Downtown Bridge Reconstruction

Substance Architecture

Recognitions: AIA Iowa 2021 Design Award

Project Description

The Des Moines River divides the City of Des Moines into distinct halves, connected by a series of bridges. In 1974 the Des Moines City Council held a competition to design a City flag. The winning entry featured an abstract representation of three of the City’s utilitarian yet iconic bridges. In the words of the flag’s designer Walter T. Proctor, “These bridges symbolize the unity of the city otherwise divided.” When the City proposed replacing these century-old bridges due to structural issues in 2015, they faced significant historical and emotional challenges. While Proctor’s flag had been unceremoniously phased out in 2008, these arched bridges had become an important part of the City’s skyline and identity, not to mention a subject of emotional attachment for residents. The initial engineer-developed bridge redesign proposed eliminating their iconic arches and, with them, their sentimental value. This stark Department of Transportation design, devoid of the original bridges' symbolic nature, spurred the City Council to seek a solution that would honor the bridges' legacy while maintaining functionality, meeting federal funding requirements, and adhering to the budget. The collaborative effort between the City, architect, engineers, and stakeholders led to a transformative design. Scalloped metal panels along the sides of the bridge, reminiscent of the original arch span, conceal the engineered ”DOT skeleton” and numerous utility conduits. A non-standard deck cross-section raised the sidewalk above the roadway. A modified crash rail protects pedestrians, while raised sidewalks with extended overhangs and strategically placed lighting enhance the dramatic effect of the scalloped fascia panels. The project had a profound impact on the community, with their concerns extending beyond the bridges’ functional roles and into the identity they symbolize. The redesign has become a symbol of the City's resilience and adaptability, sparking a renewed sense of local pride and identity.