The Principal Riverwalk - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Background
Project Details
Funding
Involvement
Background
How did The Principal come up with this idea for a project?
The Principal is a longtime supporter of downtown Des Moines. While there are many exciting projects going on downtown and along the riverfront, we believe there's something missing: a project that ties the various developments together, unites the east and west sides of the river and spurs housing and commercial development. Based on research conducted by the City of Des Moines and the Parks & Recreation Department, we know that our community is looking for an attraction that ties to the outdoors and we're excited about the possibilities that The Principal Riverwalk will offer.
Why initiate this type of project now?
We see The Principal Riverwalk as an opportunity to expand the already wonderful work that's been done to support downtown Des Moines by the City of Des Moines, the Parks and Recreation Department and the community. We also view The Principal Riverwalk as a great way to tie together the series of walking paths and bike trails in Des Moines. The Principal Riverwalk builds on the success of such projects as the development of Gray's Lake, the Brown Camp Lofts, the Science Center of Iowa and the revitalization of the East Village.
Have you looked at riverwalk developments in other cities? If so, which cities have you studied and what are your major findings?
Early on, the project team for The Principal Riverwalk participated in site tours of other riverfront developments that would be comparable to that of The Principal Riverwalk. During the tour, the team met with leaders of the other various riverfront projects to gain insight on issues and opportunities. Riverfront developments visited on the tour included: Charleston, SC; Louisville, KY; Cleveland, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Minneapolis, MN; St. Paul, MN; Wichita, KS; and Chattanooga, TN.
The major finding of the tour was the overall importance of designing a riverwalk that will attract and engage people. Simplicity of design and tying the natural surroundings of the riverwalk with nearby urban settings was another key finding. A feature highly noted by those involved in similar projects was the careful consideration of the width and dimensions of the walking/bicycle paths, allowing walkers and bikers to co-exist. Providing opportunities for the community to become engaged with the water was also highly valued by the public utilizing riverwalks in other cities.
How did you decide what is included in The Principal Riverwalk development?
Community input weighed heavily in our decisions regarding what was to be included in the project. We have received more than 6,000 comments and suggestions through our Web site and community input sessions regarding amenities for The Principal Riverwalk. The feasibility study provided us a tremendous amount of information regarding environmental, engineering and design factors. We also paid great attention to developing a foundation of elements and amenities into the project that will spur economic development.
What was involved in the feasibility study?
The design team members represent a broad spectrum of experience and knowledge. The feasibility aspect of The Principal Riverwalk covers topics such as historical relevance; flood protection and water flow; natural habitat; the incorporation of public art; landscape and architectural issues; maintenance; recreational attributes; economic impact of residential, commercial, entertainment and retail activities; universal accessibility for all; and the working relationships between the private and public sectors.
What was the most common concern/request you heard from the community as part of the feasibility study?
There were four key themes, which the community continually brought to discussion. These are:
- Keep the design and project simple-don't over program the space.
- Allow for a way to get people on the water, at least at some future point in time.
- Provide a safe, secure and well-maintained area, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 12 months a year.
- Whenever possible, utilize separate paths/trails so walkers, dogs, runners, bikers can co-exist, peacefully. In addition, make sure the trails are of a sufficient width.
All of these factors are addressed in the final plans for The Principal Riverwalk.
Project Details
Who owns the land where the proposed riverwalk would be?
The City of Des Moines owns much of the land that would be directly affected. There are some private owners of land around the riverwalk, with whom we've been in touch and they're supportive of this project.
How will security be handled for The Principal Riverwalk?
Security and safety will be offered 24/7. We'd point to the tremendous success of the Gray's Lake project as proof that this can be done, and done well. In addition, the Des Moines Police Department is located within the riverfront area and certainly its presence is an asset.
Are there any plans to make this attraction available all year? If so, how do you intend on making that happen?
The Principal Riverwalk plans incorporate venues for year-round activity, including the Brenton Skating Plaza; east and west Court Avenue plaza areas that lend to year-round programming opportunities; and maintenance of some walking paths.
Are you intending there to be commercial and/or housing development tied to this project?
Absolutely. All along, spurring economic development has been one of the major objectives tied to The Principal Riverwalk. In fact, a number of development projects along The Principal Riverwalk are already complete, including the Iowa Events Center, Historic East Village, Brownstones (lofts) on Grand and the Science Center of Iowa.
Are there areas around the riverfront, or natural habitat that will be disrupted due to The Principal Riverwalk project?
We explored the preservation of natural habitat as part of the feasibility study. Based on our findings, habitats surrounding the river will not be disturbed. We are working closely with the State Department of Natural Resources regarding natural habitat issues.
What are your plans to integrate public art into The Principal Riverwalk?
Since day one, our objectives for the project have included integrating public art into The Principal Riverwalk. Two significant sculptures currently on display as part of The Principal Riverwalk are "Untitled" by Joel Shapiro in the Long Look Garden, and "Quantum Leaf" by Sally Vagliano Pettus featured in the Hansen Triangle.
Will The Principal Riverwalk be accessible for people with all abilities?
Yes. Designs for The Principal Riverwalk will meet or exceed all ADA requirements and standards.
Will "on the water" activities be available as part of the project?
"On the water" activities are not part of the first phase of The Principal Riverwalk. However, we are looking at ways to make the water accessible for recreation in later phases of the development.
Funding
View additional information regarding funding for The Principal Riverwalk.
How much is this project estimated to cost?
The Principal Riverwalk is estimated to cost $70 million to complete,
including the connecting trail to Gray's Lake.
How will The Principal Riverwalk be paid for?
The Principal Financial Group Foundation contributed the funds for
the feasibility study and is the leading supporter of The Principal Riverwalk.
We are thrilled that the project has already received funding from Vision Iowa,
the Jordan Creek Town Center, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Brenton Family Foundation, Hansen Company, Inc., Melva Bucksbaum, Mary
Bucksbaum Scanlan and many other private donors.
Who will pay for the operation and maintenance of The Principal Riverwalk?
The City of Des Moines approved several principles to guide the development of the formal operation and maintenance plan for the project. Included was the consolidation operation and maintenance expenses related to The Principal Riverwalk with those of other various downtown projects, including Western and Eastern Gateway and Martin Luther King Parkway improvements. Also approved by the Des Moines City Council was an expectation that the total operations and maintenance cost to be funded from a variety of public and private sources, including the City of Des Moines, revenues generated by the projects, Polk County, a self-supported municipal improvement district (SSMID) and other potential sources of funding.
Involvement
Are there opportunities for me or my group to get involved in The Principal Riverwalk project?
Absolutely. As The Principal Riverwalk continues to progress, we will be looking for volunteers to take part in a variety of projects. The best way to express your interest is by completing the Contact Us form on this Web site.
