Kirkwood Horticulture and Floral Careers Building

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Owner:

Kirkwood Community College

Architect:

OPN Architects

Delivery Method:

General Contractor

Size:

41,000 sq. ft.

Kirkwood Community College is the largest community college in the state of Iowa and the 4th largest overall college/university in the state. The Horticulture Facility was constructed for Kirkwood in order to “grow” the Horticulture and Floral Careers curriculum on its Cedar Rapids campus. With the facility fully functional, it is anticipated Kirkwood’s Horticulture and Floral Careers program will quickly become a quality alternative to prospective students throughout the state of Iowa interested in a horticulture/floral career.

The project includes academic offices, lecture rooms, student commons area, head house, and green house. The main areas contain 31,500 square feet and the green house contains 6 growing zones within 8,500 square feet. In addition, a new asphalt parking lot and sidewalks were included.

The Student Commons Area is a featured area of the building. It contains exposed glu-laminated columns and decking, exterior wood windows, masonry back partition, pendant lighting, and stained concrete floors. The green house is typical glazed aluminum frame construction but this simple looking structure contains intricate environmental controls for temperature, day lighting, and irrigation required for a wide range of growing conditions.