Momentum Continues Across ICON’s Downtown Projects

ICON’s downtown projects continue to make significant progress, with four major sites currently under construction. Two of the projects – Principal Point at Scott Avenue and the Hubbell Trailhead at Fleur Drive – are whitewater recreation sites that will introduce entirely new experiences to Central Iowa. Harriet Street and Birdland Marina will expand river access, amenities, and connectivity throughout the growing ICON network.

Together, these projects are transforming the way residents and visitors experience the riverfront in downtown Des Moines while bringing ICON’s long-term vision to life.

The first whitewater site in Central Iowa, Principal Point at Scott Avenue, continues to make tremendous progress and remains on track for substantial completion this summer.

Recent activity at the site has centered around the removal of the cofferdams and sheet piling, allowing the river to begin flowing through the newly constructed channel. Construction of all in-river elements is now complete, including installation of the waveshaper system.

Throughout the summer, crews will continue tuning and adjusting the waveshaper to ensure optimal wave performance and recreation opportunities. While the in-river portion of the project is nearing completion, work on the surrounding uplands and park space is still underway, with the site anticipated to formally open for recreation during the 2027 season.

Once complete, Principal Point will create a first-of-its-kind whitewater experience in Central Iowa and serve as a major destination along the downtown river corridor.

Further upstream along the Raccoon River, construction is well underway at the Hubbell Trailhead at Fleur Drive, the second downtown whitewater project currently under construction.

Early work has included tree clearing, material stockpiling, and access road construction. In-river work has also begun with the installation of a temporary bridge across the river, giving crews safe access to the south side of the channel during construction.

When completed, the Hubbell Trailhead will fully activate the Raccoon River Run, connecting the Raccoon River to the Des Moines River and the Principal Point site downstream. Together, these projects will create a continuous whitewater recreation experience unlike anything else in Iowa.

Downstream from Principal Point, the Harriet Street access site will be the first of the downtown projects to be completed, with final punch list items currently underway and completion expected later this summer.

The site will serve as the primary take-out point for the downtown whitewater run while also improving river access and connectivity for paddlers and trail users.

Recent additions include new ICON-branded signage and final site improvements as the project enters close out.

Most recently, construction officially began on the Birdland Marina project, another key connection point within the growing ICON network.

Located on the north side of downtown, the Birdland site will improve river access through the addition of a new canoe and kayak launch. The project is part of a larger, three-part effort led by the City of Des Moines to revitalize the marina area. ICON’s portion of the project includes upgraded parking, landscaping, and site improvements designed to better serve visitors and improve access to the water.

Once complete, Birdland Marina will serve as a hub for recreation and river access in the area, expanding safe and convenient opportunities for paddlers while strengthening connections to the surrounding neighborhood.

As these projects continue progressing, they represent more than construction milestones – they are creating new ways for residents and visitors to connect with the river, explore downtown, and experience Central Iowa’s waterways for generations to come.