PLEASANTVILLE PLACEMAKING ACTION PLAN
Project Overview
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Des Moines, Pleasantville (population: 1,692) presents itself as an alternative to city living with a strong sense of community, home to an excellent school district, and access to employment in various sectors, all with access to big-city amenities of the nearby capital city.
Recognizing its potential for growth as a bedroom community, Pleasantville enlisted McClure’s services to enhance their amenity options to attract new residents. Specific focus was paid to the downtown square, including beautification enhancements and a strategy for filling the recently vacated grocery store. A community-wide housing program was presented to address the lack of median range homes for sale and rent.
Place-Based Projects At-A-Glance:
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- City-wide: Housing analysis mapping, detailed housing strategies, identification of interested potential developers
- Downtown: Beautification efforts on the downtown square with a phased implementation plan, comprehensive strategy to address several vacant and underutilized spaces on the square
- Former Grocery Store: Re-opening as a grocery co-op with different partnerships and staffing models
- Former People’s Bank: Coworking space with high-speed internet access and shared workspaces

PLEASANTVILLE PLACEMAKING ACTION PLAN
Project Overview
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Des Moines, Pleasantville (population: 1,692) presents itself as an alternative to city living with a strong sense of community, home to an excellent school district, and access to employment in various sectors, all with access to big-city amenities of the nearby capital city.
Recognizing its potential for growth as a bedroom community, Pleasantville enlisted McClure’s services to enhance their amenity options to attract new residents. Specific focus was paid to the downtown square, including beautification enhancements and a strategy for filling the recently vacated grocery store. A community-wide housing program was presented to address the lack of median range homes for sale and rent.
Place-Based Projects At-A-Glance:
-
- City-wide: Housing analysis mapping, detailed housing strategies, identification of interested potential developers
- Downtown: Beautification efforts on the downtown square with a phased implementation plan, comprehensive strategy to address several vacant and underutilized spaces on the square
- Former Grocery Store: Re-opening as a grocery co-op with different partnerships and staffing models
- Former People’s Bank: Coworking space with high-speed internet access and shared workspaces