The City’s challenge to the Teska Team was to take a good neighborhood and make it great: The Valley Junction business district, combined with the surrounding neighborhood, is where the City of West Des Moines began. The area contains a vibrant mix of independent businesses, hosts many events, and is surrounded by a walkable neighborhood of affordable and attractive homes.
Outreach: The plan was built on extensive community engagement ranging from technology based approaches including video creation, a project app, interactive mobile-optimized website, and online Quick Polls, to one-on-one interviews, idea chalkboards, focus groups and community workshops, walking tours and outreach at community events like “Jingle in the Junction” and the “Farmers Market”.
Celebrate the Story: One simple recommendation was to do a better job of telling the unique story of the area through walking tours, storyboards and plaques, and through establishment of a historic district. Streetscape recommendations included expanded opportunities for outdoor dining and a shared street concept to better accommodate the multiple events held in the Junction.
Opportunity Sites: Twenty-five opportunity sites were identified for potential renovation or redevelopment. Sustainability was addressed through enhancement of the bike and pedestrian systems, introduction of a community garden, and promotion of green building rehab efforts. Funding solutions were addressed through several innovative incentive programs.
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