The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center at Drake University in Des Moines was honored this January 27, 2022, with a 2021 Best of Development Award from 1000 Friends of Iowa. The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center is in the ‘Best of Show’ category among seven projects selected for the Award, recognizing the center’s smart building and development practices. 1000 Friends of Iowa promotes responsible land use, smart growth principles, livable communities, and sustainability across the State of Iowa and U.S. Read more about 1000 Friends of Iowa Best of Development Award here.

In addition to setting a new standard in inclusive design and establishing a welcoming presence on Drake University campus, the Tom and Ruth Harkin Center also holistically incorporates sustainable design strategies throughout, from storm water management and native landscape to daylighting, energy efficiency, and interior occupant health and productivity. The building is also designed for the future installation of photovoltaics on the building roof and parking canopies to produce more energy than the building will consume of a yearly basis, creating a Net Zero Ready facility.