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Iowa Based Engineering Firm, Modus, Receives First-Place for International Engineering Excellence Award

January 25, 2018

Des Moines, IA — MODUS, the largest Iowa-based engineering firm, won the ASHRAE National Technology Award for the Market One development in Des Moines, Iowa. This globally recognized award identifies engineering excellence for the restoration of an existing commercial building and is highly regarded throughout the industry.

The project’s success was made possible through a collaborative effort involving industry leaders MODUS, Blackbird Investments and Neumann Monson Architects.

Market One, located in Des Moines’ East Village, serves as the cornerstone project for the city’s twenty-year plan to renovate the sixteen-block historic district. The vision and execution of the project was a partnership of MODUS and Blackbird Investments. Blackbird Investments is a Des Moines based real estate development company with $600 million in development and completed projects throughout Iowa.

Restoration and sustainability were the most important factors guiding the vision. Engineers incorporated sustainable design methods that resulted in earning the first-place ASHRAE National Technology Award as well as achieving LEED Platinum certification.

This design effort was led by senior engineers Mark Hersch, Holly Stevens, and Faryal Dotani.

Facts about Market One’s sustainable design:

  • Solar panel parking canopy comprising of 676 panels totaling 191kW (typical residential home solar array is 10kW)
  • Rooftop solar structure comprising of an additional 110 panels totaling 31kW
  • Geothermal well field with fifteen 200-foot vertical wells
  • Three-pipe variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air-to-air heat pumps
  • Market One received an outstanding Energy Star score of 94 in the first 12 months of operation

MODUS’ first-place ASHRAE National Technology Award adds yet another feather to Des Moines’ cap. Des Moines continues to provide its community innovative and sustainable developments that take advantage of the city’s historic foundations and continued focus on the overall well-being of its residents.

About MODUS

MODUS is an innovative, Iowa-based engineering firm that offers a full range of services in mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology design. The company was established January 1, 1963, and is led by three partners: Harry C. Doyle, P.E.; Michael J. Brocka, P.E.; and Justin C. Doyle, P.E. MODUS serves Iowa with offices across the state in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Waterloo. MODUS is constantly pursuing excellence through energy and environmental conscientious design. They have provided clients with expert services for more than 50 years. Their designs consistently push industry standards, increasing what is possible. For more information, visit modus-eng.com/.

About Blackbird Investments

Blackbird Investments is a Des Moines based real estate development company comprised of 24 full-time employees. In 2013, Blackbird Investments was formed by partners Justin Doyle, Harry Doyle, Ryan Doyle, TJ Jacobs and Hugh O’Hagan. As of January 2018, the partnership has 11 projects completed and/or in development with an approximate value of $600 million. These projects are located throughout Iowa and range from adaptive reuse to historic renovation to new construction. For more information, visit blackbirdinvest.com.