Page 28 - Reflect DSM (City of Des Moines, IA)

QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION,
ADAPTABILITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY
In general, the quality of older building
construction and craftsmanship was higher
than it is today. Buildings could carry
greater structural loads, are adaptable
for a variety of purposes, and almost all
contain well-designed finishes and highly
durable materials. In addition, older
buildings often possess energy efficiencies
and passive heating and cooling systems
that have been designed out of more
modern climate-controlled buildings.
Figure 11. Located at the intersection of Mulberry Street and Restoring historic buildings, a high form
9th Street, this building was once a historic fire station at risk for
demolition. The City of Des Moines decommissioned this former of recycling, reuses existing materials,
fire department headquarters with the requirement that the requires less energy for manufacture and
new owner use historic tax credits to rehabilitate the property. construction, and does not produce waste
After purchase in 2013, the building was renovated and has since
housed classes, performances, and a restaurant. The building for already burdened landfills. Together,
1
was listed to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014 as the all these features make them more easily
Des Moines Fire Department Headquarters: Fire Station No. 1 and renovated for new uses, lessen their carbon
Shop Building. (Source: KKC)
footprint, and increase the likelihood of their
1 This Restaurant in Iowa Used to Be a Firehouse and You'll Want to Visit. sustained value.
(April 2, 2018). https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/iowa/des-moines-social-
club-ia/

Figure 12. Raccoon and 7th Street (Source: KKC)

Figure 13. Saddlery Building, 309 Court Avenue (Source: Stacey
Hanley)

22 DES MOINES Citywide Historic Preservation Plan