Construction started in Fall 1996 and IBP started moving into the building in March of 1999. The building was the new IBP headquarters until Tyson Foods bought IBP in 2001 and is now the headquarters for Tyson Fresh Meats.
Former IBP CEO, the late Bob Peterson and former IBP CFO Larry Shipley, were the 2 chief decision makers in the design of the building and were actively involved in the building's construction. They commissioned TSP Three Inc., of Rapid City, SD to design the building and grounds. The late David Jones was the head architect and was responsible for the design. He passed away shortly after the building was completed. The building was constructed by Kiewit Construction Company, Omaha, NE and took 3 years to complete.
The edifice is designed in the true spirit of Prairie School Architecture. With large over hangs, obvious horizontal lines, low pitched roof and colors that match the surrounding landscape. The building sits west to east. Anyone looking at this building from the outside will notice a design aspect true to Prairie School style. As the building flows from west to east it increases in height. The west half is a single story, increasing to 3 stories tall on the east half. The surrounding landscape was designed on purpose with the building, but some was already present when the building was constructed. A good example is the Loess Hills of western Iowa just across the Big sioux River.
Prairie School style buildings are built with the same design in mind, low pitched roof lines, large over hangs, obvious horizontal lines and colors to match the landscape and surrounding area. Each Prairie School designed building also has its own unique aspect designed into it, whether it is the surrounding grounds with landscaping, unique sculpture or even beautiful terra cotta. The Tyson Fresh Meats building is no different.
The west half of the building could be considered its own structure. It is separated by an above ground "sky walk" and a below ground tunnel from the main or east building and ranges from 1 to 2 stories tall. The "sky walk" is designed with 2 arches below it that are above a walk way at ground level. The interior of the west building is a typical office design. With the exception of the beautiful pieces of art, (not shown in photos), it is no different than any other office building, complete with conference rooms, utility rooms, bath rooms, elevators and open office space.
The main or east building has a unique design that fits well with Prairie School style. Near the main entrance to the building is the drive way with a roundabout and a large beautiful bronze sculpture in the center. Leading to the main entrance is a large very large portico. The main entrance is adorned with large arched windows. As you walk through the vestibule and into the beautiful atrium a first time visitor will notice right away the large open space, another part Prairie School Architecture . The space is well used. This area serves as main reception for the building. There is a gently spiraling stair case that leads to the second level and beautiful bronze sculptures and art work. One piece on the main floor of the atrium is called the Feral Bull another is a statue of a Native American as well as a beautiful bronze relief hung on the wall, (art work is not shown in photos). The ceiling is high off the floor, the wall panels are true Prairie School style for the interior of a building. Looking out of the large arched window to the north one can gaze out onto the beautiful landscape on this side of the building.
On the east side of the atrium is a door that leads to a beautiful cafeteria. The cafeteria is unique in that it is round in shape. With large arched windows that allow natural light in and for great viewing to the north side the grounds with the beautiful landscape, bronze sculptures, (not shown in photo), pond, plants and wild life.
As already mentioned, the grounds or campus are very unique with the beautiful art work, pond, natural flowing design that attracts wild life from deer to geese to turtles. One other unique feature is the 3 story clock tower.
The art work mentioned is a beautiful representation and testament to Native American culture and to the Midwest American farmer. The bronze statues show various scenes of farm life and Native American life that should never be forgotten.
This blog author is of the opinion the father of Prairie School, Louis Sullivan, and one of his student's, William L. Steele, would be proud of the design of this building if they were alive today. William L. Steele was the chief designer of most if not all of Prairie School designed buildings for this area in the early 1900's. He could easily have been the chief architect for the Tyson Fresh Meats building.
The most unique thing about this building and grounds is that Prairie School Architecture is not as widely used as it once was. It was and still is an expensive design method. Today most commercial and industrial companies are more interested in cutting costs than having beautiful buildings constructed to stand as a testament to their dominance in their field of expertise.
Perhaps someday the Tyson Fresh Meats building will be a historical site just as the Woodbury County Courthouse is. The courthouse is the most beautiful example of Prairie School architecture in this area. Designed by William L. Steele and constructed in 1917 it stands today as a National Landmark.
Enjoy the virtual tour of the outside of the Tyson Fresh Meats building and grounds.
These photos are of the building starting from the west going around to the north and south sides to the east:
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