Des Moines: Mayor Unveils Ambitious Plan to Transform DowntownDes Moines: Mayor Unveils Ambitious Plan to Transform Downtown Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie has unveiled an ambitious $400 million plan to revitalize and transform the city’s downtown area. The plan, known as “Project Downtown,” aims to create a vibrant, livable, and prosperous urban core. Key Elements of the Plan: * Residential Development: Construction of over 1,000 new apartments and condominiums, targeting young professionals and empty nesters. * Commercial Revitalization: Renovation and expansion of retail space, including new shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. * Green Space Expansion: Addition of parks and public plazas, providing green oases for residents and visitors. * Infrastructure Upgrades: Enhancement of sidewalks, street lighting, and water and sewer systems to improve walkability and accessibility. * Transportation Hub: Creation of a multimodal transportation hub connecting downtown to the rest of the city and beyond. * Cultural Enhancements: Development of new performance spaces, art galleries, and museums to foster a vibrant arts scene. Goals of Project Downtown: * Increase the population of downtown by 10,000 residents. * Create 5,000 new jobs. * Enhance the city’s economic vitality by attracting new businesses and investment. * Improve the quality of life for residents and visitors by creating a livable and enjoyable urban environment. Funding Sources: The plan will be funded through a combination of public and private investment. The city has committed $100 million in TIF (Tax Increment Financing) funds, and is seeking additional support from state and federal grants. Private developers and businesses are expected to contribute over $300 million to the project. Timeline: Project Downtown is expected to be implemented over the next decade. Construction is slated to begin in 2024, with major milestones anticipated in 2027 and 2030. Impact on Des Moines: The transformation of downtown Des Moines is anticipated to have a significant impact on the city. It is expected to: * Boost economic growth and create new employment opportunities. * Enhance the city’s desirability as a place to live and work. * Improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors. * Position Des Moines as a thriving and innovative urban center in the Midwest. Mayor Cownie emphasized the potential of Project Downtown to reshape the city’s core: “This plan is a bold vision for the future of our city. By investing in the revitalization of our downtown, we are laying the foundation for a more prosperous, vibrant, and sustainable Des Moines for generations to come.”