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Historical Look
In 1979, the Civic Center was nothing more than the dream of a small group of Des Moines business leaders seeking a replacement to the recently closed KRNT Theater. That dream not only included a new performing arts center, but also a revitalized downtown Des Moines.
The idea grew to a local bond option on a 1974 ballot needing 60% approval to pass. The issue, narrowly defeated, received only 54% approval. It appeared as if the dream would never become a reality.
Undaunted by the narrow defeat, these same Des Moines business leaders decided to change the original plan and formed a privately held not-for-profit corporation to build and run a performing arts facility. Property taxes would not be used for the project. In less than 90 days, over $9 million was pledged to the project. The Civic Center dream was on its way to becoming a reality. What had begun was a unique collaboration of public and private support. The City of Des Moines committed two blocks of property on which to build the theater and an adjacent plaza. Private sources contributed the money to build and equip both.
In June of 1979, the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines opened its doors to the public. A magnificent structure, the Center was designed by the Des Moines architectural firm of Charles Hebert & Associates. The Main Hall features a 76-foot wide by 28-foot high proscenium stage, which is the focal point for a fan-shaped continental seating area that accommodates an audience of 2,735. Audiences enjoy excellent sight lines with this seating design and no seat is further than 145 feet from center stage. Two spectacular, triangle shaped lobbies with 50 foot ceilings, glass walls, skylights and walkways complete the public areas of the building. The Civic Center also has a flexible performance and meeting space called the Stoner Studio Theater. Located on the ground level, the theater seats as many as 200 people.
On the adjacent block west of the Civic Center stands Nollen Plaza. The block square amphitheater/park contains a tree-lined grassy area and the Brenton Waterfall and Reflecting Pool. Wide steps surrounding the pool provide audience-seating areas. Crusoe Umbrella, a sculpture by Cleas Oldenburg and Coosje van Brugeen, stands on the northeast corner of the Plaza. The steel sculpture was purchased with private contributions and a matching grant by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Today the Civic Center still functions as a private, not-for-profit corporation. It has become the cornerstone of Des Moines' downtown redevelopment. The Civic Center is the performing home of the Des Moines Symphony, Drama Workshop, Stage West, and the Civic Music Association. Since opening in 1979, the Civic Center has been host to major Broadway touring companies, performers and groups. It is nationally recognized as an excellent facility in which to perform.
That dream of years ago did become a reality and sparked a revitalization of downtown Des Moines that continues today. Like downtown, the future looks bright and promising, live at the Civic Center!
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