“Sit, Stay, Play, in Dogtown.” That is the message the leaders of the project focused on. The goal of the project is uplifting Dogtown.
Dogtowndsm.com, the official website for Dogtown Des Moines, launched in March of 2025 to promote the area’s many entertainment opportunities. This site serves as a central destination for users to access information and contact details for all Dogtown locations.
“Des Moines Entertainment District. Dogtown Des Moines. In the heart of the Drake Neighborhood,” is the message on the homepage of the site which encapsulates everything this project stands for. With Drake’s proximity to Dogtown, the mission of the project has been very focused on elevating the community.
Nate Reagen, chief of staff at Drake and a leader on this project, wants people to be more aware of all Dogtown has to offer.
“Part of my role is leading community relations and as an anchor institution, we are committed to our community,” Reagen said. “Being connected to our community means being highly connected to those who are immediately around us.”
The site provides an overview of the Dogtown community and the different businesses that are located there. Along with the website, visitors can also find Dogtown maps featuring all the businesses in the neighborhood. On campus, the maps can also be found in the first-year dorms, the Johansen Student Center, the Student Services Desk and the Olmsted Center.
The footprint of Dogtown, as defined by the map, extends as far east as Planned Parenthood – Susan Knapp Health Center and as far west as Habaneros and Swift Suds. The map also highlights Uptown Shopping Center, supporting its goal of uplifting all parts of the surrounding Drake community.
“We want to make those businesses better because they are by Drake, and we are better because they’re here. Everybody wins, and a rising tide lifts all boats,” Reagen said.
The website consists of four primary categories: Things to Do, Eat/Drink, Shopping/Services and Community.
With so many student promotions — like the Student Burger deal at Lucky Horse and the punch card at Varsity Cinema — offered in the Drake neighborhood, the hope has been to get students involved and bring them down to Dogtown.
Natalie Onkst, a senior studying magazine and brand media and a member of the Peer Advisory Board for Welcome Weekend this year, got to spend a lot of time with incoming first-years.
“I think the Dogtown website is especially beneficial for new students, a part of the Drake neighborhood/community,” Onkst said. “My only worry is students being aware of the website. Most times, activities around Dogtown are shared via word of mouth, when this [the Dogtown website] can be a resource to see what is going on.”
In terms of social media coverage, Dogtown Des Moines has Facebook and Instagram accounts, and posts are featured on the website.
The Dogtown district Instagram is currently operated by social media intern Aidan Ramsey. The social media features business spotlights that highlight specific businesses with general info, as well as featured items and specials. The Dogtown Instagram also spotlights events happening in the area.
As students have returned to campus, the hope is to build more awareness around the Dogtown Des Moines website, which could encourage students to visit some of these businesses. University Ave will also see pole banners go up soon, along with more signage, featuring Dogtown, to raise even more awareness to those just passing through.
Future hopes are to elevate Dogtown and make it the spot for entertainment. Nate Reagen mentioned that with college and high school sports, music venues, a movie theater and multiple bookstores, Dogtown has it all, making it the one-stop location for entertainment.
