Plymouth place is a 12-story structure that is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The building has been classified as exceptionally significant by the National Park Service. The project is a quiet renovation, respecting the existing historic fabric, while updating systems, finishes and windows. The project reestablishes the building as an icon on the Des Moines skyline and makes the project a highly sought after address once again. The existing 175 units were combined into 135 larger units. The public areas were refitted with new finishes, additional amenities and furnishings. Also included is an exercise area, library and lounge areas. The final interiors were designed to complement the original 1960’s lines of the architecture, as well as provide a comfortable and colorful living space suitable for the anticipated demographic. Location: Des Moines, IA Program: Residential Area: 113,709 SF Client: Newbury Living Photo Credits: Cameron Campbell Integrated Studio
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This project is one in a series of additions which have long been entrusted to Mike Kastner, Principal, AIA LEED AP, who has had decades of leadership in preserving and enhancing the mansion. The structure is an office space addition to an Art Deco mansion used as offices for an advertising and marketing agency. It is a restrained addition; a simple box that reflects the mansion’s application of varying punched apertures into a larger volume. Like its previous additions, this structure is kept to only two stories to respect the hierarchy of the original massing. The resulting minimal floor to floor heights allow for opportunities to expose systems and signify the “push” the form had on the envelope’s containment of technology. Location: Des Moines, IA Program: Office Area: 12,000 SF Addition Client: Boesen Homes, Ltd. Photo Credits: Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio
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The Chariton Historic multi-family housing project is the rehabilitation of second-story housing stock around a county/city square. The project reinforces the basic tenants of density to enhance the vibrancy and import of the square by offering living spaces that have modern conveniences and systems, but remain true to the history of the square. Central to the project is its intent to preserve, and to preserve with creative solutions. The project was accomplished with strict adherence to SHPO guidelines and the requirements of Iowa’s Green Streets sustainability criteria. The project rehabilitated spaces that have been unoccupied for decades - some were in frightful disrepair. The final resultant is a quiet injection of a dozen or more full time main street residents, who shop downtown, walk downtown and “patrol” downtown. The square has additional movement, dollars and safety due to a gesture that added decades of life to buildings that are the built history of our State. Location: Chariton, IA Program: Residential Area: 8,444 SF Client: City of Chariton Photo Credits: Tara Maurer
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"The mission of Collegiate United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation is to encourage, educate, challenge, comfort, support, and nurture persons as they become disciples of Christ." Like its congregation, the existing structure is one of several levels and layers. The resulting addition connects these levels and layers, both in the religious and physical senses. The north façade provides large expanses of glazing, which allows patrons a look outside and passersby a glimpse inside. In contrast, the south façade completes the addition by creating an enclosed courtyard that provides a private area for reflection. Its copper cladding embodies the spirit of the congregation with its change in architectural mannerisms. It departs from, as much as it pays homage to, the historic language of the existing structure. Location: Ames, IA Program: Religious Area: 8,319 SF Addition Client: Collegiate United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation Photo Credits: Cameron Campbell, Integrated Studio
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A former historic elementary school in the heart of Oskaloosa reopened its doors to be gently adapted into an elderly living community. With its beautiful, historic trees and grand front lawn, the building has long been an icon within the community. Central to the project are its intent to preserve and to preserve with creative solutions. The project was largely about considering new work as a frame to the old and never about a replacement. This is evident in the use of the existing plaster walls as beacons to the unit doors, with new spaces defined only through gestures of walls. This project’s use was successfully repurposed with negligible changes to the character and integrity of an historic site. Location: Oskaloosa, IA Program: Senior Living Area: 20,510 SF Repurposing Client: Community Housing Initiatives Photo Credits: ASK Studio
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A former historic elementary school in the heart of Oskaloosa reopened its doors to be gently adapted into a senior living community. With its beautiful, historic trees and grand front lawn, the building has always been an icon within the community. Central to the project is its intent to preserve with creative solutions. The project was largely about considering new elements as being framed by the old and never about a replacement. This is evident in the use nearly all of the existing plaster walls and the strict in-place preservation of all hallway doors . It is also evident in the preservation of the gymnasium volume with clerestories and the inclusion of the existing performance stage in the units. This project’s use was successfully repurposed with negligible changes to the character and integrity of this historic structure. Location: Oskaloosa, IA Program: Senior Living Area: 20,200 SF Repurposing Client: Community Housing Initiatives Photo Credits: ASK Studio
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