Project Description
Located in the Western Gateway of Des Moines, Iowa, the renovation of this 90 year old commercial building was the result of a build-to-suit partnership between the builder owner, Westgate Partneship, LLC., and Flynn Wright, an established advertising agency. The project included a complete front facade replacement, interior renovation, and modernization of the building’s infrastructure.
The primary influence on the design was the building’s location across the street from the recently completed Pappajohn Sculpture Park. In addition, previously filled openings were re-glazed on the back and sides of the building providing extensive day-lighting and views in all directions from this urban site.
Despite the modern appearance of the redesigned facade, the historical significance of the building was honored. For example, a limestone “shroud” was utilized as a reference to the building’s original facade. In addition, the historic mosaic tile and plaster moldings of the interior were preserved or replcated where possible. Recently, the project attracted Microsoft as a second high profile tenant – a remarkable transformation for a building that less than one year prior was nearly abandoned and had no clear future.