Iowa Architectural Foundation Recognizes Leadership in Community Enhancement Through Architecture and Design in Iowa

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA 

The University of Iowa has consistently built world class buildings throughout campus, which have been an inspiration to current students, their parents, alumni, and professional and amateur architecture enthusiasts. The University has preserved and enhanced the unique identity of the campus, known for its artistic integrity and intellectual inspiration, by engaging such reknowned architects as Frank Gehry, Charles Gwathmey, Gunnar Birkets, Steven Holl,Cesar Pelli and Siah Armajani.  This is especially remarkable, as in 2008, flood waters destroyed twenty-three treasured buildings on the University of Iowa's campus. In the years following, the University used this tragedy as an opportunity to complete a campus-wide comeback, with the grand opening of the new Hancher Auditorium, Voxman Music Building, the new Visual Arts building and more. 

THE GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP AND THE CITY OF DES MOINES 

Over the last 30 years, Downtown Des Moines has transformed into a vibrant destination for 80,000+ employees, 10,000+ residents and millions of visitors each year. The transformation is due in large part to the close collaboration between the public and private sector, including the City of Des Moines and the Greater Des Moines Partnership, who have collaborated with Polk County, the State of Iowa and several major corporations. 

Embracing the vision of Mario Gandelsonas, a Yale School of Architecture professor who was hired to develop a vision for redevelopment, they made the commitment to make Des Moines a world class city. These efforts have led to  completed projects like the Western Gateway Park, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Ingersoll Avenue streetscape, the Historic East Village, the Principal Riverwalk and private developments including Nationwide, Principal, the Krause Gateway Center and Wellmark. This is combined with hundreds of new apartment and condominium units, new retail, events such as the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines and The Des Moines Arts Festival®, and attractions including Brenton Skating Plaza the Lauridsen Skatepark and Wells Fargo Arena. Operation Downtown has ensured that Downtown is safe, clean and beautiful. Des Moines is now rated as one of the best cities in the country in which to live. This has been a remarkable achievement. 

RUAN FAMILY