Human Services Campus

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
  • SQ. FT.
    77,000
  • Budget
    $14,800,000
  • Market
  • Year
    2010

The devastating flood of 2008 in Cedar Rapids impacted more than 30 non-profit organizations. As a result, many began assessing temporary and permanent options for their facilities. Already evaluating their own space needs, the United Way of East Central Iowa lead the initiative to create a human service campus facility to serve numerous non-profits in a creative co-location concept.

The building features three floors of office and meeting spaces located above surface parking. Each floor was planned in a multi-tenant configuration with shared conferencing. The design team embraced sustainable economic, environmental, and socially-responsible principles in the development of the building.

Economic 

  • A regional project contributing to local economy
  • Co-location will reduce overall square footage needs by sharing common spaces
  • Design concepts will enhance energy use and efficiency
  • Natural lighting and daylighting strategies lessen utilities load and create a better working space

Environmental 

  • Urban site re-use
  • Parking under building reduces site footprint
  • Building system integration
  • Storm water systems for management and cleaning of water before it enters the Cedar River watershed
  • “Cool-roof” materials to avoid heat-island effects
  • Native trees and plants to eliminate irrigation needs

Social 

  • Close proximity to trails and transportation
  • Connection to neighborhoods
  • Community meeting facility
  • A component of a city-wide walkable/livable initiative

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