Explore The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand Along the Streetscape

The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand, located just west of downtown in Greater Des Moines (DSM), is a district rich with character, small shops, public art and a popular dining scene. It is also home to the city’s most accessible corridor and a first-of-its-kind streetscape design.

This transformational Ingersoll Avenue streetscape project provides a safe and easy way to navigate the commercial, cultural and residential district no matter which mode of transportation you chose — from pedestrians to cyclists, transit riders to vehicle drivers.

 

The streetscape is a key piece of the vision of The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand organization to become a vibrant destination for decades to come. What began in 2009 as a pilot beautification project spanning just a few blocks, today stretches throughout the corridor.

Everything you need — from some of the city’s top dining destinations, to a wide range of public art to a unique collection of locally owned retailers — is just around the corner! Visitors to The Avenues can explore it all along the streetscape.

Before your next visit, let’s dive into the benefits of the Ingersoll streetscape:

Pedestrian-Focused

One of the primary objectives of the Ingersoll streetscape is to prioritize pedestrians. Wide sidewalks, enhanced crosswalks, curb extensions and pedestrian-friendly signals enhance safety and accessibility. This encourages visitors and residents to explore local businesses, fostering economic growth and creating a more walkable, community-oriented neighborhood.

Support for Local Businesses

A thriving streetscape supports the local economy and community engagement. Creating a safe and inviting environment encourages foot traffic to attract customers to shops and restaurants. There were more than 2 million visits on Ingersoll Avenue last year and the 50312 ZIP code saw a 23% increase in retail sales after making bike and pedestrian improvements (Connect Downtown, 2017). The Ingersoll design also includes features such as outdoor seating, bike racks and public spaces that support local businesses.

Sustainable Design

The Ingersoll Avenue project incorporates sustainable urban development practices. Tree-lined streets, planter boxes and permeable parking stalls not only contribute to the beautification of the district but also help manage stormwater, reducing the environmental impact of runoff.

Enhanced Connectivity and Transit

Ingersoll’s design recognizes the importance of connectivity within the community. The integration of protected bike lanes, public transit stops, and pedestrian infrastructure facilitates diverse transportation options. This not only accommodates the needs of different residents and visitors, but also promotes sustainable and inclusive mobility solutions. DART routes 60 and 11 both serve Ingersoll Avenue and saw a combined 300K+ passenger rides last year!

Traffic Calming Measures

Ingersoll Avenue’s design incorporates traffic-calming measures to enhance safety for all road users and slow traffic speeds. Well-defined crosswalks, traffic islands, landscaping and curb extensions contribute to a safer environment. These measures prioritize the well-being of pedestrians and cyclists, creating a more inclusive and secure community. So far, it’s working: Traffic speeds reduced 16% due to street improvements and there has been a 50% drop in crashes since Ingersoll was converted to three travel lanes, while traffic times and congestion have been relatively unchanged.

The Ingersoll Avenue streetscape has helped the district define a unique sense of place within DSM. The streetscape, combined with the incredible mix of local businesses and restaurants, has cultivated a vibrant and inviting pedestrian-friendly environment on The Avenues that has helped transform this area from a corridor into a memorable destination.

With the #7 Lowest Cost of Living in the U.S. and a Top Metro for Number of Economic Development Projects (among metros with a population of 200,000 to 1 million), Greater Des Moines (DSM) is a region where you can have it all. Learn more about what it’s like to live here.