Lightness, Transparency Define Kum & Go's New HQ Design
DES MOINES, Iowa — Kum & Go LC has unveiled the design for its new downtown headquarters, to be known as Krause Gateway Center. The convenience store chain expects to break ground in the fall, and is targeting an early 2018 completion.
The building will rise at 1459 Grand Ave. in Des Moines and is designed to provide the retailer's associates "a modern and highly collaborative work environment that offers flexibility for growth in the years to come," the company explained.
The five-story building is being planned and constructed for LEED certification, and will feature glass on all sides to provide transparency and light throughout the building. The layout was designed to foster collaboration through innovative and unique use of space and light, including outdoor terraces available to Kum & Go associates for flexible work areas.
"Lightness, simplicity and openness are the main concepts expressed in the design," said Renzo Piano, founder of Renzo Piano Building Workshop and architect for the project. "The four vast planes flying over the site will emphasize the lightness and the transparency of the building, and will dialogue with the sculpture park nearby."
Building highlights include:
- Natural, abundant light throughout the building
- Collaborative work environments
- Outdoor meeting space
- Rooftop garden
- Dedicated space for training
- Multi-purpose room for all-company gatherings and events
- Fitness room and adjoining locker room
- Game room
- Art collection
- Parking for associates
In addition, the plaza surrounding the building will be landscaped and serve as a natural extension of the sculpture park. Additional features include roof overhangs that provide both an artistic element to the building, as well as a functional one by increasing energy efficiency. A "green" roof will also lessen the impact of energy usage and water runoff, according to Kum & Go.
"I'm excited to share the designs with Kum & Go associates and the Des Moines community," said CEO Kyle Krause. "An incredible team of people has been working on this design for many months, and it's great to be able to share it now with a broader audience."
Krause announced in 2014 that internationally recognized architect Renzo Piano Building Workshop had been chosen to design the building. Local architect OPN Architects will provide architectural counsel and construction drawings. Ryan Cos. U.S. Inc. has been selected as the construction partner.
West Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go is a family-owned retail company with more than 4,700 associates across more than 430 stores and 11 states: Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming.