UN NUEVO AMANECER

DEFINING PLACE ON 6TH AVENUE Weaving Together Diverse Voices through Public Art

The revitalization of the 6th Avenue Corridor provides an excellent opportunity for Public Art to activate compelling and productive community growth. Public Art may be expressed functionally through bus shelters and park benches. It may be expressed artistically through sculpture and murals. It may also be expressed through street festivals and music events. Fundamental to the use of public art on the 6th Avenue Corridor is community pride and revitalization though economic vitality.

AUTHORS / Jean Danielson, Chaden Halfhill

9205 SWANSON BLVD / CLIVE, IOWA 50325 EXECUTIVE LETTER 5

TO THE 6TH AVENUE CORRIDOR NEIGHBORHOODS & THE STREETSCAPE COMMITTEE

Central to community vibrancy and a sustainable Working with 6th Avenue Corridor’s Executive future for the 6th Avenue area are the voices of the Director, we supported and incorporated the voice of people who live there. These voices are pivotal to the community in all stages of these conversations. understanding the depth and breadth of personal Building rapport with residents and listening to the and community history as woven through the many focus groups enabled a robust dialogue. It generations. It is in these voices that we heard what became evident that the neighborhoods were deeply public art means for residents of the 6th Avenue involved and hopeful for the initiatives before us. Corridor. The effort to expand the creative conversation In this light, Indigo Dawn partnered with 6th provided us grassroots information from which to Avenue Corridor to create public art concepts and make recommendations. This approach continues to to facilitate conversations on place-making with the reinforce the importance of connection with public many neighborhood and cultural groups throughout art and its capacity as a tool for revitalization and this area. What resulted was a public art assessment economic development. tool intended to amplify the collective voice of the Corridor and empower neighborhood leadership with The sustained efforts of 6th Avenue Corridor to strategies that embrace and enhance the community include its community in the development of this fabric. public art discussion – and hence in the artistic process – generate a resonance that energizes The streetscape design team found that a deeply engagement throughout all areas. This participation rich and unique composition of perspectives in public art not only amplifies community investment, characterizes the community. As a public artist and it provides a rich and unique environment in which community developer, I was particularly inspired by revitalization efforts surpass expected outcomes. the surprising variety of personal and community 6th Avenue Corridor will model effective urban histories from around the world that have converged development, integration, and diversity, with the at the 6th Avenue Corridor. public art process essential to this success.

Chaden Halfhill / Entrepreneur / Public Artist Indigo Dawn, LLC. UN NUEVO AMANECER 7

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INDIGO DAWN PARTNERS Chaden Halfhill, LEED AP, President Cheatom Park Jean Danielson, Operations Director River Bend Johanna Hoffman, Administration King-Irving Jonathan DeLima, General Manager Chautauqua Parkway Mondamin Presidential 6TH AVENUE CORRIDOR Alecia Kates, Executive Director CITY OF DES MOINES City of Des Moines Engineering Department BOARD OF DIRECTORS City of Des Moines Planning Department Aaron Todd, President Brian Douglas, Secretary GREEN BEAN LANDSCAPING Terry Vorbich, Treasurer Zach Heitzman, President Heidi Wessels Aaron Thackman, ASLA See Rodari Carl Rogers PLASTIC A DESIGNS Diane McClanahan Jeremiah Elbel, Creative Director Alex Orozco Vince Lintz SILENT RIVERS DESIGN + BUILD Steve Wilke-Shapiro, Designer FUNDING Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation

January 2012 This project has been created for the 6th Avenue Corridor Streetscape Improvement Plan in partnership with the City of Des Moines. Table Of 09 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT / ONE Background of 6th Avenue Corridor, Inc. / The Role of Indigo Dawn, LLC Streetscape Design & Public Art as an Economic Vitality Initiative CONTENTS Conceptualizing 6th Avenue Corridor with Complete Streets 21 HISTORY OF THE COMMUNITY / TWO History of the Area to the Early 1900s / The Surrounding Areas and Neighborhood Today / The Urban Core

31 CURRENT STATUS OF THE 6TH AVENUE CORRIDOR / THREE 6th Avenue Corridor Organization / Vision Development / National and State Main Street Program Current Buildings on the Historical Registry / Generating the Discussions: Starting Points

41 COMMUNITY VOICE THROUGH FOCUS GROUPS / FOUR Overview / Speci!c Themes / Common Threads and Strategy for Public Art Un Nuevo Amanecer – A New Dawn

48 STREETSCAPE REDESIGN / FIVE A View on Public Art in the United States Regarding Public Art: Overview of Considerations / Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation The 6th Avenue Corridor’s Potential for Public Art

59 REGIONAL VISIONING / SIX Des Moines: A Regional Perspective / The Tomorrow Plan Capital Crossroads / Bravo Greater Des Moines Community Cultural Plan

67 CONCEPTS TO CONSIDER / SEVEN Gateways to the Corridor / Streetscape Nodes: Primary and Secondary Expanding Art into the Neighborhood Fabric / The River Bridge Concepts Streetscape Concepts: Planters, Benches and Creative Expression

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY / EIGHT 105 Streetscape Focus Group Recruitment Script Summer 2011 / APPENDIX A Streetscape Focus Group Screener Questions Summer 2011 / APPENDIX B Focus Groups: Streetscape Focus Group Discussion Guide Summer 2011 / APPENDIX C Construction Drawings for Bridge Railing / APPENDIX D Construction Drawings for Planters / APPENDIX E END NOTES SCOPE of di THE PROJECT ver one si ty

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Background Of The 6TH AVENUE CORRIDOR, INC.

6TH AVENUE CORRIDOR, INC. is a nonprofit organization Improve the social and THERE ARE 45 Iowa Main Street Communities CALCULATION POINTS created to invigorate the 6th Avenue transportation throughout the state. These communities include Valley corridor specifically through commercial revitalization. economic well-being Junction in West Des Moines, Ames, Manning, Cedar Subsequently, the organization also seeks to invigorate Falls, West Branch, Fort Madison, Osceola, Spencer, A / The number of improvement projects the neighborhood through greater business stability, of Iowa’s communities Woodbine and West Union. As a participant in the Iowa B / The amount of capital investment increased resident participation and a solid reputation Main Street program, the 6th Avenue neighborhood C / The number of new businesses created by assisting selected D / The number of jobs created as a destination place that honors the breadth of benefits from a state-wide and nation-wide networking. E / The level of vacancy rates diverse races and ethnicities that live and work in and communities to capitalize Though more will be discussed about the Iowa Main around the neighborhoods. on the unique identity, Street Communities in Section Three, it is interesting to note that the 6th Avenue Corridor is only one of three THREE OVERARCHING DESIGN GOALS Geographically, the corridor is “bookended by downtown assets and character of their urban commercial neighborhoods throughout the state on the south and Birdland Park to the north ... [and] that have the Iowa Main Street designation, with the is the historic center of North Des Moines and the historic commercial district. other two urban areas in Cedar Rapids and Davenport. 3 01 Complete the Streetscape Plan 1 Northern Gateway to the City’s central business district.” Main Street is economic 02 Outreach and Education for Design At 1.2 miles, the length between I-235 to Hickman The 6th Avenue Corridor organization’s pinpoint focus Improvements for Business Avenue is one of the most economically deprived areas development within the of commercial revitalization is a unique effort within 03 Initiate and Implement Corridor in the city of Des Moines. Iowa’s Enterprise Communities – communities that Beautification Projects. context of historical are considered the lowest income area in relation In 2009, this historically diverse and culturally rich preservation. 2 to national median household income standards. As neighborhood was designated an Iowa Main Street economic indicators are central to the growth and Community. An economic revitalization program housed stability of a neighborhood, the 6th Avenue Corridor within the Iowa Department of Economic Development, uses five points (upper right} in its calculations on the mission of Iowa Main Street Community is to: neighborhood vitality: 14 SECTION_01 UN NUEVO AMANECER 15

It is useful to think of this multifaceted integration as a mosaic of independent and unique elements that come together to create a speci!c, yet complex, message. The overall message is one of economic and community vibrancy. Streetscapes are visual reminders of a community’s past, present and future. As such, they are not to be treated merely as addenda of color The Role Of and patterns, but as intimately communal INDIGO DAWN, LLC expressions of the people who live there.

6th Avenue Corridor asked artist and developer Artistic and streetscape considerations Chaden Halfhill of Indigo Dawn, LLC to prepare did not end there. A framework for schematic design ideas for streetscape improvements additional installations and methods to and to consider multi-phase public art installations. uphold the continuity of the corridor was The initial phase of this process included several requested, as were the considerations rounds of discussions and extensive participation to include schematic designs of a in diverse community-based focus groups. Upon gateway to 6th Avenue. Questions were integrating the discussions of the focus groups, the posed, such as ‘Are there particular conceptual development from that point was twofold: icons that can be used to connect 1) to consider public art and streetscape design visually more abstract ideas with the from the variety of perspectives found through the 6th Avenue corridor?’ Furthermore, focus groups and 2) to consider the broader role questions of functional needs – such as that art plays and will play as public art is integrated bus shelters, planters, paving patterns throughout the 6th Avenue transportation corridor. and signage – were asked in terms of how one integrates these expressions of Additionally, this ‘art-in-transit’ revitalization community and urban life with creative initiative considered the historic appeal of the and artistic solutions. corridor, including the character and identity of the neighborhoods and overall community. This was done not only from a historical perspective – one of pulling into the present the unique cultural and architectural complexities of the past – but also from listening to the voices that reflect a present day unique variegation of ethnicities and races. 16 SECTION_01 UN NUEVO AMANECER 17

Streetscape Design & Public Art As An PUBLIC ART / Murals ECONOMIC VITALITY A central economic INITIATIVE vitality initiative for 6th AvenueCorridor, Inc. is to facilitate streetscape improvements, with the end result an enduring and welcoming community for business growth and neighborhood pride. 4

PUBLIC ART SPACE / PappaJohn Sculpture Park STREET FESTIVALS / Des Moines Art Festival Indigo Dawn, LLC, in providing design recommendations for public art along the corridor’s streetscape, offers a range of specific and innovative solutions. Note that the idea and implementation of ‘public art’ nationally and within Des Moines and surrounding communities will be addressed later in this report. For this section, then, public art is defined as a wide degree of cultural and artistic modalities, from sculpture, murals and sidewalk furniture design to street festivals and shared public spaces that meet and reflect the cultural needs of the community. 18 SECTION_01 UN NUEVO AMANECER 19

AS STATED IN THE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY MASTER PLAN FOR WOODBINE, IOWA 7

The design and construction of streets help foster the character and stimulate the diversity of any community. Well- planned streets encourage use, stimulate economic growth and offer accessibility to all people. Ultimately, municipal Conceptualizing 6th Avenue Corridor With commitment to effective street design provides for FUNCTIONAL PUBLIC ART / bike rack_01 COMPLETE STREETS vibrant neighborhoods and communities. Every community

A CENTRAL CHARACTERISTIC of streetscape / Widened Sidewalks is unique, with its individual improvements that incorporate public art is the idea / Traffic Calming needs and its own complex of complete streets. The term ‘complete streets’ was / Efficient Parking created out of a collaborative effort to transform and / Bicycle Access combination of people, enhance the term ‘routine accommodation’ 5, a term / Distinctive Street Crossing Nodes that, by itself, under-imagined the constructive and / Lighting businesses and infrastructure. vital ways a comprehensive street plan could impact / Low-maintenance Landscaping There is no single “best” design a community. The idea of complete streets addressed / Entrance Features livability, accessibility and safety, among other / Street Furniture and Garbage Cans prescription, but the adoption of considerations. According to 6th Avenue Corridor, / Improved Water Quality and Drainage 6 Complete Streets policies causes Inc., elements of a complete street include : transportation planners and engineers to consistently design In addition to serving directly the needs of Public art is a central visual aspect of a complete streetscape. with all users in mind. This community inhabitants, long-term and long- It is indispensible as a tool to express the character of a lasting streetscape improvements – complete neighborhood or neighborhoods to inhabitants and to visitors. provides a sustainable mindset streets – is inviting to those who do not live Indigo Dawn, in working with the many neighborhood focus within the city leadership, as in the area, creating an atmosphere that is groups, identified key characteristics of the community’s inclusive to the larger community, encouraging identity and diversity. Subsequent steps incorporated these well as consultants hired to non-corridor residents to use local businesses characteristics in integrated concepts in public art on the and public spaces. overall 6th Avenue streetscape. assist with community works. FUNCTIONAL PUBLIC ART / bike rack_02 20 SECTION_01 UN NUEVO AMANECER 21

ALLISON AVENUE / Streetscape Redesign UNIVERSITY AVENUE / Streetscape Redesign

COLLEGE AVENUE / Streetscape Redesign MERCY AREA / Streetscape Redesign History Of The COMMUNITY hi sto two ry

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History Of The Area IN THE EARLY 1900’S

The historical background of this community is predominantly supplied by a lengthy report written in 1992 by William C. Page and Joanne R. Walroth. “Towards a Greater Des Moines: Early Suburbanization and Development, Circa 1880-Circa 1920” details the growth of Des Moines as a city through streetcar and transportation development, real estate and suburban development, the Annexation Movement and municipal infrastructure. 6th AVENUE, DES MOINES / circa 1910

WHEREAS OTHER SUBURBS are discussed along In 1890, ten suburbs were annexed, including the ones with the City of Des Moines itself, this narrative will mentioned above. With annexation came increased attention concern itself with the area that includes the 6th to streetcar lines, schools, road construction, road pavings and Avenue corridor, known at the time as the suburb extending the now-growing municipal infrastructure of sewer and of North Des Moines. The other suburban areas will water systems that were to serve all residents. be addressed to varied degrees in order to discuss overall growth and city planning patterns that yet The population of Polk County in 1890 had grown an impressive affect city and community decision-making today. 124 percent from ten years previous to 50,093 persons. It was anticipated at the time that exponential growth would continue. In the 1880s, the City of Des Moines was confined to Even with these expectations, little attention was paid to city a small area, mostly between the two rivers positioned planning and infrastructure integration of the annexed suburbs, in what is now the central business district. Around resulting in irregular development, street design and platting. this time, suburbanization was gaining steam and the area saw the incorporation of North Des Moines In the 1930s, a renowned city and urban planner of St. Louis, MO, (1880), Greenwood Park (1881), University Place and consultant to the City of Des Moines, Harland Bartholomew, (1882) and Capital Park (1885). wrote “One of the major reasons why there are so many unsatisfactory housing facilities in all larger cities is that the majority of these facilities have been developed by piecemeal and uncoordinated methods….There is little uniformity of character throughout any of the residential districts of Des Moines.” 8

PROSPECT PARK / Ariel View 26 SECTION_02 UN NUEVO AMANECER 27

In regard to the in"ux of immigration to the Des Moines area, the authors of the report state that due to con"icting national trends, it is dif!cult to generalize ethnic group experiences. Religious diversity is noted by the authors, diversity that encompasses Catholicism and Judaism. In North Des Moines, there was a signi!cantly large middle class Jewish population, with this and the surrounding area supporting three synagogues.

6th AVENUE, DES MOINES / Wherry Block DUE TO THE EXPANSIVE GROWTH of the City of Des Moines, from the 1870s onward, 6th Avenue has held transportation importance. It was seen as a primary artery of movement. This was demonstrated through brick pavement and the presence of a bridge, unlike on 2nd Avenue or 9th Street, which delivered people, goods and animals back and forth.

This transportation passage enabled people to work in the centralized city and return to residences on the northern edge of Des Moines (University Avenue) and beyond, up to Hickman and Douglas Avenue. It is noted that business owners contributed to suburban growth more than any other constituency, as “business people relocated their own residences from the central city to the suburbs, bought, owned, speculated in, and held suburban land, and pushed for an integrated metropolitan government to increase the opportunity for commercial expansion.” 9

FORMER CITY HALL / Perry & Brainard RIVERVIEW PARK / Main Square 28 SECTION_02 UN NUEVO AMANECER 29

The Surrounding Areas & NEIGHBORHOOD TODAY FOREST AVENUE / Today

THE 6TH AVENUE transportation corridor is a highly ethnically and racially diverse area. As categorized Even with the noted by the United States Census, the tracts are 49 and challenges, neighborhood 50, with 6th Avenue defining a line right down the center between the two. The multiple neighborhoods entrepreneurialism has themselves encompass tracts 15, 48, 49, 50 and 12, ranging from 14th Street on the east to MLK Drive on assisted some small the west and Hickman and Sheridan on the north to businesses in developing University and I-235 on the south. staying power. The focus These neighborhoods have historically been beset by racial discrimination, high unemployment, groups, which will be a substantial rental/transient population, low discussed fully in Section purchasing power and other economic deprivations. MERCY AREA / Today UNIVERSITY AVENUE / Today The 2000 Census tells us that the median household Four, speak to the need income of the area was $24,546; by the 2010 Census, the median household income had grown to a little for more strength in more than $28,000 (approximately half the Polk businesses that will then County average). This combination of low income and slow growth creates marketing challenges for signi!cantly contribute the corridor retail businesses, commercial areas and to increased overall home ownership. neighborhood stability. While the rates to rent properties and lease space for businesses are relatively low, the combination of With increased commercial other factors, such as lower income and low-wage vitality, the neighborhood positions, creates an environment in which new small businesses have a high rate of failure. While new small will become a greater draw businesses across all socioeconomic neighborhood grids encounter significant challenges in establishing to those who live outside longevity, the corridor has multiple economic of this area. conditions already stacked against startup success. ALISON AVENUE / Today 30 SECTION_02 UN NUEVO AMANECER 31

REPORTS CREATED by neighborhood groups and the city over the past decade have noted that the neighborhood has very little ongoing power to attract new consumer spending from those who live outside of its boundaries. To start, then, there is need for the neighborhood to provide goods and services that are specific to the needs of its own diverse population. Some such businesses are THE URBAN CORE already strong: an Asian grocery store, a Hispanic grocery store and St. Vincent de Paul’s retail space. The following information was collected by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and its American Community Survey program. At the same time, some of the existing businesses that The report defines The Urban Core as the area designated 6th Avenue and the surrounding neighborhoods. 10 have demonstrated the greatest staying power in the neighborhood area not only serve the inhabitants but provide services to individuals outside the neighborhood A SYNOPSIS OF THE URBAN CORE, 2005-2009 as well. Such businesses include a variety of social services that address income disparity, education, and medical and geriatric issues. These tax-exempt organizations along / The Urban Core is located in the central part of the City / One in four residents speaks a language other than English. 6th Avenue must be considered as the implementation of of Des Moines that is just North of I-235 and consists streetscape redevelopment and public art progresses. of nine neighborhoods. / The Urban Core has significantly higher residents in poverty, receiving public assistance, have single parent / It is the most diverse section of society: more than half households and no working households. JOHN R. GRUBB COMMUNITY YMCA / Community Celebration of the residents are non-white, while, in comparison, Polk County’s non-white population is ten percent of the overall / More than 50% of Urban Core residents do not have any formal population. education beyond a high school diploma, and 25% of residents have dropped out of high school before graduating (almost three times Polk County’s overall dropout rate).

The overall economic revitalization plan of 6th Avenue Corridor includes key multi-year commitments by neighborhoods, volunteers and various departments of the City of Des Moines. The rejuvenation of the housing market, commercial development, local employment and public safety and the streetscape development of the 6th Avenue transportation corridor are the intended products of these efforts and commitments. The goal is economic revitalization and neighborhood stability, vitality and health. Current Status Of THE 6TH AVENUE CORRIDOR en gage three me nt

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IN THE MIDDLE OF 2009, VISIONING EXERCISES FOR THE 6TH AVENUE CORRIDOR ORGANIZATION PRODUCED THE FOLLOWING PERSPECTIVES:

What are the four greatest assets of the 6th Avenue What are the four greatest opportunities Corridor urban neighborhood district? for the 6th Avenue Corridor?

01 Diversity 01 Untapped potential within people and businesses 02 Proximity – Gateway to downtown 02 Taking advantage of ethnic “flavors” 03 Historic significance 03 Catching downtown traffic 04 Strong neighborhood associations 04 Transportation gateway with multimodal with experienced and new homeowners opportunities

What are the 6th Avenue Corridor’s Four Reasons why the 6th Avenue Corridor four greatest challenges? is important to Des Moines. 6th Avenue Corridor 01 Image and public perception 01 Proximity to downtown Des Moines 02 Panhandling, vagrancy, loitering 02 Historic corridor 03 Crime and safety 03 Supporting neighborhood revitalization ORGANIZATION 04 Cultural barriers 04 One of the state’s largest urban pockets of ethnic populations

6th AVENUE CORRIDOR / Open House @ Moe’s 6TH AVENUE CORRIDOR, INC. was formed to address THE ORGANIZATION’S OBJECTIVES existing conditions in the community. A major objective is & SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE: to assist current businesses and lay the groundwork for increased and sustained economic revitalization. / Develop and maintain district business improvement program(s) The forward-thinking 6th Avenue Corridor organization / Provide historic preservation education and created a list of 2011 projects. It includes: establish a consultation streetscape committee to work with staff from the City of Des / Coordinate the planning, implementation and Moines; strengthen public relations and marketing through success of a new streetscape media communication and a website; design ordinances and / Develop a branding and marketing plan for the guidelines; assist and educate with business retention and district small business technology awareness; develop real estate; / Provide district wide event planning establish public art; recruit and retain volunteers; develop / Develop strategies to build upon and and implement fundraising initiatives and events. emphasize the rich cultural diversity of There is much the organization has accomplished and the area much remaining to do. Central to meeting stated goals is establishing various partnerships with a variety of organizations, from neighborhood organizations and small business groups to historic preservation initiatives and many departments within the City of Des Moines. 36 SECTION_03 UN NUEVO AMANECER 37

National & State

MAIN STREET PROGRAM THE NATIONAL MAIN STREET COMMUNITY CRITERIA TO BE FOLLOWED IS TEN-FOLD

01 Have broad-based public What is important to note about 6th In May 2009, the and private support Avenue Corridor’s connection to this 6th Avenue corridor 02 Have vision and mission statements program is that the neighborhoods 03 Have a comprehensive work plan represented by this corridor are neighborhood was 04 Have an historic preservation ethic actively placed within a context 05 Have active boards and committees that seeks revitalization though designated a Main 06 Have an adequate operating budget acknowledging, restoring and building Street Community by 07 Have a paid, professional upon the specific historic character program director of this area. This will lead to business growth, physical improvements and the Iowa Department 08 Have on-going training for community engagement. staff and volunteers of Economic 09 Provide reporting of key statistics Development. 10 Be a current member of the National Main Street Network

MAIN STREET IOWA / 2011 National Main Street Conference IN MAY 2009, the 6th Avenue corridor neighborhood was designated a Main Street Community by the Iowa Department of Economic Development.

According to the Department of Economic Development, “The mission of the Main Street Iowa Program is to improve the social and economic well-being of Iowa’s communities by assisting selected communities to capitalize on their unique identity, assets and character of their historic commercial district. Main Street is economic development within the context of historic preservation.”

Communities that are designated Main Street Communities follow guiding principles and a Four-Point template established by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP), which initiated this process in a pilot project in 1977. The NTHP, in asserting that communities are only as prosperous and sustainable as their cores, states that the Main Streets Program is three things: a proven strategy for revitalization, a powerful network of linked communities and a national support program. 38 SECTION_03 UN NUEVO AMANECER 39

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT / Current Buildings On The Historical Registry Current Buildings On The HISTORICAL REGISTRY

THE 6TH AVENUE CORRIDOR and neighborhoods BURNSTEIN-MALIN GROCERY have a rich history of architecture and community & PICKLE BARREL DELICATESSEN pride through the built environment, represented 1241 6th Avenue in part by the selection of buildings that are THE NEW LAWN / Prairie School Design currently on the Historical Registry. These 1245 6th Avenue buildings are a reflection of a rich and varied WALTER M. BARTLETT DOUBLE HOUSE past that contributes to the community once Classic Revival Design known as North Des Moines and now a part of 1416 6th Avenue the city of Des Moines. Pride in shared history KROMER FLATS / Renaissance Design is fundamental to this area. Pride in the present 1433-1439 6th Avenue day and in the shared future is also vital to this WHERRY BLOCK / Late Victorian Design community’s unity and its varied expressions. 1600 6th Avenue PERRY & BRAINARD BLOCK / Late Victorian Design Central to the Main Street initiative is economic 1601 6th Avenue revitalization of the local economy, specifically TRENT-BEAVER HOUSE / Prairie School Design utilizing historic preservation and restoration. As 1802 6th Avenue noted by the National Main Street organization, beyond “retaining and expanding successful THE MAINE FLATS Late 19th & Early 19th Century American Movements businesses to provide a balanced commercial 1635 6th Avenue mix, sharpening the competitiveness and merchandising skills of business owners, and THE MANOR / Colonial Revival Design attracting new businesses that the market 1700-1702 6th Avenue can support,” revitalization efforts are further WILLIAM H. & ALICE BAILEY HOUSE strengthened by using the buildings that have 1810 6th Avenue helped define the community historically. FRANKLIN APARTMENTS / Queen Anne Design “Converting unused or underused commercial 1811 6th Avenue space into economically productive property also AYRSHIRE APARTMENTS / Tudor Revival Design helps boost the profitability of the district.” 11 1815 6th Avenue 40 SECTION_03

Generating the Discussions STARTING POINTS

AS INDIGO DAWN sought to integrate focus-group voices with mission directives from 6th Avenue Corridor, we asked ourselves two questions: ‘What does the corridor want to be to itself?’ and ‘What does the corridor want to be known for/as to the larger community?’

THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED DISCUSSIONS SECOND, WHAT DOES THE CORRIDOR AND RESEARCH, WE ARRIVED AT THE FOLLOWING WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR/AS TO THE LARGER THE CORRIDOR WANTS: COMMUNITY?

/ To express, promote and celebrate / The expression, promotion and celebration its historic character of its historic character / To be accepting of profound diversity / Neighborhood vitality, economically and culturally / To be multi-generational / The creative use of open and common space for art, / To promote neighborhood vitality, gardens and playgrounds both economically and culturally / Inviting to those who do not live in the area, / To develop, promote and help local creating an atmosphere that is inclusive to the businesses to thrive larger community that encourages non-corridor / To promote neighborhood pride residents to use the business and public spaces, / To facilitate the creative use of open space including: retail, entertainment, convenience for art, gardens, family and multi-generational stores, churches, community centers, playgrounds and common areas restaurants, public spaces, and schools. Community Voice Thru FOCUS GROUPS co mm four un ity

Bench Concept 034 44 SECTION_04 UN NUEVO AMANECER 45 OVERVIEW

TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH / Trinity Building Centennial Celebration The following sections re"ect speci!c themes and topics taken directly from each discussion and are noted with the date of the focus group discussion.

08/03/2011 10/23/2011 Latino Focus Group_01 Latino Focus Group_02

EIGHT FOCUS GROUPS were facilitated over a multi-month period, The screener established neighborhood residency, / The church as a building and a center of / Property improvement funding, addressing with 51 community members attending in total. The purpose of the ethnicity, age (over 18) and language(s). Data worship is central to varied ethnic groups. abandoned houses. focus groups was to explore with community members how to express collection included digital recordings, on-site / Mural: A representation of different colors / Bicycle access, bicycle friendly. experiences of their community through art in the streetscape, on the documentation, transcription of the recordings of hands shaking, connecting with each other, / Public areas such as parks and sitting areas. bridge and potentially at the entrance of the 6th Ave transportation and final analysis for common themes and showing they are working together. / Would like to see the street name changed to corridor. themes/concerns specific to cultural groups. / Need an art/multicultural center. something that is not just a number. / Need a working, affordable infrastructure. / Colorful streetscape that represents every culture, As many cultural groups as possible were involved in each 90-minute SOME OF THE MAIN INTERESTS REFLECTED Real estate taxation is high. flags from different countries. discussion at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1548 8th Street and IN THE FOCUS GROUPS INCLUDED: John R. Grubb YMCA, 1611 11th Street. The recruiters – Shari Miller / Changing people’s perceptions of 6th Avenue. / Stories told through monuments. and Allison Meier – were provided with screening queries and data / Preservation of existing buildings / Place plates in front of historic houses. / Get rid of the fence on the bridge, it looks collection methods to recruit varied participants. The facilitator – / Measures taken to enhance the community / Have well-maintained sidewalks. like a prison fence. Chaden Halfhill of Indigo Dawn– worked together with the recruiters (aesthetically, economically, culturally) to / More safety, more police officers. / Concerned about starting up businesses, and 6th Avenue Corridor Executive Director Alecia Kates to develop residents and visitors start a multi-cultural market for people the discussions. Participants were encouraged to reflect on history and / The deep problem of sustained / Arches that say ‘Welcome to 6th Avenue.’ to come to the area. heritage, on connecting with art through positive memories and urban economic development / An outdoor market in the summer, something / The neighborhoods providing for future spaces and, finally, on perspectives of the future of the corridor as seen / The conflict between preserving cultural like a farmer’s market, but with more food vendors. generations, the reputation of the area needs through the lens of public art. (Please see Appendices A-C.) distinction and assimilation to change. Safety is an important issue. 46 SECTION_04 UN NUEVO AMANECER 47

08/17/2011 09/24/2011 African Focus Group Vietnamese Focus Group

/ Transportation is an issue. / Difficulty in integrating into larger culture when one is an immigrant. Lots of family activities in smaller / Playing sports together helps community when there is communities. no shared language, however there is a shared sport. / Cultural identity is a sensitive one. If a flag is to be / The evolution of businesses through the years, if people used to represent the Vietnamese culture, use the non- knew that there used to be businesses that thrived, communist flag. maybe they will invest in them now/in the future. / Textiles are a significant form of cultural expression. / A mural that shows a timeline for 6th Avenue. / Vibrancy of colors is important / Make a ‘circle’ at an intersection to help traffic slow down. 09/29/2011 09/31/2011 / Community garden spaces, places where one can be more Asian Focus Group_01 Non-Pro!t Leadership / Business Owners / Adding crosswalks. in tune with the natural environment. / Make a fountain by a bus stop. A glass frame around / Community events need to be free, this will encourage the bus stop/shelter – place community art on this. greater participation. / There is pride that the original Dowling high school / St. Vincent de Paul started in the 1920s and grew over time. / Safety – need safety for future generations / Placing a cultural center on the Corridor. was in the community. Has done much good in the community as well as need to who live in this neighborhood. accentuate the number of poor in the community who need / Crime used to be high. 5 p.m. and after is / Room for a bus lane to pull off the main lane to a side lane. the services that St. Vincent provides. noted as a bad time to be on the streets. / Tree-lined streets, places for buses to pull over, / To provide opportunities, education, addressing addiction. / St. Vincent DePaul has been around a long time. better places for people to walk. Provide social services. This business cannot relocate. 20 years plus. The gap in services to those in need would be too great. / Churches reflect the changes in demographics. / If artwork got too ethnic specific there might be destruction. 1/3 1/3 1/3 White, Hispanic, Vietnamese. 09/07/2011 09/21/2011 / Should the lifeline that SVP offers and has offered for / Cultural identify celebration through color. decades be reflected in the artwork and streetscape? Yes. Central & Eastern European Small Business Owners / Entrepreneurs / Outsiders in the Vietnamese community are scared to come Through the vibrancy of colors that reflect the vibrancy of to 6th avenue in the evening. Even if things actually became the diverse communities. safe statistically, people believe that it is not. No evening / Most important elements of what we have / Streetscape improvements to help improve / The types of business that exist and who they attract. events can be planned. here are people, diversity and architecture. and increase businesses. Middle to lower class income or the opposite? / To make the street attractive, reopen restaurants, / Diversity reflected through art, food / Need to strengthen businesses, encourage them / Need to stay away from encouraging the growth of bars. (restaurants & groceries). to work together to strengthen all businesses. make the buildings attractive. / We need citizen engagement. / At one time, this area was a Catholic hub, / Hopeful in seeing a change in public perception of 6th / Seeing green space in between businesses. / A community area that has a labyrinth. a Jewish hub, so many people were here then Avenue. Fear is a factor in attracting suburban visitors. / How to make 6th Avenue a destination and are here now. Whites, blacks, Hispanic, Encourages meditation. / Area is good for businesses that serve downtown. the conversation between community and businesses. Southeastern Asian, Latvian, Croatian. / Do not create art that is inaccessible. Must be accessible so Also mixed income neighborhoods. / A shop that combines tea and coffee – a mix of cultures, / Socioeconomic diversity. that people can connect with it emotionally. / More restaurants. Vietnamese, American, Hispanic, African. / The corridor needs to be friendly. / Fountains, mosaics. Put the mosaics in the sidewalk. / Racial tensions exist. How to address them? / Law must be enforced. People park where they should not be. / Outsider perception is an issue. / Need a grocery store. / Reshaping character of district, hopeful / Signage in different languages so that limited / There is a large transient population and positive about this. English speakers better understand. / Cultural events are front and center. within the corridor. / How to balance businesses? Non-profits on southern end / How to make the people in the community ‘get out’ more, / The area is too transient. Need core group of people who stay / Historical preservation is very important. with smaller businesses spaced throughout the avenue. to be seen, to demonstrate the vibrancy of the community? for a handful of years. Don’t know how to achieve this though. / There are no public places on 6th Avenue. / Community needs to work together. Public spaces. It is too hard to walk down the sidewalks, / Want to highlight ethnic and racial diversity of area. / Create sports center for youth. and there is not enough lighting or benches. Add colors. We need wider walkways, we need green space. / To make the area safer: law enforcement/educating Sixth Avenue is not attractive, not safe. / Need better maintenance of buildings along the corridor. people. Food/ethnic parks/lighting. Involvement of Improve lighting. people/ownership. 48 SECTION_04 UN NUEVO AMANECER 49

Common Threads & Strategy FOR PUBLIC ART

The focus groups provided common threads that captured the varied essence of the people and their desire for “place” on 6th Avenue. Clearly identifiable were:

1 / The celebration of diversity 2 / The enhancement of connectivity 3 / The promotion of vibrancy through color and beauty 4 / The establishment of an entry to the corridor Un Nuevo Amanecer 5 / The honoring of history A NEW DAWN 6 / The desire and need to infuse community experience EACH FOCUS GROUP responded with a Many participants contributed a high level of voice of its own, and in each conversation engagement to the discussions, opening up while into the corridor encouragement and discovery revealed talking about their dreams for the neighborhoods commonalities shared between cultures and and business district. The motivation to generate a beliefs. Dialogue itself was a powerful source brilliant future and the emotional investment needed 7 / Establishing the 6th Avenue of unification as plans for the future of 6th to catalyze change was palpable. One example of Avenue were discussed. this enthusiasm is captured in the phrase ‘Un Nuevo corridor as a destination Amanecer,’ shared by a participant at our first Latino group. Manuel Catalan energized the imagination of his neighbors and peers with ideas during the one- and-a-half hours, and finally summarized what he saw for the future – a new dawn. Streetscape REDESIGN vi ta five li ty

Planter Concept 127 52 SECTION_05 UN NUEVO AMANECER 53

A View on Public Art in the United States AUTHOR CHER KRAUSE KNIGHT WRITES

DEPRESSION ERA One of the most essential services the public artist & AFTER can provide is to activate a space, both physically and socially ... Public art strives to reconcile popular will and collective aspirations with governmental oversight, private business, or the individual artist’s vision.

JOY OF MUSIC / George Lundeen

IN THE POST-WAR ERA, THERE HAVE BEEN TWO MAJOR FEDERAL PROGRAMS IN THE AREA OF PUBLIC ART.

IN A MODERN SENSE, public art can mean art One major New Deals program was the Public Works of Art PROGRAM_01 PROGRAM_02 that is in some way in service of the people. The Project. This effort paid daily wages to artists to produce works United States has had public art since the very for public buildings. It lasted from 1935 to 1943. Another The Art-in-Architecture Program (A-i-A). In 1963, the The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) was established early days – statues and monuments for example major program was the Federal Arts Project, under the Works General Services Administration, which administers in 1965 under the Johnson administration and, in 1967, – but U.S. public art in a more contemporary Project Administration. federal construction projects, implemented a initiated its Art-in-Public-Places program. It aimed to connotation is a 20th century phenomenon, proposal that had been first generated in 1934 by increase awareness of contemporary art, aesthetically while it has also retained its connection to Between 1935 and 1939, the U.S. Treasury Department devoting one half of one percent of new federal enhance and renovate public spaces, give American artists government funding and reflecting current operated two arts programs. The Treasury Relief Arts Project building budgets to commissioning art. opportunities to work in public contexts and encourage government ideology. employed artists on relief to decorate Treasury Department- experimentation. managed buildings. The Section of Fine Arts, another The A-i-A program heightened the public’s Eighty years ago, the crisis of the Great program overseen by two artists and an art critic, insisted on awareness of art by asserting that public art should As a significant side note, the NEA very deliberately sought Depression led the U.S. government to respond conventional artistic standards in order to bring accessible, be accessible to citizens. It also gave currency to community involvement and responsibility for commissioning to desperate unemployment with jobs programs, quality art to the public and highlight the federal government’s the idea that public art should be site-sensitive and and placement of the art. It made matching funds available including jobs for artists. In the overall presence in communities. site-specific, with an awareness of how site and art so that a variety of local government, cultural, corporate and philosophy of the times, there was a sense that interact. nonprofit organizations could implement art installation and people’s cultural needs should be met as well as The overall effect of these federal efforts affirmed the programming. (This practice also enhanced local acceptance their material needs. Between 1933 and 1943, arts’ role in democratic society, built a substantial national A-i-A’s approach became a model for many state and appreciation of ‘the art object’ as a compelling thousands of artists produced over 100,000 collection of public art, gave work to artists and laid the and municipal public art projects paid for out of feature of daily culture.) NEA did not own the art; the local works under federal patronage. groundwork for future federal arts funding. construction costs for public buildings and spaces. sponsoring communities or organizations did. 54 SECTION_05 UN NUEVO AMANECER 55

LOCAL MATERIALS MINIMIZE TOXICITY Regarding Public Art Using local materials is a sustainable decision that helps Along with considering the energy consumption and social reduce carbon footprints and supports local businesses. implication of raw materials used for the artwork, evaluating Every decision made along the design process can help the pollution generated from the manufacture of materials, OVERVIEW OF address the long-term impact of the public art. or the toxicity within the fabrication process.

Certain materials may be recycled or reclaimed, so Throughout the life cycle of the entire process, consider CONSIDERATIONS electing to use certain materials can highlight forward- the potential impact the artwork can have on the water, the thinking approaches to natural resources and modes of air, the soil and the people that it comes in contact with. production. A strategic choice of materials can generate Discernment throughout the design and fabrication will have significant meaning as well as impact for the project. long lasting implications for the artwork and its community.

ART OFFERS MUCH MORE than visual interest within TEAM PLAYER ECOLOGICAL IMPACT STORY TELLING communities. Well planned and integrated public art projects Look for a team-oriented artist(s) to assist with the Along with considering the energy consumption and Art can serve to tell the story of the community, whether help reinforce community identity, celebrate history and public art project. Bring the artist(s) in early to the social implication of raw materials used for the artwork, as a historical recollection, a mirror of the present or a educate the public. Successful projects catalyze new ideas as planning process, as this will improve budgeting and evaluate the pollution generated from the manufacture of celebration of future potential. Storytelling through art well as economic development; art stimulates the marketplace design strategies. The outcome will be more integrated materials, or the toxicity within the fabrication process. is a central aspect of communication, integrating diverse and helps sustain businesses. Public art provides a vibrancy and the process fluid. communities. While they may not have a shared verbal that encourages community engagement and personal support, Throughout the life cycle of the entire process, consider language, they may have an overlapping visual language. positively influencing civic pride and participation. Public art MULTIDISCIPLINE APPROACH the potential impact the artwork can have on the generates long-term impact and should be incorporated within The design process can be all-encompassing, so water, the air, the soil and the people who encounter it. RECURRENT ACTIVITIES any community revitalization of the 6th Avenue transportation including an artist(s) that supports a multidisciplinary Environmental awareness throughout the design and A wide range of community events can also be seen as corridor and surrounding neighborhoods. approach to the streetscaping project is vital to its fabrication will have long-lasting implications for the expressions of public art. Festivals integrating music, success. Often comprehensive planning projects will artwork and its community. food and culturally diverse crafts and art are events that, require the artist(s) to work with multiple trades and when routinely held, create a greater connection among SOME HIGH LEVEL STRATEGIES WORTH CONSIDERING professions, and facilitating this collaboration will LIMIT ENERGY USE communities. WHEN EVALUATING CRITERIA FOR THE CORRIDOR’S generate positive results. Above, the energy associated with transportation and STREETSCAPING INCLUDE: manufacturing the raw materials was considered. MAINTENANCE AUDIENCE Furthermore, some art requires ongoing operational Finally, prepare for maintaining the artwork. As there Be sure to define your audience and understand the energy use, which might entail lighting, pumps or electric is an investment in public art, much like any municipal REGIONAL ARTIST needs of the community and its people’s choices. This will motors. When designing and planning for long-term infrastructure, it is wise to establish a reliable funding source Evaluating artist(s) quality and ability can be done energy performance, please consider options as an help direct the artist(s) and set the tone for the artwork. for ongoing maintenance. Together with the artist(s), draft a through a vetting process. During the evaluation process, alternative. maintenance plan that supports the longevity of the art and it is recommended that 6th Avenue Corridor consider local and/ its purpose within the community. THEME or regional artists in their evaluation. Similarly, it is of interest Minimizing mechanical parts will also reduce long-term Establishing a theme for the artwork could be useful to the selection committee to establish criteria to determine if maintenance considerations as well. If lighting is to be OWNERSHIP in establishing the educational or symbolic basis an artist(s) has familiarity with the goals used, consider directing the lamps in order to protect the Ownership of the artwork will be important to define early for the project. Aligning the theme with diversity of of the community. dark night skies, reducing unnecessary light pollution. in the process, particularly when the artwork exists within the community and its project will go a long way in the right-of-way. The City will likely need an agreement reinforcing the motivations and intent for this endeavor. RELATIONSHIP PROMOTION AND MARKETING or memorandum of understanding that directly answers Choosing an artist that fosters a rapport with the committee Integrating art as part of promotional and business questions about ownership, liability and maintenance. Clear BUDGET and with the community is encouraged. Establishing a quality goals for the 6th Avenue neighborhoods can strengthen and timely communication always helps protect the public relationship between the overseeing committee and the Budget discussions should be clear, collaborative and community identity. Consider how the theme of visual and the artwork so that the project can be enduring and artist(s) helps improve communications and deter problems. open. Establish mutual parameters early in the process so language of the artwork can weave together lighting, successful. that the artist(s) understands the actual scope in which signage, street furniture, sidewalks and other public It is critical to identify collaborative requirements and the project must be designed. Importantly, remember to objects to help unify how the corridor characterizes itself, expectations clearly; such efforts will ensure positive results. plan for costs of ongoing maintenance. both internally and externally. 56 SECTION_05 UN NUEVO AMANECER 57

DES MOINES RIVER VALLEY / “High Trestle Trail Bridge” by David B. Dahlquist

Greater Des Moines PUBLIC ART FOUNDATION

The role of public art THE MISSION of the Foundation is to acquire and place art on buildings, streetscapes or lands that are during the 20th Century accessible by members of the public. As such, the 13 shifted from creating art to Foundation has the following goals be placed into a community / Enhance the city’s physical environment and public places from outside to creating art / Integrate the work and thinking of artists into the planning, design and construction of city facilities, in relation to, and inspired buildings, infrastructure, parks and other public by, the place it would facilities and spaces, and private sector projects / Celebrate the multicultural and diverse character of THE FOUNDATION ALSO IMPLEMENTS POLICY ON THE IMPACT OF THE ART IN ITS SPECIFIC LOCALE 14 inhabit. With this in mind, the city’s residential and commercial neighborhoods and its citizens the City of Des Moines / Contribute a sense of citizen ownership and pride in / Does the artwork raise awareness of the community public facilities and spaces created a partnership with or setting and its characteristics, including history, / Mitigate potential adverse impacts of construction identity, geography and cultures? the Greater Des Moines / Engage the citizens, neighborhoods, businesses / Is the artwork an icon associated with the and community organizations of the city in creative community or setting and the above characteristics? Public Art Foundation partnerships with artists / Is the artwork integrated into the site design? / Support, educate and assist citizens, neighborhoods, in which the Foundation / Does the artwork draw visitors to the community? businesses and organizations with their community / Does the artwork engage a broad range of people? would oversee the city’s activities / Does the artwork celebrate one or more of the city’s 12 / Complement and enhance city planning documents public art program. cultural communities? / Serve as a collaborating partner with the / Does the artwork bring people together or create a City of Des Moines gathering place? / Integrate public art and aesthetic elements in projects that stimulate the eye, mind and spirit of the public, and serve as a cultural, educational THE ABOVE QUESTIONS ARE CENTRAL TO, and tourism resource AND INTEGRATED WITH, PROPOSALS FOR THE / Assist in community initiated projects 6TH AVENUE STREETSCAPE DESIGNS.

TEMPLE CHESS & POETRY GARDEN / Siah Armajani 58 SECTION_05 UN NUEVO AMANECER 59

THE CONCEPTUAL OVERLAYS CONCERNS WITHIN WITHIN THE PROPOSED ART INCLUDE THIS ENVIRONMENT INCLUDE The 6th Avenue Corridor’s Potential

/ Sustainability / Fear FOR PUBLIC ART / Narrative and Meaning / Preconceptions of the Area / History / Safety / Culture / Stability of the Business / Religious Expression Climate and Rents / The Natural Environment Visual cues are powerful AS A TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR, 6th Avenue will present the driver with cues and lend themselves to that will elicit a response: negative, neutral or positive concerning the assumptions about TACTICS TO UTILIZE & INCORPORATE INCLUDE assumptions, either correct or the community. Whereas the community wants incorrect. These assumptions to retain its cultural distinctiveness, it also wants to encourage non-community members / Benches / Kiosks / Gateways (The bridge on the north end in"uence how the observer to use local businesses. How is this done for / Lighting / Landscaping and the park south of University Avenue) the 17,000 people who use 6th Avenue as / Paths and Sidewalks / Plantings / Fencing (Areas to consider include using interacts with the community a transportation corridor on a daily basis? / Signage/Banners / Events fencing to segment, delineate, and draw that he/she passes through. Through visual impact. / Planters / Murals attention to empty lots)

THE DESIGNS presented will provide solutions and options for integrating artwork within the streetscape. These solutions will assist all partners in communicating the role of artwork within the streetscape redevelopment. The drawings will be combined with schematic design solutions developed by city staff in order to communicate with the public, the design teams and construction providers involved.

The cultural fabric of the 6th Avenue corridor is rich and the streetscape plan should accommodate and reinforce this common resonance within its creation. The art and its process of creation should involve the people in the corridor and neighborhoods, expanding the narrative of their past and present experiences, while elevating their future.

PRINCIPAL RIVERWALK / “Quantum Leaf” by Sally Pettus LOCUST AND 17TH STREET / “Plantoir” by Claes Oldenburg Regional VISIONING pub lic six a rt

Planter Concept 002 62 SECTION_06 UN NUEVO AMANECER 63

Des Moines: THE TOMORROW PLAN

A REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE THE TOMORROW PLAN is a regional initiative that THE GOALS of the 6th Avenue Corridor overlap with many focuses on sustainable development within Des Moines of the initiatives of The Tomorrow Plan, with economic and the surrounding area. As Angela Connelly, Chair revitalization of the corridor being the springboard that of The Tomorrow Plan, states, “The Tomorrow Plan… affects educational opportunities, health, housing and THE DES MOINES city government, non- is guided by a holistic sustainability framework that work-related choices. Per the objectives established by profit groups and other organizations DES MOINES, IA / Downtown Farmers Market looks for strategic points of overlap among systems – The Tomorrow Plan leadership, the following are directly have been working with current planning the built environment, natural environment, economic related to the goals of the 6th Avenue Corridor: 15 initiatives – individually and together – to development, social equity and resource flows.” This effect sustainable economic and cultural plan reaches out to 2050, encompasses 17 cities and / Increased participation and decision-making in change within this region. parts of four counties. developing and implementing a long-range vision for the region by populations traditionally marginalized in As such, 6th Avenue Corridor initiatives public planning processes integrate well with the overall for-profit, THE PLAN SUPPORTS / Reduced social and economic challenges for the non-profit and government visioning for a SIX LIVABILITY PRINCIPLES low-income, minority communities and other vibrant economy through solid and diverse disadvantaged populations within the target area cultural expressions. The areas listed, as 01 Provide more transportation choices / Creation of regional transportation, housing, well as others, seek to integrate creativity 02 Promote equitable, affordable housing water and air quality plans that are deeply aligned into our community landscape, attracting 03 Enhance economic competitiveness and tied to local comprehensive land use and capital people and businesses and contributing to 04 Support existing communities investment plans an overall increased sense of personal and 05 Coordinate and leverage federal / Decreased overall combined housing and community well-being. policies and investments transportation costs per household DES MOINES, IA / Brenton Skating Plaza 06 Value communities and neighborhoods / Aligned federal planning and investment Central to these efforts, much as it is to the resources that mirror the local and regional national Main Streets Program, is the notion strategies for achieving sustainable that a functioning, vibrant community grows communities and supports healthy businesses. Issues of The Tomorrow Plan leadership for the Des Moines area / Increased share of residential and commercial vitality, sustainability and urban planning notes that the current and future of Des Moines has a construction on under-used infill development are not foreign to one other; each plays similar problem as it did in the late 1800s – there is no sites that encourage revitalization, while off the strengths of the other and seeks to unifying vision or organization guiding the development minimizing displacement in neighborhoods buttress where needed as change happens. of Des Moines. ‘Why now?’ the leadership asks. For the with significant disadvantaged populations following reasons provided: / Increased proportion of low and very low- income households within a 30-minute transit / Poverty and low educational attainment are commute to major employment centers concentrated in the central city / Increased number of mixed use, mixed income, / Current population is expected to grow diverse neighborhoods with pedestrian and/ by 40% by 2035 or transit access to services, good jobs, good / Central Iowa is home to the 2nd most polluted schools , parks and trails river in the country / Improved public health outcomes that / Approximately half of area residents spend result from creating safer, more walkable more than 45% of their income on housing neighborhoods and transportation 64 SECTION_06 UN NUEVO AMANECER 65

AN ADDITIONAL WAY OF EXPRESSING THIS IS THROUGH THE FOLLOWING CAPITAL SUBSETS:

TALENT / Human Capital / Social Capital / Cultural Capital OPPORTUNITY / Business Capital / Capital Corridor / Wellness Capital SUSTAINABILITY / Physical Capital / Governance Capital / Environmental Capital

CENTRAL TO THE 6TH AVENUE CORRIDOR initiative is the intersection of Talent and Opportunity, where cultural capital meets business capital. As has been noted, revitalization of the 6th Avenue area is not centered on one thing exclusively; there are multiple nodes of progress and change that must happen concurrently for overall neighborhood vibrancy to flourish. Expressions of public art through functional pieces (bus shelters, signage, benches) or aesthetic contributions are integral aspects of community cohesion.

Capital CROSSROADS

ACCORDING TO THE CAPITAL CROSSROADS The Capital Crossroads VISION DOCUMENT, THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES initiative has a !ve- AND SUBSETS ARE: year timeline and is TALENT DRIVES SUCCESS applicable within a !fty- / Career-focused education and training pipelines mile radius of the state / Leadership, diversity and civility / “Quality of place” that retains and attracts top talent capital. A tremendous CAPTURE HIGH-VALUE OPPORTUNITIES amount of qualitative and / Target sectors developed through holistic strategies quantitative research led / Wellness as an economic model with social benefit / I-35 Corridor development to the identi!cation of GROWTH MUST BE SUSTAINABLE strategic capitals. These / Regional collaboration, consolidation and smart capitals are guided by planning to maximize fiscal and human resources / Competitive infrastructure and natural resources three themes – opportunity, protected and enhanced for future generations / Multi-modal connectivity talent and sustainability. / Central Iowa is only as strong as its core 66 SECTION_06 UN NUEVO AMANECER 67

As such, Bravo also recognizes the interdependent As a hub for art in the Des Moines and surrounding Bravo Greater Des Moines nature of a vibrant arts community and a successful area, Bravo offers overlapping competencies and and growing business community throughout the concerns for art sustainability in areas such as Bravo impact area. This impact area – Polk, Warren, architecture, public art, civic engagement and COMMUNITY Madison, Dallas and Guthrie Counties – has a entrepreneurialism. The 6th Avenue corridor and combined population of nearly 650,000 (Spring surrounding neighborhoods have the same concerns 2010).18 In growing an arts community, Bravo and seek to work with various community modalities to CULTURAL PLAN promotes essential encouragement for vibrant encourage and grow them. urban and metropolitan areas. As noted by Bravo, overlapping concerns include: 19

/ A vibrant downtown / Become an inclusive destination / Be inclusive / Take pride in community assets / Facilitate life-long learning opportunities / Recognize youth as a community stakeholder / Support the development of neighborhood commercial and retail districts

GATEWAY PARK / 80-35 Festival STEVEN VAIL FINE ARTS GALLERY / Sol LeWitt Exhibit Bravo, in its Bravo Greater Des Moines (Bravo) is a nonprofit organization that is tasking itself as a centralizing arts expansive local agency for Des Moines and the surrounding areas. In doing reach, has two so, it has developed a cultural plan that seeks to create and deepen people’s connection to the arts through four goals:16 speci!c goals: to “provide a forum where the cultural 01 Connect Community and Culture “by empowering Bravo Greater Des Moines to serve and represent the arts, culture needs of Greater and heritage sectors as the region’s arts agency.”

Des Moines Region 02 Engage Locally “by building a strong awareness of Greater Des Moines’ Regional arts, culture and heritage can be discussed,” assets and the value they add to the community.” and to “develop 03 Work Collaboratively “to drive strong participation in sources of private Greater Des Moines’ Regional arts, culture and heritage and public funding resources.” 04 Build Capacity “by leveraging community resources to assist the cultural to improve skills, implement better tools and develop community.” 17 leadership capacity to enhance competitiveness.” Concepts To CONSIDER vi br an seven cy

Planter Concept 009 70 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 71 OVERVIEW

Public art opportunities that integrate essential elements of local culture and historical character begin to give voice to the unique spirit that contributes to a particular community’s vibrant future.

Throughout this public art assessment, the Among high-level themes from the focus College Avenue case has been established that place-making groups, there was a consistent emphasis on: a) combines the historical and present-day celebrate the diversity of people in the district, narratives of its community. The streetscape b) create a strong sense of entry on the north redesign, the bridge repairs and concurrent and south ends of the Corridor, with the river regional plans align well with the voice of the bridge providing an immediate opportunity for focus groups and with the histories of the improvement, c) increase connectivity through community, generating a strong concept with public events , d)emphasize beauty and color ample backing for 6th Avenue Corridor. This to provide vibrancy to street experience, e) combination provides notable momentum for highlight the history of the neighborhoods and the district and its neighborhoods. their development, and f) establish 6th Avenue Corridor as a destination, attracting people to Discussions regarding Indigo Dawn’s initial the area to enhance business opportunities. development of planter designs and placement University Avenue as a beautification effort included the As articulated in the public art overlay graphic, importance of integrating any such efforts in we established four public art planning zones a longer-term context. Combining current and to weave the themes mentioned above and the future creative efforts within the streetscape numerous ideas that artists and community redesign and developing a strategic public art members can generate collaboratively. We plan that reflects strong local opinion have emphasize that working directly with neighbors become cornerstones in conversations regarding at the grassroots level throughout district will the broader revitalization efforts. Discussions not only increase the relevance of the art for and ideas generated initially have resurfaced this district, but help motivate and engage throughout the process, laying a conceptual people in the process. This provides them a foundation for artwork along 6th Avenue that stake in the future of their community and mirrors shared and recurring themes outlined its revitalization, and subsequently in the by community members within the focus groups. livelihood of the City of Des Moines. 72 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 73

Public art opportunities can amplify and energize the unique spirit of a particular community. They not only create a sense of environment, they can directly feed and shape a community’s growth, evident from the moment someone enters a neighborhood. When integrating essential elements of local culture and historical character, good public art and design becomes an actual driver of vibrancy, distinction and development.

GATEWAY / Bridge Detail 74 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 75

On the south end, the opportunities are different, Essentially, both gateways can serve to establish Entries/ characterized by the several larger institution spaces that encourage the development of the campuses. Initial assumptions might indicate an overall community aesthetic. The streetscape arch or sculptural monument at the intersection of revitalization is, therefore, immediately University and 6th Avenues. However, we recommend GATEWAYS connected and sets the tone for further creative combining efforts with Mercy Hospital, Des Moines Area infill and art throughout 6th Avenue Corridor. Community College, and Planned Parenthood of the They can be the springboards that motivate Midwest to develop the ground just north of the Hotel, a renaissance of 6th Avenue. The northern creating a park area and sculptural hub that helps gateway project will include a more intimate connect 6th Avenue to the business community and the approach to art design specifics, relying broader city at large. The artwork and park provide a heavily on ideas and artists that connect with venue to establish richer institutional partnerships and community members and the facilitation of the incorporate the ongoing relationships with the Greater process. The southern gateway should carry Des Moines Public Art Foundation. the weight and symbolism of a community- wide effort, one that represents both a political Such a focal point would encourage the 6th Avenue dedication and a business commitment within Corridor and its partners to create an iconic space the community of 6th Avenue. that sustains the identity of the community, providing a landmark that signifies progress and bridges two currently discordant areas: a group of large parking lots Creating a sense of place is a vital part of re-visioning new Collaborating with the City of Des Moines and a walkable main-street neighborhood. This project environments. Public art integration and creative streetscape and its city engineering and planning would be a spectacular opportunity for a national design can be key components in engaging local voices in the departments is an opportune way to foster Request for Qualifications. This would provide the city, These entry gateways process of re-establishing the character of a place. Gateways positive interaction between public and the hospital and the school the opportunity to drive can be signature establish a strong sense of entry and identity for an area; 6th private sectors that can further larger civic attention to this northern edge of the business district Avenue Corridor’s entry points are not exceptions. Unique goals as well. Indigo Dawn, together with 6th while establishing a strong public site that highlights projects that book-end opportunities exist on each end of the district, bordered to Avenue Corridor Executive Director Alecia constructive private – public partnerships. These the north by the bridge over the Des Moines River and to the Kates, initiated a collaboration that allowed partnerships are crucial to the future of streetscape redevelopment along south by I-235. These entry gateways can be signature projects 6th Avenue Corridor to incorporate pro- planning, funding, and implementation. that book-end redevelopment along 6th Avenue and serve to actively community-based design solutions 6th Avenue and serve celebrate community identity. These gateways also have a very into the engineering and construction Another component of this southern gateway would to celebrate community distinct physical position, and therefore help neighborhood documentation for the upcoming bridge be landscaping and gardens that help teach the leadership catalyze progress of the whole streetscape towards repairs without incurring scheduling community about the interaction between civic identity. These gateways funding and implementation. However, each project will serve a delays or cost overages. A significance structure and sustainable design. This could also also have a very distinct different purpose. of this collaboration is that it allows the provide location for a venue for events or performances, construction to proceed in spring 2012, which is a specific request within the focus groups. physical position, The river-bridge entry can address numerous concerns while allowing the Corridor to embrace The incorporation in a garden area of ecological that neighbors have indicated within the focus groups. And, fully a process that, through collaborative elements that highlight storm-water management, rain and therefore help combined with municipal efforts to repair the bridge in art development, expands connectivity gardens, and other natural resource retention systems neighborhood leadership 2012, this project has the potential to be realized rapidly and and shares the cultural narrative so would further participation of community members establish impact that will add color, meaning and access to the rich within the five neighborhoods. As to maintain. Setting up events that embrace and catalyze progress of river and its environs. Furthermore, its creation can serve as an a gateway to the community, the bridge encourage community involvement, such as spring- initiator and encourage additional interest in the streetscape provides a unique opportunity to transform time plantings or fall winterization, would not only the whole streetscape redesign and its funding. The bridge allows the 6th Avenue infrastructure into a symbolic element that stimulate interest, education, and ownership in the towards funding and Corridor to extend an invitation to northern neighborhoods connects communities and integrates civic community’s caretaking, it would further strengthen while also reclaiming a lively connection to the natural functionality with local values of the identification of this gateway area as a community implementation. landscape available at Birdland Park. people and place. destination and resource. 76 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 77

Setting the stage for people of the community to come together and connect should be a primary focus of art- making efforts along the 6th Avenue Corridor. Creating an iconic space that encourages the nourishing and growth of identity would provide an important landmark for the community. Elements of such a public space could include dual-function areas, public stage or presentation space, sculptural installations that reinforce the diversity of the community, and landscaping that improves local sustainability.

GATEWAY / South Public Art 78 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 79

PRIMARY NODES SECONDARY NODES

The placement of Public Art is a significant While access into the neighborhoods occurs consideration in the process of grounding through both primary and secondary nodes, the artistic elements within the streetscape intimacy of the secondary nodes can provide Primary & Secondary setting. Primary nodes, as major sites of visual a high level of connectivity. As a result, these activity, can set the tone for establishing new intersections will likely capture more personality character. Artwork could vary from ground- and become more visually autonomous. This plane elements, such as crosswalks or pavement diversity will support the character of the STREETSCAPE designs/elements, to functional sculptural neighborhoods and will reinforce the thematic elements, like planters, light fixtures situated in considerations of the focus groups. Their the tree lawn of the streetscape, and banners identifiable vision will also be reflected in the NODES located on vertical elements like light poles. asymmetrical planter patterns we recommend Further integrating a public artist within the for the second stage of streetscape reclamation. streetscape design process will help ensure the (The first commenced in 2011 with community- continuity with the landscape design and civil wide perennial plantings along 6th Avenue.) engineering.

Primary nodes are places on which development focuses: major areas of activity: bus stops, major Public Art and integrated signage, and visible, vertical design elements in the streets. They become focal points in design, highlighted in neighborhood. These primary elements deserve attention and refinement. An effective balance particularly dynamic between continuity and creativity generates areas of interaction, draw. Life is lived simultaneously in the everyday and in every day. create primary aesthetic

Establishing strong major node design provides experiences for residents the opportunity for resonance throughout the and visitors. Functional neighborhoods, like the tone of a large steeple bell that is heard to the edge of town. Extending art elements – crosswalks, to secondary nodes and gardens, parks walkway designs – and and empty lots, and businesses and houses throughout the community, this resonance sets more obvious sculptural a specific living tone for a specific place. elements – lighting !xtures, We include here preliminary designs for planters and fountains, planter and seating solutions that initiate beautification goals for 6th Avenue Corridor. banners – are just some They are informed by the focus group process and suggest an approach, as part of an of the possible venues for overall streetscape development, to public signi!cant aesthetic and art implementation that is derived from the community’s history and engagement. cultural impact. INTERSECTION AT COLLEGE AVENUE / 1 of 3 Primary Nodes 80 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 81

Unique elements integrated throughout the corridor can reinforce narratives and a sense of place. These individual elements continue the dialogue of the gateways and primary nodes, but at a more intimate scale, creating a more multi- layered and resonant experience of the community. SOUTHERN GATEWAY / 1 of 6 Secondary Nodes 82 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 83

Expanding Art Throughout THE NEIGHBORHOOD FABRIC PEOPLE ARE THE PURPOSE

Although the streetscape is the focus of this assessment, Derivatives of this repurposing concept will help The spirit of neighborhood is based in its people. looking for solutions to weave creative expression between generate options to draw interest from the 6th Avenue Alecia Kates, Executive Director overseeing this 6th Avenue Corridor the streetscape and the neighborhood is imperative. Streetscape into the neighborhood fabric. Artists have project, prioritized efforts to seek the opinion of ignited the interest It provides ample opportunity for volunteerism and traditionally stimulated areas, from South of Houston people not typically engaged in civic change, even neighborhood advocacy. Much like the recent community (SOHO) in New York City to The East Village of Des those who might be disenfranchised to do so. This and involvement planting day that 6th Avenue Corridor used to stimulate Moines. It’s the passion and ingenuity of the creative outreach was the single largest investment of involvement and beauty, the artistic process can be mind that sees possibilities and opens doors for others to time and resource for this assessment, yielding of a new circle of effective and empowering. Gardening is a simple process discover. The kick-off event for development between the comments that influenced results in design support. Moving that brings people together. Imagine decommissioning Des Moines River and the Capitol was an invitational art and strategic planning. We suggest Corridor the chain-link fence from the River Bridge as another exhibit where many empty storefronts were transformed leadership protect this investment throughout beyond participation opportunity to galvanize the neighborhood residents. into exploratory installations that challenged audiences the streetscape public art plan, maintaining the The material could be incorporated throughout the throughout a summer. As a start, consider carrying necessary connectivity within the artistic process in the collection of neighborhood as temporary sculptural installations in empty the planters and seating solutions into local parks or for each project. Similarly, provide opportunity opinions, it activated lots. Gardeners could use climbing plants to shroud the empty lots, making impromptu gathering areas or even for neighbors to share and discover their cultural fencing with green vegetation. The vine covered chain link temporarily reorganizing conventional notions in the heritage and participate in the creation of a an emotional would then become unique volumetric forms throughout the locale. Encourage the power of connection wherever vibrant place. From an international farmer’s district. Bringing awareness to scattered empty lots, such a possible, allowing the artwork to exist beyond itself as market to weekly ethnic music concerts, consider investment in a future gesture would indicate how the neighborhoods can redefine an object and to become experience, transcending its how performance, arts and food can overlap with that reverberates with a positive outcome from something historically perceived as functional service and contributing to the collective public space to encourage understanding and an eyesore or remnant. voice of 6th Avenue Corridor. community resilience. possibility and hope. 84 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 85

Phase two of 6th Avenue beautification began Planters, Benches & Other as a collection of understated planters that ROUGH CONCEPTUAL SKETCH / 004 would create a harmonious environment and rhythm along the street. This approach quickly CREATIVE EXPRESSION evolved into the conceptual backbone of this public art plan: reflect the community’s diversity with a design strategy that allows for and supports both variation and harmony. By establishing idiosyncratic patterns in the placement of street furniture and planters, we can provide a healthy balance between expectation and discovery along the streetscape. The use of materials provides the continuity, much like threads in fabric, but the forms express autonomy and uniqueness rather than predictability. The variety in forms of the planters and furniture reflect the diversity seen throughout the neighborhoods and recognized in the focus groups. Each different shape celebrates the uniqueness of the neighborhood.

As we began this process, we considered how creating a series of decorative pieces would affect the streetscape and community. It ROUGH CONCEPTUAL SKETCH / 005 became clear once we began discussing these ideas with community members that establishing broader meaning and visual diversity within the aesthetic design was important to reflect the diversity of the constituents. This questioning led to a thematic shift, and we reconceived the planters as a set of unique statements, each one establishing a specific and separate metaphor for the district. Our solutions to the planters involved breaking from a regular pattern that repeated itself in form. We started to look at expressing continuity through the use of materials – concrete, steel and plantings – while the forms and applications would change over the iterations. For example, one object might be solely a planter while another would include an element for seating. This approach encourages the participant to consider that while the intriguing shapes and sizes of the objects may differ, they are made from the same stuff. We considered integrating raw steel elements 86 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 87

that would include historical narratives and images from the Walking or driving along the path of 6th areas past. Including these historical allusions could provide Avenue, one would be exposed to multiple another thread that weaves throughout the streetscape, rhythms and patterns associated with living perhaps extending into other elements of the plan design. within the district. It is not just transportation, Another expression includes the placement of designed it is encounter. In the overall proposed furniture to identify with a group or organization within implementation, the public art continues the neighborhood and invoke a sense of ownership. This beyond 6th Avenue itself into the streets would establish an observable connection between the of those who populate the community. The thoroughfare and businesses in much the same way that experience of public art is not relegated to Iowa DOT’s Adopt-a-Sign connects a business or family to the the commercial center alone. As such, the stewardship of a particular stretch of land along the highway. planters are intended to be moveable, and can be transplanted to other parts of the Since reinforcing the variety and attributes of the neighborhood when roadway construction neighborhood resonates with the 6th Avenue Corridor, the occurs. We anticipate that preliminary planters concept of varying forms made out of a set of materials will be completed in the near future, initiating allows the district to establish a baseline of parameters for interest and strategic engagement. The public design elements. They can be designed to be beautiful streetscape, its plan and the fundraising needed while narrating neighborhood history and representing for construction may take some time to realize. metaphorically the present community. Within these Making the initial planters, seating and other established parameters, the district can then involve multiple street elements moveable gives them a broader artists while maintaining consistency of vision, and reinforce applicability to the district both in the short- the principles of both diversity and inclusion. term and in future implementation.

Since this is likely to be a revitalization process that occurs in phases, the streetscape, as it progresses, should create places and opportunities that support future artwork – the introduction of spaces and niches where artwork later can be incorporated, applied or overlaid. Each future artwork should take advantage of the connective ROUGH CONCEPTUAL SKETCH / 075 design attributes present while attending to the voices within the 6th Avenue Corridor community it represents. 88 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 89

MATERIALS CONSIDERED / Polished Concrete / Prairie Grass / Stained Concrete / Salvaged Brick 90 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 91

MATERIALS CONSIDERED / Polished Concrete / Prairie Grass / Stained Concrete / Salvaged Brick

MATERIALS CONSIDERED / Polished Concrete / Prairie Grass / Stained Concrete / Salvaged Brick 92 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 93

MATERIALS CONSIDERED / Corten Steel / Prairie Grass / Stained Concrete / Salvaged Brick

MATERIALS CONSIDERED Corten Steel / Polished Concrete / Prairie Grass / 94 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 95

ROUGH CONCEPTUAL SKETCH / 013 96 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 97

The development of the bridge concepts focused on three distinct zones: the railing between abutments, the wing-walls on top of the abutment and private / public land within fifty feet of the bridge. Zone- specific ideas and their intents are explained below, but throughout the process we explored solutions with the 6th Avenue Corridor staff that provide opportunity for other local artists to collaborate and stimulate additional community involvement. From recycling the chain-link in potential public artwork projects within the neighborhoods to developing a team of artists to collaborate on the design elements for the bridge, we believe the hallmark of this project will be its cultural incorporation and its embracing of interconnected variation.

This northern gateway, a primary experience for both pedestrian and driver, can River Bridge capture the patterns of a diverse community and shape GATEWAY the experience of residents and visitors.

The River Bridge renovation and railing Brief descriptions of initial concepts planned for The River Bridge retrofit is a self-contained public design are included below. These ideas were generated after the September project, as noted within the section on public streetscape meeting at which city engineers shared plans for Entries / Gateways. It can establish a tone repairs on the 6th Avenue River Bridge. The status of the bridge was and create momentum for the public art discussed within many of the focus groups. Community members program and the streetscape design within expressed their dislike of the chain link and narrow sidewalks, feeling the 6th Avenue Corridor. The bridge is, that they produce a cage-like sensation and do not indicate in any among other things, a gateway to people. way the collection of vibrant cultures in the community. The city’s This northern gateway, a primary experience construction drawings were in process, when Indigo Dawn was asked for both pedestrian and driver, can capture to expand its scope beyond the streetscape to include proposals for the patterns of a diverse community and incorporating art in the bridge redesign. This short-term collaboration shape the experience of residents and helped the city prepare construction documents that could maintain visitors. (This is less opportune, perhaps, for review schedule for spring bid-letting while providing the flexibility the southern gateway, which may lend itself for 6th Avenue Corridor to continue design development of the ideas to different considerations.) and fundraising for a timely, and artistic, installation. 98 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 99

Creating a sense of place is vital in establishing renewed environments. Public Art opportunities, streetscape elements and gateways can be key components in engaging participation in revitalized communities. The bridge portion of the 6th Ave corridor constitutes a gateway to the community and provides a unique opportunity to transform infrastructure into a symbolic element that connects communities, integrating civic functionality with local values of people and place.

NORTHERN GATEWAY / View From Riverbridge 100 SECTION_07 UN NUEVO AMANECER 101

Railing CONCEPTS BRIDGE RAILING CONCEPTS / Signaling Flag Variations Regional Rowing Oar Patterns

RAILING

Using inspiration from the focus group discussions Corridor, further discussing patterns and colors from their and working within the confines of a standard black community and cultures to generate ideas that will become wrought-iron railing assembly, we proposed adding visual reflections of their heritage and locale. Patterns a series of graphic ‘flags’ or cultural ‘banners’ that exist everywhere, as do color preferences; we propose the would occupy a standard eight foot railing pattern. expansion of cultural representations beyond the tradition The intent was to provide a colorful and meaningful of national flags. Textile colors, stitching patterns and experience along the bridge, using the structure of architectural shapes are all elements that can be used to the railing as the foundation for artwork that can evoke culture’s lived experience. A similar approach could be incorporated as funds are secured by 6th Avenue be applied to other groups within the corridor, embracing Corridor. spiritual communities and other associations that are part of the neighborhood fabric. The resulting design was a railing pattern that introduced an additional post every third standard On the exterior of the bridge railing, the side that faces eight-foot sections. In doing so, we establish a the river, we recommend establishing a visual rapport with BRIDGE RAILING CONCEPTS / Indigeonous Flags & Graphics Cultural Patterns From Around The World smaller 2’-6” railing panel that could be removed groups that use the river, establishing a connection to and replaced by a future steel panel bearing a the natural community and the corridor’s environmental vivid ‘banner.’ This solution works quite well with assets. We have included several ideas that could be the engineering needs of the bridge repairs and considered as initial concepts for the outside of panels, provides ample flexibility for all parties. (The but we assume that people from the relevant organizations construction documents in Appendix D illustrate would be part of the design dialogue. Some potential these adjustments and preparations.) Potential graphic ideas include: a) rowing club oar-patterns from solutions for the future steel panels are included within the Des Moines River watershed or Midwest region, with this assessment, and suggest possible scenarios b) the sensitive application of boating signal flags or c) the that could be encouraged. It is through the graphic incorporation of Native American tribal graphics. development of similar images for these panels that the City of Des Moines and 6th Avenue Corridor can While the whole project could be designed by one artist, develop a compelling experience. we encourage the Corridor to consider working with a team of artists who collaborate together. To align the On the interior of the bridge railing, we aspire to group’s efforts, perhaps a single experienced artist/ see panels that introduce cultural patterns and designer or organization could provide the oversight and colors from the varied groups of the Corridor. management of the team’s efforts. This could improve Samples indicate patterns take from Bosnia, Ghana, project facilitation, while providing a wider community Vietnam, China and Laos. Our intent is to continue participation that supports the overarching strategic goal conversations with cultural groups within the of this public art proposal. 102 SECTION_08 UN NUEVO AMANECER 103 104 SECTION_08 UN NUEVO AMANECER 105

Wing Wall & Extended CONCEPTS

WING WALL

Since the railing panel pattern would provide a staff, we proposed an approach similar to that of the railing consistent rhythm along the 592 linear feet of the panel implementation concept. The designs allow for the bridge and provide for the formal expectations of the initial construction of the concrete structures on each railing bridge design, we looked to incorporate additional form terminus while providing opportunity for future installation of variation within the ‘end caps’ of the railing. These end- the steel and lighting details as funds are available. caps are called wing walls, and they sit on top of the bridge abutments. Typically comprised of concrete, we Fortunately, these concrete end-caps will provide a rather opted to use similar materials to those in the planters unique transition from bridge to grade without the lighting, and benches proposed, allowing connections with the allowing the 6th Avenue Corridor flexibility to raise funds in public art strategy of the streetscape. We think that phases and by priority. The formal concrete basis for these the wing walls also provide an excellent opportunity wing walls also allows creative flexibility to incorporate for lighting elements as an integral design facet, additional artwork, such as ceramic murals or steel providing for an evening experience of the gateway as photogravure to be installed into the current planned context. people travel the bridge. In conversation with the City This adaptability was designed, giving the 6th Avenue Corridor Engineering Department and the 6th Avenue Corridor the greatest latitude in applying its public art plan.

EXTENDED CONCEPTS

IDEAS FOR EXPANDING THE ARTWORK BEYOND THE WING WALLS WERE ALSO EXPLORED, AND THEY CONTINUED MANY OF THE COMMON THEMES EMPHASIZED ABOVE:

A / Reuse of chain link and other salvaged materials E / celebration of diversity as reflected within asymmetrical / from the bridge renovation or from within the counterbalanced forms and their placement. neighborhood B / incorporation of native plantings and rain gardens While pencil sketches of these ideas were generated, C / provisions for sitting and gathering areas development of these ideas was deferred until further progress D / inclusion of additional artists or groups as they are seen to be extensions of the first two phases. 106 SECTION_08 UN NUEVO AMANECER 107

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with the longevity in an expression of place. Community vitality, community members in developing an approach to 6th reflected continuously through its civic art and design, is Avenue Corridor revitalization. This has been a process regenerative; it nourishes residents and visitors through rich in people and ideas, representative of the varied generations. If implemented conscientiously, good public histories that comprise this significant neighborhood. art efforts provide attributes of community personality and interrelation, of healthy engagement and commerce, of As designers, we develop plans to engage and promote people alive in a place. connectivity, vitality and sustainability. As artists, we use craft and aesthetics to create objects that energize By making the voices of the community integral in the and reflect culture, ideas, relationships, and dreams. The development of public art design and neighborhood creation of community-inspired public art is anything but revitalization, 6th Avenue Corridor is poised to instigate a a passive process; it is in fact the activity of generating renaissance of vibrant, sustainable life – life that grows from ideas within the community that instills relevance and its own roots, in its own soil, that beckons to be experienced. 108 APPENDIX UN NUEVO AMANECER 109

APPENDIX B Streetscape Focus Group Screener Questions Summer 2011

SCREENER QUESTIONS

1. Which neighborhood do you live in? 2. How would you describe your race or ethnicity? Check all that apply. Check all that apply.

O Cheatom Park O River Bend O Asian O Hispanic O Chautauqua Parkway O Mondamin O African-American O African O King-Irving Presidential O White

APPENDIX A If not a current resident of the neighborhoods 3. Are you over 18? O Yes O No listed above, they are not eligible. If not over the age of 18, they are not eligible. Streetscape Focus Group Recruitment Script Summer 2011 How long have you lived in this neighborhood? 4. Do you speak English? O A little O Fluent If not, what is your native language? ______/ LANGUAGE FOR VERBAL RECRUITMENT ______/

The 6th Avenue Corridor is holding focus groups to have discussions with neighbors in this area over the next five weeks in regard to com- munity building and placemaking. Each group will last approximately FOR ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS FOCUS GROUP DATES 1.5 hours and you may be eligible to participate. Assign the eligible participant to the date that July 20 / Neighborhood Group Mixed Ethnically This is your chance to share your opinion on topics that are of interest coincides with their ethnic group. There will be a July 27 / Asian Group to community members.Refreshments will be served. Unfortunately, minimum of six per group and a maximum of 10 August 3 / Hispanic Group we will not be able to provide child care. per group. August 10 / African- American Group August 17 / African Group Contact Shari Miller to find out if you are eligible. Participants are encouraged to bring photos and artifacts of the neighborhood and/or favorite TEL / 515-288-4056 urban places. 110 APPENDIX UN NUEVO AMANECER 111

APPENDIX C / DISCUSSION GUIDE CONNECTING/ART USE MAGIC WALL/BANNER PAPER Streetscape Focus Group Discussion Guide Summer 2011 FOR PARTICIPANTS TO POST IDEAS (45 MINUTES)

01 Welcome all participants and thank them for their ACTIVITY (30 MINUTES) 01 Please describer your favorite 05 What amenities would increase your personal time. Provide a brief description of the purpose of the urban space anywhere in the world. connection with 6th Avenue Corridor? focus group and inform them of the tape recording. (5 minutes) A / Imagine you were creating a time capsule. What kinds A / What makes it fond and appealing? 06 Which features add value or vision for 6th Avenue: bike of things do you want to include to pass on your favorite B / How can we create that feeling here? racks, benches, murals, bus stand enclosures, gardens, 02 Brief description: 6th Avenue Corridor is working with memories of your neighborhood? Of 6th Avenue? memorials, gathering areas, tables, trees, signage (for me to design art concepts that reflect the communities’ 02 What is the most neighborhoods) or directional and historical signage? heritage and the multicultural dynamic of 6th Avenue and B / Why did you move to your neighborhood? important feature of the neighborhood? What other ideas do you have? the surrounding neighborhoods. Our job today is to find out what kinds of things are important to you and your C / Describe your favorite photograph or memory A / Should we enhance or honor 07 What colors best reflect you, your family or your culture in regard to visual aesthetics of 6th Avenue. of your neighborhood. this feature in artwork? community? Please describe why and how they could be B / In what way? used. 03 Setting ground rules. Let the group assist in setting D / Describe your favorite photograph or memory the ground rules using a flip chart. of the commercial business in the area. 03 What creates a welcome feeling for you? How can we 08 What materials best capture your imagination? Or best share this? tell the story of the neighborhood or even help convey 04 Talk about improvements you feel have been E / If describing a photograph, where did you see it? what your friends, family or community means? successful in this community. What specifically about the 04 Please describe, in your words, how artwork can improvements make you feel they were successful? F / How did it make you feel? enhance or improve the 6th Avenue Corridor. 09 How can artwork or creativity be incorporated into the streetscape? 05 How could your heritage be shared and G / What do you recall about the area’s history? celebrated within this community? PLEASE CHOOSE BETWEEN A / What is the future of 6th Avenue Corridor? B / What would you dream or aspire for this area? A / What about your heritage would you like to be shared and celebrated? Planters Benches B / What do you NOT want to see? What do you find of- Bridge Landscaping fensive? Sidewalk art Stand alone sculpture Arches Fencing 06 What stories can you share about living here? Signage 112 APPENDIX UN NUEVO AMANECER 113

APPENDIX C / DISCUSSION GUIDE Streetscape Focus Group Discussion Guide Summer 2011

FUTURE

01 Imagine 6th Avenue being a destination. What would 09 What ways to you want to be involved in community increase its popularity? How can it best represent the building in the business district? people that surround it? 10 Describe the kinds of 02 What will or does set 6th Avenue apart from other events you would like to see. arteries in the metro? 11 What images or words would you like to see displayed 03 What will help 6th Avenue and its neighborhood in signage along 6th Avenue? provide for future generations? 12 What is the best way to keep you updated on what A / How do you envision this area in the future? is happening in the community? How do you like to be B / How will the neighborhood feel? engaged? Describe what you see.

04 What would you like to see encouraged along 6th Avenue? CONCLUSION APPENDIX D

05 How would you like to see 6th Avenue celebrate its heritage? Or would you look forward towards the future? This concludes our discussion! Thank you for participating. Your input is critical to the success of the Contruction Documents For 06 Describe changes that you would like to see. revitalization of 6th Avenue. If you have photos or other items to share with us, please stay a few minutes to get 07 What improvements do you wish would occur? Are them scanned and documented. Please help yourself to improvements needed? any remaining refreshments. RIVER BRIDGE

08 Please outline or list the top five things that would increase vibrancy to 6th Avenue. RAILING

UN NUEVO AMANECER 121

APPENDIX D

Contruction Documents For PLANTERS & BENCHES

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END NOTES

1 6th Avenue Corridor Mission Statement. 2 “Main Street Iowa” iowalifechanging.com/community/mainstreetiowa/. Iowa Economic Development Authority, n.d. Web. 20 December 2011. 3 “Main Street Communities” iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/community/mainstreetiowa/comm.aspx. Iowa Economic Development Authority. n.d. Web 6 January 2012. 4 6th Avenue Corridor Community Impact Statement. 5 “Happy Anniversary, Complete Streets!” Barbara McCann. completestreets.org/news/happy-anniversary-complete-streets. National Complete Streets Coalition. Web. 3 December 2010. 6 6th Avenue Corridor Impact Statement, Elements of a Complete Street. 7 Simonson and Associates, LLC, “Woodbine, Iowa – Sustainable Community Master Plan: Creating a Green Framework for Development and Redevelopment” 2010 p. 76. 8 Harland Bartholomew, “A Preliminary Report upon Housing: Des Moines, Iowa” 1927 p.14 9 William C. Page and Joanne R. Walroth, “Towards a Greater Des Moines: Early Suburbanization and Development, Circa 1880-Circa 1920” 1992 p. E-4. 10 “Urban Core – A Synopsis” PDF provided by 6th Avenue Corridor organization. December 2011. 11 “The Main Street Four-Point Approach” preservationnation.org/main-street/about-main-street/the-approach/. National Trust for Historic Preservation, n.d. 8 January 2012. 12 “Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation Policy and Procedures Manual” Pdf. October 2011. p. 6. 13 “Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation Policy and Procedures Manual” Pdf. October 2011. Ibid. 14 “Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation Policy and Procedures Manual” Pdf. October 2011. p. 24-25. 15 “Objectives” thetomorrowplan.com/project-basics/objectives/. The Tomorrow Plan: Partnering for a Greener Greater Des Moines. n.d. 14 December 2011. 16 “Community Cultural Plan: Prepared for Bravo Greater Des Moines” Pdf. August 2011. p. 5. 17 “Community Cultural Plan: Prepared for Bravo Greater Des Moines” Pdf. August 2011. p. 10. 18 “Community Cultural Plan: Prepared for Bravo Greater Des Moines” Pdf. August 2011. p. 14. 19 “Community Cultural Plan: Prepared for Bravo Greater Des Moines” Pdf. August 2011. p. 15.