NEWSROOM

December 12, 2017

Construction of Iowa’s Largest Solar Site Nearing Completion

BY Pat Ready, PE | pat.ready@origindesign.com | 563-556-2464

Port of Dubuque Solar Garden

West Dubuque Solar Garden

Earlier this fall, Alliant Energy started generating energy from two new solar gardens in Dubuque. This winter, the company is finishing up minor landscaping work around the projects.

The first site, West Dubuque Solar Garden, is located near Dubuque Industrial Center West. It was formerly agricultural field which was repurposed to house the solar array. Origin Design worked with the City of Dubuque to assist Alliant Energy in securing enough area and develop lease agreements for the property.

The site, the largest solar array in the State of Iowa, features more than 15,000 solar panels, and is expected to produce enough energy from the sun to power over 700 homes a year.

To prevent erosion on the sloping site, a pollinator-friendly prairie grass mix was selected to provide an ideal habitat to butterflies and bees.

Origin Design provided site design, structural design, construction layout, staking, and material testing for the project. Prior to construction, Origin Design helped with roadway design for site access, and was involved in permit coordination with the DNR, Dubuque County, and the City of Dubuque. The project included providing an environmental SPCC plan, including spill prevention, control, and counter measures. Hydraulic and hydrology analysis was performed to determine the 100-year flood elevation for the stream crossing.

The second solar array, Port of Dubuque Solar Garden, is located near the 16^th Street Detention Basin on an old brownfield site. This location posed two unique opportunities for Alliant Energy. Two trails were incorporated into the project, connecting to the City’s existing trails system. There was also an opportunity to educate the public on the importance of renewable energy.

Origin Design assisted with the architectural and structural design of a shelter area including an interactive education center showcasing different solar options, such as tree style, single axis tracker panel, roof mounted solar array, and continuous panel. The site features decorative columns and fencing, including glass panels lining the pavilion for an unobstructed view of the array.

The site features 3,500 solar panels—once operational it will generate enough to power more than 120 homes a year.

In addition to civil and survey services, Origin Design provided architectural and structural engineering services for the second solar array project, including the development of conceptual renderings and construction documents for the chosen alternative.

“ We are advancing cleaner energy, and this project is a major step forward. We couldn’t have done these solar projects in Dubuque without teamwork from local contractors and support from the community. ”

Rick Zimmerman Project Manager | Alliant Energy

Origin Design worked with Alliant Energy, C.G. Schmitt, and H & H Electric Co. on both projects.

Employee owned since 1999.

This Sunday, April 26, marks the anniversary of Origin Design becoming an ESOP. Recently, a few members of our team attended the NCEO Conference in Milwaukee, where we deepened our understanding of ESOP culture, leadership, sustainability, and employee engagement.

At Origin Design, employee ownership means more than a retirement benefit. It means building sustainable wealth, fostering leadership at every level, and investing in shared long term success.

Today we are celebrating Administrative Professionals Day with five outstanding individuals who support our teams and keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Your organization, professionalism, and teamwork make a meaningful impact every day. Thank you for all that you do!

Mary Abbott, Senior Design Technician, and Tasha Vondal, Project Support Specialist, have spent the past year working closely on DOT funded projects. Mary has shared her 40 years of expertise in contract administration, guiding Tasha through every phase of the process, from project setup and bidding, to construction administration, payments, and change orders. This collaboration reflects our commitment to mentorship, teamwork, and delivering consistent, high-quality solutions for our clients.

As National Architecture Week comes to a close, we asked our team to reflect on the projects that inspired growth, learning, and collaboration. We’re grateful for the challenges that push us forward, the lessons that shape our work, and most importantly, the people who bring every project to life.

Today we’re proud to recognize our Architectural team in the Quad Cities and Waterloo/Cedar Falls areas! Their collaboration and problem-solving skills help transform ideas into spaces that serve communities across the region.

Happy National Architecture Week!

This week we’re recognizing our Architectural team starting with our Dubuque Office. Their insight and dedication to thoughtful design help shape spaces that support the people and communities we serve.

Please join us in welcoming Hannah Bakey to Origin Design!

Hannah recently joined our team as a Marketing Coordinator, where she’ll support proposals, marketing materials, social media, and more to help promote our services and brand. We’re excited to have her on board. Welcome to the #origincrew, Hannah!

We were excited to welcome some special visitors today from Junior Achievement of the Heartland as we celebrate JA Day! From volunteering in classrooms to bowl-a-thons and giving back, we’re proud supporters of Junior Achievement and the impact it has on our community. Community is one of our core values, and supporting the next generation is one way we bring it to life.

We’re proud to recognize Laurie Wehrspann, who was nominated for Women's Leadership Network of Dubuque Women of Achievement Awards.

For almost 35 years, Laurie has been a steady, behind-the-scenes force at Origin Design. As our accounting assistant, her dedication, precision, and institutional knowledge are integral to our day-to-day operations and long-term success. Her commitment and quiet impact do not go unnoticed.

Congratulations, Laurie, on this well-earned recognition, and thank you for all you continue to do.

Happy National Surveyors Week to the professionals who lay the groundwork for everything we build.

Our surveyors are often the first on-site, gathering the critical data that drives informed planning, design, and construction. Their precision enables safer, smarter, and more sustainable communities. A huge thank you to our incredible team for the accuracy, dedication, and innovation they bring to every project.

A major infrastructure upgrade is taking shape in Oelwein, IA. Origin Design’s team designed the new 10th St. SW replacement bridge, now under construction by Taylor Construction. For this Field Trip Friday, crews were setting 97-foot-long, 31 ton pretensioned prestressed concrete beams into place.

International Women’s Day reminds us that progress is driven by diverse perspectives. We’re proud to recognize the women of Origin Design whose skill, vision, and leadership strengthen our culture, our projects, and our future.