Skywalks Reimagined: Downtown Skywalk Sections to be Transformed Through Art
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (March 28, 2025) – Two projects to enhance the Downtown Des Moines (DSM) Skywalk are underway and expected to be complete in April. The projects advance the Skywalks Reimagined goal as outlined in the Downtown DSM: Future Forward Vision Plan and Action Plan.
Downtown DSM, Inc., Operation Downtown, the City of Des Moines, Bravo Greater Des Moines, local creative agency Project7 Design and Slingshot Architecture have partnered to add vibrancy to two sections of the Skywalk. The theme of this art is “Joy Walk,” intended to add to the user experience as they navigate the Skywalk.
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A section along Fifth Street and Keosauqua Way near the Iowa Events Center will feature a multicolored design including paint, artful window applications, and lighting to encourage visitors to explore the different moods created by immersing themselves in each color, culminating in a colorful vinyl mural.
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A section of Skywalk at Fourth Street and Grand Avenue in the Historic Court District is being transformed to give visitors the feeling that they are elevated high above the city as they walk through the clouds. This will be achieved by using multiple techniques including an ombre painted wall, ceiling clouds and artful window graphics that will create colorful dancing shadows as the sun moves through the sky.
The installation will advance the goals of the Downtown DSM: Future Forward Vision Plan and Action Plan, which outlines a vision for a “multi-dimensional, multiple use destination that both moves people through and brings people to.”
“Downtown Des Moines is experiencing tremendous momentum with top amenities, award-winning events, more than 1,000 new housing units planned in the next two years and exciting development projects everywhere you look,” said Renae Mauk, Vice President of Downtown Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “The Downtown DSM: Future Forward Vision Plan and Action Plan aims to ensure continued growth and momentum, and we are excited to see enhancements to the Skywalk system, which is the front door to Downtown for many residents, employees and visitors, come to fruition as part of this plan.”
These installations are the first of several that are planned for the Skywalk in coming years to ensure a wholistic approach in adding vibrancy, color and comfort to the system.
“The Downtown Skywalk system is more than a walking path to get from place to place,” said Matt Anderson, Deputy City Manager with the City of Des Moines. “These artistic sections represent the start of creating a system that invites people to explore downtown and visit local businesses connected to the skywalk.”
“Art can transform a location, and we are excited to bring immersive and colorful installations to the Skywalk that will spark joy for those who encounter the spaces,” said Katherine Hutchison, Partner & Artist with Project7 Design. “We believe these Joy Walk installations will create feelings of happiness, wonderment and safety as people use the Skywalk system.”
The installations are underway and are expected to be completed in April.
Additionally, the Paint-by-Numbers mural is being painted today and tomorrow at 700 Locust Street in the Skywalk near Happy Home Coffee. Learn more about how to get involved here.
About Downtown DSM, Inc.
Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking. The Downtown Events Group enhances the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through the creation, elevation and activation of arts, culture and humanities events and community placemaking.
About Operation Downtown
Created to help make Downtown Des Moines (DSM) a safer, cleaner place to work, live and visit, Operation Downtown is classified as a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID). The mission is keeping Downtown DSM safe, clean, welcoming and vibrant, in support of a positive experience. Programs include trash cleanup, flower planting and visitor assistance. Operation Downtown, a 501(c)6, was formed in 1998 by business leaders to provide enhanced services that are not provided by the City of Des Moines. Today, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Operation Downtown help to keep DSM among the highest-rated, most vibrant regions in the country.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves 12 counties in Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa: Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek and Warren. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 6,700 Regional Business Members, The Partnership drives economic growth and talent development to advance quality of life in DSM with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.