Illuminate Mainframe Celebrates Capital Project Completion

Photo by Ryan Damman

Mainframe Studios is proud to announce the official completion of our capital project, Illuminate Mainframe, aimed to improve exterior lighting on our five story 165,000 square foot building in the heart of downtown.

“The glow of our exterior now reflects the passion that drives our mission to support, protect, and elevate arts and culture in Central Iowa. We hope this illumination serves as a visible reminder that Mainframe Studios is a year-round beacon of creativity, inspiration, and community in Des Moines.” - Julia Franklin, Mainframe Executive Director.

The $165,000 project was designed to make Mainframe a visible, welcoming, and safe cultural destination for more than 174,000 annual visitors - artists, tenants, clients, and guests alike.

The state-of-the-art LED lighting serves multiple interconnected purposes:

• Highlighting the architectural design of this historic building and showcasing the distinct large scale exterior mural.

• Enhancing public safety and accessibility for everyone who uses this space: artists working late, visitors attending evening events, neighbors passing by, and community members experiencing Mainframe for the first time.

• Revitalizing the entry into North Downtown Des Moines and creating a welcoming threshold that signals creativity, care, and cultural vitality.

• Promoting energy sustainability, using efficient LED technology that aligns with both our environmental responsibility and long-term stewardship of this building.

Funding for this project was made possible by generous support from Steve and Cathy Lacy, Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Operation Downtown, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, and the Polk County Board of Supervisors.

Key partners in the capital campaign include Justin Mandelbaum for his vision, John McGowan for championing the project, Deb Lawrence for her project management expertise, and Central Iowa Mechanical, especially Neil Young and Andy Richardson, for their outstanding work.

A private Glow Party was held on Friday, May 1 to recognize key donors and supporters. The project is fully completed, and the public can experience the lighting each evening.