[2] As of the 2010 Census, Downtown Des Moines, including the East Village, had a population of 5,431 with a total of 3,667 housing units, with 3,085 of those being occupied.

Other major thoroughfares connecting downtown to the remainder of the city are Fleur Drive, Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway and Keosauqua Way.

In 2014, the popular ride share service Uber was introduced, much to the dismay of the Des Moines City Council.

[11] One unique aspect of Des Moines transportation is the expansive network of skywalks connecting the downtown buildings.

While the Downtown Des Moines area is defined as the area between the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers and 15th, 18th, and Center Streets, downtown includes neighborhoods extending all the way to I-235 to the north and Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway to the west, as well as SE 14th Street to the east.

However, in 2000, a group of business leaders and concerned community members stepped in and began a decades-long transformation of the East Village.

[14] Today, the East Village is a vibrant district filled with fine dining, unique retail destinations, antique stores, and many bars and clubs.

The district is characterized by several public works buildings reflecting the Beaux-Arts style as well as ornate City Beautiful era balustrades, walkways, bridges, and lighting along the Des Moines River.

The district runs along Court Avenue and is bounded by the Des Moines River on the East and the Polk County Courthouse on the west.

The district is known for its excellent nightlife and many bars and restaurants and the streets are dotted with period-style lanterns, planters, and advertisements.

[15] Throughout the summer, the Court Avenue District also plays home to the nationally recognized Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market.

[17] The Western Gateway area of downtown is a modern, rehabilitated district characterized with a stunning, multimillion-dollar sculpture park and several gleaming corporate campuses.

The library was designed by famed British architect David Chipperfield and is composed of floor to ceiling glass panels across the entire building and a green roof.

Additionally, Kum and Go is constructing a $92 million corporate headquarters designed by famed architect firm Renzo Piano.

Many of the areas high rise buildings are slowly being converted into apartments, creating an urban neighborhood unlike any other in Des Moines.

[23] Central Downtown also uses a unique skywalk system that connects nearly every building in the district on the third floor crossing city streets.

Public gathering and green space will be included to complement the completion of the newly renovated Cowles Commons.

Additionally, the green areas surrounding the Des Moines Central Library and the Temple for Performing Arts are also intended for public use.

[32] Ballet Des Moines, primarily based out of Hoyt Sherman Place northwest of downtown, occasionally stages performances at the Civic Center as well.

Each performance venue offers its own unique attributes and atmosphere and speaks to a wide variety of audiences.