This collaborative design/build project was completed in 2011, and is the headquarters for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa. With under floor air distribution, that provides more individual temperature control and improved air quality, to daylighting, and cisterns that capture rainwater for toilet flushing and irrigation, Wellmark received the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rating.

Baker Group was responsible for 25% of the project design.  The project included 605,000 sq ft of office space, a data center, 220,000 sq ft of parking below the building, an additional 10 story parking ramp with 1650 parking stalls, plus a 30,000 sq ft fitness center and other amenities including a cafeteria.

Baker Group provided the sophisticated Building Automation System for this project. The extensive controls required to achieve LEED Platinum were amplified when the design team chose to achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit 5 Measurement and Verification. The BAS provides additional building operational data giving Wellmark critical information to efficiently operate their buildings to achieve LEED O&M certification.