BBS Architects Engineers

Des Moines Airport

Owner: Des Moines Airport Authority
Architectural and Engineering Design Services:  BBS Architects | Engineers and Twin Rivers Engineering
General Contractor: N/A
Construction Completed: March 2012

Client Need

In 2010, the Des Moines Airport Authority commissioned a study with an energy services provider to identify the most effective strategies to improve the HVAC system in the Terminal & Concourse Buildings. This study was initiated to seize an opportunity to utilize grant money available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The subsequent design and construction work were partially funded by this grant.

BBS Approach

At the completion of the study, the Des Moines Airport worked with BBS to design the work identified in the study as well as several other utility updates deemed critical by the Airport. The grant required that all construction be completed by March 2012. In response to this shortened schedule, BBS proposed two construction packages for summer and winter construction. The first phase was designed in 3 months including the mapping of the existing utilities and coordination with electrical and architectural, disciplines. Efficient levels of staffing and teaming with a respected local engineering firm allowed us to meet this schedule.

Project Results

The first phase work included the replacement of the steam boiler plant in the Terminal with new high-efficiency hot-water boilers and replacement of all steam devices with hot-water devices. The outdated hot-water boiler plant in the Concourses was replaced with a new high-efficiency hot-water boiler plant. Both boiler plant upgrades included substantial improvements to the boiler rooms themselves, to comply with codes and improve servicability. The second phase of work included upgrading and expanding the existing Data Center. All data center work was intricately phased to allow for the Data Center to stay in operation. Second phase work also included adding cooling to a TSA bag screening room, replacing an air handler and several control sequence improvements. The original scope of the second phase, included the replacement 18 air handlers. This scope was carried through the schematic design phase, however budget constraints significantly decreased the work. During schematic design BBS presented to the Airport a phasing scheme that would have allowed all areas to be operational.

The projects netted a rebate from Mid American Energy of almost $90,000.

Lied Recreation Center - New Heating Water Plant
MacKay Hall Auditorium Renovation
Science Center - New Facility
New Office
Home Office Building with Expansion
Ames Lab Metals Development Air Handling Unit Replacement
Sabin Hall Renovation – LEED Gold
Lance and Ellie's Sandwich Shop
Arizona Farm Bureau Center
Kemin Food Sciences Lab Renovation
Terminal
Catholic Pastoral Center Rehabilitation
Wyoming Farm Bureau Center
VRAC C6 and Office Suite
Office Renovation
Geoffroy Residence Hall
Corporate Headquarters Renovation
IADA Office Renovation
Hospital Emergency Room Renovation & Expansion
Executive Suites Renovation
Hub Tower Conference Center
Beardshear Hall Remodeling
Minnesota Farm Bureau Center
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Camp Dodge Chapel Addition and Renovation
Biological Sciences Facility
Levitt Center for University Advancement
Hub Tower Elevator Modernization
LeBaron Hall Replacement Study
Food Sciences Building - Room 2379 Renovation
ETRC Hoover Hall
Iowa Events Center
Hub Tower Office Tenant Improvement
Utah Farm Bureau Center
Covered Walkway
Reid “E” Research Facility
Memorial Union Food Court
219 Eighth Street
College of Human Sciences
Dodge House Renovations
Camp Dodge Pool Campus Improvements
Coover Hall Infrastructure Study
Corporate Highrise
BBS at 219 8th Street
Union Drive Community Center Renovations
Iowa City Federal Building - VHA Renovations
ETRC Howe Hall
Parking Garage
Common Ground - Coffee Shop
ABC - Office Build-Out
© 2025 BBS Architects | engineers, All rights reserved.