611 5th Ave – The Weitz Company & Orascom USA Corporate Headquarters

Des Moines, IA

In the 611 5th Ave remodeling project, the project team, and the architect, Substance Architecture, updated the core and shell of the building and included new windows to bring back the original “ribbon” of windows from 1954. The core and shell project included 126,000SF of new elevators, complete replacement of the building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment, new fireproofing, and a beautiful rooftop overlooking Downtown Des Moines. Alongside the core and shell, The Weitz Company included 41,000SF of tenant improvement pieces to their headquarters like polished concrete floors, exposed ceilings, and raw steel elements to showcase the long history of the building and reflect The Weitz Company’s 167-year-old history as well.

The 5-story building is located on the corner of Watson Powell Jr. Way and 5th Avenue in Downtown Des Moines and is across the street from the Hilton Des Moines Downtown, a project The Weitz Company completed in March 2018.