Restaurants + Events Add to Plethora of Things to Do in Downtown DSM

The Downtown Board Member spotlight allows Downtown Board Members to introduce themselves to their residents and customers while also showcasing their support and dedication to the region and our small business owners. Each member would have a chance to create a blog centered around attractions, dining and events that they enjoy and give them a moment to be recognized for the work that they put into the development of Downtown Des Moines (DSM).

Name, Title + Organization: David Brown; Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Wellmark, Inc.

David Brown Q+A

What specific role do you have that supports Downtown Des Moines (DSM)?

I serve on the Exec Board of the Downtown DSM Board.

How long have you been a part of the Downtown Board? What are your favorite Downtown DSM attractions (Botanical Garden, Science Center, Sculpture Park, etc.) and why?

The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park is great — to have a green space with sculptures by world renowned artists downtown is fantastic

What are some of your favorite Downtown DSM restaurants?

Centro, Lucca, Miyabi 9, Malo, Dirt Burger

What are some of your favorite small businesses in Downtown DSM?

Kitchen Collage, Gong Fu Tea, Allspice, Raygun

What are some of your favorite Downtown DSM events (Des Moines Arts Festival®, World Food and Music Festival, DSM Book Festival, etc.)?

Grand Blue Mile, Des Moines Arts Festival®, World Food & Music Festival, 80/35, Celebrasian

What is your favorite Downtown DSM moment?

Attending some great concerts at 80/35 (Death Cab for Cutie, Cake, David Byrne and St. Vincent)

What are some new Downtown DSM developments that make you excited?

Lauridsen Skatepark and the new microbreweries.

How do you think that others can support the development of the Downtown DSM area?

Enjoy the big events, but also come down to eat and shop at our local businesses.

Recently ranked a top five metro for number of economic development projects among metros with a population of 200,000 to 1 million, growth continues in and around Downtown Des Moines (DSM) in part thanks to unique public-private partnerships that allow community leaders to work together to invest in, grow and improve the city center. Learn more about other recent development projects in Downtown DSM.