The City of Des Moines is considering three names for the alley behind the Des Moines Theater, as presented by the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) at the city council meeting on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

The proposed names are:

  • “Jack’s Alley“
  • “Backstage Alley“
  • “Waterland Alley“

Bettina Carey – a resident of the Des Moines Marina District and an alternate member of the CAC – detailed the significance of each name.

“Jack’s Alley”

She highlighted the story of Alfred Jackson “Jack” Jones Jr., known for his resilience and positive impact on the community. “Jack,” who has faced significant personal challenges, remains a beloved figure in Des Moines, known for his warmth, optimism, and dedication to the community.

Jack’s life story includes notable interactions with public figures, such as Vice President Al Gore, Senator Patty Murray, Senator Karen Keiser, Representative Adam Smith, and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Despite a severe assault that once left him injured, the community rallied around him, demonstrating the high regard in which he is held. Naming the alley “Jack’s Alley” would honor his enduring spirit and contributions to Des Moines.

“Backstage Alley”

The other proposed names also hold significant meaning. “Backstage Alley” reflects the vibrant arts and entertainment scene of the Des Moines Theater, celebrating the creativity and behind-the-scenes efforts that bring performances to life.

“Waterland Alley”

“Waterland Alley” pays homage to Des Moines’ rich maritime history, beautiful waterfront and city nickname, embodying the community’s connection to the water and its natural beauty.

Charlene Bacalzo, a CAC representative for downtown businesses, explained the democratic and fair process the committee followed to narrow down over 300 entries to the top three names. The city council will now deliberate and choose the name that best represents the spirit of Des Moines.

“As a whole we wondered how this could ever become 3 top suggestions for our city council to determine the ‘one,'” Bacalzo said. “The process was democratic, fair & impressive. We were able to first narrow it down to about 15 and then the top 3.”

The final decision will shape a part of the city’s identity, reflecting its values and heritage for years to come.

“Council, you have your work cut out for you,” Carey said. “We look forward to your thoughts about which name resonates to help us shape a part of our city’s identity!”

Let us know in comments below which name you prefer, and why…

11 replies on “City considering 3 names for Des Moines’ Theater Alley: Jack’s, Backstage, or Waterland”

  1. How much money is this costing our town of Des Moines, WA? We are naming an alley? Is this a joke?!

    1. The City of Des Moines needs to name the alleyway behind the Des Moines Theater to ensure new businesses there can receive their mail. To make the process fun and transparent, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee, composed of volunteers, was tasked with gathering name suggestions and presenting three finalists to the City Council. The final choice will be made by the council in an upcoming meeting.

  2. I vote Waterland Alley, since the area is known as Waterland but there isn’t a street with that name.

    1. I agree! While “Jack’s Alley” is a lovely thought, anyone who doesn’t live in Des Moines (or the many residents who just aren’t familiar with him) will not know who Jack is or why the alley named that. Whereas, we’re the “Waterland Community” so that alley name would help drive that moniker home and further brand our city. Des Moines is unique, being one of the few towns right on Puget Sound!

  3. I vote “Jack’s Alley”! As homage to our beloved Jack, but also that it is a unique name, the others sound run-of-the-mill to me. We need something unique for our wonderful City of Des Moines- I vote Jack!

  4. Definitely “Jack’s Alley.” It has the best story and is the easiest to say. People aren’t going to bother saying “pull around into Waterland Alley.” They will just say alley. But “Jack’s Alley” is easy enough that people will go ahead and say it.

  5. Who is Jack? For those of us who aren’t familiar with him, we could use more information than just “he’s a beloved citizen…” and he’s had “… notable interactions …”

  6. How about reconsidering Lighthouse alley? It has a good visual landmark already, and evokes our maritime heritage and ties to Vashon/Maury island. There’s no confusion when you tell someone to go to the alley at the lighthouse.

  8. I vote Jack’s alley!!!
    When he’s no longer with us, what beautiful way to remember him by. He has touched more lives than not. You won’t ever be in the same room as Jack and not smile. He is a regular at most Des Moines businesses and he would be SO happy to have this named after him!!!

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