Neighborhood
River Bend
The Future
Designated an Urban Neighborhood Main Street in 2009 by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Sixth Avenue Corridor is a multi-million dollar project to make Sixth Avenue bike and pedestrian friendly with lane reductions and widened sidewalks to support commercial and residential activities. Public art is a significant addition to the streetscape with more information here.
Neighborhood Amenities
River Bend is off the Neil Smith Trail for biking and running, bounded by the Des Moines river and the Des Moines Rowing Club and annual Regatta and less than a mile from the Riverview Park and amphitheater.
The rich history of River Bend includes former residents and titans of Des Moines. They include John Ruan of Ruan Transportation, Charles Weitz of the Weitz Company and E.A. Temple, founder of Principal Financial. Current residents of this neighborhood continue to support restoration of their historical housing and create opportunities to bring the community together through home tours and celebrations, such as Jazz in July.
River Bend is one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse areas in the entire city. The neighborhood is bounded by 9th and Hickman on the northwest and 2nd and University on the south east. This area includes both residential and commercial properties, and is comprised primarily of historic structures.
