to this addition.

Also of note, the rendering for the website has some interesting placement of familiar structures for Des Moines... it'd be great to actually replicate some of the density they are portraying.

[iowacountyite]

The Des Moines Skate Park's website is up and running: http://desmoinesregionalskatepark.com/

It's the nation's largest open skate park.


I hate to stereotype, but I'd hate to see increased tagging and vandalism in and around the river walk due to this addition.

Also of note, the rendering for the website has some interesting placement of familiar structures for Des Moines... it'd be great to actually replicate some of the density they are portraying.

I think that if this draws a lot of people and the riverwalk does someday become a crowded and hot place to be; I think then there will be enough activity to deter vandalism.

[wmjindsm]

I love how Brown Camp Lofts are really on the move, they're right next to WFA now!!!

http://desmoinesregionalskatepark.com/s ... Render.jpg

[Mastermind]

Designed by Lance Mountain, whoa....That brings me way back!

[Emil]

Also of note, the rendering for the website has some interesting placement of familiar structures for Des Moines... it'd be great to actually replicate some of the density they are portraying.

wow, so that's what it would look like if there was anything by the arena.

[Keepgrowingdsm]

I am the farthest thing from a skate boarder, but I think this is a cool project! It's unique and yet another draw to the riverwalk. I wish someone would set up a long zip line by this spot and have it end down near the Brenton ice rink. It would show great views of downtown and the river IMO. Is the Panda Bear sanctuary making any progress or was that simply a pipe dream without backing?