| Robert Mickle | |
| Other Names: | Bob |
| Birth Name: | Robert W. Mickle |
| Birth Date: | 4 October 1926 |
| Birth Place: | Boone, Iowa, U.S. |
| Death Place: | Boone County, Iowa, U.S. |
| Resting Place: | Linwood Park Cemetery |
Robert W. "Bob" Mickle (12 February 1925 – 1 March 2009) was an American city planner, community leader, and activist from Des Moines, Iowa.[1] He was active in his planning career for nearly 40 years. His lifelong commitment to community activism and volunteerism, is recognized to have had a lasting impact[2] on the city of Des Moines.[3] [4] Among his accomplishments are the founding of the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, construction oversight of Des Moines' "Skywalks" footbridge system,[5] and the Mickle Center.[6]
Mickle was the founding director of the Central Iowa Regional Planning Commission. He served as head of the commission from its creation in the mid-60s until 1972, when its rapid growth necessitated a redistribution of responsibility. Mickle continued to serve as director of planning, while the executive director position was given to Joel Gunnells.[7]
Robert Mickle Business and Neighborhood Resource Center, locally known as "the Mickle Center,"[8] is both the name of an organization and the building it operates in. The center was named after Robert Mickle for his contributions to Des Moines. Originally a senior center, the building was trusted to Mickle for $1 by the City of Des Moines on the condition that the organization would operate as a nonprofit. The building was subsequently renovated under Mickle's direction. Its newly renovated facility included office spaces, meeting rooms, and a community room.[4] The center, officially registered as "Neighborhood Investment Corporation", has served the Sherman Hill neighborhood[9] and the greater Des Moines community as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization[10] [11] for several years. It functions as a shelter for many charitable organizations and a venue for various social activities.[12] [13] [14] [15] As of December 2019, the president of the center is Jack Porter.[11]