swilkeshapiro.com

Des Moines Perspective is a blog dedicated to discussion of urbanism and community in the Des Moines metro area. I will be developing using this web site/blog to advocate for more thoughtful, connected, compact development in Des Moines and the surrounding areas.

15thWardSTL.org was started as an outlet for my thoughts on neighborhood development and politics in St. Louis. Some of the interesting topics included:

• Working against a proposed McDonald's drive thru
• Trader Joe's letter writing campaign
• Discussion of the two ward organizations
• Rehabilitation analysis for an art deco apartment building
• Redesign proposal for the Schnuck's property at Grand and Gravios

Soon after moving to Des Moines, in September 2007, I started organizing the Des Moines Rehabers Club. The DSMRC mission is to promote neighborhood revitalization and restoration of Des Moines' unique building stock by informing, educating, inspiring, and supporting each other in all phases of home renovation and maintenance.