East Village (Des Moines) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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East Des Moines Commercial Historic District
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Facing East on E. Locust Street
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by E. 4th, Des Moines, E. 6th, and E. Locust Sts., Des Moines, Iowa |
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| NRHP reference No. | 100003523 |
| Added to NRHP | March 22, 2019 |
The Historic East Village is a lively neighborhood in central Des Moines, Iowa. It sits right next to the Downtown Des Moines area. This neighborhood is bordered by Interstate 235 to the north. The Des Moines River forms its western and southern edges. East 14th Street is on its eastern side.
The East Village is also close to the Historic Court District. That area is just across the Des Moines River to the west. A part of the East Village is a special historic district. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019. This means it is recognized as an important place in American history.
Many important buildings are found in the East Village. These include the Iowa State Capitol complex. This is where the state government works. The Iowa Supreme Court is also here. You can also find the State of Iowa Historical Museum. And don't forget the beautiful Des Moines Botanical Gardens!
Exploring the History of East Village
When Was East Village First Settled?
The East Village area was first mapped out in 1854. Many of the 40 buildings in the historic district have ties to early European immigrants. These new settlers came from places like Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. They started moving to the east side of Des Moines in the 1870s and 1880s.
What Kinds of Buildings Are in East Village?
The buildings in the district were built during three main time periods.
Early Buildings: 1840s to 1890s
The first period was from the 1840s to the 1890s. Many buildings were made of wood. They included single-family homes, double-houses, and row houses. Some of these old homes are still around today. They have been updated for shops and businesses. Other old buildings were replaced by new commercial ones.
Brick Buildings: 1870s to 1920s
The second period lasted from the 1870s to the 1920s. Most buildings from this time were made of brick. They showed popular styles like Italianate and Gothic Revival. Other styles included Romanesque Revival and Queen Anne. You can also see Neoclassical and Commercial styles. The Capitol Hill Lutheran Church is from this time. It is the only church left in the historic district.
Modern Buildings: 1920s to 1950s
The third period was from the 1920s to the 1950s. Buildings from this time show how cars changed design and use. This includes buildings that were part of the "East Des Moines Auto Row." Architectural styles from this period include Modernism and Art Deco.
How Was East Village Saved?
In 2000, the City of Des Moines planned to tear down some buildings in the neighborhood. But a group of people worked together to save them. Thanks to their efforts, many of these buildings are still standing today. They are now home to restaurants, unique shops, and apartments.
Famous Historic Buildings in East Village
Several buildings in the East Village are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include:
- Iowa State Capitol
- Baker-Devotie-Hollingsworth Block
- Hohberger Building
- Municipal Building
- Northwestern Hotel
- Ola Babcock Miller Building
- Syndicate Block
- Teachout Building
Community Life in East Village
What Makes East Village Unique?
The East Village is known for its "strong, independent scene." It is a place where people can express themselves freely. It has a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
Celebrating Pride in East Village
The East Village is one of Iowa's main areas for the LGBTQ+ community. The yearly Capital City Pride festival is held here. In 2019, more than 25,000 people attended the festival. This was a new record for the event.
Iowa is important for politicians because of its first-in-nation caucuses. Many politicians visit the state to meet voters. Several presidential candidates attended the 2019 Pride festival. They wanted to show their support for the community.
Images for kids
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Capitol Hill Lutheran Church
