Page 8 - Reflect DSM (City of Des Moines, IA)

ReflectDSM: Honoring All Des Moines neighborhoods, expansive parks system,
Histories offers a new way of thinking iconic riverfront, and the cultural vibrancy
about and advancing the City's historic that spawns numerous festivals, community
preservation program. gatherings, and public artworks. One
resident of the McKinley School/Columbus
This Plan takes an expansive view of what Park neighborhood noted, historic
the community values and an inclusive preservation:
approach to decision making. It asserts
that historic preservation is not just about “Makes me think about what was
buildings, but is truly about people and the meaningful to me growing up, the places
places where they live, work, and play. It is you knew were unique to your town were
about the tangible and intangible historic always the places you appreciated … The
and cultural resources that make the lives things you love to tell people about in a
of community members easier, healthier, community the locally owned things … I
more fun, and more vibrant. Residents think it’s a lot cooler to go to a restaurant
interviewed as part of the planning process that’s been there for 50 years than one I
expressed what they love about their can go to in any city.”
city – its diverse population, distinctive

Figure 1. Ashby Manor National Historic District (Source: Stacey Hanley)

Chapter Cover Photo. Polk County Historic Courthouse (Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative)

2 DES MOINES Citywide Historic Preservation Plan