Designers and builders on the Market One project had to take thoughtful consideration in order to preserve the historic character of the building while still ensuring the best possible experience for building occupants. Located in an industrial area of downtown Des Moines, Blackbird Investments, who acquired the building, hoped to use the renovation to revitalize the area and provide important function to the downtown.
Preserving the original structure, brick, and window location, the project serves as an exemplary example of adaptive reuse. Maintaining the historical elements created significant energy effiency challenges, but ultimately, a combination of design techniques and energy technology significantly reduced the operational energy needed, showing that building reuse and sustainability need not be trade offs. Market One has since helped to set the stage for future responsible and sustainable development in the area.