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The Main Street Approach

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In May 2009, the 6th Avenue Corridor was named an Urban Neighborhood Main Street program by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Benefits include technical assistance, training seminars, and expanded funding opportunities. The 6th Avenue Corridor follows Main Street’s 4-Point Approach to commercial revitalization, with action teams and volunteers dedicated to each of the following:

  Design:  Improving the visual quality of the Corridor through the public art, streetscape improvements, preservation of historic buildings, and other beautification activities.

  Economic Vitality:  Assisting local businesses currently located in the district, and also recruiting new businesses and retailers to 6th Avenue.

  Promotions:  Planning events that foster a sense of community and also bring new people into the Corridor to showcase all of our positive assets.

  Organization:  Establishing partnerships, recruiting volunteers, and raising funds to help strengthen and sustain the 6th Avenue Corridor organization.

  You can view more information about the Main Street Iowa Program and the 4-Point Approach here.

6th Avenue Corridor Streetscape Project

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Phase I will be constructed in 2019 . Specific streetscape enhancements include a lane reduction to calm traffic, widened sidewalks, a multi-modal path to accommodate bicyclists, and bioretention cells to filter stormwater. Street trees, dedicated parking, bus shelters, benches, public art, and new lighting will be added. These core elements were identified during multiple rounds of community and stakeholder input.

For regular streetscape updates throughout construction, CLICK HERE to visit us on Facebook.

Core Goals
• Support community health - walkability & livability
• Create a positive physical environment for diverse small business growth and stability
• Enhance community pride of place
• Catalyze property improvements and redevelopment projects that foster an inclusive, vibrant, mixed-use, mixed income corridor and surrounding neighborhoods

Project Features
• "Complete street" design with "road diet" from five lanes to three
• Multi-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians with widened sidewalks on both sides of the corridor
• Designated parking
• Sustainable design elements including bioretention cells and permeable paving to filter stormwater
• Improved lighting, bus shelters, and street furnishings
• Street trees
• Public art

Preliminary Phase I Construction Timeline
March - May | East side of 6th Avenue between Hickman and College
June - September | West side of 6th Avenue between Hickman and College
October - November | New asphalt overlay, medians, intersections
Spring 2020 | Planting of street trees and bioretention cells

Project Match Investors To date, the 6th Avenue Corridor Urban Neighborhood Main Street Program has raised $1.3 Million in match funds for this three-phase $8+ Million streetscape project. Project investors include Mercy Medical Center, Polk County Iowa, Bankers Trust Company, Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, The Wellmark Foundation, Wells Fargo, and Iowa Great Places. Thank you!

About Us

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The 6th Avenue Corridor, Inc. is an ambitious nonprofit organization whose mission is to coordinate the commercial revitalization of 6th Avenue from I-235 north to the Des Moines River bridge. Stretching for approximately 1.2 miles, the 6th Avenue Corridor district runs through the historic River Bend and Cheatom Park neighborhoods. Historically one of the most affluent areas in Des Moines, the corridor faced its lowest point of economic distress in the 1990’s. In the past decade, area residents have focused efforts to reinvigorate the commercial and housing markets of 6th Avenue, which today is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse neighborhoods in the City. Established in 2009, the 6th Avenue Corridor is laying the groundwork for increased and sustained revitalization. What are Our Objectives?
  • Organizing the business community for networking, training opportunities, and connecting to technical and financial resources
  • Providing education and consultation about historic preservation of buildings along the Corridor, as well as connecting owners to historic preservation resources
  • Working with the City and other partners to ensure implementation and success of a new streetscape, including new pedestrian safety features, aesthetic improvements, and sustainability concepts
  • Developing a branding and marketing plan for the Corridor
  • Planning events that bring people into the Corridor to change perceptions and build a greater customer base for businesses
  • Building upon and emphasizing the rich cultural diversity of the area