Capitol East- Home to Des Moines’ Mexican Community

Capitol East is one of Des Moines’ older neighborhoods dating back to the late 19th century. Capitol East’s proximity to the state capitol building also made it a desirable location for state employees. The neighborhood originally was a nice mix of  working-class families and professionals but by the mid-20th century it faced significant decline. Capitol East has been slow to recover as is reflected in its low population density and the many vacant lots remaining in the neighborhood. Some stability has begun to occur thanks largely to an influx of Mexican immigrants to the community. Some new construction has also begun in the neighborhood as developers begin to take advantage of Capitol East’s convenient location just east of the Capitol complex and only 2 miles from Downtown.

Even with its great location only 2 miles east of Dwtn I do not consider Capitol East a viable urban district. It has simply lost too much of its population and urban business fabric along Grand to be considered walkable to me. But given its urban bones and street grid there is hope that Capitol East will fill in and became a great urban district one day. Hopefully with a mixture of immigration and interest from professionals desiring to live close to Dwtn development will pick up here.

Click here to view My Capitol East Album on Flickr

URBAN STRENGTHS:

• Excellent diversity metrics especially racial. There is a large Mexican population here but also large Black, White and mixed-racial groups.
• Very convenient access to Dtwn being only 2 miles away but bike and transit access are underwhelming considering the proximity.
• Very consistent ADA curb cuts and generally consistent sidewalks but due to many vacant lots, many of the sidewalks have not been maintained well.
• 3 solids park well dispersed throughout Capitol East.
• Decent Tree canopy.

URBAN WEAKNESSES:

• Public transit access is ok especially considering how close the neighborhood is too dwtn.
• Lots of vacant lots and older industrial sites in the neighborhood.
• Very low density for an urban district.
• A walkable public grade and high school here but very poor ratings.
• Rentals are cheap but listed ones are very limited.
• For-sale housing is generally very affordable with 2 beds selling anywhere btwn 70K-150K, 3 & 4 beds sell btwn 70K-270K.
• Crime seems a bit high in Capitol East but not crazy. Lots of vacant lots here and some blighted buildings.
• Some nice historic commercial buildings but the residential homes are very working class and unadorned.
• Not much modern in-fill but what does exist is generally auto centric crap.
• Some urban commercial fabric along the Grand Avenue but lots of holes and vacant lots. The semi-commercial streets of 14th & 15th streets are very autocentric.
• A good number of restaurants, including several Mexican restaurants, and a couple bars. Other cultural amenities are limited.
• Retail amenities are also pretty limited but there are several Mexican grocerias here, a couple boutiques, a coupe salons”