Cowles Commons

Des Moines, Iowa

Colorful arching jets of water create exciting waves of motion that define a new vision for downtown Des Moines at the transformed Cowles Commons.

The Lauridsen Fountain is a renovated landmark city plaza featuring a “red carpet” granite and brick surface for outdoor concerts, festivals and events, as well as a 120 x 50-foot zero-depth fountain.

The spectacular interactive water feature, OTL’s second in Iowa, includes 17 nozzles with 56 LED lights that create an illuminated undulating water tunnel ranging from two to 20 feet high. Individual sprays are choreographed in succession to create rolling waves of movement designed to entice delighted pedestrians to wade in and explore.

Working for General Contractor The Weitz Company, OTL completed all mechanical, electrical, control systems, lighting and finish materials for the fountain, designed by Fluidity Design Consultants. Ken Smith Workshop was the design landscape architect, working with support from local landscape architects RDG Planning & Design. Des Moines Performing Arts assembled the design team and fundraising necessary to complete the revitalization project.