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Design Achievement - Appropriate use of local materials is one of the memorable goals for the new Anamosa Middle School. DLR Group's design uses Anamosa stone highlighted by common building materials on the exterior and interior of the new building. The local stone can be found on many prominent buildings in the city. The transparent , high-volume, main entry with a metal sloping roof captures attention as does the massive etching of the school mascot on the exterior wall of the gymnasium. The metal roof accentuates high-vaulted areas of interest both inside and out. Flexible classrooms, technology, and gymnasium spaces promote 21st century learning environments , while ample day lighting and outdoor learning spaces promote sustainable design. The operable partition in the band room opens and provides a stage in the gymnasium for a low-cost, yet efficient , performance area. Scope Summary - The 79,000 SF middle school serves 450 students and replaces an existing 1920's structure.   A safe room, wrestling room, gymnasium, media center and science laboratory are among the program improvements of the new facility. Recognized for energy-efficiency, the building utilizes ground source heat pump, lighting controls and a high-efficiency building envelope to provide a comfortable environment for all. The transparent design positively impacts the learning environments with natural daylight and outdoor views. The high-volume central core is utilized as a welcoming transitional path for the common areas as well as a mechanical conduit for adjacent spaces. DLR Group is responsible for the architecture, civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as interior design.
Design Narrative DLR Group’s design for renovation and addition to Chariton High School enhances instructional delivery, and creates a distinctive new architectural character that both preserves the positive historic character of the original 1923 building while elevating that of the 1956 addition. The team’s design solutions successfully fulfill the District’s goals to provide technologically current and flexible facilities; achieve energy efficiency; ensure ADA accessibility; and provide a safe, secure and comfortable teaching and learning environment that is community-friendly. Scope Summary The scope of work includes a 10,000 SF elevator, kitchen and classroom addition as well as 94,000 SF of renovation. Mechanical and electrical upgrades including a new geothermal heating and cooling system. The design team and District prioritized sustainable design strategies including daylighting and energy-efficient lighting; sufficiently insulated building envelope; low water-use landscaping; and the geothermal system to reduce energy consumption and associated future costs. DLR Group provided architectural, civil, mechanical and eletrical engineering services for this project.
Design Achievement Underwood High School was originally built by DLR Group in 1976. This long-term client relationship has led to several projects for the district including DLR Group’s design of the new athletic facility addition and fine arts addition to the original high school building.   Using simple exterior materials of ribbed concrete block, the additions match the context of the existing facility. The entrance plaza created by the new gymnasium addition serves as a focal point with a large eagle mascot graphic covering the wall. Multi-sloped gypsum bulkheads in the auditorium generate a dynamic space and create “wall frames” to display announcements and performance posters.   While the athletic addition provides a second gymnasium to meet district needs for practices and games, the community also benefits as the weight room/fitness room and wrestling room can be used after hours. Scope Summary (waiting for info from Chad Beeson) The athletics addition is 16,725 SF and includes 208 bleacher seats in the gymnasium as well as a wrestling room and a fitness room. The fine arts addition features a 415-seat auditorium that upgraded the district from the stage/commons/cafeteria layout. The auditorium includes a projection screen for large audience viewing, full-stage rigging, and a catwalk.
Design Achievement - Centennial High School is the result of fast-paced enrollment growth in the Ankeny Community School District and the expansion to a two high school system. At the center of DLR Group's design is an enclosed courtyard providing indoor/outdoor connections, pathways, and social spaces. The intent is to enhance identity, connectivity and collaboration by breaking down the large comprehensive high school into four smaller learning communities. The academic areas are developed in two-story houses with performing and visual arts located on one side and athletics and dining on the other. The dining commons is designed with a 200-foot curtain wall view of the central courtyard and booth-seating and ceiling planes help define areas for large and small groups. The Java Jaguars coffee shop is another unique feature that allows the Special Education students to gain life skills and generate funds for their program through operating the business.   Scope Summary - The 281,000 SF comprehensive high school serves 1,400 students in grades 10-12 and is recognized for its energy-efficient design. The district's unique grade configuration consists of middle schools for grades 6-7 and middle schools for grades 8-9. The 83-acre site includes a prominent main entrance that is reinforced by the site design of traffic flow. The landscaped parking promotes safety with maximum drop off lengths and separation of buses and cars. The central courtyard is surrounded by classrooms, library, dining commons, art and guidance offices giving outdoor views, day light and six points of access to students and staff.  DLR Group provided all project services including architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical engineering and interior design.
Design Achievement - The new Fort Madison 4 - 8 building has a prominent location in the community as it sits on top of a bluff above the Mississippi River. DLR Group's design reflects the community's connection with the river and the striated plateau. The high-volume double entry creates a focal point and includes a tower that is used as a reading loft. The tower design imitates the pilot's house on nearby river barges. Students enjoy this popular space and have views of the gymnasium and the stage. The unique configuration was the result of closing three schools and consolidating into one efficient new building. All students share the internal infrastructure, however the three individual wings provide necessary grade level separation among the elementary and middle school students. Scope Summary - The 110,000 SF building serves students in grades 4 - 8. The face brick, curtain wall and metal panel materials are cost effective and appealing to the community. The tiered site gives way to a top-loading gymnasium and a walk-out lower level. Flexibility is shown throughout the building with the cafeteria doubling as a box suite for game day/concessions and the gymnasium also being used as an auditorium. DLR Group provided architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical engineering, as well as construction administration services.
Design Achievement Kehl Management along with the help of Baxter Construction Company has set in motion a plan to build new facilities in Davenport, Iowa with a budget of up to $100,000,000. DLR Group’s design for building at this site will replace the floating Rhythm City Casino which currently resides there now. As the selected design team DLR Group’s main focus is to retain all the successful aspects of Rhythm City Casino, 4-star hotel experience including fine dining options, an 18 Lane Bowling alley and a 1,200 seat tiered theater. Scope Summary The scope of work for this project is a 100-room, 4-star hotel with an optional plan to include a 100,000 SF interior mall for a retail shopping experience. This project will also include 1,000 seats in meeting room space with operable partitions for subdividing, a show lounge, both fine dining and a buffet, an indoor pool, and a spa with on-grade parking and service drivers for all automobiles including trucks and RV’s. Besides all of these amenities there are 1,000 casino slots with 26 games and a poker room with 8-10 tables. DLR Group provided architecture, interiors and engineer services.
Design Achievement - The University of Northern Iowa wanted to update its 40+ year old education building into an environment that educates future teachers to inspire and prepare learners to live in an ever-changing, globalized world. DLR Group’s design fosters and promotes creativity, collaboration and communication through the careful integration of adaptable, technology-rich environments that encourage interaction amongst students, faculty and the community. The design establishes several breakout areas with readily configurable furniture that enables students to quickly congregate and collaborate. Informal learning spaces are ‘carved out’ of corridors and main thoroughfares to create nodes where students cross paths in a natural way that creates a welcoming community feel. The first and second floors are connected by a series of open stairways that encourage greater interaction between the high traffic student commons area and the more formal faculty areas. Scope Summary - The scope of this project included a complete renovation of an existing 150,480 SF building to open up, and update the learning environments into space that supports 21st Century learning. DLR Group provided architecture, interior design, mechanical and electrical engineering in conjunction with Stantec as design architect.
Investigative services performed under this contract include evaluation for structural integrity and feasibility of installing the Siemens PET-CT unit in the medical center. Following determination of a suitable site, construction drawings developed including, demolition, architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work, reproduction of bid documents; construction period services; final inspections and as-built drawings.
Design Achievement The building owner was interested in pursuing IEQ certification and required assistance generating required documentation. DLR Group's energy team was hired to to assess and document energy usage with HVAC systems, lighting and envelope infrastructure and provided recommendations for sustainable building operations. Scope Summary DLR Group's energy services team created a Facility Energy Assessment Report with low cost, larger capital cost, and retrocommissioning energy improvements. DLR Group conducted a Level 1 Energy Audit.
Mingo Middle School Analysis of improvements to assist the District in determining the direction and capacity to conduct a bond referendum.  The analysis included the following items: Exterior envelope HVAC Systems Interior Finishes Fire Safety Equipment ADA Study
The Ankeny Community School District has experienced steady growth and investment of its academic facilities over the years. However, as their student enrollments exploded, they lacked adequate maintenance facilities to accommodate District service vehicles. The deficiency in dry, heated vehicle bays made winter time snow removal preparation duties extraordinarily difficult and time consuming. Their new 10,100 SF, 16 bay vehicle storage facility allows for comfortable servicing of vehicles year-round and keeps their vehicles in a state of readiness for any inclement weather scenarios. In addition to the new vehicle facility, a new sand/salt/mulch storage bunker was added to the maintenance campus, which allows District operations to prep-purchase and store materials onsite in a protected structure rather than using previous time-consuming and often less than effective means such as tarps and plastic sheeting.
DLR Group’s design of this addition and renovation focuses on the District’s priority of outstanding instructional delivery. In addition to fulfilling program needs, the solution places key additions at the prominent entry location to convey to the community a renewed identity of a flexible, secure, accessible and sustainable school for the 21st century. Additions include new science classrooms, reception, administration and multi-purpose areas and a new auditorium at the school’s southeast corner. This new structure faces a new 295-stall parking lot and new drives. Architectural design employs brick and detailing to match the school’s existing character, while creating a welcoming new sense of entry for students, staff and community members. Renovations include new tiered floor business classrooms, family consumer science room, restrooms, ADA upgrades, window and door replacements. Mechanical and electrical upgrades will be put in place to accommodate the new geothermal heating and cooling system. Sustainable design strategies include daylighting and energy-efficient lighting; sufficiently insulated building envelope; low water-use landscaping; and the new geothermal system reducing energy consumption and associated future costs.  Extended: Virkler/Ward 05/11/10 DLR Group’s design of this addition and renovation focuses on the District’s priority of outstanding instructional delivery. In addition to fulfilling program needs, the solution places key additions at the prominent entry location to convey to the community a renewed identity of a flexible, secure, accessible and sustainable school for the 21st century. Additions include new reception, administration and multi-purpose areas and a new auditorium at the school’s southeast corner, facing a new 295-stall parking lot and new drives. Architectural design employs brick and detailing to match the school’s existing character, while creating a welcoming new sense of entry for students, staff and community members. A new 12,000 SF science classroom suite (science and level I / level II classrooms) added to the school’s west side provides perimeter classrooms and centralized support spaces to maximize classroom daylighting. These instructional spaces are organized for maximum efficiency and flexibility for versatility in instructional delivery. Spaces employ new state-of-the-art equipment and mobile workstations that can be organized either in perimeter laboratory arrangements, or a classroom arrangement leaving the center of the room open for large experiments. Renovations and updates include:• Converting the former media center into two business classrooms and a single social studies classroom, two of which are fitted with a raised floor system to facilitate lecture-hall instructional styles.• Major renovation of the family and consumer science classroom, including new modern fixtures and appliances.• Major restroom renovations in the classroom wings for ADA compliance.• Classroom and media center upgarades, including new flooring, ceilings and paint.• Complete window and interior door replacement in all remodeled areas.• Upgrades to circulation areas, including filling in glass panes with gypsum wall board and making entryways ADA compliant.• New student lockers.• Mechanical and electrical upgrades, including installation of a new geothermal system and electrical service. Sustainable design strategies include daylighting and energy-efficient lighting; sufficiently insulated building envelope; low water-use landscaping; and the new geothermal system reducing energy consumption and associated future costs.
Design Narrative: Athletes and spectators who enter Carlisle High School’s new softball field will find themselves in an impressive, state-of-the art facility. Carlisle Community School District wanted the renovated field to match the quality of other facilities in the area. DLR Group’s design affords several much needed improvements to the field, all of which provide an enhanced game day experience for parents, students and community members. Updates to the field include improved amenities for players and coaches, expanded grandstands, an upgraded press box, improved home and visitor dugouts, modernized athletic field lighting and a new concessions building. A substantial public plaza area provides a space for fans to gather together in support of their team. Situated along Highway 5 and designed to complement the adjacent baseball field, the new field is a proud proclamation of Carlisle Community School District’s investment in their students and commitment to their brand. Its presence positively impacts the public’s perception of both the District and the school’s athletic department, eliciting community pride and bolstering school spirit. Scope Summary: The scope of work for this project involved renovation of the existing field. This included new breakaway backstop netting to improve visibility of the field, updated home and visitor dugouts and a burnished concrete masonry unit backstop. The grandstands, which wrap around the backstop, provide seating for 300 spectators and can be expanded as the district continues to grow to accommodate up to 500 spectators. Material selection for the field focused on utilizing options that offer durable, low-maintenance features to help ensure the space’s longevity and cost-effectiveness. To maintain brand consistency and embolden school spirit, roofing elements were designed using the school’s signature “Carlisle red.” Enhanced athletic field lighting allowed for uniform lighting across the field, improving visibility and enhancing the game day experience for athletes and attendees. Careful collaboration and coordination with the Civil Engineering team meant the concessions building was properly sited to provide a generous plaza area that can accommodate the district’s growing number of fans. The project was delivered on schedule, just in time for the new season home opener. DLR Group provided architecture, construction management and all engineering services.
Design Achievement: Dallas-Center Grimes Community School District enrollment projections revealed the need for a new Dallas-Grimes Middle School to be built on the same site as the existing high school. With industrial-modern concepts in mind, DLR Group's design provides a rich contrast in materiality and aesthetics to the adjacent high school. To nurture a collaborative atmosphere, teaming areas were created in the two classroom wings where the high-volume space harnesses plenty of natural daylight ideal for a productive learning environment. The school also includes a new competition gymnasium for varsity events along with a cafeteria/commons area full of transparency to the east and west establishing framed views to the outdoors. Scope Summary: The 95,000 SF building serves students in grades 8-9. The middle school has an enclosed link connecting it to the current high school promoting use of shared space. DLR Group provided architecture and engineering services.
The 600 Seat JosephineTope Community Auditorium is located just south of the existing Gymnasium and New Multi-Purpose Safe-Room at the Nevada High School. In an effort to create a sense of entry, the auditorium is flanked by a meandering glass façade that interacts with the south plaza creating a smooth transition and clear definition between High School and Community Auditorium functions. Features Include: BothTheater and Stadium Seating, Accessible Seating, Boys & Girls Changing Rooms, Scene Shop with access to storage, Green Room (shared space with Multi-purpose Safe Room), Ample Restroom Facilities,and a recessed Orchestra Pit. Careful use of design elements like truss tails and overhangs which respond the 50’s era design of the existing High School while at the same time remaining true to their time. The material selection is a subtle compliment of red and tan brick which plays on the existing campus palette. With the use of contrasting concrete elements fenestrated with a repetitive jointing pattern the design is able to breakdown the large window less masses of the auditorium structure.
Design Achievement - Following the consolidation of school districts from the towns of Carson, Macedonia and Oakland, IA, Riverside CSD sought to create a new facility that would enrich the unity of the three communities. To reflect this goal, DLR Group’s concept for the new Riverside Junior/Senior High School incorporates the concept of “Three Communities United as One” throughout its design. The building’s main focal point is its triangle-shaped commons and cafeteria area, the shape of which represents the unity of the three communities. One side faces the entrance plaza, offering views of the Nishnabotna River Valley (a scene that gives Riverside its name), a second side addresses the performing arts area and a third side presents grand views of the athletic area through large window openings. The school is a beacon of pride, and serves as a symbol of Riverside CSD’s commitment to the unity of its communities and dedication to its mission to prepare students to become responsible citizens in a global society. Scope Summary - The scope of work for this project created a new 103,000 SF junior/senior high school to replace Riverside’s previous 85-year-old building and serve the community's students in grades 7-12. This included development of a dedicated VoAg building, athletic fields to support football, soccer, track, baseball and softball and a performing arts auditorium. A state-of-the-art media center functions as a divider between the middle school and high school areas, while multi-purpose learning spaces provide opportunities for informal and formal education. The site location, while challenging, presented an opportunity for a “stepped” building plan that worked with the grades and allowed for three different level changes within the building. The “Three as One” imagery was carried through to the exterior of the building via a number of aesthetic components, including a trio of striping elements mixed throughout the façade and, in certain exterior elevation areas, brick pattering/coloration arranged to resemble the number three. Three main exterior materials were also used: brick, EIFS and window glazing. DLR Group provided architecture, landscape design and all engineering services.
Design Achievement - Carlisle Community School District’s new fitness center is the product of a 10-year master plan that began with a parking lot project. The addition provides superb athletic facilities for students and has the versatility to allow future academic additions to the south side of the current high school. DLR Group’s design features an elevated exercise track that provides access to both the wrestling and weight rooms, offering a unique vantage point for spectators at various sporting events. The main lobby and concessions area are acoustically connected to the gymnasium space, enabling sound to travel between the spaces and increase the spectator experience during games. A feature wall accented by a metal panel and school logo defines the entry and inspires a strong sense of community pride. The facility provides students with opportunities to excel in athletics and pursue their passions. Transparency, technology, and the layout of each space elevates the ultimate game day experiences for coaches, athletes, and fans. Scope Summary - The new 57,500 SF addition includes an 1,800-seat competition gymnasium, wrestling room, weights and fitness room, lobby, concessions, restrooms, locker rooms, training, and coaches’ rooms. The use of Carlisle logos, graphics, and photos adds vibrancy and energy to the space, while the upper level opening between the gymnasium and entry lobby allows crowd noise to be heard as soon as you walk in the front door of the building. An abundance of diffused natural daylight fills the gymnasium space which can host up to three wrestling tournaments. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design services.
Design Achievement - The new Gilbert High School creates a gateway to the community with its north wall serving as a billboard with the city name "Gilbert" cast into the face of the wall. DLR Group's design expresses the pride and commitment the community has towards education and the success of the students. The new high school expands and improves all programs and accommodates future enrollment growth. The energy efficient building also creates continuity between all of Gilbert's educational facilities through the use of face brick. As promised, DLR Group has been listening, designing and delivering projects on time and budget for the school district for over 20 years. The new high school is a refreshing and necessary addition that will sustain the community for years to come.  Scope Summary - The 123,000 SF building is built for expansion and can serve up to 1,400 students in grades 9-12. The classrooms are generous at 900 SF and the project includes labs for science, art, vo/ag, and business, a 15,000 SF competition gymnasium, and a 620-seat auditorium. The district also requested a FEMA safe room, fitness and locker room addition, and a multi-purpose outdoor activity complex. Energy efficiency design includes increased wall and roof insulation, lighting occupancy sensors, exterior LED lighting, CO2 control for outside air, on-site storm water management, and geothermal heat pumps. DLR Group services included architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, technology and interiors.
Design Achievement The Cross, Resurrection, and Light is the design inspiration for the new Bishop Heelan Catholic High School. DLR Group’s design reflects the school’s mission and meets programmatic needs with 21st century learning environments. The chapel has a 30’ glass and metal panel cross incorporated into the exterior facade. This focal point signifies the essence and core values of the school and creates an inviting entrance. Three crosses also are subtly designed into the auditorium acoustic treatment space. Close coordination between all disciplines simplified the challenges of the steep site and phasing plans. The site’s extreme grade change gave way to a tiered auditorium that is accessible on grade at both the front and back of the building.  Although the gymnasium is planned for the second phase, it also is planned to be a top-loading facility.   Scope Summary The first phase of the new Bishop Heelan Catholic High School is 37,600 SF. In addition to the 630-seat auditorium, this phase includes band, vocal and drama classrooms as well as a dressing room, scene shop, an art room, business classroom and resource classroom. The cafeteria and commons space will be the connecting point for the second phase of construction which will be an additional 84,000 SF of classrooms and a gymnasium. While waiting for funding and completion of the construction of the second phase, students and the community will be able to use the new fine arts spaces in conjunction with the existing high school classrooms and athletic facilities. DLR Group provided the following services for the first phase:  architecture, structural engineering, electrical and mechanical engineering, and interior design.
Design Achievement – The new Hilton full service convention hotel is located at the edge of downtown Des Moines’ Iowa Events Center (IEC). Additionally, the ground up hotel will connect to the Des Moines skywalk system, and feature a surface parking lot on the east along with 120 parking spaces below the building. DLR Group's design team used the building massing to emphasize the border of the existing Iowa Events Center civic buildings on the site and rebrand the intersection at 5th and Park streets. The project incorporates a new transparent base that activates the urban street frontage and invites guests into its lobby and restaurant spaces. The architecture is highlighted by a large sculptural vertical frame that climbs up the structure and anchors the corner of the building. Floating above the intersection and restaurant is an elevated roof deck entertainment space. The guestroom tower above offers panoramic views of the downtown skyline and capitol building on the east horizon. Scope Summary - This 317,638 SF of new construction includes 330 guestrooms, public lobby, bar, and amenity spaces. The project also includes 14,000 SF of new meeting space which includes a Ballroom, Meeting Rooms, and Pre-function spaces. A 125 car parking structure is located beneath the building. DLR Group provided architectural services.
Design Narrative The Gilbert Community School District's new high school campus includes the addition of a multi-purpose stadium complex to replace its current aging facilities.  The new stadium will stand as a proud marquee to Tiger Athletics with enhancements to spectator amenities to provide a unique fan experience.  The complex also includes a new Fitness/Athletic Training Wing and a sports store for Tigers fans to purchase gear.       Scope Summary The new stadium complex boasts an all-weather track, synthetic turf field, seating for 1,500 spectators, a 2-tier press box and state of the art field lighting.  The complex includes a wide array of audio/video technology infrastructure to not only monitor the game, but also enhance the working environment of volunteer concessioners in the new multi-purpose concessions building located at the south end zone.

Design Description: Daum Hall is the home to honors students at the University of Iowa. The aged facility needed a facelift to match students’ expectations of a desirable living environment. Starting with color and materials, DLR Group’s design transforms the space into light and modern public environments that encourage residents to interact with other students on the floor. The more subdued color and material pallet in the dorm rooms create an inviting and warm space that is conducive to quieter endeavors. DLR Group has elevated the human experience through design by challenging the status quo for what they feel comfortable with. In the end, the owners were in love with the new design and direction. Scope Summary: The scope of this project involved updating 55,000 SF of space in the 436-bed residence hall including student rooms, public spaces, a new group study room, student lounges, corridors, stairwells, and elevator lobbies. DLR Group provided architecture and interiors services.
Design Achievement - Since Storm Lake High School’s original construction in 1962, the building has undergone several additions; however, the District had not made any significant enhancements or improvements to the high school’s infrastructure or learning environments in nearly two decades. As a steadily growing district serving a diverse population, Storm Lake CSD decided it was time to redesign the facility so that it reflects the school’s identity and provides students with unique spaces to connect and collaborate. DLR Group’s design for the addition and renovation of Storm Lake High School incorporates 21st century learning spaces throughout, transforming the existing facility into a holistic, modern, and environmentally-conscious high school that blends the old with the new. Intrinsic in the design’s conception is the District’s strong connection to the community and its commitment to the fine arts. A key focal point is the dramatic, state-of-the-art auditorium addition, which is highlighted by a curved wall in the commons area and a spectacular performing arts venue ideal for use by students and professionals alike. The result of strong a collaboration between DLR Group designers and Storm Lake educators and administrators, the updated high school features 360° learning environments that encourage spontaneous instruction and flexible breakout spaces and teaming areas that drive collaborative engagement. Scope Summary - The scope of work for this project included multifaceted renovation of the existing 160,000 SF high school as well as 57,000 SF of new additions. Additions the facility, which serves 650 students in grades 9-12, included a 750-seat auditorium, 9th grade academic wing, and a practice gymnasium. In addition to the newly expanded areas, a complete interior renovation was undertaken and included modernizations to classrooms, restrooms, public spaces, and administration areas. A number of energy efficient strategies were employed including window replacement with low E glazing and light diffusing insulated glass, and solid forms to the west to prevent direct sunlight heat gain. Site challenges were overcome through a solution that divided bus and car traffic and student parking, and rerouted some access roads to decrease congestion. To accent the existing building’s exterior façade, designers used CMU, face brick, metal panel, curtain wall/storefront glazing, precast concrete, cast-in-place concrete, and fiberglass sandwich panels on the addition’s exterior. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, and interiors services.
Storm Lake High School   The Storm Lake Community School District is planning a multi-faceted renovation plan for their high school students. Upgrades to their 1960 high school have a focus upon academic excellence and an emphasis on collaboration. Additions include a 750 seat auditorium, a 9th grade academic wing and a practice gymnasium. Renovations are planned for the high school with improvements to heating and cooling, media center expansion and general interior finishes.
Storm Lake High School   The Storm Lake Community School District is planning a multi-faceted renovation plan for their high school students. Upgrades to their 1960 high school have a focus upon academic excellence and an emphasis on collaboration. Additions include a 750 seat auditorium, a 9th grade academic wing and a practice gymnasium. Renovations are planned for the high school with improvements to heating and cooling, media center expansion and general interior finishes.


Design Achievement: The University of Northern Iowa Micro-Master Plan creates a 10+ year Vision of how the physical environment will evolve to better support the University’s Strategic Goals. Creating a cohesive campus vision that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, profiles strategic programs and establishes a warm and welcoming campus environment invites students and visitors to explore the campus. DLR Group worked closely with several department representatives, staff and students to create a Plan that achieves greater campus cohesion by increasing pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and linking open-area green spaces by re-routing bus and vehicular traffic. Future building expansions and additions are also featured to establish more connectivity and highlight specific programs and buildings. Scope Summary: DLR Group, in conjunction with Confluence, is providing master planning services for this 155 acre portion of the campus.
DLR Group has been hired to provide a Master Planning update for the Linn-Mar community School District.  The purpose of this planning endeavor is to confirm the Districts vision to guide facility decisions that are supportive of creative opportunities for learning and teaching.
Design Narrative - Des Moines Area Community College wanted to update and grow their existing automotive labs, add a new 10-vehicle lab for additional training and establish a “showroom like space” to appeal to students and industry leaders. DLR Group’s design provides a space that allows for current and future world-class transportation technology training with the flexibility to grow as the industry grows and changes and provides a real-world training centerpiece. Transparency and openness were the primary focus to allow students to “see and be seen” as they are engaged in the learning process. Large spans of glass are used to facilitate visibility, and provide a welcoming and open feeling. Glass garage doors in the primary access corridors facilitate movement of vehicles and provide visual access. The college recognizes the importance of providing student-centered spaces where interaction and relaxation can occur for this commuter-based student culture. For the staff, a new workroom and separate conference space encourage the sharing of information and collaboration. Scope - The 17,000 addition and renovation to the 44,000 sf building capitalizes on the efficiencies of the original building while creating light-filled and modern facilities for learning. Extensive coordination was required to update the existing mechanical and electrical equipment. The existing building will receive a much-needed interior face-lift with new paint, ceilings, and lighting. Major bathroom renovations will be undertaken to meet building code as well as update aged fixtures and finishes. A 2,500 sf showroom has been added at the front of the building, creating a new entry and modern façade. Directly adjacent to the showroom, a new 12,000 sf new automotive lab and addition to two existing labs also helps create a brand new exterior look for the building. DLR Group is providing architecture, electrical, mechanical and structural engineering.
DLR Group has been hired to provide a Master Planning update for the Linn-Mar community School District.  The purpose of this planning endeavor is to confirm the Districts vision to guide facility decisions that are supportive of creative opportunities for learning and teaching.
Design Narrative - Des Moines Area Community College wanted to update and grow their existing automotive labs, add a new 10-vehicle lab for additional training and establish a “showroom like space” to appeal to students and industry leaders. DLR Group’s design provides a space that allows for current and future world-class transportation technology training with the flexibility to grow as the industry grows and changes and provides a real-world training centerpiece. Transparency and openness were the primary focus to allow students to “see and be seen” as they are engaged in the learning process. Large spans of glass are used to facilitate visibility, and provide a welcoming and open feeling. Glass garage doors in the primary access corridors facilitate movement of vehicles and provide visual access. The college recognizes the importance of providing student-centered spaces where interaction and relaxation can occur for this commuter-based student culture. For the staff, a new workroom and separate conference space encourage the sharing of information and collaboration. Scope - The 17,000 addition and renovation to the 44,000 sf building capitalizes on the efficiencies of the original building while creating light-filled and modern facilities for learning. Extensive coordination was required to update the existing mechanical and electrical equipment. The existing building will receive a much-needed interior face-lift with new paint, ceilings, and lighting. Major bathroom renovations will be undertaken to meet building code as well as update aged fixtures and finishes. A 2,500 sf showroom has been added at the front of the building, creating a new entry and modern façade. Directly adjacent to the showroom, a new 12,000 sf new automotive lab and addition to two existing labs also helps create a brand new exterior look for the building. DLR Group is providing architecture, electrical, mechanical and structural engineering.
Design Achievement – Throughout its 56-year history, Linn-Mar High School has undergone several rounds of renovations and additions, but the school’s science classrooms have never been updated. Through close collaboration between designers and the District, DLR Group’s design creates a bright and safe learning environment addressing District requirements and propelling the Linn-Mar High School science classrooms into the 21st Century. The District requested a simple white lab with a hint of wood accent to give the look and feel of a professional science lab. In response, the design incorporates all-white science casework, creating a lab environment unique within the K-12 culture. Wood accents on lab station and student work station casework create warmth, while blue epoxy countertops covering all work spaces complement the clean, simple color choices. The distribution of energy-efficient dimmable LED lighting in a linear pattern provides variation from the typical 2x4 troffer configuration and allows for customizable light levels that accommodate a variety of teaching methods. Scope Summary – The scope of work for this project encompassed improvements to 5,500 SF of space at Linn-Mar High School. This included the renovation of four science labs, two prep rooms and two offices. In response to the District’s request for a clean and simple lab environment, designers chose white institutional science casework and accessories with epoxy countertops to maximize classroom storage space, functionality and ease of maintenance. New white vinyl floor tile is used throughout the learning space and lab environments. Dimmable LED lighting in a linear formation provides varying light levels for all teaching environments and offers the District enhanced energy efficiency. Surrounding the LED lights are new acoustic ceiling tiles that diminish classroom noise. New fume hoods and updated lab safety equipment reduce the day-to-day safety concerns for students and staff. In addition to the facility upgrades, several updates were required to meet current building codes. DLR Group provided architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and interior design services.
Design Narrative - Des Moines Area Community College wanted to update and grow their existing automotive labs, add a new 10-vehicle lab for additional training and establish a “showroom like space” to appeal to students and industry leaders. DLR Group’s design provides a space that allows for current and future world-class transportation technology training with the flexibility to grow as the industry grows and changes and provides a real-world training centerpiece. Transparency and openness were the primary focus to allow students to “see and be seen” as they are engaged in the learning process. Large spans of glass are used to facilitate visibility, and provide a welcoming and open feeling. Glass garage doors in the primary access corridors facilitate movement of vehicles and provide visual access. The college recognizes the importance of providing student-centered spaces where interaction and relaxation can occur for this commuter-based student culture. For the staff, a new workroom and separate conference space encourage the sharing of information and collaboration. Scope - The 17,000 addition and renovation to the 44,000 sf building capitalizes on the efficiencies of the original building while creating light-filled and modern facilities for learning. Extensive coordination was required to update the existing mechanical and electrical equipment. The existing building will receive a much-needed interior face-lift with new paint, ceilings, and lighting. Major bathroom renovations will be undertaken to meet building code as well as update aged fixtures and finishes. A 2,500 sf showroom has been added at the front of the building, creating a new entry and modern façade. Directly adjacent to the showroom, a new 12,000 sf new automotive lab and addition to two existing labs also helps create a brand new exterior look for the building. DLR Group is providing architecture, electrical, mechanical and structural engineering.
Design Achievement – Built in 1959, Linn-Mar High School has undergone eight periods of construction and renovation, resulting in a confusing layout and fragmented design. In a school district anticipating the addition of a second high school within the next 15 years, district leaders realized the need to invest in the existing school to help it hold its own against a brand new school. DLR Group's design unifies the school brand and creates, for the first time, cohesive organization to the educational environment. With a focus on flexibility of space, synergy between curriculum areas and blending of new and old structures, the first addition provides a social commons with connectivity to dining, outdoors, the gymnasium, a guidance center and the main activity entrance that allows for large group presentations, additional dining options, career and community fairs and social collaboration. The second addition encourages innovation and discovery with the capability of hosting culinary arts events, exhibits, community seminars and project displays. With maximum exposure to the community, this commons sends a strong message of collaboration and discovery. The entry design provides a strong sense of identity and enhances school spirit; while the branding and graphics carried throughout create an inclusive community feeling. Scope Summary – The scope encompassed 383,790 SF, which included a 27,100 SF addition to the north side of the building and a 13,430 SF addition to the south side of the building. Designers overcame site constraints through the use of creative level changes in the commons area at the south, and mitigated the grade difference with a terraced seating feature. Security was addressed in both additions by positioning administrative offices at each entrance with full visibility and direct control of daytime access. The interior facelift was inclusive of wayfinding signage and circulation improvements, classroom reconfiguration, mechanical and HVAC system upgrades and lighting improvements. New spaces include a collegiate-style lecture hall, media center, north and south commons additions and the use of break out spaces to foster collaboration. LED lighting was implemented throughout the facility and daylighting was enhanced by maintaining courtyards and developing commons areas with sweeping outdoor views. Other upgrades included a complete replacement of the school's intercommunications and school program system with wireless clocks, as well as a new main telecommunications room with backup power provided by a new UPS system. DLR Group provided architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, technology engineering and interior design services.
Design Narrative - Des Moines Area Community College wanted to update and grow their existing automotive labs, add a new 10-vehicle lab for additional training and establish a “showroom like space” to appeal to students and industry leaders. DLR Group’s design provides a space that allows for current and future world-class transportation technology training with the flexibility to grow as the industry grows and changes and provides a real-world training centerpiece. Transparency and openness were the primary focus to allow students to “see and be seen” as they are engaged in the learning process. Large spans of glass are used to facilitate visibility, and provide a welcoming and open feeling. Glass garage doors in the primary access corridors facilitate movement of vehicles and provide visual access. The college recognizes the importance of providing student-centered spaces where interaction and relaxation can occur for this commuter-based student culture. For the staff, a new workroom and separate conference space encourage the sharing of information and collaboration. Scope - The 17,000 addition and renovation to the 44,000 sf building capitalizes on the efficiencies of the original building while creating light-filled and modern facilities for learning. Extensive coordination was required to update the existing mechanical and electrical equipment. The existing building will receive a much-needed interior face-lift with new paint, ceilings, and lighting. Major bathroom renovations will be undertaken to meet building code as well as update aged fixtures and finishes. A 2,500 sf showroom has been added at the front of the building, creating a new entry and modern façade. Directly adjacent to the showroom, a new 12,000 sf new automotive lab and addition to two existing labs also helps create a brand new exterior look for the building. DLR Group is providing architecture, electrical, mechanical and structural engineering.
DLR Group was commissioned by the University of Iowa to provide a Feasibility Study for a Field House that would be a conversion of an existing pool space. This 36,000 s.f. space is a three-story volume with arched windows, a built-in grandstand, and a pool with associated diving platforms. The final design concept explores the conversion of the Field House pool area and adjacent areas, weights, locker, and multipurpose spaces. The concept derived from the idea of a skybox that could stack and utilize the volume in the space, but also create dramatic views, better spatial connections, and more efficient circulation. The materials in the area would consist of concrete block walls in the locker room and support spaces, and stud partition walls elsewhere to divide multipurpose activity spaces, offices, custodial rooms, and storage rooms. In select areas specifically, the framed facade on the cardio and multipurpose activity decks, a wood panel system would be used to add a warm, modern, sophisticated material to an otherwise simple and industrial aesthetic of exposed steel and utilities honoring the original design era of the pool space.
Design Achievement: Originally designed by DLR Group in the mid-2000s, the Riverside Casino was due for an entire interior refresh. While an update was necessary, designers didn’t want to completely change the space that had become familiar to so many visitors over the past fifteen years. DLR Group’s design salvages and embraces key architectural elements while providing a fresh take on the space, including new features to attract a greater variety of guests. A key feature in the casino that received a major update was the fountain that rained water down from the center of the casino ceiling down to the top of the central bar. Due to the complexity of the water feature and its age, it was constantly under maintenance – a significant operational cost for the client and an unpleasant experience for guests. Our designers proposed a change of elements; light replaced water while retaining its eye-catching quality. The effect of water raining down is mimicked in the custom light feature, but thanks to its fully-LED design, maintenance won’t be a concern for decades to come. Other significant upgrades include the addition of a sports bar with games like a golf simulator, shuffleboard, and ping pong; an outdoor-style breakfast café with faux greenery and “promenade” seating; a modernized buffet and eating area, and an opened stage for guest use. Scope Summary: The scope for this casino entailed varying degrees of updates to 95,500 SF of space including the casino, café, casual dining restaurant, mini-market, sports bar, buffet area, guest corridors and elevator lobbies, event center, poker room, and high stakes room. Additionally, an entire overhaul of the mechanical and electrical systems was accomplished, as well as the entire replacement of the flooring. The breadth of updates, new attractions, hints of the outdoors, and general opening of the space makes it a much more transparent locale, providing expanded site lines and an enhanced experience to guests. DLR Group provided architecture, interior design, and engineering services.
DLR Group has been hired to provide a focused Elementary Facility Plan that supports educational achievement and the unique needs of the Urbandale Community School District.  An assessment will also be provided of the use of the track and football field by all students in the District.
DLR Group has been hired to provide a focused Elementary Facility Plan that supports educational achievement and the unique needs of the Urbandale Community School District.  An assessment will also be provided of the use of the track and football field by all students in the District.
Design Achievement - Cultivating a relationship with the Merle Hay Mall landlord was equally as important as listening to the vision of the new tenants including MC Sports, Maurices and Massage Heights. DLR Group's design for MC Sports makes them a new Junior Anchor store for the mall. Six tenant spaces were revitalized creating a warm, inviting environment for the large sporting goods store while enhancing the mall. Using the warmth of cultured stone, the lengthy mall commons area was transformed into an attractive storefront promoting quality that will boost community shopping. Maurices, a popular women's clothing store, has been revitalizing its brand and image with new prototypes nationally.  The new location in Merle Hay Mall brings the brand front and center with new opportunities to reach shoppers.  DLR Group's design for Massage Heights, a popular and growing national massage store, revitalized a vacant storefront on the Mall's prominent east facade. Using the warmth of dark woods, earth tones and mood lighting, the renovation project includes a rich and inviting lobby space along with the treatment rooms.  Scope Summary - The renovation project included converting six tenant spaces into a 23,470 SF sporting goods store, a 5,500 SF women's clothing store and a 1,885 SF massage store. Energy-efficient design elements included implementing occupancy sensors and installing an updated HVAC system. DLR Group provided architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering services for these projects.
Design Achievement - Flix Brewhouse is a micro-brewery restaurant paired with a movie theater, and a unique addition to the transformation of Merle Hay Mall. DLR Group's design expands, renovates and improves the entire center bridge court area of the mall creating space for the new combination tenant. The renovation challenges include raising the existing roof to accommodate the required interior clearance heights for the theaters as well as minimizing disruptions to mall operations during construction. Careful selection of warm interior finishes creates a comfortable and welcoming environment that responds to the architecture and aesthetic s of the surrounding retail venues. DLR Group is recognized for listening to the Owner and enhancing the vision for the mall's future. Scope Summary - The second phase of renovating Merle Hay Mall includes an 80,000 SF addition of an 8-theater movie house combined with a micro-brewery restaurant. Located on the south side of the mall along the busy Douglas Avenue corridor, the 950-seat theater and restaurant will attract additional retail traffic into the mall. Patrons will be greeted with a fresh welcoming facade featuring a 55-foot tall monument sign advertising the new micro-brewery/theater tenant. Increasing wall and roof insulation and installing LED interior/exterior lighting and occupancy sensors are some of the energy-efficient design elements incorporated into the project. DLR Group provided all architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services.
Design Achievement: For many years, Des Moines Area Community College Boone Campus envisioned a modern, student-centered athletic facility that would provide the necessary amenities to give current and future student-athletes an edge in their athletic development. To help attain this goal, DMACC selected DLR Group to transform the currently outdated athletic facility into a state-of-the-art space that focuses on the mental and physical well-being of athletes while providing a place to connect with the campus community. DLR Group’s design highlights the presence of DMACC athletics by creating visual interest to both the exterior and interior of the facility. Large walls of glass provide a transparent exterior that brings natural daylight into the building to enhance the training experience. The modern interior brings a sense of warmth into the space that invites occupants into a comfortable place to focus on their health and wellness. High ceilings and open areas improve the space for recreation and sports to benefit students, faculty, and the community by adding courts and expanding areas of the facility with ample space to avoid overcrowding. Scope of Work: The scope of work for this project encompassed a 28,080 SF addition to the existing building that provided a new front entrance to DMACC athletic programs with a lobby to welcome student-athletes, recruits and visitors, and a hall of fame to showcase the school’s impressive athletic highlights. In addition, the expansion included two new, full-sized basketball courts with multi-purpose flooring, an expanded cardio and strength training area to allow more students to utilize, a spacious athletic training room with an adjacent office, and a golf practice area. All facades of the building are branded with DMACC graphics and accent colors to emphasize school pride. The building’s location along a main pedestrian route allows students to stay connected with the rest of campus. DLR Group provided architecture, interior design, and mechanical, electrical, structural, plumbing, and civil engineering services.
Flix Brewhouse is a micro-brewery restaurant paired with a movie theater, and a unique addition to the transformation of Merle Hay Mall. DLR Group's design expands, renovates and improves the entire center bridge court area of the mall creating space for the new combination tenant. The renovation challenges include raising the existing roof to accommodate the required interior clearance heights for the theaters as well as minimizing disruptions to mall operations during construction. Careful selection of warm interior finishes creates a comfortable and welcoming environment that responds to the architecture and aesthetic s of the surrounding retail venues. DLR Group is recognized for listening to the Owner and enhancing the vision for the mall's future.   The second phase of renovating Merle Hay Mall includes an 80,000 SF addition of an 8-theater movie house combined with a micro-brewery restaurant.  Located on the south side of the mall along the busy Douglas Avenue corridor, the 950-seat theater and restaurant will attract additional retail traffic into the mall. Patrons will be greeted with a fresh welcoming façade featuring a 55-foot tall monument sign advertising the new micro-brewery/theater tenant. Increasing wall and roof insulation and installing LED interior/exterior lighting and occupancy sensors are some of the energy-efficient design elements incorporated into the project. DLR Group will provide all architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services for the project.
DLR Group’s relationship continues with the Merle Hay Mall landlord in providing new tenant space for Deb, a national brand for women’s clothing. DLR Group’s design revitalized a vacant storefront on the Mall’s prominent East Façade. The store interior is part of a new national brand to elevate its place in the women’s clothing market.  DLR Group provided architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering services for this project.
Design Achievement - Cultivating a relationship with the Merle Hay Mall landlord was equally as important as listening to the vision of the new tenants including MC Sports, Maurices and Massage Heights. DLR Group's design for MC Sports makes them a new Junior Anchor store for the mall. Six tenant spaces were revitalized creating a warm, inviting environment for the large sporting goods store while enhancing the mall. Using the warmth of cultured stone, the lengthy mall commons area was transformed into an attractive storefront promoting quality that will boost community shopping. Maurices, a popular women's clothing store, has been revitalizing it brand and image with new prototypes nationally.  The new location in Merle Hay Mall brings the brand front and center with new opportunities to reach shoppers.  DLR Group's design for Massage Heights, a popular and growing national massage store, revitalized a vacant storefront on the Mall's prominent east facade. Using the warmth of dark woods, earth tones and mood lighting, the renovation project includes a rich and inviting lobby space along with the treatment rooms.  Scope Summary - The renovation project included converting six tenant spaces into a 23,470 SF sporting goods store, a 5,500 SF women's clothing store and a 1,885 SF massage store. Energy-efficient design elements included implementing occupancy sensors and installing an updated HVAC system. DLR Group provided architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering services for these projects.
Design Achievement - Des Moines Area Community College wanted to update and grow their existing automotive laboratories, add a new 10-vehicle laboratory for additional training and establish a “showroom like space” to appeal to students and industry leaders. DLR Group’s design provides a space that allows for current and future world-class transportation technology training with the flexibility to grow as the industry grows and changes and provides a real-world training centerpiece. Transparency and openness were the primary focus to allow students to “see and be seen” as they are engaged in the learning process. Large spans of glass are used to facilitate visibility, and provide a welcoming and open feeling. Glass garage doors in the primary access corridors facilitate movement of vehicles and provide visual access. The college recognizes the importance of providing student-centered spaces where interaction and relaxation can occur for this commuter-based student culture. For the staff, a new workroom and separate conference space encourage the sharing of information and collaboration. Scope Summary - The 17,000 SF addition and renovation to the 44,000 SF building capitalizes on the efficiencies of the original building while creating light-filled and modern facilities for learning. Extensive coordination was required to update the existing mechanical and electrical equipment. The existing building will receive a much-needed interior face-lift with new paint, ceilings, and lighting. Major bathroom renovations will be undertaken to meet building code as well as update aged fixtures and finishes. A 2,500 SF showroom has been added at the front of the building, creating a new entry and modern façade. Directly adjacent to the showroom, a new 12,000 SF new automotive laboratory and addition to two existing laboratories also helps create a brand new exterior look for the building. DLR Group is providing architecture, electrical, mechanical and structural engineering.
Design Narrative - Des Moines Area Community College wanted to update and grow their existing automotive labs, add a new 10-vehicle lab for additional training and establish a “showroom like space” to appeal to students and industry leaders. DLR Group’s design provides a space that allows for current and future world-class transportation technology training with the flexibility to grow as the industry grows and changes and provides a real-world training centerpiece. Transparency and openness were the primary focus to allow students to “see and be seen” as they are engaged in the learning process. Large spans of glass are used to facilitate visibility, and provide a welcoming and open feeling. Glass garage doors in the primary access corridors facilitate movement of vehicles and provide visual access. The college recognizes the importance of providing student-centered spaces where interaction and relaxation can occur for this commuter-based student culture. For the staff, a new workroom and separate conference space encourage the sharing of information and collaboration. Scope - The 17,000 addition and renovation to the 44,000 sf building capitalizes on the efficiencies of the original building while creating light-filled and modern facilities for learning. Extensive coordination was required to update the existing mechanical and electrical equipment. The existing building will receive a much-needed interior face-lift with new paint, ceilings, and lighting. Major bathroom renovations will be undertaken to meet building code as well as update aged fixtures and finishes. A 2,500 sf showroom has been added at the front of the building, creating a new entry and modern façade. Directly adjacent to the showroom, a new 12,000 sf new automotive lab and addition to two existing labs also helps create a brand new exterior look for the building. DLR Group is providing architecture, electrical, mechanical and structural engineering.
Marketing Narrative:   Wahlert Catholic High School was originally built in 1958.  Various remodeling and additions have occurred throughout the life of the facility and the current gross area is approximately 214,800 sf.  The current High School site is approximately 29 acres and is shared with Mazzucchelli Middle School.   Current enrollment is approximately 560 students with a target enrollment of 800.  At one time, WCHS had an enrollment of 2,000 students.  Because of excess space with the smaller number of students, when Mazzucchelli Middle School was constructed in 2006, two floors of a classroom wing of WCHS were absorbed by the Middle School.   The intent of the Long Range Facilities Plan is to develop prioritized phased projects with cost estimates that will be implemented as funds become available through a capital fundraising campaign.  The plan will need to address curriculum opportunities, maintenance, life safety and hazardous materials issues.  The plan should address the target enrollment of 800 students.
Marketing Narrative:   Wahlert Catholic High School was originally built in 1958.  Various remodeling and additions have occurred throughout the life of the facility and the current gross area is approximately 214,800 sf.  The current High School site is approximately 29 acres and is shared with Mazzucchelli Middle School.   Current enrollment is approximately 560 students with a target enrollment of 800.  At one time, WCHS had an enrollment of 2,000 students.  Because of excess space with the smaller number of students, when Mazzucchelli Middle School was constructed in 2006, two floors of a classroom wing of WCHS were absorbed by the Middle School.   The intent of the Long Range Facilities Plan is to develop prioritized phased projects with cost estimates that will be implemented as funds become available through a capital fundraising campaign.  The plan will need to address curriculum opportunities, maintenance, life safety and hazardous materials issues.  The plan should address the target enrollment of 800 students.
Design Achievement - Pivotal design solutions and creative use of the four-acre site establishes the new Woodward-Granger Elementary School as the gateway marker to the rural town of Granger, Iowa. DLR Group's design bonds with the immediate housing neighbors while maneuvering an unconventionally small site. The sloping roof over the commons and gymnasium captures the eye while softening the transition between varying building heights. Playful pops of school colors introduce the exterior presence of the facility while maintaining strong aesthetic distribution throughout the interior. Large clerestory windows in the media center maximize natural light penetration while large graphics throughout the space keep students cognitively engaged. The media center is established as the core of the building, utilizing large sliding doors on each side of the space allowing the center to become endlessly explored by students while the large corridors following the space operate as learning commons. The facility offers wonderful transitions between vital spaces throughout the building, allowing multiple zones for building access to serve several community groups. DLR Group was able to realign the district program and vision to meet their budget while ensuring the design approach remained flexible and satisfying, engaging students with color, graphics, texture, and natural lighting. Scope Summary - The scope of the work for this project encompassed 67,510 SF with gymnasium, commons, and food services facilities designed to accommodate up to 500 students. The facility consists of 4 sections of second through fifth grade, accommodating an enrollment expectancy of 320 students with planned growth to reach 400. The facility is positioned on the site to maximize natural lighting and accommodate potential parking lot expansion, currently encompassing 68 stalls with bus separation for up to 6 buses. The slope “wing” of the roof was derived from the Woodward-Granger hawk logo while helping to screen roof top mechanical units, transition the level changes of the facility, and better relate to the shapes of the nearby housing community. DLR Group provided architecture, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, technology engineering and construction administration services.
Design Narrative - Ft. Madison Community School District makes it a priority to ensure that all students have the tools needed to excel in every opportunity they are provided. The district used the same approach to the new addition and renovations project at the high school. DLR Group’s design for the facility offers an updated look and feel to the façade, welcoming the community and celebrating its strong sense of pride and care felt by students and staff. Exterior materials include brick to match the existing facility as well as metal paneling and aluminum storefront systems that compliment the main events entrance, which is adorned with district colors distinctly identifying the home of the Ft. Madison Bloodhounds. Collaborative spaces throughout the addition support a wide range of activities, with a group presentation space and smaller team-working areas to strengthen relationships and leverage a large variety of learning modalities to support the continued education and development of students. The interior design updates reflect the evolution and growth of the district, which encompasses a sense of community, integrity, strength, and innovation to inspire students. Scope of Services - The additions consist of a new performing arts suite, a new high school administration extension, a new seventh and eighth grade science and math wing housing seventh and eighth grade administration, and a new auxiliary gym with locker rooms. The performing arts suite provides new facilities for high school band, vocal music, and new offices, practice rooms, and storage for various instruments, robes, uniforms, and music. The new areas for administration house offices, a work area, conference rooms, single-user restrooms, administrative assistants, storage, a nurse’s suite, and a separate reception for high school and seventh and eighth graders. This area also provides a new welcoming face the building as well as a safe and secure entry sequence. The seventh and eighth grade wing houses three science labs, new student restrooms, math labs, and a vibrant and open collaboration area for student breakout zones in the shared common space as well as more privatized Think Tanks. The athletic addition’s auxiliary gym features locker rooms for seventh and eighth grade students. Additions were intentionally located and sized to support maximum flexibility in the future for potential expansion areas. The interior renovations and improvements to the existing high school encompass a major component of the project. The current administrative offices have been remodeled to house family and consumer sciences and visual arts for the seventh and eighth grade students. Remodel work at the northwest corner of the existing high school provides a high school English suite, with collaborative areas. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, planning, and interiors services.
Design Narrative - To accommodate steady growth in enrollment, Ft. Madison Community School District sought to expand and improve its existing PreK-6 school. DLR Group’s design for the new single-story early childhood wing, located southeast of the existing middle school, features its own unique architectural identity appropriately designed and scaled for younger children. The exterior palette compliments the burgundy, red, and tan colors of the existing building with a refreshingly modern and vibrant update. The main entrance is clearly defined, featuring a canopy, school signage, and color accents to create a unique, warm, and inviting experience. Each academic neighborhood has a sloped roof centered above the Discovery Zone, with a clerestory window that brings in natural light from multiple directions. The interior early childhood wing celebrates the scenic landscape surrounding Ft. Madison, where the river meets the prairie. Landmarks and outdoor activities are referenced throughout the zones of the wing to provide an inspiring, unique, and visually engaging journey. The central corridor serves as a boardwalk, guiding students though the space and connecting each grade level, the discovery zones, and classrooms. The commons and multipurpose rooms represent the draw of the nearby Mississippi River, bringing in elements of childlike exploration, wonder, and curiosity. Scope of Services - The approximately 27,400 SF early childhood wing addition serves PreK, kindergarten, and first grade students. Its location creates and outdoor courtyard shared with the existing northeast academic wing, housing second graders. The PreK, kindergarten, and first grade areas in the new addition are organized in grade-level neighborhoods to promote a strong sense of community and are open to flexible, shared learning environments composed of Discovery Zones and Think Tanks. Each Discovery Zone serves as the heart of the academic neighborhood and has a direct connection to the covered outdoor learning lab. These central spaces include a sink, teaching walls, and storage to support STEAM, art, and makerspace activities, both indoors and outdoors. The renovated multi-purpose room, which supports indoor gross motor play, is grouped together with the new commons and restroom facilities, providing centrally located dining, gathering and recess functions for both the new wing and second grade. A new covered outdoor play area extends from the commons to the shared courtyard, creating a seamless connection to nature as well as supporting outdoor dining, learning and play activities year-round. Along the main circulation path, alternating views to nature and outdoor courtyards, with display, pin-up and special nooks and benching provide an enriching user experience for the whole community to enjoy that changes seasonally. PreK classrooms are strategically located adjacent to the new parent drop-off zone, administration, commons, and the multi-purpose room. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, planning, and interiors services.
Design Achievement - On March 6th, 2017, an EF-2 tornado devastated the Seymour community and its school facility, causing significant and varied damage of buildings and infrastructure. As an integral component to its small, rural, farming community, Seymour CSD has enjoyed a long history of providing a multitude of educational opportunities to achieve its academic and social potential. DLR Group assisted the school district in its recovery process, providing critical storm damage assessment services as well as the necessary infrastructure information to aid insurance adjusters in properly accounting for the loss. DLR Group’s reconstruction design honors the historical significance of the prior structure while providing a 21st Century update, offering the students and staff of Seymour CSD new athletic and drama opportunities for years to come. The main entry corridor that reflects the old bowstring roof trusses of the original gymnasium and the new wood ceiling accent design takes cues from the old thin-strip athletic wood floor, providing a unique look as it showcases the many trophies earned over the years. Vivid “Warrior” logos and graphics express a sense of unified strength and act as tribute to the reconstructive journey. The reconstruction design is a reflection of the past and a nod to the future, demonstrating the Seymour community’s spirit in turning a challenge into an opportunity. Scope Summary - The reconstruction effort is 36,000 square feet, which includes two gymnasiums, a performing arts stage, weight room, lockers, music rooms, and a trophy showroom. The addition of new HVAC and electrical system updates enhance the life cycle cost of the facility. The fitness center and new athletic area addition adds a contemporary element to the physical educational activities and provides the necessary passageways to travel from area to area. LED lighting throughout the facility as well as the inclusion of new and efficient boiler systems increase the performance of the thermal envelope. The building materials include load bearing masonry, pre-engineered steel building systems, steel joists, and decking. Masonry was used for the exterior. DLR Group provided planning, architecture, engineering and interiors services.
Through an existing IDIQ contract focused around Laboratory & research projects, DLR Group was approached about renovating an existing ISO 7 cleanroom into an ISO 6 cleanroom environment for research specifically focused around space physics. The project encompasses renovation of 3 existing rooms on the 4th floor of Van Allen Hall to become a prep room, mechanical room and cleanroom. The cleanroom will consist of a entry/staging room that will be ISO 8, followed by a gowning/instrument room at ISO 7. Then the cleanroom at ISO 6, with a 6’ vertical laminar clean bench, will allow for research to be performed in an ISO 5 environments within NASA prescribed tolerances. During design, the team collaborated directly with the primary researcher, lab casework supplier, specialty mechanical equipment supplier and other key stakeholders to ensure a cost effective solution could be implemented into the existing available space. By cascading the ISO classifications and the addition of low wall return, an existing Dehumidification unit was able to be reused while meeting the higher air flow requirements needed in the new classification and maximizing the impact of the available budget for the project. DLR Group is providing architecture, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and lab planning services.
Design Achievement: Like many aging research facilities, the historically significant Carver College of Medicine at The University of Iowa needed significant renovations. Built in the 1970’s, the building lacked the necessary infrastructure and open collaborative lab layouts desired for modern interdisciplinary medical research. DLR Group’s design accommodates changing research investigators’ space needs and advances in equipment and technology while providing space for interaction between investigators and teams. The new layout optimizes flow through the labs to increase visibility, reduce disruption, and enhance safety and security. The renovated space includes functional laboratory modules and a dedicated tissue culture room for each investigator. Scope of Work: Renovation of the 47,566 SF third floor includes approximately 31,000 sf of research laboratories and lab support for bacteriology, immunology, and virology researchers within 5 building cores. Each core provides space for 4 PIs and includes adaptable open wet lab space, tissue culture rooms, fume hood alcoves, autoclaves, microscopy rooms, ULT freezer rooms and flex labs for specialized functions. The renovation focuses all major services and HVAC systems requirements to the center of the lab where the building infrastructures’ vertical shafts are located to minimize systems infrastructure costs and impact to the open lab space. Other key aspects to the renovation include upgrading the facility to meet current ADA requirements and building codes. Adding a fire sprinkler system enables the team to add windows on the corridors and allows chemical quantities to double. New exterior windows increase natural light and provide views of the park-like site. DLR Group is providing architecture, interior design, and lab planning services.
Design Achievement - DLR Group’s design for the new Surety Hotel offers a juxtaposition of historic American opulence and contemporary artistry. It reflects a new kind of luxury that is comfortably rooted in quality and authenticity. Originally designed in 1913, the Southern Surety Building's adaptive reuse from a working bank to a hotel explores the three parts of the self – public, private, and the in-between – and how architecture and design can evoke reactions and perceptions of the built environment in the ways we observe ourselves and one another. The tower façade makes a statement with elaborate Beaux-Arts features from the French school of architecture in Paris. Newly designed interior spaces introduce informality within a very formal shell. Pointedly more vulnerable, casual, and contemporary forms represent the interstitial personas of society today. The upper level contains offices that are described – by current accounts – as well adorned. However, for the era, they were in stark contrast to the opulent first floor: simple yet spacious. The new hotel rooms maintain the simplest, contemplative, bare reflection of our unadorned private selves. The design results in a hotel that is part heritage and part modernity – a parallel to what we portray of ourselves and who we really are inside. Scope Summary - The scope of work for this project was an adaptive reuse of an 82,750-SF, 12-story historic bank building in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa. The building had been used in the past as a bank and various insurance and law offices over the years. DLR Group contributed in collaboration with Slingshot Architecture, to the National Park Service (NPS) Part 2 Application for Historic Tax Credits. The design delivers 137 keys with a presidential suite and five suites on the 12th floor. Public spaces include a ballroom, pre-function/solarium, exterior courtyard, restaurant, lobby, and meeting spaces on the second floor. In addition to the NPS submittal, DLR Group played a significant role in the space planning and brand/concept visioning for the hotel. A technical achievement and goal of the project was to restore the existing coffered ceiling in the main bank space. This included detailed documentation of the existing plaster coffers and column capitals left in situ. DLR Group provided interior design services.
DESIGN NARRATIVE The Mormon Trail Community School District made great strides throughout its history in fulfilling its mission to “provide excellent educational opportunities, in a safe and caring environment, to prepare all students to function successfully in a diverse and changing world.” It is the purpose of the Mormon Trail Community School District to provide an educational program available equally to all young people of the school district. The updated school provides the opportunity for students to be educated to the full extent of their abilities, aptitudes, and interests through a program that recognizes and provides for the individual needs to each child. Part of that mission lies in recognizing opportunities for the future of all educational facilities throughout the District. Improvements remain a priority to serve an ever expanding and diverse delivery of programs to the students of the community. After a thorough master planning process and successful bond referendum, the Mormon Trail Community School District community recognized a growing need for new and improved facilities in Humeston at the existing K-6 school building to bring the 7-12 grade population over from the existing Garden Grove facility to house all students under one roof. DLR Group’s design for the building improvements reflects the District’s educational evolution, offering enhanced amenities to meet the changing needs and wants of students and educators. Recruitment and retainment are valuable attributes for the continued success of the District at large. Therefore, the District’s design achievement direction is to provide safe, enhanced facilities that offer patrons new perspectives in their mission to accomplish whatever goals may be set before them. A major Jr/Sr High School addition to the south and a Pre-K addition at the Northwest corner comprise the improvements for the first step of the master plan. The Pre-K addition allows for a dedicated drop-off and pick-up area while keeping the younger kids isolated from the general population of the school, and adjacent courtyard serves as a Pre-K only play area. The new construction of the Pre-K, with its dedicated restrooms provides an opportunity for a reinforced area for the student and staff population during storms. The Jr/Sr High School addition provides four new classrooms, a science lab, FCS lab and a competition-ready gymnasium with adjacent modern weight room and locker rooms. The gymnasium opens to a gracious commons area which can be served by the FCS for concessions and also serves as overflow space for the media center. The dynamic commons area and flexible media center also serve as the connection to the new performing arts room. The adjacency of the performing arts room to the gymnasium is intentionally situated to allow the performing arts room to open up towards the gym through the use of operable partitions, creating a stage setting when needed. With the gymnasium, stage, performing arts, media center, and visual arts room all centrally located and connected through the commons, a welcoming entrance along the frontage creates an identifiable point of entry for the general public as they come to the school for any number of sports, arts, or community events. The existing Elementary School entrance remains the primary entry for all academic affairs during regular school hours. Through minor renovation, a secure entry vestibule with visibility from the main office provides the safe and secure access point needed in schools of today. Through strategic renovations to select areas of the existing Elementary School, updated visual art and special education areas are also provided. Moving back through the existing elementary school, grade levels are reorganized to create a natural and deliberate transitions from the Pre-K addition in the back, to 6th grade in the front as those older students prepare to graduate to the adjacent Jr/Sr High School addition.  The design of the new construction takes on a clean-lined modern, cost-effective approach to design. Material considerations for the exterior of the building focus on modern building science to design an energy efficient and durable building envelope that will last for generations to come. A blend of masonry, precast concrete panels, metal panel, and glazing in key locations define the functions within and create an inviting and aesthetically pleasing school. The use of glass not only adds natural daylight and views, but also offers a spirit of connectivity that enhances the learning environments and academic interaction. As opposed to all materials attempting to seamlessly mimic the palette and form of the moment in time that is the existing elementary school, the new building’s materials, colors, construction techniques, and forms show the progression forward of the new construction. Colors were selected to solidify that this facility’s identity is forever Mormon Trail, and Mormon trail is always evolving! This is evident in the building but can also be seen every day in the evolution of implemented technologies, educational methods, and especially the students themselves as they present themselves forth into the community. SCOPE SUMMARY The Jr/Sr High School building addition of this project includes a new competition gymnasium with bleacher seating for 500 (6 rows of bleachers on the home side, 5 rows on the visitor’s side), performing arts room that doubles as a stage opening with adjacent practice rooms, classroom spaces including a new science lab and book room, a new FSC room, media center, and multi-purpose commons area. New two-tier lockers to accommodate 120 students line the south side of the main corridor. Renovations include the future SPED, Fine Arts, work areas, and 5th and 6th grade classrooms. The Pre-K addition provides code-required restrooms, along with additional single-user restrooms for the use of faculty/staff and younger students. Aware of the realities of financial concerns, the Pre-K addition and the paving were designed as a Add Alternates. The new fitness and weight room is highly visible and on display from the west (student) parking lot. This new area also includes boys’ and girls’ locker rooms, PE/AD office, an official’s restroom, janitor closet, and supporting mechanical and electrical spaces. New restrooms are also provided.
Design Narrative - For over 80 years, the Broadway Elementary School building served Denison Community School District. Throughout those years, its facility and campus has undergone changes in function in addition to several renovation projects. As the community grew and evolved, district leadership developed a master plan to ensure the quality of learning environments for students and staff. As a key initial component to the master plan, the Broadway Elementary School project offers a multitude of opportunities, including grade level relocation, optimized facility uses, and enhanced educational environments. DLR Group’s design for the facility was orchestrated by criteria established by key stakeholders in conjunction with the design team. Specific attention was paid to the preservation of the existing Broadway building, the unification of the campus, and the creation of warm, collaborative, and flexible learning environments, which in turn inspired the strategic organization of programmatic spaces. An entry plaza welcomes visitors into the school and offers covered areas for outdoor activities. Administrative spaces overlooking the plaza ensure safe and secure access to the building. A variety of flexible spaces are featured throughout the school, including classroom studios, collaborative zones, makerspaces, resource rooms, small group rooms, and support spaces to serve the unique needs of students. The Monarch mascot and savannah interior design themes will foster a positive and inspiring learning environment for students, the community, and guests. Scope of Services - The approximately 53,000 square foot addition to the existing Broadway building will serve third, fourth, and fifth grades with seven sections of each grade level. Totally to approximately 89,000 square feet, the facility will support a capacity of 525 students. A centralized commons and media center create a hub for the entire facility. The south exterior façade of the existing building is preserved and creates a focal point for the building. The Media Center provides a visual anchor along the circulation path. Core classrooms are strategically located at the second and third level of the building. The new grade level neighborhood to promotes a strong sense of community and open up to flexible, shared learning environments. The location of the commons and gymnasium allows for the opportunity for community use outside of school hours. Site amenities consist of on-site parking and drop off lanes. A separate bus lane on the north side of the property provides a clear delineation of vehicle circulation. Play areas consist of hard surface, soft surface with playground equipment, and a grass play field. These items are organized together on the site for ease of access and supervision. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, planning, and interiors services.
Design Achievement Built in 1958 to address on-campus housing shortage, Burge Hall has remained the most popular dorm on the University of Iowa’s campus. To help the dorm maintain that status, University officials looked to DLR Group to refresh the building and improve student retention and academic success. DLR Group’s design modernizes the main circulation spaces and improves both vertical and horizontal navigation with vibrant color associations and graphics in each of the four towers. Thoughtful material selections provide elevated durability while meeting the project budget. DLR Group’s experiential design incorporates custom wayfinding in floor-to-ceiling wall graphics on each level of the four towers. The bright-colored, gradient wall graphics use a color-coding system to improve visitors’ ability to navigate the building, which has undergone many previous additions. The student lounges tie into the vibrant color palette created by the circulation spaces and improve the sense of community and collaboration with upgraded furniture and huddle spaces. The student rooms and student room corridors were refreshed with various wall and floor materials and strategically tie in to the tower color-coding associations. Scope Summary Project scope for this 146,000 SF building involved custom gradient floor-to-ceiling wayfinding graphics in each of the elevator lobbies, new vanities and storage at student rooms, and water supply and sanitary piping throughout the Residence Hall. The color-coded wayfinding signage is incorporated throughout each floor of the dorm to improve navigation. Overall, Burge Residence Hall Renovation has revived the meaning of student living and elevated the experience for all users. DLR Group provided architecture, interior design, wayfinding and experiential design.
Design Narrative - The University of Northern Iowa Industrial Technology Center (ITC) is the home of the Department of Technology, an umbrella of programs that educate students for technology, manufacturing and construction, management and teaching fields. The ITC also houses the nationally recognized Metal Casting Center program - a materials research and foundry site that provides students hands-on learning experience working with industry partners. UNI’s Metal Casting Center serves more clients than any other metal casting center in North America. UNI is the only public university in Iowa with these specific Bachelorette, Masters, and Doctoral technology degrees. Upgrading and expanding this 1974 aged facility will improve educational outcomes and increase class sizes to meet the demands of Iowa’s construction and manufacturing industries. Scope Summary - The University of Northern Iowa selected DLR Group to assess the current program requirements and work with ITC leadership to identify future needs and a vision for the project. Our assessment of the building infrastructure, and evaluation of other potential building sites determined that revitalizing the existing structure was advantageous over relocating the programs elsewhere or building a new facility. The Design team and UNI’s executive team engaged with faculty, staff, students and industry partners on several occasions to more fully understand the function of the building and programs within the context of the facility, campus and community. After a thorough analysis of the various options it was determined that the project would entail an extensive renovation of existing spaces, some partial demolition, and a facility expansion to provide some essential additional square footage. It is estimated that the modernization project will allow the department to boost enrollment by 40% to help meet Iowa’s workforce needs. The proposed three-year renovation/expansion project will modernize the building’s current spaces and systems and expand the facility by 47,829 gross square feet (GSF). The updated 100,071 GSF facility will serve today’s needs and ensure UNI’s Department of Technology can prepare Iowa’s industry leaders for tomorrow.
Design Achievement - Urbandale Community School District makes it a priority to bring learning to life for everyone. Over the course of the past fifteen years, the community embarked on a mission to implement strategic facility improvements across the District’s eight campuses. This mission recently included a yearlong process to engage the community in a discussion to determine a direction for elementary school education in particular. A Community Leadership Committee assembled to explore the ideas, options, and community support to achieve the integration of 21st century learning environments. The process culminated with DLR Group’s recommendation plan to consolidate six elementary school buildings to four by retiring four existing facilities and constructing two new facilities. The plan also details the revitalization of remaining buildings to meet the ongoing educational demands and standards Urbandale has come to be known for. The District’s inclusive educational ambitions drove DLR Group’s design for the new elementary school, the first of the replacement facilities, which provide programs and opportunities for students based on individual interests, values, and potential. This new elementary school prototype reinforces the District’s emphasis on creating a 21st century school tailored to the Urbandale community. Scope Summary - The scope of work for the new facility includes 118,500 SF to support an initial enrollment of 660 students, grades PreK-5. The new elementary school supports growth and allows approximately 860 students through two planned expansions. Two learning stairs flank the two-story commons space and unite all grade levels. The first floor includes a storm shelter to keep students and staff safe in the event of a natural disaster. A makerspace on the second level serves as an exterior and interior focal point, creating opportunities for project-based and hands-on learning. The design supports various teaching and learning styles and the flexibility to not only adapt to changes, but function as a community space for special events. Small group rooms shared between classrooms support various instructional and unique learning styles. Each has the flexibility to transform and reconfigure spaces to adjust to the environment quickly. Natural daylight and views provide a direct physical connection from the makerspaces, art room, and commons to an outdoor learning environment that increases the connection to the exterior. The solar-ready facility’s roof design allows for photovoltaic panels to increase energy efficiency. Classroom neighborhoods surround a flexible Discovery area that provides additional educational space for students. These open, technology-filled Discovery areas take on a unique and identifiable character for each neighborhood. The location of the commons, gymnasium, and media center allows for community use outside of student hours. DLR Group provided architecture, interiors, structural, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, landscape architecture, and construction administration services.
Design Narrative East High School was constructed 1911 and lays claim to the oldest high school in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Standing proud along the I-235 corridor, its history and impact on education in the Des Moines area has stood the test of time. The Des Moines Independent Community School District has made continual improvements of its facilities a priority, often taking great strides to preserve the history embedded within its structures. The District had the same approach for the East High School. While the East High School auditorium’s historical significance is of great value, the features and functionality of the original space have diminished over time and were in dire need of upgrades. DLR Group performed a comprehensive feasibility study in conjunction with the District to evaluate the opportunities available to not only enhance the performance space, but also preserve historic features. The final design solution enhances key historical elements, creates equitable views to the performers, and modernizes the functionality of the auditorium. In addition to the feasibility study, DLR Group provided a vision to communicate to the active and supportive alumni association for such a special renovation. Scope Summary The extensive renovation included 13,600 SF of space removing and replacing the upper balcony for improved sightlines, new audio/visual systems and stage rigging, as well as finish updates throughout. The 765-seat auditorium now boasts state-of-the-art lights and sound for the enjoyment of staff, students, and community members alike. The interior concept leverages a clean modern approach to enhancing and highlighting the historical details throughout. Careful attention to sightlines and acoustics further improves the patron experience. DLR Group provided the architectural, planning, auditorium specialty design, technology design, and interior services.
Design Achievement - Following a thorough master planning process and successful bond referendum, the Lenox Community School District community recognized a growing need for new and improved facilities to ease capacity and scheduling conflicts at their existing PreK-12 school building. DLR Group’s design for the building improvements reflects the District’s educational evolution, offering advanced amenities to meet the changing needs and wants of students and educators. The first milestone of the master plan includes four major additions and two major renovations. These improvements leverage existing circulation paths, programmatic adjacencies, and enhance educational opportunities. Three new core learning studios spaces are situated adjacent to an open, collaborative environment supporting capacity and educational needs for the elementary students. New athletic and career/technical education spaces enhance educational opportunities by providing spaces that prepare junior and senior high students for careers and college. A new, distinct event entry guides patron and provides communal space before and after school activities. These additions leverage north daylight to create positive learning environments. Building forms, patterns, and material implementation complement the existing material and form pallets while supporting the design concepts of the building additions.   Scope Summary - Approximately 28,700 square feet of new additions along with renovations to the existing Lenox PreK-12 school provides the District with learning environments that support their goals. The new addition at the elementary wing includes three classrooms with a student discovery space. At the Jr/Sr High, a new auxiliary gymnasium with 500 seats is located adjacent to the existing competition gym. A new weights and fitness room, concessions, lobby, restrooms, locker rooms, training, and coaches’ rooms further support the activities of all students. The use of school logos, graphics, displays, and views into the weights and fitness room adds vibrancy and energy to the space. To support growing career and technical programs, a new career and technical lab provides a modern-day facility to support a variety of hands-on skills. This highly flexible lab has visual and physical access to two supporting classroom environments. Natural light floods the lab to provide an environment conducive to working in the highly technical space. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design services.
Design Narrative - Posing functional and safety challenges, Urbandale Community School District’s fitness area was outdated and too small to support the district’s needs. DLR Group worked closely with the district to identify the right location and inspiration for the addition, which resulted in extensive site studies. Tours of various fitness facilities across the state aided in the effort to gather data and analyze lessons-learned from each of the locations. The resulting one-and-a-half-story fitness center addition supports a variety of activities and programs while consolidating separate entries into one clear location supported by wayfinding elements. Increasing the caliber of fitness offerings, a multipurpose room features a competition wood floor and the adjacent weight room features indoor field turf that supports springs, agility drills, and other athletic activities in preparation for gameday. The interior spaces are adorned with team colors, logos, and district branding that instill a sense of pride in students, staff, and community members. The new addition includes state-of-the-art fitness equipment as well as a re-energized lobby space and overall invigorating fitness experience to serve the Urbandale CSD community. Scope Summary – In total, the new 17,340 SF addition includes a fitness room, multipurpose room, concessions, J-Hawk forum, changing rooms, storage, and support space. Indoor turf, high-end equipment, daylight, a reimagined athletic lobby, and striking branding throughout make up this comprehensive facility. The renovation of the lobby, restrooms, and locker rooms complement the addition and ensure cohesion. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design services.
The University of Iowa engaged DLR Group to perform a study of possible ways to renovate/update an auditorium in the Boyd Law Building. The goal of the study is to create a flexible space that supports collaborative learning and  variety of events in the College of Law.  A final direction yet to be determined by the University, but the process included the development of several iterations of floor plan diagrams, a three-dimensional model, and mood board engagement exercise. The final deliverable will include diagrams, 3D views, and a cost estimate.
An 8,400 SF cafeteria remodel in an existing 20 year old office building with new furniture, casework, and revolving door. Design to be more collaboration focused and adaptive.
Design Narrative The new Urbandale Elementary School No 2 is located in a suburban community immersed in nature. Nearby city trails, parks, and the locally renowned demonstration garden provided inspiration for DLR Group’s design, inviting visitors to engage all of their senses. The planning team worked closely with key stakeholders to establish criteria for the design, which outlined the creation of welcoming, collaborative, and flexible learning environments strategically organized to foster smooth collaboration. Classroom neighborhoods and common spaces feature various themes drawn from the contextual elements of the site, including Woodlands, Brook, Grassland, and Hive, which promote unity, stimulate creativity, and ease wayfinding. Discovery zones, makerspaces, resource rooms, think spaces, and support areas throughout the facility are equipped with sliding doors and moveable walls to maximize connection and flexibility. Natural tones of metal panel in conjunction with wood-toned metal panel create a warm and inviting aesthetic with low maintenance materials. Each space is adorned with vibrant textures and colors, which encourage imagination and enthusiasm for learning. Scope Summary The approximately 118,500 square foot elementary school will be a 4-section (4 classrooms per grade level) PK – 5th grade facility with a capacity of 640 students. The school and site will be sized for growth and designed to support an additional classroom per grade level to provide the district with flexibility in the future. Pre-K classrooms are strategically placed on the first floor near parent drop off zone and their dedicated play area. The Pre-K classrooms also serve as a storm shelter for the school. Grades K-5 are organized in two grade level neighborhoods to promote a strong sense of community and the opportunity of cross-grade level collaboration within the elementary school. The location of the commons, gymnasium, and media center allows for community use outside of student hours. The facility is solar-ready, with the roof designed to have photovoltaic panels added in the future to increase energy efficiency. Site amenities consist of adequate parking and drop off lane. A separate bus lane provides a clear delineation of vehicle circulation. Play areas consist of hard surface, soft surface with playground equipment, and a grass play field. These items are organized together on the site for ease of access and supervision.
Design Achievement - Located on the southern edge of the State of Iowa capitol complex, this classically derived five-story building provides space for the State of Iowa Judicial Services previously located at five separate sites around Des Moines. DLR Group's design, in association with Kaplan/McLaughlin/Diaz, adds a distinctive yet progressive look to downtown and a complementary addition to campus. The building is arranged on a hierarchical concept in conjunction with the levels of the court system, which reach their pinnacle at the Iowa Supreme Court. The building expresses the design goals to impart visual testimony to the dignity, stability, accessibility and fairness of the State Supreme Court and the judicial system. Scope Summary - Two main features of the 123,800 SF, five-story Iowa Judicial Branch Building include an interior atrium and a 100-foot tall rotunda, capped by a copper dome wrapped in clerestory windows. The north-facing front is four visible stories of a formal wing. On the west end, the Iowa Supreme Court is located on the top floor, with the Iowa Appellate Court, Judicial Branch Court Information Systems, Clerk of the Court, Screening Attorney's, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and general administration on the floors below. Natural lighting is a key element in the interior workspace, creating an open feeling with well-lit offices and cubicles. The project integrated 14,000 SF of interior marble walls weighing 112 tons, 2,300 tons of exterior limestone, and 1,075 tons of structural steel. DLR Group was the Architect of Record providing architecture and engineering services.
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DLR Group worked with the Gardner-Edgerton Unified School District #231 to site-adapt their existing elementary school design to meet current educational standards and improve constructability. Designers identified a variety of design elements in need of upgrading, such as maximization of spaces and improving the overall function of certain building areas. In addition, DLR Group modified the entire interior finish scheme, including flooring patterns, paint patterns and colors.   Two classroom pods surround the centrally located media center and computer labs. An abundance of clerestory windows are located throughout the pods to draw natural sunlight into the building. Within each classroom pod is a large, multi-purpose space used for large group projects and gatherings, as well as indoor recess due to inclement weather. The space joins an outdoor classroom for outdoor activities and learning. Designers also enlarged the gymnasium to accommodate the Physical Education classes and after school Y-care program.   The building is situated to take full advantage of the existing site drainage and elevations. Designers utilized the site elevations to remove the lowered amphitheater areas from the end of the wings, which was a common complaint of many patrons of the existing elementary school.     Scope Summary This school consists of 74,000 SF and can accommodate 525 students in grades K-4.
An 8,400 SF cafeteria remodel in an existing 20 year old office building with new furniture, casework, and revolving door. Design to be more collaboration focused and adaptive.
Design Achievement – Moselle at the Edge is part of a large revitalization effort, River’s Edge, which is uniquely positioned along the Missouri River between the cities of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska. The design features two distinct towers and thoughtfully leverages the river running between the cities as an asset. Tower One houses 68 luxury condominiums and Tower Two offers 120 market-rate rental apartments. The towers share an amenity deck and parking structure. The structural system is a poured-in-place post-tension concrete. This allows for greater flexibility, durability, and sound and noise control while enabling more units to be built vertically within height constraints. The exterior cladding system is a high-performance curtain wall, ventilated rain-screen and architectural precast paneling. The projects proximity to River’s Edge ensures that retail, office and additional residential communities are conveniently located to residents of Moselle at the Edge. The Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge also is within walking distance to connect residents to Downtown Omaha’s Historic Old Market and events district. Scope Summary – The scope of work for this project consisted of two, 15-story residential towers with a common 2-story podium totaling 400,000 SF. The project is served by a central plant water source heat pump loop providing heating and cooling to individual living units as well as common spaces. Each living unit is equipped with a 2-ton water-to-air heat pump. Dedicated outside air-handling systems are used for ventilation of living and common spaces. DLR Group provided architecture, interior design, and structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
The Great Western Bank is a new two-story banking and office structure with approximately 18,000 SF. Located in Shawnee, Kansas, the bank operations occupy at least fifty percent of the facility to meet the requirements set forth by the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance. The main level houses these banking operations, as well as offers roughly 2,500 SF of leasable space to accommodate a coffee shop tenant. The upper level includes the building’s common conference and boardroom, staff break room, and public restroom facilities. Along with these amenities, the majority of the upper level will be leased office space which the bank can also grow into as needed in the future.
Existing metal shed building, we are adding a welding room, a restroom, and some new exterior doors. Engineering is doing some site work, upgraded electrical service, and new mechanical systems.
Existing metal shed building, we are adding a welding room, a restroom, and some new exterior doors. Engineering is doing some site work, upgraded electrical service, and new mechanical systems.
As Muscatine Community School District continued to evolve to meet the needs of the community, it became increasingly clear that a key educational component was missing to serve a defined demographic segment of the city. While it is acknowledged that multiple factors affect overall enrollment fluctuations over time – the fact was, Muscatine CSD was missing an opportunity to effectively shape its longevity by not being able to offer adequate or substantial early childhood programs coupled with a robust daycare/after school activities component. Where gaps exist, other entities have aimed to fill the void, thereby creating perpetual negative pressures on already strained resources. A timely opportunity was made available to the school district in a manner to take forward steps in meeting the needs of the community. The former JC Penney property attached to the Muscatine Mall became available for lease. A Muscatine icon, once thriving a source for the components to build a comfortable home environment has the potential opportunity to offer components to build stability within a community through education, convenience, and possible consolidation. Muscatine CSD tasked the DLR Group design team to achieve two main objectives - a facility assessment and a feasibility study. The detailed analysis within the facility assessment provided the District with data to inform their decision to potentially purchase of the facility. Following the completion of the facility assessment, the design team worked with District administration to develop a building program to support the needs of the district. Along with goal and vision setting, the building program set the foundation for the feasibility concepts. The study led to the re-imagination and re-use of the approximately 48,000 square foot facility into an innovative learning environment. Spaces within the renovated facility were designed with early learners in mind. A combination of small group, collaborative, focused, and joy-inspiring spaces create a school that supports various teaching and learning needs. While the District opted to pursue another path to meet the needs for their early learners, the study provided insight and direction for the types of environments the District wanted to create for its students and staff.
Design Achievement - The new single-story building complements an existing 28,000 SF structure utilizing a structural steel frame with precast concrete exterior cladding. The building is oriented east to west to minimize heat gain in the early morning and late afternoon while at the same time maximizing daylighting. Indirect pendant lighting complements the daylit design and dual switched fixtures aid in controlling energy costs. The new building is connected to the existing structure by a transparent link that also serves as a new primary entrance for the facility. Future expansions will be connected in a similar manner as the building steps down the south facing sloped site. The current project also provides for a new primary conference room, training facility and break area for the entire staff. Scope Summary - DLR Group was retained to develop a 32,000 SF office addition for Sega, Inc., an Overland Park engineering firm. Services began with the development of a building program and included City approval of the final development plan, design, document development and construction phase services. The Sega office addition has realized a nearly 70% energy savings over its original twelve-year old facility as the result of integrating improved building orientation, a higher performance building envelope, and higher efficiency mechanical system. DLR Group provided architecture, planning, and interiors services.
Design Achievement - Black Hills Corporation is an energy company with a natural gas and electric focus serving over a million customers in the western United States. The Operations & Training Center serves as a hub for Black Hills employees across the mid-west including Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, and Wyoming. DLR Group's design incorporates each programmatic component in a meaningful way to expresses permanence, transparency, and an honest and efficient use of resources; all important ideas to the client. The interior's bright, modern workspaces focus high-end design elements in accentuated gathering spaces. The space balances expression and employee experience with safety, security, and efficiency. An integral part of the employee training experience is the "Gas Town," a simulated neighborhood consisting of seven training structures that replicate field conditions and scenarios. Nearby, a large equipment training area sees employees practicing on actual heavy machinery used in the field. Along with virtual simulators indoors, these spaces deliver a robust training experience for technicians across the region. After settling into the new spaces, the client reports a 3-fold increase in efficiency. Scope Summary - This new 75,000 GSF building was designed for roughly 150 full-time office employees and serves as home base for many other field employees. The scope includes general office space, social gathering spaces around a two-story lobby, classrooms for training employees, material and vehicle storage warehouses, as well as a meter shop where gas meters get tested, prepared, and refurbished before being sent all over the country. DLR Group provided architecture, interior design, and structural engineering services.
Design Achievement - Overland Park's Sheraton Hotel tower illuminates the city's horizon and is an immediate focal point to its adjacent convention center. DLR Group's design creates individual identities for both the headquarters hotel and the convention center, but creatively fuses them into an integrated, destination complex with two levels of pedestrian walkways and a shared courtyard connecting guests, visitors, and exhibitors. Within the hotel, inviting, contemporary architecture coupled with bold and dramatic interiors exudes quality, elegance and a sense of place representative of the local and regional pride. This pride also shows through in the many amenities that Sheraton offers its guests. Scope Summary - This Sheraton Hotel serves as the headquarters hotel for the Overland Park Convention Center. With 20-stories and 412-rooms, the hotel offers many of Sheraton's standard amenities including an indoor pool, fitness center, business center, gift shop and restaurant. The hotel provides a 10,800 SF ballroom and an additional 17,800 SF of meeting and pre-function space to complement the attached 237,000 SF convention center. Technology such as wireless service and rooms equipped with Ethernet and T-1 connections fosters easy internet access in each meeting and guest room. A 25,000 SF outdoor courtyard offers additional flexibility and connects the two facilities, and an attached 415-space parking structure provides convenient parking. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, and interiors services in design-build delivery with Turner Construction
The design for the new Eudora High School is centered around a circular courtyard that creates a dynamic student gathering space and brings natural light into the facility. The courtyard is a focal point for public activities in the school, providing direct access to the media center, administration area and commons, which is open to the gymnasium. After hours, the courtyard can be secured with perimeter gates to limit access. Integrated technology in the school supports a media center with a broadcasting studio and computer lab with distance learning capabilities; two information technology resource centers; an industrial technology lab and 3D art studio; and a journalism production lab with darkroom. Flexibility was a major concern for this growing school district, so the 115,988 SF, 500-student facility was designed to accommodate future expansion and with the ability to support both team teaching and departmentalized curriculum approaches.
Design Summary Sitting just outside the Des Moines Metro area, Madrid is a small town anticipating growth. In efforts to relieve growth pressures at the elementary school, the district relocated sixth graders from the elementary school to the high school site. With minimal space available to house this new grade level, master planning workshops determined a classroom addition at the northwest end of the building to be the most feasible opportunity to address anticipated growth. Workshop outcomes identified two primary design components to this addition/renovation work – a classroom addition, and renovation of the current main office space. Design intent for the new classroom addition is to allow for flexible use and create a new collaborative hub for the facility. To achieve this, four spacious classrooms provide flexible, open access to a central, large volume collaborative space, designed to host large group meetings and presentations. Through flexible furniture, sliding glass doors, and collapsible walls, there are endless opportunities for students and staff alike to use the space. Additionally, the main office to the building required some renovation work to improve flow, and better meet the needs of building administration. To achieve this, a vibrantly branded main office immediately identifies a sense of school pride which welcomes students, staff, and visitors alike. Interior comfort is addressed through soft, flexible seating. Noise control is implemented through a series of suspended baffles. Between the baffles, tubular daylighting devices are inserted into the roof structure to allow natural daylight into the central collaboration space. Abundant natural light is welcomed from large curtain wall windows at the nooks off of the collaboration space which mimic the large windows of the existing commons. Borrowed light through sliding glass doors enters the collaboration space from the north windows of each classroom. Large, frameless markerboards cover the entire south collaboration space wall from floor to ceiling to serve as a landing spot for expressing ideas and sharing knowledge. Apparent use of the school’s orange branding presents itself through these markerboards and through accented wall paint. Varying carpet patterns also help identify different zones within the classroom addition. Scope Summary The new classroom addition to the northwest end of the building is composed of all elements which create a new collaboration hub for the building. Four generously sized classrooms open up to a centralized collaboration space with flexible furniture. At each end of the collaboration space are think tanks for small group work. Administrative supervision is present through a teacher workroom and counselor office which look out to the common collaboration space. New bathrooms are also centrally located behind the collaboration space to serve the students in the new addition.
Design Achievement – The Brunnier Museum is one of a handful of accredited museums on U.S. college campuses and the only accredited museum emphasizing a decorative arts collection in the state of Iowa. The Museum serves the community as an educational and cultural resource for all ages, offering lectures, receptions, conferences, and gallery walks for students and the community. DLR Group’s design expands the museum’s ability to display and store artwork within the same 14,565 SF footprint it has occupied since 1975. The project stems from the need to relieve the overcrowded storage room and addresses the display limitations imposed by the complex entry sequence of hallways and rooms. Upgrades to the visual accessibility and comfort of the museum create a facility that is a 21st century learning environment. DLR Group’s design inspires clarity, transparency, and efficiency, furthering the museum’s mission of teaching visual literacy to students and the community. Scope Summary – The renovation remodeled the museum entrance, expanded exhibition space, reopened a portion of the clerestory windows, replaced flooring throughout, and retrofitted the permanent collection storage area with space-saving high-density mobile shelving for sculptures and paintings. HVAC systems were upgraded to provide an ASHRAE Class A environmental condition and meet the museum’s strict design criteria. DLR Group came into this project at the Design Development phase after another firm had developed a schematic design booklet. The team digested this information and married it with the client’s evolving desires as the project progressed. Before beginning the design process, two of the main concerns were finding an affordable fire rated glass system that could serve as the entrance wall and developing a way to support the high-density storage unit within the existing structure. The flooring throughout the Museum was upgraded with padded carpeting, providing comfort for the staff, visitors, and grade schoolers, while standing up to heavy foot traffic and forklift heavy rolling art. DLR Group provided architecture, interior design, lighting design, as well as MEP and structural engineering.
Project Overview: This project will consist of a new 256-Bed dormitory style housing unit, expansion of the existing Medical and Kitchen areas, modification to existing Kitchen area to create a new dishwashing and food cart assembly area, a new Pre-Engineered Building for warehouse storage (to include pre-fabricated cooler/freezer units), an addition to the Administration area and remodel of the Inmate Visiting Room. The perimeter fences/detection system, perimeter roads, perimeter security lighting and existing (2) outdoor recreation yards will be located to accommodate the new housing unit. The second addition, completed in 2004, consists of a new 256-Bed housing unit, expansion of the existing Medical and Kitchen areas, modification to the existing Kitchen area to create a new dishwashing and food cart assembly area, a new Pre-Engineered Building for warehouse storage (to include pre-fabricated cooler/freezer units), an addition to the Administration area and remodel of the Inmate Visiting Room. Portions of the perimeter fences/detection system, perimeter roads, perimeter security lighting and existing two (2) outdoor recreation yards will be relocated to accommodate the expansion. For project description of full facility, see project no. 50-90147-05
Located north of the existing high school, the addition will become the new hub of Colfax-Mingo athletics. Exterior materials will include brick, metal panel, curtain wall glazing and aluminum storefront systems, while the main entrance will utilize Colfax-Mingo High School graphics and colors to create a unique athletic entrance to the building and site. A public plaza will be created outside the main entrance to accommodate event crowds throughout the year, from football games, to conference volleyball games to district basketball games and wrestling tournaments. The new design will also be accompanied by a new parking lot north of the addition. Accommodations will be made through the addition of ramps and stairs to allow access to all users. The main entry at the north end of the addition will be on grade. Colfax-Mingo CSD Athletic Improvements will be designed around a few key spaces, including the Entry Lobby, Gymnasium, Fitness Center, Weight Room and Football Field. It is our goal to create a space, and building, that will last and age well in the process. We will use durable materials, such as painted CMU walls, concrete or epoxy ?oors, or terrazzo ?oors in key spaces, and hollow metal frames and doors. The Entry Lobby will include the Concessions, School Spirit Store, and trophy display area. The Fitness Center, Weight Room, and Wrestling Room will be on the second level adjacent to the running/walking track. The Wrestling Room will have athletic padded ?ooring and wall pads, and an exposed ceiling. The Fitness Center and Weight Room will have a 1” seamless athletic rolled ?oor, east facing windows, and glass, interior garage doors facing the track. When open, the garage doors will provide better ventilation and great access to the track.
Design Summary Sitting just outside the Des Moines Metro area, Madrid is a small town anticipating growth. In efforts to relieve growth pressures at the elementary school, the district relocated sixth graders from the elementary school to the high school site. With the alleviated space at the elementary from this grade reallocation, planning efforts determined a classroom addition at the northwest end of the building along with relocation of the media center and main office would provide a more efficient use of building spaces. Design intent of the media center relocation aimed to serve two purposes. First, it is to create a large, open learning environment which stimulated learning. Second, it is to improve circulation and wayfinding by linking the two offset levels of the building. This new media center located as the centralized learning hub for the building also created an opportunity for a new adjacent courtyard to serve as an outdoor learning environment. Another main driver of planning efforts for the elementary school is to create an identifiable sense of entry. The existing entry to the building was only visible as a small cloth canopy tacked onto the east end of the building. The renovation of spaces within the building suggested an opportunity to relocate the main entry and main office to the southwest corner of the building. To clearly identify this new entry, a new entry canopy is designed to provide sheltered entry, and act as a warm welcome to the elementary facility. Not only did this main entry shift positively impact internal arrangement of spaces, but also improved external site drop-off/pick-up circulation as well. The interior environment of the media center addition caters itself to the Madrid school pride and playful spirit of students through use of the school’s vibrant orange branding color and colorful ceiling clouds which communicate with the exterior window pattern. Carpet patterns and materiality changes identify zones for various activities within the new large volume. This is presented through various environments including a makerspace, small learning stair, reading nook, and book stack area. Playful arrangement of ceiling baffles and lighting fixtures also help to identify the different zones. Scope Summary The project scope consists of several major components. There is a single classroom addition at the northwest corner, a new centralized media center with adjacent courtyard, relocation of the main office, and a new main entry canopy. Paired with the renovation of internal spaces, the project pieces all come together to create improved efficiency of space internally and externally for a landlocked site. The result is a facility that better meets the needs of the students in the District it serves. sult is a facility that better meets the needs of the students in the District it serves.
Design Achievements At SMH's new headquarters, warehouse, distribution and office functions unite in a single facility to accelerate business success through streamlined, collaborative work processes. DLR Group's workplace design creates a positive, effective work environment, informs and trains clients about the company and its product and services, and graciously greets numerous visitors to the headquarters every day. The warehouse and DC design accounts for current technologies while anticipating evolution to future processes and equipment. This connection to the future, and the connections established between each member of the workforce, propel the business success of SMH, one of the largest distributors of forklift and material handling parts in the Americas. Scope Summary The project comprised a new headquarters facility, including 225,000 SF of warehouse and distribution space, and 40,000 SF of office. Early project design included a deep-dive discovery process called "Provisioning," which explored and determined not only business practice and aspirations, but also company culture and identity. DLR Group provided architecture, interiors, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, and landscape architecture.
Design Achievement: As historic downtown Ottumwa, IA underwent a major revitalization project, Ottumwa Community School District saw it as a learning opportunity for students and a way to reinvigorate their bond to the community. To navigate the need to increase learning opportunities in high-demand career fields, the District purchased an empty historic building in downtown Ottumwa. Formerly a business incubator and food market, the District collaborated with stakeholders, educators, local businesses, and DLR Group to reimagine the former market as a new, innovative learning environment. This intentional collaboration with local businesses and organizations ensured that the programs would create connections between students and career opportunities to inspire ideas and career paths through real-life experiences. Organizationally, the design was inspired by the building’s former function - a market. Throughout history, markets served as a connector of people, products, and ideas. The new Career Campus would do just that, provide space for students to connect to career pathways, their peers, and business partners in a flexible, adaptable environment. The building layout created a flexible grid parti, much like markets today, to allow flexible use of the spaces as well as adapt to changing industry and career needs. The program just needed a home; one with all the necessary elements of an innovative learning environment but separate from the physical school environment to replicate an actual business setting. The district collaborated with DLR Group to create a fresh and unique incubator of ideas that enhances the educational experience of students. Scope Summary: Following the purchase of an existing historic building, the Ottumwa Community School District turned to DLR Group to reimagine and transform the now tenantless building. Located one block from Ottumwa High School in downtown Ottumwa, the renovated, state-of-the-art facility provides opportunities for students to earn high school and college credits simultaneously. The approximately 11,000 square foot adaptive reuse space was renovated to support various career programs as well as District and community events. Organized around a centralized collaboration space, flexible learning studios connect visually and physically via overhead glass sectional doors. A technology lab supports the District career pathways and shares the same connection to open collaboration spaces, allowing students to shift to environments that support their task at hand. Small group rooms offer students and staff right-sized spaces for focused work and team collaboration. A renovated Culinary Arts Lab provides a real-world environment. This Culinary Lab operates a pastry and coffee bar at the community space at the south end of the Career Campus. This south space fronts Main Street and creates opportunity for community connections. The Career Campus was designed to support various activities. While operating as a student collaboration space during the day, the centralized area can transform to a District board room at night. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design services.
Designers led a team from the school district and community through a charrette to help design the new Spring Hill High School. During two intense days, the group brainstormed about everything from site placement to the image the facility should project. The charrette allowed Spring Hill representatives to become an integral part of the design and take greater ownership and pride in a facility they is now an icon within the community. The design of the high school places the administrative area as the main hub to provide supervision and access to all areas of the school. The public activity spaces are designed along the main spine of the facility to allow access to the areas while maintaining security in the classroom wing. The media center has its own entrance and image, a true community space that provides library services in conjunction with the local community college.
Design Achievement - The growing community of Storm Lake Community School District recognized the need to resolve capacity issues at its existing early childhood and elementary facilities. DLR Group’s design for the new Early Elementary School addresses capacity issues and reflects the district’s educational evolution, offering a variety of spatial types to meet the unique learning styles of students. The new Storm Lake Elementary School embodies the criteria established by key stakeholder groups and the planning team. The design organizes the school in a clean, methodical fashion, with grade level neighborhoods located along a main circulation spine that delineates community use spaces from classroom spaces. Classroom neighborhoods surround flexible Discovery Areas that provide additional education space for students. The open and technology-filled spaces take on a unique and identifiable character for each neighborhood. Natural daylight and views of an outdoor learning environment promote a positive overall experience. The commons/cafeteria, media center, STEAM room, and music room align along a main circulation path. These spaces provide the opportunity to showcase student work and provide visual connections to the main circulation path of the school. The design of the new construction takes on a clean-lined, modern, and cost-effective approach to design while enhancing student creativity and utilizing stakeholder engagement.   Scope Summary - The scope of work for this project includes design and construction totaling 68,000 SF serving 300 kindergarten students, with two planned additions. The facility houses Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade levels. Phase 1 of the school is designed with fourteen (14) Kindergarten classrooms. Future phases support fourteen (14) Pre-Kindergarten classrooms and ten (10) 1st Grade classrooms. The fully finished facility has a capacity of 880 students. To further support future growth, the school and site design supports four (4) additional Pre-Kindergarten and four (4) additional 1st Grade classrooms to provide the district with flexibility in the future. Grade level neighborhoods promote a strong sense of community and the opportunity to foster relationships and collaboration within the elementary school.  Pre-K classrooms strategically placed near administration, the parent drop off zone, and their dedicated play area, easing access and flow. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, planning, and interiors services.
Design Achievement – The new Pioneer Ridge Middle School is allowing the Gardner Edgerton School District to continue to provide a growing student population with small class sizes and modern, collaborative schools. DLR Group's design features a clerestory that connects the public and student entry plazas to a central media center and brings natural light into the core of the school. Administration is located at the primary public entrance to the building to allow for direct supervision. The media center is surrounded by a corridor that branches into hallways leading to two L-shaped academic wings to the east, and to the commons, auditorium, and gymnasium to the west. The academic wings are self-contained with their own core classrooms separating 5th-6th graders from 7th-8th graders. A forum room and computer laboratories between the academic wings are designed to accommodate group sessions and provide additional separation of grade levels. Scope Summary – The scope of this project encompassed the design of a 133,990 SF school serving 1,000 students in grades 5-8. The design features a 400-seat auditorium, adjacent music classrooms, and an 800-seat competition gymnasium. Site amenities include a competition football field and track with bleacher seating, concessions and restrooms, two practice fields, and softball field. DLR Group provided integrated planning; architecture; and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services for the project.
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'Provide CM Services for seven projects included in the April 2005 Bond Issue.
Design Achievement - When Old Station Craft Meats was in its infancy, ownership needed to find a location that complimented its goal of restoring a lost craft while rebuilding the trade of butchery to a 21st century standard, all with a sustainable business model. Previously home to a Plymouth dealership, a mechanic, and a florist, Old Station Craft Meats found itself in a century-old building that had original bow trusses and vaulted wood ceilings which had long since been covered and forgotten. DLR Group's design aimed to pay homage to the history of the building while also unveiling a remodeled and reenergized space. DLR Group successfully breathed life into this historic structure recognizing that celebrating the history of the building, the craft, and the community was paramount. Local artisans artificially patinaed the new mechanical system’s duct-work to give the air of a historic building suspended in time, while the custom fixtures, seating, and displays were crafted from vintage trucks and farm equipment to incorporate the relics of a time when neighborhood butchers were commonplace. Simple finishes and muted colors showcase the building itself along with the merchandise, all while being cognizant of the rigorous sanitation and hygienic needs of the users. DLR Group was honored to team up with Old Station Craft Meats throughout their entire process, from site evaluation through ribbon cutting, and finally savoring. Scope Summary - The scope of work for this project included the renovation of an approximately 3,500 SF century-old building off the main downtown triangle in Waukee, Iowa. Like any building of this age, a complete remodel came with unexpected surprises around every turn. Hand-in-hand with a client who understood the importance of maintaining the integrity of the historic structure so that it could be around for another hundred years, upgrades and modifications became a part of the modus operandi to ensure that the work was done right with respect to the building’s storied past, and its ability to thrive into the future. A passion project for this client preserved a historic small-town structure, reenergized the area’s downtown, and created a gathering place where neighbors can celebrate the craft of locally raised meat while sharing in the conversation of food discovery. DLR Group provided architecture and interior design services.
Design Achievement – The District at Coralville is a new 30-acre mixed-use development in Coralville, Iowa. Located in a fast-growing community that makes up a large portion of the greater metropolitan area of Iowa City, the property is an opportunity zone to create a mixed-use magnet for tenants, businesses, and developers. The site sits directly adjacent to the University of Iowa Research Campus, and commercial and single-family residential developments. After working closely with the University and City over the years, DLR Group was commissioned by the property owner to strategically position this site for a large-scale urban development that gives the Coralville community an identifiable place to live, work, stay, and play. DLR Group’s design uses a conceptual framework to position a lively mixed-use centered around two parks, whilst also aesthetically stitching a seamless design into the existing fabric of the neighborhood. The spaces are programmed to transition from more mature quiet ownership conditions at the north and move to more lively active zones at the south. The District at Coralville draws inspiration from the energized parks at the ground floor and moves upward to build a livable environment for the residents. The activated lawns at the ground floor bring color and purposeful landscaping to provide the community with moments to be together and create vibrancy in a new town core. Scope Summary – Arching over approximately 1.3 million square feet of buildings and land of active design spaces, The District at Coralville brings an energetic revival to a flourishing community. The program for this new development includes multifamily residential, ground level retail, hospitality, workplace, structured and surface parking, activation of regional bike trails, and integrated transportation. DLR Group provided master planning and architecture services.
Design Narrative A child’s formal educational journey blossoms in a space that inspires excitement, wonder, fear, curiosity, and joy. DLR Group’s design for the new Boone Early Childhood Center encompasses these traits and the criteria established by key stakeholder groups and the facility planning team. After a series of collaborative workshops focused on teaching, learning, and educational environments, a unified direction for the new facility was developed. The building organization centers around grade level neighborhoods that have direct connection to shared learning zones. These shared learning zones or “Discovery” spaces are connected by a contiguous volume that links each of the grade levels together to promote connection specialized learning environments. This light filled Discovery space provides students with access to small group spaces and customizable learning settings to meet the needs of various learning and teaching styles. These ideas reinforce collaboration within classroom neighborhoods and promote a sense of student and staff community in the school. These open, technology-filled “Discovery” areas take on a unique and identifiable character for each grade level. This promotes wayfinding and visual variety for students during their journey at the school. Natural daylight and views to outdoor learning spaces promote a positive learning environment. To further showcase the creativity of the students, the Art room, STEAM Lab, and Media Center are visually connected to the commons and main circulation path of the school. This provides many opportunities to showcase student work to their peers and the community. The location of these common-use spaces, utilized by all grade levels, promotes a sense of community among all students and staff, serving as a hub of activity and interaction. The building layout uses views to the exterior as a form of wayfinding, drawing occupants through the building and inspiring moments of reflection looking at the surrounding natural landscape. The interior design fosters a positive and creative learning environment for students, the community, and visitors. Utilizing the contextual elements of Ledges State Park, a variety of materials, patterns, and textures throughout the early childhood center will promote unity, inspiration, and wayfinding for users. The elements found within the state park will be reimagined and abstracted throughout the classroom neighborhoods and common spaces. The placement of school pride graphics, colors, carpet tiles, lighting, woods and metals will further enhance the school character. Scope Summary The approximately 80,000 square foot early childhood center serves three grade levels – PreK, K and 1st with an initial capacity of 450 students. The school and site are sized for growth and designed to support additional classrooms to provide the district with flexibility for the future. Pre-K classrooms are strategically located in a centralized space near parent drop-off zone and their dedicated play area. Grades K and 1st are organized in grade level neighborhoods to promote a strong sense of community and open up to flexible, shared learning environments. The location of the commons and gymnasium allows for the opportunity for community use outside of school hours. The facility is connected by a contiguous volume of space connecting shared learning environments between grade levels. The Media Center, STEAM Lab, and Art room provide a visual anchor along the circulation path. Site amenities consist of adequate parking and drop off lanes. A separate bus lane provides a clear delineation of vehicle circulation. Play areas consist of hard surface, soft surface with playground equipment, and a grass play field. These items are organized together on the site for ease of access and supervision.
When Tonganoxie School District officials decided to re-organize the district’s grade configuration, they also saw a need for more space. To answer that need, the community passed a bond referendum for district-wide improvements that included a new middle school, an addition to the high school and elementary school upgrades. Curriculum and space needs were the key factors in the improvements, which will allow the district to separate the 7-9 grade students at the current junior high by creating a new 5-8 grade middle school and placing 9th grade at the high school. The 700-student middle school meets the district’s goals of maximizing the curriculum and extracurricular activities for all students. The layout of the school is designed to physically separate and group the core classrooms by grade level. This was accomplished by organizing grade level classrooms into wings with the 5th and 6th grade classrooms grouped on one side of the commons and the 7th and 8th grade classrooms on the other side. The commons/cafeteria is located at the heart of the building, surrounded by the elective classrooms, and directly across from the main public entrance, media center and administration offices. This gives high visibility and accessibility for these areas to the general public and also enables administrators to provide maximum supervision. The school’s design provides the flexibility to accommodate changing curriculums and a variety of student and community activities as well as the ability for future expansion with additional classrooms.
DLR Group’s Wheatridge Middle School project team set out to selectively renovate the approximately 77,400 GSF existing school and design a new approximately 38,000 GSF 5th & 6th grade and administrative office addition for students and staff.  The building is organized to address a variety of issues and concerns, as well as building uses and teaching methods that were established for the design of Gardner Middle School, that have been identified by the School District and DLR Group’s project team.   The new Main entrance, located near the primary parking areas is designed to be more readily identifiable to improve way finding. Two student drop-off drives both lead into the new main entrance Lobby of the building.  The east drop-off drive also doubles as a building delivery service drive. 5th and 6th graders will conveniently enter the north end corridor leading into their T-shaped academic wing, while 7th and 8th graders will travel to the south end of the existing school to their academic core classrooms.  This configuration achieves a greater level of separation between the 5th-6th graders and the 7th-8th graders.  Administration is located adjacent to the new main entrance Lobby of the building to allow for proper supervision of the entrance and consolidation of administrative services.  The existing Commons/Dining area has also been enlarged to better serve as the eating area, a place for students to congregate before classes begin, and a gathering area for student or public activities. Elective classrooms, including FACS, Industrial Tech, Computer Labs and Art are all centrally located between the existing Commons/Dining and Media Center. This arrangement provides program flexibility and convenient access. A covered outdoor walkway is provided to connect the existing competition gym and support spaces to the new addition and commons areas while allowing the existing courtyard to remain open at the north end.   Special Education classrooms are located throughout the building.  Inclusive program classrooms are near the building’s core, with additional classrooms for pullout and speech programs in each academic wing.   Staff support spaces are designed to meet the planning, preparation, and training needs of teachers and staff members.  In addition to a Teacher’s Planning Center in each academic wing, staff will have a separate dining/lounge area adjacent to the Commons area and cafeteria, and a forum room between the academic wings designed to accommodate large training sessions or meetings.   The new Gardner Middle School is designed to meet the growing functional needs of the District’s staff and students, while providing the flexibility necessary to accommodate various teaching methods and a variety of student and staff activities.   Gardner Edgerton School district enlisted DLR Group modernize Wheatridge Middle School. The scope included a 77,400 SF renovation to the existing middle school and a 38,000 SF new addition.

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