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NEIGHBOR NEWS
DISPLAY MARCH 1 – MAY 1, 2020
Drake revitalization
effort Takes shape
By Lori Calhoun
Last year, the city of Des Moines Lori Calhoun (resident and DNA board
selected a portion of the Drake member), Seth Crouch (rehabber and
Neighborhood as one of four pilot landlord), Alec Davis (Drake business
areas. It designated each area a owner), Deric Gourd (resident and
Special Investment District (SID) housing non-profit rep), Jason
where a unique mix of public and Stuyvesant (resident, DNA board
private resources can be focused member, and realtor), and Adam White
to spur revitalization. The Drake (resident and Cottage Grove Church Read the full plan at dsm.city. Watch for
SID extends from Interstate 235 to rep). The committee assessed the incentive program details at InvestDSM.org.
University Avenue between 24th neighborhood, reviewed the housing
and 35th Streets. market and housing stock, created Invest DSM is alsofinalizing details
a brand and vision statement, and on several incentive programs,
City leaders and a steering developed an action plan to achieve including two outlined in February
committee of local residents from key outcomes through investment. that should be available later this
each SID worked to develop plans spring for properties within the SIDs:
to spur home investment. At the The committee is now starting to
same time, the city and Polk County activate that plan, with initial efforts • A block-challenge grant would
committed funds to create a new focused on: provide a dollar-for-dollar match of
non-profit called Invest DSM that $1,000 to $2,500 per neighbor for
will provide programs and incentives • Revitalizing the Cottage Grove groups of five to 10 neighbors who
to homeowners, home-builders, triangle, a small memorial garden work together to make home and
and landlords in the SIDs—as well located at Kingman Boulevard, 25th landscaping improvements that
as commercial investments for Street, and Cottage Grove. Plans boost curb appeal on their block.
business developers and owners. have been designed, and the city is
providing $15,000 toward the project, • A home renovation program
DNA board member and Drake if used by June 2020. would provide forgivable loans
resident Jennifer Sayers led Drake’s for 25 to 50 percent of the cost
revitalization steering committee, • Branding the Dogtown Business of major renovations at owner-
which also included: Ryan Arnold District just east of Drake University occupied homes. Watch for details at
(resident and Drake University rep), as a more identifiable destination. InvestDSM.org in March and April.
DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2020 1
DEVELOPMENTS
Witmer Park
Project on
the Upswing
By Jennifer Sayers
This is the playground concept we’re raising funds for in Witmer Park. Neighbors and kids of all ages
helped choose this design through public input meetings and dot-sticker voting on desired amenities.
A half-million-dollar upgrade begun a major grant toward the project, the year. Working with the city and Polk
last summer at Witmer Park is on initial plans did not include restrooms County, the Witmer Park Project
track for completion in spring 2021. or replacement of Witmer’s aging has secured all the necessary funds
playground equipment. for the restroom. Fundraising for a
Already complete are a new concrete new playground continues, however,
trail system, two open-air shelters, Park neighbors and members of the and you can help us reach our goal.
a fishing pier, and the rehabilitation Beaverdale and Drake Neighborhood See the site plan, project details,
(including dredging and re-stocking) Associations organized the Witmer and a link to donate to the Witmer
of Witmer Park’s signature pond. Park Project to raise money for Park Project GoFundMe account at
Because of funding constraints tied to these additional amenities last witmerparkproject.com.
This is a
conceptual
drawing of a HOPE MOVING IN,
planned new
sprayground
and open-
BY THE HUNDREDS
air shelter By Mary Christopher
northwest of
the existing Lutheran Church of Hope, new owner
wading pool of the former First Christian Church
and shelter at at 2500 University Ave., hopes to
Drake Park.
bring its services and approximately
700 worshippers to the Drake
Neighborhood landmark this spring.
Drake park getting Sprayground Chartered in 1994, Hope has six
campuses where more than 12,000
By Jennifer Sayers work in the summer and continue into people worship every weekend. Hope
the fall, with the sprayground opening Des Moines Campus Pastor Jon
Kids who love splashing in the to the public in spring of 2021.The Anenson said his campus will move
wading pool at Drake Park will have existing open-air limestone shelter to Drake from its current location on
more ways to get wet there after this will be renovated into a rentable four- Ingersoll Avenue after completing some
summer. Plans are moving ahead for season shelter with restrooms. work on the historic building.
a park upgrade that includes a new
sprayground and shelter renovation. An open-air shelter will be added near Anenson said the church’s goal is
the tennis courts for park users who to “be a part of the neighborhood—
The sprayground design is nearly have not rented the building. spiritually, physically, and emotionally.”
complete and will soon enter the That means connecting with
process for City Council approval Parks and Recreation has hired an businesses, organizations, and other
and public bidding. The city’s Parks architect to work on the shelter design churches to understand needs, and
and Recreation Department hopes to and hopes the renovated shelter will help with the great things already
hire a contractor by early spring, start also open in the spring of 2021. happening in the neighborhood.
DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2020 2
L-shaped four-story apartment building the business area bordering Drake
WORK CONTINUES with up to 136 units, mostly studios
and two-bedrooms, plus ground-floor
University. She’s tasked with building
a coalition of Drake-area business
ALONG UNIVERSITY retail space along University Avenue
and 50 parking spots behind.
leaders to help define and brand the
Dogtown business district.
As the weather warms, the city of
Des Moines and Drake University will Construction also continues on Drake
recommence street work on University
Avenue from 25th to 31st Streets. The
University’s Harkin Institute. The $8.75
million,16,000-square-foot structure at
DRAKE HOME
project began last summer with sewer
separation work and is expected to be
28th Street and University Avenue is
expected to be complete late this fall.
TOUR RETURNS!
The Drake Neighborhood Association
complete this July. is pleased to announce the long-
Kum & Go is gearing up to redevelop
awaited return of its popular Drake
Drake University has begun removing the southwest corner of 31st and
home tour this fall!
houses it owns on the 2900 block of University, replacing the existing store
University Avenue to make way for an and apartment building with a larger, A committee of neighbors has set the
as-yet undisclosed development. At modern store and a new footprint dates—Oct. 10-11—and is working on
least three of the homes were moved that puts the building nearer the points of interest and volunteer and
to Sherman Hill in February. intersection and moves the pumps, sponsorship opportunities.
parking, and driveways farther from
A new five-story 124-room hotel on the intersection for better traffic flow. The 2020 tour will focus on the south-
University Avenue between 26th and central part of the neighborhood which
27th Streets is now clad in brick and aligns with the Drake SID revitalization
mostly enclosed. The $28 million
Nelson Construction development
CHAMBER ADDS zone (between 24th and 35th Streets,
from University Avenue to I-235).
is expected to open as a Hilton
Home2Suites with a restaurant and
DOGTOWN FOCUS The aim is to celebrate the
other retail spaces later this year. The Des Moines West Side Chamber neighborhood and showcase its
of Commerce has hired Drake wonderful opportunities. Interested
Nelson also anticipates breaking University public relations student in volunteering or having your home
ground this spring on the southeast Seherzada Salkanovic as an intern featured on the tour? Please contact
corner of 26th and University for an assigned specifically to focus on Lori Calhoun at zotlc@aol.com.
HOME CAMERAS, THE NEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH?
By Mary Christopher are a great crime deterrent and are address has been registered as
now also becoming helpful for police. having a camera, and the police
We asked Des Moines Police believe the video might aid their
Sgt. Mark McKinney about a new What about privacy? I might not investigation, they will contact you
program that helps police find want to share everything that my to ask your permission to review
relevant home security footage to doorbell cam captures. video from around the time the
help fight neighborhood crime. Authorized officers will only have crime occurred.
access to your contact info—never to
What is WatchDSM exactly? your videos without your permission. How do neighbors who have
It is another way that citizens can For example: Let’s say your home security cameras enroll?
take an active role in keeping our neighbor’s house gets broken into. Go to the WatchDSM web page
neighborhoods safe with their own The police would run that address and sign up with your name,
security cameras. These cameras in the WatchDSM database. If your address, and contact information.
DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2020 3
MEMBER NEWS
FONG’S SPREADS ITS
PIZZA LOVE TO DRAKE
By Jennifer Sayers
Fong’s Pizza opened a new location near 31st Street
and Forest Avenue last March and has thrown its support
behind the Drake Neighborhood ever since. You might
recall enjoying some of Fong’s tasty thin-crust pizza at
last summer’s Free Flicks event in Witmer Park. But you
might not know that Fong’s has been partnering with local
Jeff Bruning at the Drake Fong's location. PHOTO BY JENNIFER SAYERS
businesses—delivering pizza to patrons who order from
Peggy’s, the bar next door; offering free pizza when you the soon-to-open Crazy Horse Burgers and Beer in the
buy an oil change at the Drake Garage, a gift certificate at Drake area. Co-owner Jeff Bruning says crab rangoon
Friederich’s Coffee, or a tattoo at Sacred Diamond; and pizza is a top seller, but students also love the honey-
even launching a “Pizza Ninja” program that surprises garlic at the Drake Fong’s, where you can get two slices
local businesses with a free delivered pizza. and a soda for $7.50 or $2 slices from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
weekdays. Fong’s also offers salads, appetizers, and a
Fong’s is part of the Full Court Press family of local kids’ menu; takes online takeout orders; and is working to
restaurants, which includes University Library Cafe and launch home delivery in the Drake Neighborhood.
The U.S. Census
CENSUS SMARTS
happens just once
every 10 years. And
grow food, friends at Garden
accurate head counts By Jessica Crawford Eddie V. Robinson, Jr., master
help determine bus gardener, and Rose Scott have
routes and school Want to test your green thumb this been managing the garden
district boundaries, year? All out of garden space in since 1999.
where funds and your yard? Want to meet and learn
resources are spent, from other gardeners? Consider They plan to host the first
and your representation joining your neighbors at the Drake community work day in mid-April,
in Congress. So it only Neighborhood Community Garden! or as soon as the weather allows.
makes sense to be
Located on 27th Street a few If you have questions or are
sure you are counted
during the 2020 Census houses south of University Avenue, interested in cultivating a plot at the
this April. Census the garden has a rich history in Drake Neighborhood Community
workers will be in every the neighborhood. It has hosted Garden, call Eddie (515-664-5779)
neighborhood to note gardeners since the mid-1990s. or Rose (515-343-0845).
how many people There is no charge to cultivate one
of its roughly thirty 12-foot-square Returning gardeners get priority in
live at each address.
plots. But gardeners are expected to choosing size and location of plots.
Please help your
participate in community work days Remaining plots are assigned on a
neighbors understand
at the garden to help maintain its first-come, first-served basis.
the importance of being
counted. And if you beauty and functionality.
need a job, the Census
is hiring! Find details at
2020census.gov.
DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2020 4
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
By Nichole Aksamit Purcell
Drake University
hosted a live
CNN Democratic
Presidential
debate, a Donald
Trump rally, and
a mock caucus in
the span of two
weeks in January.
The winner?
Griff the Bulldog,
PHOTOS COURTESY DRAKE UNIVERSITY, INVEST DSM, AND NICHOLE AKSAMIT PURCELL naturally!
Neighbors decorated a 35-foot evergreen
tree across from Old Main, a 3-foot tree at the
Cottage Grove triangle, and construction fencing
along University, then hosted a “Light It Up!”
holiday lighting event with cookies and carolers
Dec. 16. An Invest DSM grant funded the lights.
At the Dec. 11 Drake Neighborhood Association election,
members voted some new faces onto the board: Jessica
Crawford (pictured far left), who succeeded Erin Sears, and
Alec Davis (pictured left), appointed to fill the remainder of
Amy Clark's term. Members also re-elected and approved
new roles for some familiar faces: Lori Calhoun is now
president, Jason Stuyvesant vice president, Tom Biedenfeld
secretary, and Jennifer Sayers past president. Mark Schneider
was re-elected treasurer, and Eldon "Mac" McAfee and John
Smith were re-elected to two-year terms on the 15-member
board. Seven seats will open for election in December 2020.
DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2020 5
SPRING EVENTS
Check Facebook (@DrakeNeighborhoodAssociation) for updates and additional happenings.
MARCH APRIL MAY
DNA Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Bucksbaum Lecture: An DNA Board meeting, 7 p.m. at
11 Polk County Central Senior 2 Evening with Cary Fowler, 13 Polk County Central Senior
Center, 2008 Forest Ave. (co-founder of the Global Center, 2008 Forest Ave.
Seed Vault in Norway), free,
AfroPuff Lederhosen at Drake University. SCRUB day. Yard waste,
17 (A Comically Critical 16 trash, and bulk items
Investigation of Race), DNA Board meeting, 7 p.m. accepted free, 7 a.m. to
6 p.m.at Drake University, 8 at Polk County Central Senior 2 p.m. at MWA Transfer
free with registration at Center, 2008 Forest Ave. Station and MWA Compost
www.bit.ly/afropuffLH Center
Spring Spruce-Up,
SCRUB day. Yard waste, Neighborhood Volunteer
15 neighborhood trash cleanup,
21 trash, and bulk items 5:30 p.m. at Walgreen's 23 Day with Walnut Creek
accepted free, 7 a.m. to parking lot. Also: Tiny Trees Church. Details to come.
2 p.m. at MWA Transfer registration deadline.
Station, 4198 Delaware
Ave. and MWA Compost
Center, 1601 Harriett St. 18
Mega SCRUB day. Yard
waste, trash, and bulk items
JULY
accepted free, 7 a.m. to Free Flicks at dusk at
2 p.m. at MWA Transfer 16 Witmer Park. We will
Station and MWA Compost be revealing the movie
GOT NEWS Center, and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at Hoover High School.
selection soon! But please
save the date for this free
TO SHARE?
Please send details (including
Drake Relays Road Races
movie in the park!
time, date, and location) to
19 (5k, 10k, and half-marathon
courses through the
info@drakeneighborhood.org neighborhood from 7:30 CALLING ALL BUSINESSES!
by May 15 for consideration a.m.) See maps at: www. Email jen@bijougrafix.com to
in our next newsletter. Produced drakeroadraces.org/drake- learn how you can become
entirely by volunteers, it publishes road-races-course a 2020 Drake Neighborhood
March 1, June 1, Sep. 1, and Association business partner
Dec. 1, 2020. Drake Relays, an event and advertise in the newsletter.
22-25 that draws thousands of
runners, fans, and alumni.
DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2020 6
During SCRUB events, disposal
is free with proof of residency in
Des Moines. Visit the Public Works
SCRUB calendar at dsm.city or our
calendar (p. 6) for upcoming dates.
STICKER IT: Buy and apply extra-
trash, compost, or large-item pickup
stickers (available at the service
counter at local grocery stores) and
place stickered items on the curb
on your usual collection day. A $1
extra-trash sticker covers smaller
items like small TVs and computer
monitors, a $1.25 compost-it sticker
covers Christmas trees, a $5 sticker
covers most furniture items and twin/
By Nichole Aksamit Purcell RECYCLE IT: MidAmerican Energy full-sized mattresses, two $5 stickers
has an appliance recycling program cover larger mattresses, and you’ll
DON’T DUMP IT! Dumping that picks up and pays $50 for need seven $5 stickers (and a call to
furniture, mattresses, tires, branches, working stoves and fridges and Public Works) for appliances.
and other large items near dumpsters, $25 for working AC units. Call
on curbs, or along alleyways is not 800-621-2757. HAUL IT: Take it to one of the metro
only prohibited in Des Moines. It’s area’s landfills. Unless it’s during a
also unneighborly, unsightly, and DONATE IT: Many charities will SCRUB event, this is usually your
unsafe. It attracts pests, invites accept and even arrange to pick most expensive option, as there’s
more dumping, and impedes traffic. up good used furniture, working typically a per-vehicle load fee,
INSTEAD, YOU CAN... electronics, building materials, and plus per-item fees for electronics
appliances. (Note: Mattresses are and larger items that can be
SELL IT: Post it for sale or for typically not accepted.) disassembled and recycled. Visit
free on Craigslist, Facebook mwatoday.com for more information.
Marketplace, or Nextdoor. Someone SCRUB IT: Drop it at a designated
might happily haul it away—and drop-off site during city SCRUB SEE DUMPING? REPORT IT! Use
even pay you for it. Just don’t leave (Spring Cleanup to Reduce Urban the My DSM Mobile app or the My
items on the curb for pickup without Blight) events, held the third DSM function at dsm.city to report
a sticker, which can get you a ticket. Saturday March through November. illegal dumping.
NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES? HERE’S WHO TO CALL
DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD-BASED Animal Control & Shelter: 515-242-2720
SERVICE DELIVERY TEAM MEMBERS Graffiti Hotline: 515-248-6331
Des Moines Police Sgt. Mark McKinney: Weed Control: 515-286-3005
515-778-4218, mamckinney@dmgov.org
Des Moines Housing Inspector Eric Barker: DNA BOARD OFFICERS
515-283-4980, ejbarker@dmgov.org President Lori Calhoun: 515-240-6090, zotlc@aol.com
NBSD Committee Chair Bill Cappuccio: Vice President Jason Stuyvesant: 515-778-9669,
515-710-7591, bill@wrc3.net jasons@realestateconcepts.net
Treasurer Mark Schneider: 515-277-4268,
OTHER HELPFUL NUMBERS marks1809@aol.com
Police (non-emergency): 515-283-4811 Secretary Tom Biedenfeld: 515-402-7534,
DSM Public Schools Security: 515-242-7621 thomasbiedenfeld@gmail.com
Drake University Security: 515-271-2222
City of Des Moines Information Center: 515-283-4500 FOR emergencies, ALWAYS CALL 911 First!
DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2020 7
W AY S T O E N G A G E
1 BECOME A MEMBER 2 COME TO A MEETING 4 VOLUNTEER Drake
You can join or renew as The Drake Neighborhood is a great big neighborhood,
a member of the Drake Association board generally full of diverse people, talents,
Neighborhood Association meets at 7 p.m. the second and needs. Why not match
three ways: by credit card Wednesday of each month, at your passions and skills with
at drakeneighborhood.org/ the Polk County Central Senior a neighborhood project?
membership-signup; with cash Center, 2008 Forest Ave., unless Whether it’s for a single event
or check at one of our meetings; otherwise noted. (Check for or an ongoing issue (like
or with your name, address, updates on our Facebook page, marketing, beautification, safety,
telephone number, email, on the Nextdoor app, and on the development, or neighbor
and a check mailed to Drake drakeneighborhood.org website.) outreach), tell us what you’re
Neighborhood Association, PO Our next meeting is March 11. interested in or good at, and we’ll
Box 41128, Des Moines, IA 50311. find a project for you.
Membership is $20 a year or $80
for five years. Benefits include
access to our quarterly newsletter
3 FIND AND FOLLOW We need LOTS of people to help
out (even just a little) throughout
and email blasts, invitations to US ON FACEBOOK the year to help things go
events, the ability to vote for and It’s a great way to stay in the smoothly. Just email your name,
be nominated to board seats, plus loop about what’s happening in address, and a sentence or two
opportunities to meet neighbors the neighborhood, find volunteer about yourself and the things
and get involved in making opportunities, and connect with you’d like to help with to info@
our neighborhood even better. other neighbors. So please find, drakeneighborhood.org.
Membership dollars help support like, and follow us on Facebook
our all-volunteer association. (@DrakeNeighborhoodAssociation). Many hands make light work!
Got Drake History?
Do you have pictures of the Drake
Neighborhood from earlier days? Buildings
that have changed or no longer exist?
Stories of famous people or happenings
in the neighborhood? Please email photos
and details to DNA board member Jessica
Crawford at jesslcrawf@gmail.com.
We want to celebrate and share our rich,
diverse history with neighbors in future
newsletters and on social media!
THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES ARE proud SUPPORTERS
O F T H E D R A K E N E I G H B O R H O O D A S S O C I AT I O N !
NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Nichole Aksamit Purcell, nicholeaksamit@icloud.com
DRAKE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER | FIRST QUARTER 2020 8
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