Des Moines' Downtown neighborhood is layered with identities; It's a river community contained byt he Raccoon and Des moines rivers, and urban metropolis and financial center supporting more than 70,000 workers, and a center for arts and entertainment.
In the springtime, residents fill the streets of the historic Court Avenue district during the Drake Relays Festival to enjoy the opportunity to meet athletes preparing to compete in the annual sporting event. The Downtown Farmers Market, which open in May and runs throught he last harvest in the fall, provides residents with some of the freshest fruits, vegetables and baked  goods.  In June, the nationally ranked Des Moines Arts Festival draws thousands of art lovers to view and purchase art from around the country during a three day festival that includes live music and food.  The fourth of July bring yet another parade downtown and features a free pops concert by the Des Moines Symphony and a fireworks display.
There is nothing better than an evening with the Iowa Cubs, the triple- A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.  make it to the big leagues is a dream for the minor leaguers as they play their hearts out for the fans.
The downtown skywalk system provides protection from Midwest winters as well as quick access to shopping, dining, and commerce year-round.
Years of planning are bearing fruit, and downtown residents can choose from a variety of housingoptions, from penthouse and luzury condominiums in some of downtown's architectural gems, to lofts, apartments and townhouses.
The Court Avenue District, long the entertainment capital of the city, is undergoing a transformation that includes the addition of housing, restaurants and clubs, and retail businesses.  A record $ 1.6 billion in construction projects recently came on line, including the highly anticipated Wells Fargo Arena and Iowa Events Center, the central branch of the Des Moines Public Library, the Science Center of Iowa and the Principal Riverwalk.
One of the first installations along the Riverwalk, the Brenton Skating Plaza.opened last winter and offeres ice skating from November to March.  At 520 Robert D. Ray Drive, it's an integral part of the campaign to continue the reinviforation of downtown Des Moines and in the summer, the Skating Plaza transforms into an outdoor event center.

Website: desmoinesdna.com/web/DNA_Home.html

Boundaries:
North- Center Street
South- Raccoon River
East- Des Moines River
West- 18th & 15th Streets