 |
Photos by Ryan Moffatt |
| Home > City Gallery > West Des Moines Gallery > Valley Junction Gallery | |
|
Valley Junction Gallery Valley Junction was the original site of the City of West Des Moines and has a history dating back to 1846, but was incorporated in 1893. It's got a storied history as a railroad town with two rail lines that ran through the area and spurred its success. The city boomed during the 1890's and a downtown district was created by local businessmen. In 1938, local leaders decided to rename the ever-growing Valley Junction area to 'West Des Moines', and the prosperous Des Moines suburb has continued growing ever since. Today, the downtown area of Valley Junction is a collection of restored buildings that house eclectic shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. It's home to a large array of art galleries, one of a kind retail stores, antique collection shops and several pubs and longtime eateries. Valley Junction has aged well and has become one of the most popular and interesting destinations in the Des Moines metro. Concerts, events and farmer's markets keep this district humming with activity. Click the thumbnail on the left to see a larger image. Use your browser's Back button to return to this page. |
|
 |
Depot Building-
Facing the
still active rail tracks that pass through Valley Junction and the busy
Railroad Avenue (what other name were you expecting?), this recreated depot
has housed a model railroad museum and the Hospice of Central Iowa offices. |
 |
Freight Depot-
An accurate
depiction of a freight depot next to the building pictured above. It
now houses a small office. |
 |
Caboose- A restored caboose
sits on the edge of a small pocket park and a gazebo that holds small
performances. August 2004 |
 |
Welcome to Valley Junction-
These decorative street banners provide directions to shops that are off the
beaten path. August 2004 |
 |
5th Street-
A look down the heart of 5th Street. This is the main drag in Valley
Junction and home to most of the activity. Many of the photos below
were taken along 5th Street. August 2004 |
 |
Sidewalk View- Looking north
up the 5th Street sidewalk. August 2004 |
 |
Sidewalk View- And a view
looking south down the 5th Street Sidewalk. August 2004 |
 |
Theatrical Shop-
One of the most popular and well known shops in Valley Junction is the
Theatrical Shop. This old theater now is home to a wildly popular
costume and gag gift store. The original Valley Junction Fire
Department sits next door. August 2004 |
 |
Storefronts- A collection of shops. August 2004 |
 |
Storefronts-
The Cafe Su Asian restaurant and several shops are shown. August 2004 |
 |
Storefronts-
An art gallery and interior design studio. August 2004 |
 |
Storefronts- A
day spa and a pub are shown. August 2004 |
 |
Storefronts-
These well maintained storefronts edge the intersection of 5th and Elm
Streets. August 2004 |
 |
Storefronts-
Another shot of some corner stores. August 2004 |
 |
First National Bank-The ornate
facade of the old First National Bank Building is now home to a jewelry
store. August 2004 |
 |
Storefronts-
Even more art galleries and shops. August 2004 |
 |
Old Buildings-
Now a small pub and an antique shop. August 2004 |
 |
Storefronts- The building in
the middle appeared to be some kind of former Masonic Lodge. August 2004 |
 |
Storefronts-
The Santa Fe Trading Company and adjacent businesses. August 2004 |
 |
The Tavern-
A long time namesake in Valley Junction, The Tavern restaurant specializes
in pizza and every other greasy bar food known to man. August 2004 |
 |
Walkway- This quiet walkway
leading to the parking lots behind the buildings on 5th Street provides a
little retreat from the sidewalks. August 2004 |
 |
Law Office- Moving further
north up 5th Street, the building density drops off, but a collection of
offices and businesses occupy quaint homes. Another City of West Des
Moines Fire Department building is shown next to the house, which has now
been converted to a community center. August 2004 |
 |
Pink House-
A few specialty shops are inside of these very old and very brightly colored
houses. August 2004 |
 |
Holistic Chapel-
A local wedding chapel and holistic healing center is in what used to be a
single family home. August 2004 |
 |
Storefronts- A gourmet ham
shop is the primary tenant on this side street business. August 2004 |
 |
Antiques- In between a few of
the lower density houses shown above, a few commercial buildings dot the
street. This one houses an antique shop. August 2004 |
 |
Something for the Ladies-
This house was converted into a tea room. August 2004 |
 |
Wicker Emporium- This side
street building now houses a furniture and decor shop called Wicker and the
Works. |
 |
Side Street- This collection
of shops lies off of 5th Street as well and holds a fudge shop and other
businesses. August 2004 |
 |
Hallelujah-
The Valley Junction Church of Christ. August 2004 |
 |
Interesting Alley- A
collection of unique junk and antiques poke out of this small alleyway. August 2004 |