The Women’s and Children’s Center is a story of community needs, team synergy, and an old school building.

The Douglas Elementary building from 1965 helped make this project feasible; with good bones and existing interior programing that lent itself to the educational and client support spaces required by Hope Ministries.

Its iconic mid-century concrete structure became the centerpiece of the interior design. Care was taken to thoughtfully design the MEP systems around this exposed structure to maintain the purity of the rhythm. Walls, plumbing, and electrical systems were selectively adapted for economy. With the existing 2^nd floor programming remaining almost completely original at the classrooms. The exterior followed this approach, with only curtain wall systems and the roof membrane being replaced.

An addition was made off the west end of the building to meet the flexibility needed for the living areas and another off the north – for the elevator and facility introduction.  

Materials and finishes were selected to create a calming residential environment and nod to the Hope Ministries color palette.

The Women and Children’s Center is a self-contained community for career readiness training, practical life skills classes, educational opportunities and more.  All organized to allow staff to facilitate separation and security between women with young children, women with elder children, and singles.

It is a story we are proud of.

Location: Des Moines, IA

Program: Commercial

Area: 49,207 SF

Photo Credits: Joseph Kastner