In front of community members, leaders, donors, and business owners, Des Moines Performing Arts CEO Jeff Chelesvig unveiled the answer to one of the most-asked questions: when will Cowles Commons open?
“Cowles Commons will finally be open, after more than two years of construction, on June 18th,” said Chelesvig. “The renovation of Cowles Commons has been the largest endeavor that the Des Moines Performing Arts has lead since its opening in 1979.”
Formerly known as Nollen Plaza, the project to completely overhaul the design of the area began with several public workshops and meetings in 2008. Led by leaders at Des Moines Performing Arts, more than $12 million was raised to design Cowles Commons, and construction began in 2013. DMPA vice president Mary Kramer said the commons are an example of a mass community effort.
“Cowles Commons is a fantastic blend of private and public support,” said Kramer. “I wonder how many other cities can talk about that kind of breadth of support and celebrate an event like this.”
Cowles Commons features several sculptures, such as the large Crusoe Umbrella that sits across the Des Moines Performing Arts Civic Center. It also has a peace garden, a granite stone and brick “red carpet” that will be used for large media and arts events, as well as many other features. Mary Mosiman, state Auditor and a member of the Vision Iowa Board that donated to the project, said the commons will provide substantial economic value to Des Moines.
“It creates an economic synergy for area business areas,” said Mosiman. “People coming to Des Moines for a variety of reasons will be attracted to Cowles Commons, and people coming to Cowles Commons will be coming to area businesses. We see this project has yet another way to add to Des Moines’ competitiveness for a place to visit, to work, and to live.”
Though the plaza is still under construction, it will be open to visitors during WineFest this weekend.
