Where is the East Village?

The Historic East Village is within the east side of downtown Des Moines, east of the Des Moines River on the hill of the Iowa Capital building.

The East Village business district can be easily accessed by exiting I-235 at E. 6th Street and heading south two blocks.

What is Historic East Village, Inc.?

 Historic East Village, Inc. (HEV) is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization established to empower ourselves to improving the East Village neighborhood of downtown Des Moines. Our mission is “to lead the preservation, support and development of the East Village community.” 

Our vision is to create a thriving, energized, self-sustaining association that assures East Village is an eclectic, diverse, beautiful, unique and prosperous, welcoming community. The HEV board is comprised of 14 volunteers, a city council representative and a liaison with the Downtown Community Alliance.  

Meet our board members

• Became a certified Cultural & Entertainment District from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
• Raised more than $20,000 as a result of two gala fundraisers in February 2007 and February 2008
• In 2007-08, received grants from the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation and Polk County totaling $6,500
• Secured pro-bono design work from Sayles Graphic Design 
• Organize annual events such as the Historic East Village Bike Night and Holiday Promenade