Des Moines University: Building the Future of Medical Education
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences 88-acre campus represents a major investment in the future of medical education. The 350,000-square-foot, multi-building campus was designed to support evolving curriculum needs and long-term growth. Baker Group delivered a full range of services, from mechanical systems featuring a campus-wide geothermal heating and cooling system with 1,600 tons of heat pumps, as well as prefabricated pump skids to improve efficiency. The team also installed comprehensive plumbing systems throughout the campus tailored for medical and lab gases, along with specialized exhaust systems designed for laboratory environments.
The project scope also included architectural sheet metal for custom metal features throughout the campus, structured cabling across all buildings, and comprehensive site electrical work to power the entire campus and support exterior lighting. In addition, the controls division delivered a turnkey building automation system, including installation, programming, and full integration, enabling the university to monitor and manage operations remotely. The Baker Group team also installed surveillance cameras and access control systems to enhance campus safety and functionality. Leveraging this wide range of in-house services streamlined coordination and improved efficiency across the entire project.
Despite the scale, the project was completed in just over two years, significantly faster than a typical three-to-four-year timeline for a campus of this size. Construction progressed alongside ongoing design, allowing the project to move quickly; however, strong coordination, fast decision-making, and innovative prefabrication strategies were required to keep multiple trades moving efficiently without sacrificing quality. Baker Group’s project management team leveraged their experience to align project priorities with the general contractor, subcontractors, and Baker Group’s trade teams to ensure onsite coordination. During construction, Baker Group also provided owner training sessions to help the university’s facilities team understand system operations and prepare for long-term maintenance and performance. This approach laid the groundwork for continued collaboration between Baker Group and Des Moines University beyond the completion of construction.