BBS Architects Engineers

EMC Insurance Companies

EMC – Corporate Highrise
EMC – Corporate Highrise
EMC – Corporate Highrise
EMC – Corporate Highrise
EMC – Corporate Highrise
EMC – Corporate Highrise

Owner: EMC Insurance Companies
Architectural and Engineering Design Services: BBS Architects | Engineers
Construction Completed: 1997
Project Data: 430,000 SF
Construction Cost: $53,000,000

Client Need:
EMC expanded their downtown Des Moines location by adding this corporate high-rise adjacent to their existing headquarters building. They sought to achieve a bold and sophisticated image through the building design.

BBS Approach:
The sculptural expression was developed to take advantage of the building’s location within the skyline. Viewed from the west, the angled roof acts to counter the gradual decline of heights from north to south along the downtown skyline. Viewed from the south, the higher tower face establishes a strong figural identity for the EMC complex.

Project Results:

  • 430,000 SF expansion
  • 20-story office tower plus three-story support facility
  • Addition of three new skywalks
  • Two-level underground parking facility
  • Sophisticated cladding technology
  • Cutting-edge mechanical/electrical system
  • Advanced energy-conservation design:
    • Thermal storage
    • Low temperature air distribution
    • High-efficiency (R-7) windows

Industry Recognition:

  • When constructed, the EMC tower was the largest US installation of innovative “rainscreen” system
  • Awarded First Place in regional technology by the American Society of Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Federal Building Study and Arc Flash Assessment
Camp Dodge Urban Assault Course
Kemin Food Sciences Lab Renovation
Union Drive Community Center Renovations
Food Sciences Building - Room 2379 Renovation
VRAC C6 and Office Suite
Executive Suites Renovation
Wyoming Farm Bureau Center
Catholic Pastoral Center Rehabilitation
Coover Hall Infrastructure Study
Science Center - New Facility
ETRC Hoover Hall
Dodge House Renovations
Hospital Emergency Room Renovation & Expansion
Corporate Headquarters Renovation
Home Office Building with Expansion
Minnesota Farm Bureau Center
LeBaron Hall Replacement Study
Iowa Events Center
BBS at 219 8th Street
ABC - Office Build-Out
Utah Farm Bureau Center
Camp Dodge Chapel Addition and Renovation
Geoffroy Residence Hall
Lance and Ellie's Sandwich Shop
Ames Laboratory TASF and Spedding Hall Arc Flash Study
Hub Tower Conference Center
Terminal
Beardshear Hall Remodeling
IADA Office Renovation
Richard Bolling Federal Building Study and Arc Flash Assesment
New Office
Covered Walkway
MacKay Hall Auditorium Renovation
219 Eighth Street
ETRC Howe Hall
Biological Sciences Facility
Hub Tower Elevator Modernization
Iowa City Federal Building - VHA Renovations
Hub Tower Office Tenant Improvement
Memorial Union Food Court
Levitt Center for University Advancement
Reid “E” Research Facility
Arizona Farm Bureau Center
Chemistry Building Addition & Renovation
Ames Laboratory Metal Development and Wilhelm Hall Electrical Study
Parking Garage
College of Human Sciences
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Office Renovation
Camp Dodge Pool Campus Improvements
Sabin Hall Renovation – LEED Gold
Ames Laboratory Metal Development and Wilhelm Hall Electrical Upgrades
© 2025 BBS Architects | engineers, All rights reserved.