After nearly two years of construction, those who visit, work or live in downtown Des Moines can finally see from the street what’s coming to fruition in the space formerly known as Nollen Plaza.

And it won’t be long before the construction fences come down, allowing those who watch to finally take a walk on the red carpet of Cowles Commons.

But when will that be?

“We anticipate that to be on or around June 18,” Jeff Chelesvig, president and CEO of Des Moines Performing Arts, said during a media event inside Cowles Commons on Wednesday. “Construction crews will spend the next couple weeks focusing on the finishing touches.”

Prior to opening to the public, Cowles Commons will host WineFest Des Moines this weekend, including Sips and the City on Friday and the Grand Tasting on Saturday. Events will take place on the “red carpet,” a focal point of the space.

Others attending Wednesday’s event included Mary Kramer, who introduced State Auditor Mary Mosiman during the media program. Mosiman spoke on behalf of Vision Iowa, which was one of the funders for the project.

“As I look around, the imagination of what’s here far exceeds what I … well, just look around!” Kramer said.

Mosiman later called the project “a fantastic renovation of a downtown space.”

“People who come here will be attracted to Cowles Commons, and those attracted to Cowles Commons will be attracted to other areas of Des Moines,” she said at the event. “It’s an economic driver for the city.”

Led by Des Moines Performing Arts, the Cowles Commons redesign and renovation project began in 2008 with a design charette and public workshops. Fundraising and meetings with city leaders, project partners and stakeholders followed and construction began in fall 2013. More than $12 million was raised to complete the project.

To hear Chelesvig talk more about the future of Cowles Commons and the project’s next steps, WATCH THE VIDEO. >>>