East Village News

[dogbo]

I see in the Register that the old sign on the American Pumbling Supply building will be coming down and given to the State Historic Society. I guess the building cannot support it.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/articl ... tro-market

There is a picture on the Des Moines Historical Society's Facebook page showing the sign as it used to hang. That is, out from the building (over the sidewalk) instead of up against it, as it hangs now.

[DMRyan]

Here's the completed 309 E. Walnut Street building renovation, with the Subsect Skate Shop already open. There is one empty tenant bay for lease.


And here's the entire renovated half block that has been nicely cleaned up.

[Ingersoll1978]

Stopped into the Skate Shop tonight. Very nice shop, with shoes, shirts and jeans/pants for men. That was a nice surprise. Although they are geared to skateboarding needs, some of it was fine for casual wear. Also, the hours are great! Mon-Sat: 11a-7p, Sun: 12p-5p. More and more shops (mine included) are staying open until 7pm.

[Young DSM Social Club]

That is great! Good news on the hours and seems like the one-of-a-kind businesses East Village should have. Can you see this at West Glen?

[dogbo]

Anyone know what is going in the prime spot on the corner of Grand Ave and SE 6th? It most recently housed a landscape arch. firm. The windows are all covered up as though there is some work being done on the space.

[DMRyan]

I would still like to know the official story on the Piano Bistro site too. It's too peculiar that it's closed down with no visible signs of work going on. I hate to say it, but I'm spculating they're either closing or finding out how to reopen with a retooled business operation. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Also, the spot formerly housing Eden on E. 5th and E. Grand should be filling up again soon with a new to the East Village type of business.

[dogbo]

There is a small sign posted on the front door of Grand Piano Bistro saying they will re-open in a couple months.

I too am skeptical. There is no visual evidence that any remodeling is going on...granted, that is by just looking through the front window (which doesn't give you a view of the back area/kitchen.

[Ingersoll1978]

There is a small sign posted on the front door of Grand Piano Bistro saying they will re-open in a couple months.

I too am skeptical. There is no visual evidence that any remodeling is going on...granted, that is by just looking through the front window (which doesn't give you a view of the back area/kitchen.

From what I've heard...I wouldn't count on it.

BTW...where did Dunbar/Jones move to? Anyone know?

[DMRyan]

Dunbar has retired and I heard Jones was working out of his home. The firm basically shrunk out of their space.

[dogbo]

Dunbar has retired and I heard Jones was working out of his home. The firm basically shrunk out of their space.

so what's going in that space???

[Ingersoll1978]

Dunbar has retired and I heard Jones was working out of his home. The firm basically shrunk out of their space.

so what's going in that space???

This is what I've heard: A new antique store will be going in on the corner of E 6th/Grand. This will compliment Found Things next door. Also, Eden's old spot on Grand is supposed to become an urban gardening store.

Everyone must go in and see Eden's new space (on E 6h between Locust and Grand...next to Gong Fu Tea)...it's AMAZING!

[dsmurbanite]

I just heard that Blues on Grand is closing, any word on that?

[wmjindsm]

I just heard that Blues on Grand is closing, any word on that?

Are you talking about Grand Piano Bistro that's closed right now "For Remodeling"?
Blues on Grand is not in the East Village.

[dogbo]

True...according to Cityview. I'm just trying to figure out how this is East Village New?

[dogbo]

There was a small story in today's Register noting that House of Bricks is looking to add a rooftop establishment. (didn't see it online) The article was sketchy, but it appears it would be a separate bar/restaurant (with different name ) and I can only assume the "rooftop" is that of House of Bricks. There was mention of possible concern of neighbors (groan) but no details.

[Ingersoll1978]

There was a small story in today's Register noting that House of Bricks is looking to add a rooftop establishment. (didn't see it online) The article was sketchy, but it appears it would be a separate bar/restaurant (with different name ) and I can only assume the "rooftop" is that of House of Bricks. There was mention of possible concern of neighbors (groan) but no details.

There are definitely concerns from adjacent businesses and land owners over noise and how the structure will look. The HEV board is garnering input from members so they can give support/no support to the project to the Planning and Zoning Board.

[dogbo]

Full article is in today's Register:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/p ... 0108240317

I really like the idea…don't need to be losing the "rooftop" crowd to West Des Moines (i.e.…new Wellman's in Ponderosa) without at least putting up a good fight !. I do understand the neighbors wanting to be sure this is done right. The last thing EV needs is a loud, visible, hangout for "kids". This needs to be done a bit more upscale which should be successful given the views.

[conquistador2]

I don't know for sure, but I can't imagine that JC & Nancy want to turn their rooftop into an ultra-loud Larry Smithson-type venue. My guess is that the concerts would stay inside (nobody would risk putting all of their sound gear outside against the Iowa weather on a regular basis), and the rooftop could be for the crowd that didn't want to see a particular show, but might still want a beer or a burger.

It's disappointing to see Tim Rypma fighting this before any real plans have been announced. This has the potential to be a pretty cool addition to the area. Keep in mind that when Steve Logsdon first started to work on the building that now houses Lucca, he was also hoping to have a rooftop patio.

[DMRyan]

The Register mentioned that a new deli is coming to the East Village called Molly's Delicatessan, in the Northland Dairy Building on Des Moines Street. This is the location of the former Chef Joe's restaurant. I think the city could use more deli type restaurants. We seem to be a little short on corner delis, maybe somewhat due to Palmer's Deli being so dominant.

Maybe someday with proper ownership, this building can be a little more than the hodge podge it is now.

[dogbo]

Not real exciting, but Enterprise is wanting to come to the EV. I can't quite understand if they'll be using an existing structure or if they'll need to build a brand new sales office. Again…not too exciting, but it will help bring some activity to a part of the EV that is kind of a dead zone. I wonder if they plan to keep their other downtown location open?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car asks for place in the East Village
Blog post by Cynthia Reynaud • creynaud@dmreg.com • September 15, 2010
Enterprise Rent-A-Car could soon open a new location in the former Bud Mulcahy Jeep dealership in the East Village.
There are currently five Enterprise Rent-A-Center locations in Des Moines.
The company, represented by Tim Fascetta, will go before the Plan and Zoning Commission tomorrow to request the review and approval of a site plan for the business to occupy property at 201 East Locust Street owned by East Locust, LLC.
The request takes place while a zoning change in the area is pending. The city council will have a final reading Sept. 27 to finalize the rezoning of the East Village from C-3 to a limited C-3 (Or C-3B).
Under the current zoning, the district does not have build-to or setback requirements, bulk density requirements or minimum height requirements – although the Capitol Dominance Overlay restricts building height in the area to between 55 and 75 feet.

Link to full article: http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/ ... t-village/

Looks like they rec'd the OK from P & Z: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/p ... 0100917003

[DMRyan]

Wellmark has purchased Enterprise's other location in the Western Gateway and will likely demolish the building, along with the former Howard Martin Auto Body site. This building they intend to use is the former used car sales building at the Bud Mulcahy's Jeep site. Not the best use to shout about, but this entire site is in placeholder mode until a real development can be proposed there anyway.

Looks like 3 or 4 new business openings in and around the East Village--most have already been reported on here, but it's nice to see the new blood and the spaces get filled up when another business changes locations or closes.

[dogbo]

I figured they use the old dealeship main office, but the article said they'd be utilizing the northeast quadrant, doesn't that office sit on the northwest quadrant of that block?

[DMRyan]

The main office is being used by a church counseling group currently. This Enterprise lot is the small building on the NE quadrant of the site. They're adding a small addition of the rear of the building and will actually clean this little building up from how it looks now. I'm not a fan of this use at this location, but it beats the alternative of having a vacant building on a lot for 5-10 years until it can develop further.

[conquistador2]

Did the ban on national chains ever go into effect for the East Village? I'm guessing not, or else Enterprise wouldn't be allowed to open there, correct? (I'm not trying to stir up trouble... just curious how this would work)

[DMRyan]

No ban on chains will take effect in East Village. The end result of that discussion is the rezoning of the neighborhood to a zoning district with stricter design guidelines that would essentially prevent a big box store or highway fast food joint type of development from getting built.

[DMRyan]

Looks like Ban Thai on E. Walnut Street has closed down and the building is for lease. This was the site of the first Thai restaurant in Des Moines when it was previously called A Taste of Thailand. While the area near the new skate shop and bike shop on E. Walnut is turning around, this is the worst looking corridor in all of downtown. Weed filled parking lots, boarded up and obsolete buildings and vacant properties with deferred maintenance make for a pretty stark landscape. Most of E. Court Avenue isn't much better.

[MusicMan]

Ban Thai was great - and despite looking a little shabby on the outside was very nice inside. The building is owned by Simon Tire.

[hawk61401]

While the area near the new skate shop and bike shop on E. Walnut is turning around, this is the worst looking corridor in all of downtown. Weed filled parking lots, boarded up and obsolete buildings and vacant properties with deferred maintenance make for a pretty stark landscape. Most of E. Court Avenue isn't much better.

I've never understood why this area has always been allowed to be no man's land and abandoned by the city. It's identity has not been tied in to Court Ave, the entertainment district to the west, or to Walnut Ave the eclectric East Village. What a dump! http://www.flickr.com/photos/mniebuhr/183670657/

It looks like the west edge of downtown Des Moines before the Western Gateway. It's an embarrassment. It's one block from the riverwalk. Mosey out the back door of the Embassy Suites or the Federal Building and there it is in all of it's ugly glory. Before we get ahead ourselves and develop the area of the new s. e. connector bridge, we need some streetscaping in this area. If it would do any good, I would pay a visit to Hubbell Realty and beg them on my knees to build something in that area like the Grand Ave Brownstones.

[midwest]

Look for the opening of Enterprise within the next couple of days, the office furniture is in, the parking lot has been hosed down, and a temporary sign has been affixed to the building.

[DMRyan]

The Business Record has an article out about a new concert venue opening up on the first floor of 504 E. Locust Street in the Hohberger Building. Sounds like a 7,000 sq. ft. venue, operated by Tim Flannigan of Flannigan' Pub on Ingersoll. He mentions that he will also be stepping up to fill some of the void left by the closing of Blues on Grand.

Between this and the House of Bricks, there are some decent small sized concert venues in East Village.

Hohberger Building: