In 2008 the City of Des Moines hired the UW School of Architecture (Storefront Studio) to do a ‘reimagining’ of Des Moines. Actually, we did this twice. I keep meaning to upload these images. It covered all of the downtown as well as the Marina. It had all kinds of cool ideas–including making 223rd the main economic artery of town (culminating in a ‘223rd Marina Steps’) There was also a ‘Historic Walking Trail’ to connect the Van Gasken House to the DMCT, and a Marina makeover.
What reminded to do this one was a comment about the Three Tree Point Yacht Club’s “Duwamish Head” sailboat race. It’s one of the main events of sailing season (which is in -Winter- because that’s when the wind is better. 🙂 ) Someone mentioned that the City should do more to promote the event and I soooooooooooooooo agree. They said “we should set up some bleachers!”
Well, that was exactly what the UW students thought too. They reimagined the North Parking Lot with a covered pavilion (for the Farmers Market) and a set of bleachers that people could use to watch waterfront events. Whaddaya think?