Date:       Tuesday July 17, 2007
Time:       3:00 pm
Where:    Palmer’s Deli, 29th&IngersollAvenue

For moreinformation:
Contact Restoration IngersollCo-Chairs:
Kimberly Hansen 771-4557
or
Soozie McBroom778-3465

RESTORATION INGERSOLL PILOT PROJECT TO BREAK GROUND
Event: Tuesday, July 17th at 3:00 p.m. in front of Palmer's Deli The Restoration Ingersoll project will move from blueprints to bricks thanks to its supporters raising enough money to break ground on the improvement plans for this key corridor to downtown Des Moines. Generous corporate support, city and state funding, grants and private donations totaling $2.8 million paved the way for streetscape enhancements that will make this robust retail and residential neighborhood safer for pedestrians and more customer-friendly.
.
"We are excited to announce that we've raised more than $2.8 million. We would like to publicly thank the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, Janis & John Ruan III,  Patty & Jim Cownie, Meredith Corporation, Allied Nationwide, Principal Financial Group, Wells Fargo, Vision Iowa and all of the businesses, families and individuals whose contributions have pushed us past the tipping point. For those who have not given yet, we encourage you to support this unique community project."  - Restoration Ingersoll Co-Chairs Kimberly Hansen & Soozie McBroom

RESTORATION INGERSOLL PROPOSAL & PLANS INCLUDE:
*    Decorative street lighting
*    Widened pedestrian sidewalks
*    New street trees, benches, bicycle racks, planter urns and flower beds
*    Identifying key locations for public art
*    Expanding on-street parking & shared off-street parking lots.

RESTORATION INGERSOLL DONORS & SUPPORTERS
"The Greater Des Moines Community Foundation is pleased to contribute to Restoration Ingersoll because this citizen-led initiative to restore a very important and historic community space promises significant economic and social impact. This project is a great example of citizen leaders working together to enhance quality of life in Greater Des Moines." - Johnny Danos, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation

"Restoration Ingersoll is a fine example of public and private partnerships investing together to insure the success of Ingersoll's Rebirth. It is our responsibility as a community to improve and enhance the environment by promoting and financially supporting the revitalization and beautification of Ingersoll Avenue a vital corridor to Downtown." - Janis & John Ruan III"Ingersoll is part of the fabric of Des Moines. Making it more friendly to the large number of people who shop and live there is a most worthwhile project."  - Patty & Jim Cownie

"A vibrant and prosperous Ingersoll corridor is particularly important to Meredith Corporation because we don't have easy access to the skywalk and downtown services.  Ingersoll Avenue is right out our front door and its shops and restaurants have long been a destination place for Meredith employees.  We are delighted to be able to add to the vitality of an important part of Des Moines' history, and its future."-Steve Lacy, Meredith Corporation

"The Principal Financial Group supports projects that enhance the livability of our communities.  The exciting vision of Restoration Ingersoll adds another quality of life element to our city's core.  The potential for connectivity with downtown and The Principal Riverwalk will enhance the opportunity for recreation and a pedestrian-friendly environment. Encouraging the main street feel of a vibrant commercial and residential neighborhood takes us another step forward in supporting our world class city concept."     - Libby Jacobs, Principal Financial Group

"Nationwide is pleased to see the development that started in downtown Des Moines is now spreading to the Ingersoll neighborhood. Our associates have more options than ever for living, dining, and shopping. This makes for a vibrant community, and attracts more individuals to consider working and living in the heart of Des Moines. Nationwide is pleased to be part of Des Moines' revitalization."  - W. Kim Austen, Allied Insurance/Nationwide

"Wells Fargo invests in the communities where we do business, and the Restoration Ingersoll project is a great example of that. We improved our Ingersoll store, donated our team members' time and talent, and provided support dollars to make a difference in one of Des Moines' most unique and diverse neighborhoods. Our team volunteers regularly to support the Ingersoll Business Association. Wells Fargo also has backed the restoration project by making a significant contribution to its capital campaign. Ingersoll is where we live, where we work, and where we do business. This project is important to the community and to us."- David W. Mackaman, Wells Fargo Bank Iowa

Ways to Get Involved:

Restoration Ingersoll still needs community support and there are many ways to get involved. Corporations, organizations, families and individuals are invited to contribute to Restoration Ingersoll through one-time or multi-year pledges, participating in the   Buy-a-Brick campaign or by sponsoring a street light, bench, tree or planter urn. Please visit www.ingersollave.com for details and sponsorship sign-up forms. All contributions for the project are tax deductible and should be sent to:

Restoration Ingersoll
c/o Greater Des Moines Community Foundation
1915 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
 

Media Contacts: Kimberly Hansen (515) 771-4557 & Soozie McBroom (515) 778-3465

 

Thanks to generous corporate support, city and state funding, grants and private donations, the Restoration Ingersoll project will move from “blueprints” to “construction” with plans to break ground next summer 2007.

- Restoration Ingersoll Co-Chairs Kimberly Hansen & Soozie McBroom

"The Greater Des Moines Community Foundation is pleased to contribute to Restoration Ingersoll because this citizen-led initiative to restore a very important and historic community space promises significant economic and social impact. This project is a great example of citizen leaders working together to enhance quality of life in Greater Des Moines."

"Restoration Ingersoll is a fine example of public and private partnerships investing together to insure the success of Ingersoll’s rebirth. It is our responsibility as a community to improve and enhance the environment by promoting and financially supporting the revitalization and beautification of Ingersoll Avenue a vital corridor to Downtown.”

 - Janis & John Ruan III

“Ingersoll is part of the fabric of Des Moines. Making it more friendly to the large number of people who shop and live there is a most worthwhile project.”  

“A vibrant and prosperous Ingersoll corridor is particularly important to Meredith Corporation because we don’t have easy access to the skywalk and downtown services. Ingersoll Avenue is right out our front door and its shops and restaurants have long been a destination place for Meredith employees.  We are delighted to be able to add to the vitality of an important part of Des Moines’ history, and its future.”

“The Principal Financial Group supports projects that enhance the livability of our communities. The exciting vision of Restoration Ingersoll adds another quality of life element to our city's core. The potential for connectivity with downtown and The Principal Riverwalk will enhance the opportunity for recreation and a pedestrian-friendly environment. Encouraging the main street feel of a vibrant commercial and residential neighborhood takes us another step forward in supporting our world class city concept.”

"Nationwide is pleased to see the development that started in downtown Des Moines is now spreading to the Ingersoll neighborhood. Our associates have more options than ever for living, dining, and shopping. This makes for a vibrant community, and attracts more individuals to consider working and living in the heart of Des Moines. Nationwide is pleased to be part of Des Moines' revitalization."

- W. Kim Austen, Allied Insurance/Nationwide

"Wells Fargo invests in the communities where we do business, and the Restoration Ingersoll project is a great example of that. We improved our Ingersoll store, donated our team members' time and talent, and provided support dollars to make a difference in one of Des Moines' most unique and diverse neighborhoods. Our team volunteers regularly to support the Ingersoll Business Association. Wells Fargo also has backed the restoration project by making a significant contribution to its capital campaign. Ingersoll is where we live, where we work, and where we do business. This project is important to the community and to us."

“Every great community has definable landmarks. Des Moines is fortunate to have an entire corridor, running through its core that represents everything great about our city. Small business, diversity, entertainment, art and fun all combine to create Ingersoll Avenue. It’s a one-of-a-kind destination for a one-of-a-kind city!”

Restoration Ingersoll still needs community support and there are many ways to get involved. Corporations, organizations, families and individuals are invited to contribute to Restoration Ingersoll through one-time or multi-year pledges, participating in the Buy-a-Brick campaign or by sponsoring a street light, bench, tree or planter urn. Please visit www.ingersollave.com for details and sponsorship sign-up forms. All contributions for the project are tax deductible and should be sent to:

Restoration Ingersoll
c/o Greater Des Moines Community Foundation
1915 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309

MEDIA RESOURCES:
Kristi Knous, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, Vice President of Donor Relations & Programs: 515-883-2703
Kimberly Hansen, Co-Chair, Restoration Ingersoll: 515-771-4557
Soozie McBroom, Co-Chair, Restoration Ingersoll: 515-778-3465

Restoration Ingersoll Project earns key Grant from
The Greater Des Moines Community Foundation

The Restoration Ingersoll Project, which is designed to enhance the streetscape and increase pedestrian activity along historic Ingersoll Avenue, will receive up to $100,000.00 in competitive grants from the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation's Leadership Agenda Fund.

The first $50,000 Community Enhancement Grant will help fund a pilot streetscape project between 28th Street and 31st Street . The second $50,000 will be disbursed by the Community Foundation Board of Directors as the project moves forward with private fundraising.

Ingersoll Avenue , which serves as an extension of the gateway into downtown Des Moines , is home to a unique mix of retail and residential. Plans include new curbs, sidewalks, planters, decorative urns, streetlights, benches, bike racks and other pedestrian-friendly amenities.

"The Community Foundation is pleased to contribute to Restoration Ingersoll because this citizen-led initiative to restore a very important and historic community space promises significant economic and social impact.

"This Community Enhancement Grant is a good example of the Foundation's ability to allocate resources to citizen leaders who are working together to enhance quality of life in Greater Des Moines." 
                -Johnny Danos, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation

"The Community Foundation's signature pledge in the Restoration Ingersoll Project will serve as a catalyst for our private fundraising and accelerate the implementation of our plans for enhancing commercial and residential vitality.

"The grant combined with early support from Ingersoll area neighborhoods, businesses and property owners brought us to the tipping point. We invite and challenge more private donors and businesses to support the success of this historic neighborhood and retail district."

-Kimberly Hansen & Soozie McBroom, Co-Chairs, Restoration Ingersoll

For more information on the Restoration Ingersoll Project see www.ingersollave.com
or call 515-771-4557 or 515-778-3465.

###

Ingersoll Project Earns Grant

The Restoration Ingersoll Project, which is designed to enhance the streetscape and increase pedestrian traffic along Ingersoll Avenue , will receive up to $100,000 in grants from the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation's Leadership Agenda Fund.

The first $50,000 will help fund a pilot streetscape project between 28th and 31st streets. The second $50,000 will be disbursed by the Community Foundation board of directors as the project moves forward with private fund raising.

"The Community Foundation is pleased to contribute to Restoration Ingersoll because this citizen-led initiative to restore a very important and historic community space promises significant economic and social impact," said Johnny Danos of the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation.