THE DES MOINES MARINA STEPs PROJECT

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For decades, the City of Des Moines has made efforts to enhance the value of its Downtown and Marina for residents and the region.  In the mid-1980s, the City conducted a Revitalization planning project that identified the importance of Marine View Drive, 7th Ave S, and the alleyway in-between.  One of the most significant elements of this plan highlighted the missing ‘Pedestrian Connection’ to the waterfront from Downtown to the Marina.  Further planning investment included the Marina District Enhancement Master Plan in 2008, which was prepared by the University of Washington. The plan once again highlighted the need for Marina redevelopment and pedestrian access between Downtown and the Marina. 

Since 2016, City administration has been actively pursuing possibilities to make these efforts a reality, knowing that there will eventually be both significant private and public investments made.  On February 2, 2023, the City Council provided further direction to City Administration that Capital Improvement Projects be brought forward.

Acknowledging the need for pedestrian connectivity between Downtown to the Marina, the Des Moines Marina Steps Project, as part of the holistic Marina Redevelopment Projects, will focus on enhancing the pedestrian experience for residents and visitors, creating a distinctive connection between Des Moines’ Downtown and the Marina. 

The project team has worked on the project since Summer 2023 and has incorporated feedback collected from the Fall 2023 Survey and the February 2024 Public Open House to create a stronger, community informed project. Construction is set for Winter 2024 into 2025 for this essential addition to public life, play, and enjoyment of downtown Des Moines and the Marina.