LOCATION
Des Moines, Iowa

AREA
37,000 GSF

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Originally built in 1906, the Beaux-Arts-style Polk County courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It underwent a multi-phase renovation that began with the exterior, completed in 2015. The next, much larger phase focused on the interior renovation, which was completed in 2022.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Replaced the HVAC system resulting in higher occupant comfort with low energy costs.
• Designed individual control and ventilation in the courtrooms and judge’s chambers provided by a dedicated outside air system incorporating energy recovery.
• Designed plumbing systems, including domestic water heaters, throughout the building for increased efficiency and modernization.
• Electrical service throughout the facility was upgraded, including distribution panels.
• Retro-fitted existing, historic light fixtures to LED and provided new, custom fixtures to replicate historic light fixtures.
• LED luminaries were installed for architectural façade lighting, including ground-mounted flood lights, building-mounted flood lights, and in-grade-mounted luminaries.
• Faster, more efficient communication and data sharing were accomplished by creating telecommunications spaces and a complete optical fiber system.

Photography credit: OPN Architects