Located in Des Moines, Iowa, the American Republic Insurance Building fills a half block of land on in the main western central business district. Occupied by American Enterprise Group (AEG), the building is eight stories tall and was originally designed and constructed in 1965 by the New York office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) under architect Gordon Bunshaft, FAIA. Not only is the building considered a noteworthy example of modern architecture, but AEG has also compiled an extensive and notable art collection over the last 50 years.
BNIM completed an extensive and complex renovation of the 154,000 sf cast-in-place concrete structure. The renovation included redesign and replacement all of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems on all floors. State of the art technology has been incorporated into the existing structure. New, open office furniture systems were incorporated on all office levels to provide for a more efficient working environment. The entire building was gutted during the renovation and the art was carefully cataloged and stored. BNIM collaborated with AEG on providing new wall surfaces and substrates for the reinstallation of the art.
Photography: Nick Merrick | Hedrich Blessing
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