Skywalks – Various Locations

There are 45 skywalk bridges, designed by numerous architects

Des Moines’ skywalk bridges typically span 90 feet

City pays for bridges and building owners the concourse areas between them.

Now over three miles of skywalk system on 60 blocks with 45 skywalk bridges, designed by numerous architects and engineers. System still growing.

Recent study by RDG Planning and Design proposes public access lobbies at street level to eliminate confusing concealed access between sidewalk and street, programmable signage with interactive features, and system-wide maintenance

The first skywalk at 5th between Walnut and Mulberry was started in 1972

Utilitarian design, civil engineering solution (recall this design when we discuss recent design solutions).

Planning effort in early 1980s to connect 12 blocks in the core of downtown resulted in several skywalks matching the one seen to the north. Top beams carry floor load suspended below rather than bottom beam carrying most of the load.

Six new skywalks were added in 2002/2003 to connect to the new Wells Fargo Financial Building and Allied Building

Skywalks at 850 Mulberry and at 8th / 9th Street, Wells Fargo building, are constructed with a concrete walkway pre-cast concrete walkway panels, from a steel beam with stainless steel rods in tension. This structural configuration allows a thin bottom of bridge, which gives the structure a “light” appearance; also glass interior perpendicular panels at the glazing joints resist wind loads.