Urban Pioneer
If you are reading this blog, you are also probably subscribing to the monthly downtown newsletter from the Downtown Community Alliance. If not, I suggest subscribing today! Each month one of their most popular stories is the Urban Pioneer series. They pick someone to interview that has recently moved downtown to share that person’s story of why they choose to move to downtown Des Moines. This month, I am their featured Urban Pioneer. Below is my story from the October newsletter.
URBAN PIONEER – LARRY BRADSHAW
When Larry Bradshaw heard he was being transferred from Florida to the Des Moines area in 2003 he was excited to learn an urban lifestyle was a possibility. The day before he was in town to tour a downtown condo, the building caught fire and burnt down. Larry moved to the suburbs, but kept his eye on downtown.
As Downtown continued to offer more living choices and more amenities, he was drawn to the core of our city. Today, he lives right in the middle of all of the action. Last March Larry moved into the 418 Liberty Building where enjoys a nice eastern view of Downtown which includes the Capitol, Wells Fargo arena, the Principal Riverwalk and the Travelers sign. The high ceilings, great views, close parking and skywalk access were all great selling points for him.
“I chose the Liberty Building because it has a New York style apartment feel to it,” explains Larry. “When I purchased the condo, it was an unfinished shell. My developer, Nelson Construction, was excellent to work with to complete my home. They gave me the opportunity to really custom design the condo.”
Living downtown has given Larry the ability to park his car and walk just about everywhere, except to work. He does a reverse commute to Wells Fargo in West Des Moines but sometimes he works out of the downtown office. He enjoys being able to walk to dinner, to the gym and to just hang out. Some of his favorite neighborhoods are the East Village and Court Avenue District.
Larry’s new urban lifestyle has been such a great experience that he has started his own blog on downtown living. “I’ve made an investment in downtown and this blog serves as an outlet for me to share what downtown living is all about.” Larry tackles a new topic on downtown living almost daily. You can check out his blog at www.livingdowntowndesmoines.com.
“Downtown has changed and grown tremendously since I moved here five years ago,” says Larry. “The best thing about living downtown for me, is feeling like you are a part of something that is ready to experience huge growth.”
The Downtown Community Alliance in association with Greater Des Moines Partnership, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to achieve a shared vision for the future of downtown Des Moines by providing leadership, initiative, advocacy and building partnerships, and achieving shared solutions.
A consistent and constant focus on developing and maintaining a vibrant downtown core has been a mainstay in their strategy, leading to a successful regional marketing effort. Their key program areas continue to be:
- Downtown development and planning
- Events and activities
- Promotion and marketing, including information about parking and access
- A clean, safe and beautiful environment
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Posted under Living Downtown | Last modified on October 1st, 2008.
Tags: Condos | Liberty Condos | Neighbors
