Proposed plaza could reduce street closures in Des Moines

Tired of special events claiming Des Moines streets and disrupting your commute? You're in luck.

• Plans for a $84 million professional soccer stadium downtown include a plaza that'll serve as a festival hub and reduce street closures, multiple council members told Axios Wednesday.

Why it matters: If you've driven in Des Moines recently, you're likely familiar with the inconveniences of being rerouted. But street closures can also cause business disruptions.

By the numbers: Between 2016 and 2019, Des Moines received roughly 200 street closure applications each year, according to city data requested by Axios.

• Last year's dipped to 99 due to the pandemic.

State of play: Closures for construction are necessary and there's not a whole lot that can eliminate that pain. But the city wants to do better at minimizing disruptions for events, council members Connie Boesen and Josh Mandelbaum told Axios.

• Moving many festivities to the Pro Iowa Stadium Global Plaza will help, they said.

Details: Stadium construction will begin in coming months with a projected completion in 2024.

• The four-acre plaza will surround the stadium and include parking for about 500 vehicles.
• Restaurants, retail and a hotel will be within walking distance.

What's ahead: Festival relocation plans will be made closer to the plaza's opening. So for now, be patient.