Feb 25, 2026 - News

East Village streetscape gets $1.6M redo

Jason Clayworth

Close-up of a cracked granite plaque set in pavement, engraved with "1838 Clayton County" text in black. — All but eight of the East Village's 99-county plaques will be replaced. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios

Des Moines is replacing almost all of the 99 county sidewalk plaques in the East Village — a signature streetscape feature along East Locust Street.

Why it matters: The update is part of a nearly $1.6 million project to improve the district's aesthetics and walkability, including major changes at two intersections.

Catch up quick: The streetscape leads from the DSM river to East Seventh Street near the Capitol.

It was added almost 25 years ago, and some of the plaques and bricks around them have deteriorated, with some missing.

Driving the news: The City Council this week approved moving ahead with the project.

Zoom in: Curb extensions, or bump-outs, will be added at the intersections and at East 4th and East 7th to shorten pedestrian crossing distances.

Traffic signals at those intersections will be replaced with an all-way stop.

What's next: Construction is anticipated to begin in the coming months and be completed in the fall, according to the city engineer's office.

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East Village streetscape gets $1.6M redo

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