Page 37 - Reflect DSM (City of Des Moines, IA)
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landscapes that represent a rather narrow
slice of Des Moines’ historical development Purposes of Des Moines’ Historic
and cultural experience. It relies on Preservation Ordinance
traditional preservation surveys, criteria, and
treatments that are unable to capture or 1. Promote the educational, cultural,
serve intangible resources or buildings that economic and general welfare of
the public through the protection,
might lack architectural integrity. enhancement and perpetuation
of districts of historical and cultural
The City has been unable to develop significance;
effective and sustained education and
outreach programs that could assist it to 2. Safeguard the heritage of the city by
fully realize the ambitions of the ordinance. preserving districts in the city which
Most residents of Des Moines are simply reflect the elements of its cultural, social,
unaware of the program and its purposes. economic, political, historical, aesthetic
and architectural significance;
They do not see themselves as having
any role to play in naming what is to be 3. Stabilize and improve property values
preserved nor participating in protection and the equity held by the citizens in
and revitalization efforts. Residents who their property;
do interact with the program are often
unprepared and ill-equipped to fully 4. Foster civic beauty and pride and
enhance civic design;
understand and benefit from it. Progress
is also hampered by the lack of private 5. Protect and enhance the city’s
and institutional partners who could be attraction to tourists and visitors;
expected to take on some of the roles and
responsibilities of the program including 6. Strengthen the economy of the city;
research, advocacy, education, and
fundraising. 7. Facilitate the rehabilitation and
revitalization of certain older
Capitalizing on the current strengths neighborhoods; and
of the existing program, addressing its 8. Provide for a variety of living experiences
shortcomings, and planning for its role in a within the city for both old and new
revitalized and thriving Des Moines is the residents.
central goal of this Plan.
Adopted Plan (September 2023) 31
