Contact:
Laura Porter
Executive Director, Iowa Architectural Foundation
515-244-1888
director@iowaarchfoundation.org
DES MOINES, Iowa (September 17, 2025) – The Iowa Architectural Foundation (IAF) has announced the winners of its 2025 Community Enhancement Awards, honoring organizations outside the architectural profession whose vision, commitment, and resources have elevated the quality of life in Iowa communities.
This year’s recipients are:
- Community Enhancement through Architecture and Design Award – EMC Insurance
- Community Enhancement through Historic Vitalization Award – Mainframe Studios
“These awards remind us that it takes more than architects to make communities livable,” said Laura Porter, IAF Executive Director. “The vision and investment of civic-minded partners like EMC Insurance and Mainframe Studios ensure Iowa’s cities continue to grow as inclusive, connected, and vibrant places.”
Winners will be recognized at the upcoming AIA Iowa Awards Celebration on September 25th.
EMC Insurance: Community Enhancement through Architecture and Design
With a decades-long history of investing in downtown Des Moines, EMC Insurance has set a standard for corporate leadership in architecture and urban design. From their headquarters and skywalk connections to the revitalization of MacRae Park and creation of EMC Downtown Park, EMC has made lasting contributions that strengthen the heart of Des Moines. Their leadership reflects a deep commitment to design excellence for the benefit of the community.
“EMC Insurance has been a leader in community enhancement and urban design, providing beautiful spaces which are accessible to the public. Their contributions span many arenas, from rejuvenating parks, to city overlooks, to elevated urban skywalks,” said juror James Spiller, AIA. Added Tim Hickman, AIA: “EMC is, by its nature, a conservative company, yet they have repeatedly made decisions to support the downtown core and have completed all of their building projects at a very high level of both design and construction.”
Mainframe Studios: Community Enhancement through Historic Vitalization
Mainframe Studios has transformed a once-windowless Brutalist building into the largest nonprofit creative workspace in the country. Located at the northern gateway to downtown Des Moines, it has become a thriving hub for over 200 artists and a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization.
Jurors praised Mainframe’s impact on the city’s cultural landscape and its bold reimagining of a structure once built for computing infrastructure. “Since the completion of Mainframe Studios, the cultural landscape of Des Moines has been impacted and the opportunities for working visual artists have been transformed,” said juror Tim Hickman, AIA. Jeff Shaffer, AIA, added that “Mainframe Studios has [brought] in needed daylight through thoughtfully placed windows that respect the original Chick Herbert architecture, while creating its own impactful identity through the enveloping building mural and artist installations. A vital community asset has been realized.”
-30-
About the Awards
IAF’s Community Enhancement Awards celebrate individuals, organizations, agencies, and communities outside the architectural profession whose leadership and vision have made a significant and positive impact on the built environment.
Past honorees have included the Ruan Family for transformative civic investments, John & Mary Pappajohn for their impact on arts and architecture across Iowa, and Principal Financial for long-term contributions to the Des Moines cityscape.
For more information about the Iowa Architectural Foundation and past award winners, visit https://www.iowaarchfoundation.org/perspectives/2025-community-enhancement-award-winners/.
About Iowa Architectural Foundation (IAF)
The Iowa Architectural Foundation is a charitable organization founded in 1989 to promote the awareness and appreciation of architecture and design. Proceeds from this event will help fund the Iowa Architectural Foundation’s programming and our mission to increase the public’s awareness of the value of architecture to Iowa communities. For more information about tours, classes, and special events, visit www.iowaarchfoundation.org or https://www.facebook.com/iowaarchfoundation/.
To download full size image, right click and select Save image as
