The Green & Main Pilot Project

Green & Main front exterior before renovation

The Green & Main Pilot Project is the renovation of an abandoned, mixed-use brick building located in the Sherman Hill Historic District at 800 19th Street in Des Moines, Iowa. The Green & Main team will lead the rehabilitation of this building, creating a model for environmentally sound renovation, historic preservation and sustainable communities.

Donate now »

This will be achieved by following the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings, and by following the standards for LEED Platinum certification developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. The outcome will be a blend of historic preservation of this neighborhood landmark with energy-efficient, environmentally sound features – a functional, green and aesthetically beautiful mixed-use structure that maintains its historic character and integrity.

The Green & Main Pilot Project Renovation and Development Goals:

• Design and build aesthetics

• Develop a sustainable site

• Reduction of materials and sourcing by using salvaged building materials

• Use of natural materials in construction

• Increased energy efficiency

• Improved indoor air quality

• Storm water management

• Landfill diversion

• Geo thermal energy

• Historic preservation

• Increase the building’s value

• Increase space flexibility

• Eliminate toxic materials

All Pilot Project design work, development information and operation construction data will be meticulously compiled for review by expert consultants in both green renovation and historic preservation methods. Every stage of the Pilot Project renovation is reviewed by this team of experts to ensure adherence to historic and green standards. The product of this collaboration will be a scalable Green & Main Best Practices Manual serving as pattern book and educational tool to encourage the global understanding and development of sustainable communities.

As our Pilot Project, the renovation will serve as a prototype for sustainable best practices in order to inform and educate the public about preserving community and transforming neighborhoods through the renovation and reuse of existing buildings. The Manual will be promoted as a model to help communities throughout the nation restore their own historic mixed-use buildings and ultimately providing the foundation for developing sustainable communities.

The immediate impact of this Pilot Project will divert 322 tons of construction and demolition material and will put a historic, vacant building back into service for the community.

Learn more about the building’s history »

Learn more about the building’s future »

Donate now to support our campaign »