Des Moines Prep Transformation

In Des Moines’ East Village, between SE 5th and 6th Street, a 90-year-old industrial building was transformed into Des Moines Prep, the city’s primary tuition free public college-prep school. Once home to manufacturing operations, the two-story structure was reconstructed into an open, modern learning environment designed to prepare students from across the metro area for college and future careers.

The building presented various challenges including aging infrastructure, unknown conditions, and decades of prior modifications. With a compressed timeline of a few months between start of construction and the required August opening, the project demanded a highly strategic and coordinated approach.

Design-Assist Partner

Baker Group was able to leverage their design-build expertise to add value to the project by collaborating closely with the architect and general contractor in the early design and procurement stage. This early involvement allowed the team to provide constructability input on system layouts, equipment selection, and make informed equipment selections within the constraints of the existing structure. In a renovation environment where unknowns can quickly impact schedule and budget, Baker Group’s design-assist expertise gave the client greater confidence in both schedule and overall project success.

Accelerated Scheduling

With the schedule being the defining driver of the project, Baker Group’s teams prioritized early decision-making and equipment procurement to manage risk of delay. Work was strategically phased to allow for efficient turnover, with classroom spaces completed first, followed by shared areas including the lobby and meeting spaces. Baker Group’s careful planning and sequencing approach helped keep the project on track and meet its scheduled August opening.

Single Source MEP+ Partnership

As a single-source provider for mechanical, HVAC, electrical, sheet metal, and building controls, Baker Group delivered all MEP systems as one team. The systematic approach simplified coordination between project teams and ensured system compatibility across trades. For the general contractor and the client, this single source delivery created a clear line of communication and confidence in a unified strategy for system performance throughout the building.

Internal Coordination