September 15, 2025

Des Moines seeks bids for $10M Marina Steps project

Conceptual renderings by PLACE [enlarge]

The Marina Steps will create a pedestrian-friendly connection from downtown Des Moines to the waterfront.

The city of Des Moines is ready to move forward with its Marina Steps project, which will create a pedestrian connection and view corridor from the city's downtown core to the waterfront.

The city has issued a call for bids for the estimated $10 million project to build the 44,856-square-foot activity hub. Bids are due Oct. 9.

The project received the City Council's approval to proceed at its Sept. 4 meeting. The bid notice appeared in the DJC on Sept. 9.

Designed by PLACE Landscape Architecture + Planning + Art + Urban Design, the project is a series of steps and switchback walkways that will navigate a 36-foot elevation change to provide access from the Overlook I Park at South 223rd Street to the marina below. This will be flanked by ADA accessible walkways, seating areas, a children's play area, and splash pad.

(Editor's note: This story has been changed to clarify the designer.)

The project is also set to be a showcase for stormwater management. Water infiltration planters will line the walkway to help treat the 60-acre watershed located east of the site.

[enlarge]

A series of steps and switchback ramps will provide access from South 223rd Street to the marina.

The terraced landscape will feature driftwood timbers to create places to pause and sit along the way. A palette of concrete, stone, steel and wood will highlight plantings and public art. At the bottom of the step will be a plaza, amphitheater and water feature. Infrastructure improvements include water, sewer, storm drain, electrical and lighting.

According to the bid notice, the work calls for the redevelopment of the existing Overlook I Park, hillside, areas of the city's marina floor surface parking lot, improved pedestrian access, and accessible pathways. Improvements will involve undergrounding of existing overhead power on Cliff Avenue South, permanent signage, trench restoration, pedestrian pathways, a playground area and water feature.

Stormwater management includes a bioretention planter, storm pipe, underdrains, cleanouts, area drains, trench drains, and storm catch basins.

Work also includes a water main and associated appurtenances, sanitary sewer and associated fittings, sanitary manholes, ADA parking, MSE wall, retaining wall, overlook weir and wall, concrete stairs, fencing, concrete seat walls, pedestrian barrier and pedestrian railing, asphalt pavement, concrete pavement, irrigation system, illumination system, landscaping, pavement markings, benches and bike racks.

A pre-bid meeting is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 24 at the Harbormaster Building, 22307 Dock Ave. S.

Other members of the design team include: KPFF, civil and structural engineer; Skylab Architecture; Interface Engineering, mechanical and electrical engineer; Shannon & Wilson, geotechnical engineer; and DCW, cost estimating.

Marina Steps is part of a broader redevelopment effort by the city to create a pedestrian-friendly connection to Puget Sound. According to a city manager's report earlier this month, 80% of project funding is covered by city-issued bonds, with the remaining 20% from state and grant funding, city tax revenue, and other sources.

Construction is expected to start by the end of the year.