Beautification

An increasing number of green spaces, flowers, plantings and streetscapes are adding vibrant colors and natural beauty to downtown Des Moines. Again, Operation Downtown is working behind the scenes with the City of Des Moines and local businesses to make many of the beautification projects possible.

As part of Operation Downtown’s focus on beautification, many enhancements have been made. For example, more than 120 hanging baskets and a variety of street-level plantings were added in the East Village. Flower designs were placed near the Partnership Building and Des Moines Register building. And in 2007, a new pedestrian “way-finding” sign program is being launched to help visitors locate downtown amenities and destinations such as the Science Center, new Library and Botanical Center.

In addition, numerous beautification projects are in the works for the future, including efforts focused on Nollen Plaza, the Principal Riverwalk, areas near the Temple of Performing Arts and Polk County Convention Complex. Operation Downtown will also be handling the grounds keeping and maintenance of 12 more acres of land downtown. In the coming years, Operation Downtown will continue to make a dramatic impact on the beauty of downtown Des Moines.