KRAUSE GATEAWAY CENTER -

DES MOINES

Since the beginning in 1959, Kum & Go stores have been proudly serving and employing the people of Iowa and have grown to do so in many of the surrounding states as well. In nearly 60 years of business the stores and brand have come to play an important role in the communities which they serve and the inherent sense of responsibility to community and company associates formed the underpinnings of the new corporate headquarters. 

The location provides all the amenities of a vibrant city within a couple blocks; a mix of corporate, retail, residential, cultural, and culinary sites. In addition, the site is across the street from one of the most important aspects of a downtown core – an urban park. A mix of historical and contemporary buildings surround the Pappajohn Sculpture Park which was immediately considered as an extension to the project site. The adoption of the sculpture park, study of the elevation change between Ingersoll St. and Grand Ave., and the value of civic engagement shared by both Kyle Krause and Renzo Piano Building Workshop all lead to the concept of transparency and openness at the street level. The effect is that the building is not a barrier but instead fosters a literal two-way dialogue between the associates who work within the building, the public, and the city. The experience on the office floors above is also enhanced by the virtually invisible façade which allows unobstructed 360-degree views, as well as the extra-long overhangs which protect the interior spaces from direct solar radiation. 

At approximately 160,000 square feet, the 6-storey building includes office space for 800 people, a 2-storey underground parking garage, a dedicated art space, large multifunctional meeting rooms, a fitness centre, and a massive exterior terrace. Above all, the green roof - an Iowan short grass prairie in the air – gives associates a quiet and private outdoor space to take a break, gaze into the horizon, and enjoy sculptures from the Krause collection which are placed within the native grasses. Further to the concept of enhancing civic life, the building encloses only 25% of the site, leaving the rest for the public to enjoy within the 100+ trees and interactive landscape furniture. A café is also planned for the Grand Ave lobby which will include exterior seating.