Drake business district lights, Des Moines airport sculpture updates
Welcome to my column about the development projects that are changing central Iowa’s landscape. As…
Welcome to my column about the development projects that are changing central Iowa’s landscape. As the Des Moines Register’s growth and development reporter, I’m here to answer your questions: Use the form below, email me at [email protected] or find me on Twitter @KimNorvellDMR.
This column is usually available only to subscribers. If you’re not yet a subscriber, please consider a new subscription to support work like this!
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.
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.”
New sculpture rises at Des Moines International Airport entrance
If you head to Des Moines International Airport this holiday season, you’ll find a new sculpture gracing its entrance. “LIFTOFF,” by world-renowned artist Alice Aycock, arrived in Des Moines on two semitrailer trucks from Florida this week.
Its 200 pieces of white gloss powder-coated aluminum were assembled and positioned at the airport’s entrance, which recently was moved further south on Fleur Drive.
“According to Aycock, the dazzling white outer core strongly contrasts with shadows as well as strongly defines the curvature of the work. It will be lit at night to continue defining the sculpture’s loops and spirals,” a news release says.
The piece was commissioned by the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation and is permanently on loan to the airport.
“This artwork will become synonymous with the Des Moines International Airport as it will be the first thing travelers see when entering the airport and the last thing when leaving,” said Kevin Foley, Des Moines Airport Authority executive director.
Aycock’s work can be found at other airports in the U.S., including in Philadelphia, Dulles, Virginia, and Kansas City, Missouri.
More from Kim Norvell
Apartment company announces sustainability milestone
BH Management Services, a large national multi-family management company headquartered in Des Moines, announced this month it has conserved 2 billion gallons of water, 85 million kilowatt hours of energy and 59,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions at its apartment complexes.
It partnered with EcoSystems, a water and energy conservation company, to find ways to make an impact across its 127 properties in 17 states.
In West Des Moines, the 144-unit Boulder Ridge Apartments at 3861 Woodland Ave., a BH Management property, saves 3.9 million gallons of water annually, according to the companies. They say their efforts have saved $42,051 each year in annual energy and water bills.
“BH has been on the forefront of conservation in the real estate industry for years, and that commitment to environmental, social, and corporate governance will continue to positively impact the environment, their residents, and their investors for years to come,” EcoSystems co-CEO Richard Lamondin said in a news release.
Kim Norvell covers growth and development for the Register. Reach her at [email protected] or 515-284-8259. Follow her on Twitter @KimNorvellDMR.
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/development/2021/12/12/drake-business-district-lights-dogtown-des-moines-airport-sculpture/8888376002/
