Good morning, Des Moines! 🌅 This is DSM at Dawn. Today, we’re stepping back in time to relive the golden days of holiday cheer on Walnut Street. ❄️

In todays issue:

• 🎅 Walnut Street History

• New Waterpark for WDM 🏄

• 🖼️ Made by Gina

And we’re off.

— Nick Rivas

As the holiday season is in full swing, I thought I would take you down memory lane with a piece of Des Moines history.

🎄Holiday Spotlight: Walnut Street

Walnut Street in Des Moines has a rich history of being the city’s bustling commercial hub, especially during the holiday season. Mid-20th century Des Moines residents fondly remember Walnut Street as the center of festive activity, brimming with charm and holiday cheer. I’m sure some reading this have fond memories of Walnut Street from their childhoods.

The Golden Era of Walnut Street

During the 1940s to 1970s, Walnut Street was home to iconic department stores like Younkers, Bishop’s, and J.C. Penney. These stores would go all out for the holidays, decorating their storefronts with elaborate window displays that drew crowds of families. These windows often featured animated figures, wintry scenes, and twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere that captivated both children and adults.

Younkers Tea Room and Santa Visits

The Younkers Tea Room became a holiday tradition for many families, offering a warm and elegant retreat during a day of shopping. It was also where children could meet Santa Claus and share their Christmas wishes. These visits often became cherished family memories, with photos taken in the beautifully adorned store.

Holiday Parades and Festive Lighting

Walnut Street hosted grand holiday parades with floats, marching bands, and even reindeer. At night, the street would glow with strings of festive lights and decorated lampposts, creating a magical winter wonderland for all of the shoppers and visitors.

Downtown Today

As suburban malls gained popularity in the second half of the 20th century, Walnut Street’s prominence waned. Walnut Street’s holiday legacy reminds us of the joy that comes from community and tradition. Whether you’re reminiscing about its golden days or creating new memories downtown, there’s something magical about the way Des Moines comes alive during the holidays. If you have fond memories of Walnut Street, share them with us - we’d love to hear your story!

THE ROUNDUP 🧵📱

🏄 Grand Experience Update 

In last weeks edition, we talked about the RexPlex expansion. Well, the Grand Experience, a $400 million entertainment and commercial development planned right across the street, has recently received WDM City Council approval. This multi-use project will include a 78,000-square-foot indoor water park, a family entertainment center, a conference center, and a 260-room hotel. Additionally, it will feature 150 workforce housing units, market-rate multifamily housing, retail spaces, and office facilities​

Construction is expected to start by late 2025, with full build-out potentially taking a decade

Peace Tree Building 🍻 

Full Court Press is taking over the former Peace Tree Brewing space on East Court Avenue. It is not yet known what they will use the space for, but the sites proximity to the Iowa Taproom and the Market District could be attractive to the company that owns establishments ranging from Fong’s Pizza to the High Life Lounge.

Around Town 🏙️📈

In this section, I am going to highlight a local business, restaurant, or non-profit. This week, a local artist who’s gained quite the following.

Made by Gina

Gina Kahler, the creative force behind Made by Gina, is a talented watercolor artist and devoted mother to two boys, Sterling and Tripp. Known for her stunning pet portraits, home illustrations, and bird artwork, Gina also delights in creating holiday cards, collegiate art, and whimsical storybook portraits.

Beyond her art, Gina’s world revolves around her family, cooking, travel, antiques, and repurposing treasures. Her love for the Cyclones adds a spirited touch to her life. Through her social media and shows, Gina invites her followers into both her artistic and personal life, expressing deep gratitude for their support.

Thanks to her loyal clients, Gina wakes up every day to do what she loves—and she considers that a true blessing!

Check out some of her work below along with her socials!

📱 Facebook
📸 Instagram

@DSMATDAWN 📷

Photo Cred: @ginakahler

Tag @dsmatdawn to get your photos published!

WHAT TO DO 🚨🏁

Holiday Cheer for the Kids

Santa will be making an appearance at Main Street Cafe in Ankeny for an afternoon of festive fun. There will be cookie decorating and holiday crafts and so much more.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Starting this weekend, the Des Moines Playhouse will be putting on its rendition of the classic fairy tale based on the Disney film. There are multiple show times in the coming weeks. Grab tickets here.

Pickleball 101/201

Smash Park in WDM is hosting a couple Pickleball clinics this Saturday Morning. $10 gets you a step-by-step journey toward constant improvement in your pickleball game. Take the Introductory 101 at 9 or do the Beginner 201 at 10:30. Register here.

Dash to the Distillery

Velarosa Cycling Team is teaming up with Iowa Distilling Company for their annual winter ride this Saturday. The ride starts at Captain Roy’s with a stop at Jethro’s Southside and ends at Iowa Distilling. Do the whole ride or stay as long as you like.

West Des Moines Polar Plunge

Head over to Raccoon River Park for this annual event. Raise $75 for Special Olympics to take the plunge or register as a chicken to come out and watch the plungers. Register here.

WEATHER   🌞 🌡️

Weather Beacon: 🔴 Warmer Weather Ahead (just not today)

Thursday

High 21 | Low 14 | Sunny ☀️

Friday

High 38 | Low 27 | Sunny ☀️

Saturday

High 52 | Low 36 | Sunny ☀️

Sunday

High 54 | Low 36 | Partly Cloudy 🌤️

MUSIC SCENE 🎶🎤

Thursday

Christmas with Lorie Line | 7 | Hoyt Sherman Place

Friday

Drew Baldridge | 7 | Wooly’s
Randy Burk & The Prisoners | 7 | Captain Roy’s
Dickie | 8 | xBk Live
Joseph Huber Band | 9 | Lefty’s Live Music

Saturday

Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus | 2 or 7 | Hoyt Sherman Place
Matt Woods Band | 7 | Captain Roy’s
PetRock | 8 | Wooly’s

Sunday

Charlie Brown Christmas | 3 | xBk Live
The Crowfoot Rakes | 3 | Captain Roy’s
Hemlock | 5 | Lefty’s Live Music

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SPORTS 🏈🏅

College Football 🏈

Iowa State is the only team in action this week. The Cyclones and Hawkeyes will learn their postseason fate this weekend.

Big 12 Championship Game

• Iowa State 🌪️ VS Arizona State | 12/7 | 11AM 📍Arlington, TX

Hockey 🏒 

Bucs

• @ Waterloo Black Hawks | 12/5 | 6:05 📍Rochester, NY

• VS Sioux Falls Stampede | 12/6 | 5:30 📍Rochester, NY

• @ Muskegon Lumberjacks | 12/8 | 2:05

Iowa Wild

• VS Milwaukee Admirals | 12/7 | 6 🍹Margaritaville Night

• VS Milwaukee Admirals | 12/8 | 3 🐶 Meet Bluey

G League 🏀 

Iowa Wolves

• @ Windy City Bulls | 12/7 | 7

• VS Cleveland Charge | 12/9 | 6:30

THANK YOU! 🙌 

Thank you for reading DSM at Dawn.

I would love your feedback! You can respond directly to this email with any comments, recommendations, or ideas.

P.S. If you, or anyone you know, would like to sponsor a future edition of The Dawn, please contact me at [email protected] or respond directly to this email.