Iowa City Public Works

The Public Works building plays a pivotal role in Iowa City’s masterplan, symbolizing the initiation of consolidating city operations onto a unified site. Characterized by its predominantly concrete structure and expansive projected windows, this robust facility caters to the needs of the Streets and Water departments, offering ample space for their equipment and vehicles. Additional provisions include areas for vehicle washing, diverse-scale storage, a fire training tower, fire pump truck training, and storage for the police and fire departments.

Integral to the project were site enhancements, encompassing utilities and communication pathways that seamlessly support the new facility. The incorporation of gated access control and auxiliary support for outbuildings further enhances the overall functionality. The vehicle bay’s heating is accomplished through radiant tubes, while cooling in support spaces is facilitated by the Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) application. Adequate outdoor air circulation is ensured through a Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) unit, complemented by continuous air exhaust as needed, and a sensor-controlled large automatic air purge when necessary. Unique connections for electrical power, airflow, and pressurized air were established to accommodate special equipment requirements. Noteworthy is the lighting power density, nearly half of the baseline (code allowed) LPD, allowing for daylight penetration through translucent windows and skylights, and introducing color highlights via projected windows. Trivalent Lighting contributed to the specialized lighting design through meticulous mock-ups.

In a significant achievement, the building has been awarded LEED Gold, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and contributing to the city’s overarching goal of carbon neutrality. Looking ahead, an anticipated photovoltaic project with PPA is poised to further enhance the building’s energy impact, solidifying its position as a beacon of environmental responsibility.