Drake business district lights, Des Moines airport sculpture updates

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See Drake’s business district in a whole new light

A special event on Dec. 18 will light up the Drake University business district, known as Dogtown.

Dogtown Chromatic: A Light and Music Experience is a project to beautify the business district and encourage people to support its small businesses during the holiday season. Eleanor Kahn, the artist behind a street art installation in Dogtown this summer, is the project’s creative director. It’s sponsored by Wells Fargo and Invest DSM

A view of Dogtown Chromatic: A Light and Music Experience.

Buildings along University Avenue between 23rd and 24th streets will be the subject of the immersive lighting experience, which includes what a news release calls a “state-of-the-art system that responds to music.” Dogtown business owners can customize the lights and music as the season progresses. 

A lighting ceremony is set for at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18, followed by a street party. Businesses will offer holiday specials.

The light display runs through the winter. 

“Invest DSM is working to ensure Des Moines’ neighborhoods — and the business districts within them — remain healthy and can thrive for years to come,” Amber Lynch, executive director of Invest DSM, said in a news release. “We are thrilled to work with Wells Fargo and Dogtown business owners to bring a one-of-a-kind lighting attraction to the area that will encourage people to keep coming back throughout the winter months to shop, dine, and experience the great things these local businesses have to offer.”


https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/development/2021/12/12/drake-business-district-lights-dogtown-des-moines-airport-sculpture/8888376002/