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Downtown Walking Tours in Des Moines Announced

August 29, 2019

DES MOINES, IOWA, May 2, 2019 – Iowa Architectural Foundation is proud to announce the 2019 season of Architecture on the Move, downtown Des Moines architectural walking tours that are offered to the public. These tours, sponsored by Kum & Go, provide an opportunity for local residents and visitors alike to appreciate architectural treasures of Iowa's capital city. The first tour of the season will be Friday, May 10, 2019.

2019 Summer Walking Tour Dates

May through September

Friday, May 10

Friday, June 7 (Western Gateway, starting at Krause Center)

Friday, July 12

Friday, August 9

Friday, September 13

Tours cover both contemporary and historic architecture. Architect-guides will teach you about architectural detail, style and elements, and intriguing stories and the historical significance of the buildings that shape the downtown skyline.

With one exception (June 7), tours leave from the Iowa Center for Architecture, 400 Locust Street, Suite 100, in Capital Square. Check in is between 5 and 5:30 PM. for all tours, no matter the starting point.

New this year is a special Western Gateway tour on June 7. This tour will start at 5 PM, at Krause Gateway Center, and tour participants will have the opportunity to explore the drawings and models of this magnificent Renzo Piano building in the lobby area. The tour will depart promptly at 5:30 to explore other important architecture in the Western Gateway area.

Four different tour routes are offered for the May, July, August and September dates, starting from Iowa Center for Architecture. Prior to these four tours, snacks and beverages will be served during sign in, starting at 5 PM, with tours leaving at 5:30.

  • North: Learn insight into Des Moines’ more contemporary architecture, including the Catholic Pastoral Center, AEG’s headquarters, Principal’s corporate campus, and the world-famous architects, such as Mies van der Rohe and Helmut Jahn, who have left their mark here.
  • South: Walk through the historic Court Avenue and Warehouse District and learn about the history and future of this exciting entertainment and downtown living area. Includes World Food Prize and Polk County Courthouse.
  • East: Enjoy a stroll through Des Moines’ revitalized East Village. Highlights include background on the City Beautiful Movement and the Riverwalk’s public buildings.
  • West: This tour showcases some of Des Moines’ older, stately buildings such as the Temple for the Performing Arts and Clemens Building and Hotel Fort Des Moines, some of our most significant skyscrapers and new developments including Krause Gateway Center, Wellmark, Nationwide and the Des Moines Central Library.

Architect guides are not scripted, so each tour is unique and different. Tours typically last 90 minutes and are approximately 14 city blocks in length. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Each tour is $20.00 per person.  Tickets can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite. A very limited number of tickets are available at the door, with cash or check accepted. If you have questions, email the Iowa Architectural Foundation at director@iowaarchfoundation.org.

A Skywalk tour will be offered in case of inclement weather including rain and excessive heat. There are no refunds, but if you alert us in advance that you are unable to attend, you will be re-scheduled for another date. Or you may also give your ticket to someone else. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

All proceeds benefit the Iowa Architectural Foundation’s public educational programs.

About Iowa Architectural Foundation (IAF)

The Iowa Architectural Foundation is a charitable organization founded in 1989 to promote the awareness and appreciation of architecture and design. The nonprofit pursues its mission through youth and adult educational/outreach programs, community design charrettes, architectural walking tours, an annual lecture series, and more. Visit Facebook or www.iowaarchfoundation.org for more information. Iowa Architectural Foundation is located at 400 Locust Street, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309 in the Iowa Center for Architecture.

About Kum & Go, L.C.

For nearly 60 years, Kum & Go has been dedicated to the communities it serves, sharing 10 percent of its profits with charitable causes. For four generations the family-owned convenience store chain has focused on providing exceptional service and delivering more than customers expect. Established in Hampton, Iowa, in 1959, the chain has since grown to employ more than 5,000 associates in nearly 400 stores in 11 states (Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming).