The Drake neighborhood is one of the oldest, largest, and most diverse neighborhoods in Des Moines.
Anchored by its namesake, Drake University, it is minutes from downtown Des Moines, home to beautiful boulevards, mature trees, established churches, and a unique mix of turn-of-the-century homes and apartments. Many amenities are within walking and cycling distance: a world-class university, locally owned restaurants and specialty shops, and downtown workplaces and amenities. Best of all, our neighbors come from all walks of life and take pride in our vibrant, friendly sense of community and fun events.
KEY NEIGHBORHOOD ELEMENTS
Beautiful historic homes on stately boulevards
Home to Drake University
Friendly neighbors, and unique community events
2022 Results
$6,763,809
in investment through grant programs
86
projects completed
OUR ACTION PLAN
Citywide
Strategies that are recommended for citywide application
Neighborhood
Strategies that should expand beyond the SID to surrounding areas
Special Investment District (SID)
Strategies that should be confined to the SID
- Begin enforcement of the Property Improvement Code (expanding PIC beyond rental properties)
- Establish a dedicated, in-house junk and debris crew
- Expand awareness of and appreciation for area’s historic architecture
- Create new financing tools to stimulate improvement to owner-occupied and rental housing that enhance condition, marketability, and property values
- Make blighted nuisance properties a priority for rehabilitation (or demolition when necessary)
- Perform strategic code enforcement activities
- Organize a one-time “Mini-SCRUB” pilot event
- Establish a Neighborhood Business District Resource Team
- Develop and implement a stronger identity for Dogtown
- Create new financing tools to support improvements to commercial properties in Dogtown
- Improve and expand training/support for neighborhood leaders and leadership development
- Tie existing or new neighborhood pride activities to core brand attributes
- Expand awareness of and appreciation for area’s historic architecture
- Begin enforcement of the Property Improvement Code (expanding PIC beyond rental properties)
- Establish a dedicated, in-house junk and debris crew
- Create new financing tools to stimulate improvement to owner-occupied and rental housing that enhance condition, marketability, and property values
- Make blighted nuisance properties a priority for rehabilitation (or demolition when necessary)
- Perform strategic code enforcement activities
- Finalize and implement Cottage Grove Triangle beautification and maintenance program
- Establish a neighborhood dog park
- Create new financing tools to support improvements to commercial properties in Dogtown
- Activate Drake Park more routinely to promote sense of neighborhood safety, walkability, and vibrancy
- Improve and expand training/support for neighborhood leaders and leadership development
- Establish a neighborhood dog park
- Tie existing or new neighborhood pride activities to core brand attributes
- Activate Drake Park more routinely to promote a sense of neighborhood safety, walkability, and vibrancy