Page 36 - Reflect DSM (City of Des Moines, IA)

The City of Des Moines has saved and
Figure 1. Fourth Street between Walnut Street and Court Ave.,
Downtown Des Moines. (Source: KKC)
Figure 2. River Bend Local Historic District (Source: Stacey Hanley) places.
Chapter Cover Photo. 213 4th Street, the former Hawkeye Insurance Company. (Source: KKC)
30 DES MOINES Citywide Historic Preservation Plan
stewarded a significant number of
historic resources since the adoption of its
preservation ordinance in 1981. Guided by
the 1995 Community Preservation Plan, the
City has made progress toward carrying
out many of the purposes of the historic
preservation ordinance. This chapter details
the status of preservation in Des Moines,
and shares preliminary findings on ways to
improve the City’s preservation programs.
In general, Des Moines has developed an
effective regulatory framework that guides
the designation of historic districts and
landmarks. Its review processes, guidelines,
and technical assistance support City staff
and residents seeking to protect and restore
historic buildings. The program has made
strides to integrate preservation values
and approaches into larger City planning
processes. Regular consultation and
communication have resulted in positive
preservation outcomes for many City-
owned, managed, and funded projects.
While they do not necessarily target
or prioritize historic buildings, programs
like Improving Our Neighborhoods, Blitz
on Blight, Neighborhood Commercial
Revitalization, Blighted Properties
Rehabilitation, and others recognize the
revitalization potential of older and historic
Despite this, the scope and impact of the
historic preservation program is still largely
pre-occupied with relatively high-style,
professionally designed buildings and