The Carpenter Paper Building has been recognized by the Des Moines Heritage Trust as the 2026 Historic Preservation Project of the Year for Commercial projects over 10,000 square feet.
Originally constructed as a warehouse facility serving downtown Des Moines’ industrial corridor, the Carpenter Paper Building has been thoughtfully repositioned into modern office space while preserving the historic character that defines the structure and its surrounding neighborhood.
Substance Architecture collaborated closely with the ownership group, consultants, and construction team to adapt the building for contemporary workplace use while maintaining and celebrating the authenticity of the original masonry structure, historic proportions, and industrial identity. The completed project is now fully leased and contributes to the continued reinvestment and activation of downtown Des Moines.
Historic preservation projects often require balancing building performance, tenant expectations, and modern code requirements within the constraints of an existing structure. This recognition reflects the commitment of the entire project team to preserving an important piece of Des Moines history while extending the life and relevance of the building for future generations.
We are grateful to the Des Moines Heritage Trust for the recognition and proud to have been part of a project that reinforces the value of adaptive reuse and historic preservation in our community.
Photography by Corey Gaffer (exteriors) and Chris Boeke Studio (interiors)
