Insights

Insights

03.07.23
Marion Fire Station 1 featured in March issue of Architectural Record
Marion Fire Station 1 is highlighted in the March issue of Architectural Record magazine. The civic issue showcases public buildings in Nova Scotia, Milan, Zurich, San Francisco, and Marion, Iowa.   The two-level 21,000-square-foot fire station reduces response ...
08.15.23
Innovative technology restores University of Iowa’s Old Capitol to golden glory

Built between 1840 and 1842, the Old Capitol at the heart of the University of Iowa campus is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the state of Iowa. Throughout its long history, the building has served as …

03.23.23
College of Pharmacy earns LEED Silver certification

The University of Iowa’s new College of Pharmacy building has earned LEED Silver certification. Complete in December 2019, the building was officially dedicated in 2021 due to COVID-19. The new 210,000-square-foot building replaced the 1960s College of Pharmacy …

08.04.22
Corporate transformation, public library honored by AIA Wisconsin

Springs Window Fashions and Waunakee Public Library have both been recognized with a 2022 Merit Awards from AIA Wisconsin for excellence in architectural design and construction. With welcoming and vibrant spaces that embrace openness and light, both Springs …

10.18.21
College of Pharmacy building dedication celebrates education, innovation, congregation 22 months after opening

Ten years ago, knowing that the then current University of Iowa College of Pharmacy was woefully undersized and out of date, OPN Architects was hired to help the college determine a new future for the college. After deciding …

09.24.21
Marion Fire Station Receives AIA Honor Award

The Marion Fire Station No. 1 has received an Excellence in Design Honor Award from AIA Iowa. This award recognizes excellent architectural projects designed by members of AIA Iowa that emphasize their importance in the community. Great works …

08.27.21
Johnston Town Center incorporates public art

The intention of the new city hall was always to be a community anchor surrounded by public amenities, and it is exactly that. The Johnston Town Center is finally complete after the installation of their public art pieces, down …

05.12.21
Krause Gateway Center earns LEED Gold Certification

Krause Gateway Center in Des Moines Western Gateway has earned LEED Gold certification. The building was designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop in collaboration with OPN Architects and constructed by Ryan Companies with sustainable strategies such as: fully automated …

05.12.21
Innovative strategies preserve historic copper clocktower

To restore the historic and iconic clock tower, OPN married new technology with the original building system. The four-story Webster County’s Historic Clock Tower has looked over the town of Fort Dodge, Iowa since September 1902. Added to the National …

12.02.20
Justice projects honored with AIA Justice Facilities Review Award

Polk County Criminal Courts and Madison Fire Station No. 14 have been honored by the American Institute of Architects Academy of Architecture for Justice with a Justice Facilities Review Award. These projects demonstrate quality of form, functionality, and current architectural …

12.02.20
Jamie Hurd Amphitheater honored with Excellence in Concrete Award

Jamie Hurd Amphitheater in West Des Moines, was honored with an Excellence in Concrete Award in the Commercial/Industrial Decorative category on Dec. 2, 2020 at the virtual Iowa Better Concrete Conference. The Excellence in Concrete Awards recognize outstanding …