Sixth Avenue corridor hopes to go green

Sunday, 24 November 2013 15:17

The Sixth Avenue corridor north of downtown Des Moines could become a tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly street with native grasses and rain gardens if city officials follow recommendations from two design firms.

Those recommendations were unveiled Wednesday during an open house at City Hall.

“Last year, Des Moines was selected by the EPA to participate in the Greening America’s Capitals program, which provides design assistance from private-sector experts to help cities incorporate sustainable elements to enhance neighborhoods,” city planner Kyle Larson said.

“The objective is that those sustainable elements will benefit the neighborhoods socially, economically, environmentally and in terms of public health.”

The planning process began in February when neighborhood stakeholders and city staff met with design teams from Des Moines-based BNIM and Omaha-based Vireo.

The design teams — paid by the EPA through the Greening America’s Capitals program — took the ideas generated from those workshops and created schematic designs, illustrations and recommendations.

“Both those firms have a rich background in sustainability and green infrastructure, and they worked for about eight months over the spring and summer to find ways to make those elements work for the corridor,” Larson said. “The recommendations all have sustainability in mind and will make the area more attractive as well.”

Read more: Sixth Avenue corridor hopes to go green

Volunteers needed for Jazz in July

Tuesday, 18 June 2013 10:28

Looking for a fun volunteer activity this summer? Come to Jazz in July! We have a variety of opportunities and time slots available, and your efforts help make a difference in our local community! Check out our online sign-up here!

Miami-based Team to Bring Artistic Vision to Historic 6th Avenue Building

Wednesday, 13 March 2013 21:32

For Immediate Release

Contact: Laura Peters: 515-314-4243, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

M. Jessica Rowe: 515-556-7787, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Miami-based Team to Bring Artistic Vision to Historic 6th Avenue Building

DES MOINES, IA – The historic Wherry Building, located at the corner of 6th and College Avenues, will soon feature a decorated façade designed by the celebrated, Miami-based architect/artist team of Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt.

The Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation (GDMPAF) and the 6th Avenue Corridor, Inc. are teaming together to bring the new public art project to 6th Avenue.

Since 2010, the organizations have partnered to facilitate a process that keeps an artistic vision and respect for culture and diversity at it core. In 2011, the GDMPAF funded local artist Chaden Halfhill’s early integration into the planning development for this 1.2 mile transportation corridor. In 2012, GDMPAF allocated $250,000 to a major art project for the 6th Avenue Bridge; the City of Des Moines provided funds to restore and rehabilitate the structure. City officials and community leaders were part of the local, nine-member jury who reviewed the national Call for Artists.

“Our partnership with the 6th Avenue Corridor champions the community’s desire for aesthetic developments along this street,” said Jessica Rowe, director of the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation. “I am most excited that this public art project nurtures the city’s wider strategies for economic, social, and cultural development.”

Roberto Behar & Rosario Marquardt, who collaborate under the name R&R Studios, are known for their large-scale permanent public art installations. Their work has been described as colorful, meaningful and whimsical.

Read more: Miami-based Team to Bring Artistic Vision to Historic 6th Avenue Building

Des Moines Register: Sixth Avenue could be 'green' model for Des Moines

Friday, 07 December 2012 01:00

The future look of the Sixth Avenue corridor could serve as a model for environmentally sound streetscape planning throughout Des Moines, city leaders believe.

Officials said Thursday that Mayor Frank Cownie would hold a news conference Monday morning with an administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to talk about a project linking the EPA with the city’s streetscape plans for the corridor.

For the Greening America’s Capitals project, the EPA plans to provide design assistance to create a sustainable streetscape along a one-mile segment of Sixth Avenue.

“The Sixth Avenue corridor serves as the northern gateway to the city’s downtown, and is an official Main Street Iowa Urban Neighborhood District, and has direct access to the Des Moines River,” city spokeswoman Amelia Morris said in a release. “The city plans to use the Sixth Avenue project to guide designs for other planned streetscape improvements throughout the community.”

Read more: Des Moines Register: Sixth Avenue could be 'green' model for Des Moines