Downtown Des Moines is currently made up of to six diverse and distinctive urban neighborhoods. Each of the neighborhood’s rough boundaries appear on this map below. Beginning with this post, there will be a series of posts that will include some in-depth information about each of the neighborhoods. Posts will include: a short description of the neighborhood, some links to local restaurants, bars, shops and attractions, as well as a slideshow of pictures from the neighborhood. Today we will begin with the East Village Neighborhood.

East Village Neighborhood

Located on the east side of the Des Moines River, the East Village district begins at the river and extends about five blocks east to the State Capitol Building. The northern edge of the neighborhood is Des Moines Street, and the southern border is Court Avenue. The area is only 10 or 15 blocks in size and benefits from decent pedestrian traffic due to its location just west of the state capitol building.

The East Village neighborhood is a progressive, pedestrian friendly neighborhood that offers an eclectic blend of historic buildings, hip eateries, boutiques, and a wide variety of retail establishments, including one of the areas best local bookstores, East Village Books. In 2000, the City of Des Moines slated several buildings in the neighborhood for demolition, however, a group of individuals came together to advocate saving the buildings. The East Village contains some of Iowa’s most historically significant buildings, including the State Capitol.

This neighborhood appeals to a younger, creative group of people as a funky, functional, safe place to live, shop, and gather. With its restored historic properties, beautiful streetscape and urban living environment, the East Village is a hub of activity with annual festivals, street markets, a diverse bar scene, one-of-a-kind retail shopping and creative professionals who want to live downtown.

East Village Highlights: (click on an icon for more information)

Housing

Nightlife

Eating Out

Shopping

Attractions

For more information on this neighborhood visit the official East Village website or visit the East Village News forum on AbsoluteDSM.com

closeAuthor: MulderDSM Name: Larry Bradshaw
Email: admin@livingdowntowndesmoines.com
Site: http://www.larrybradshaw.net
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