The Altoona Water Treatment Plant No. 4 is a 31,000-square-foot utility building designed to centralize Altoona’s water treatment operations. The project, designed in collaboration between Neumann Monson Architects, McClure Engineering (civil, structural, and process) and IMEG (MEP), combines treatment infrastructure, vehicle and equipment storage, offices, and labs into a single, efficient facility.
The project includes dedicated space for treatment process equipment, chemical storage, mechanical rooms, process labs, and system controls. Administrative areas include office and conference space, training rooms, and staff support amenities. A large vehicle bay supports fleet operations, and the layout prioritizes secure access and efficient workflows.
Delivered via a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) model, the project benefits from early contractor input, phased procurement, and schedule control. Funding is supported by Iowa’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) and the facility is undergoing full Iowa DNR review and permitting.
Sustainable strategies include a high-performance envelope, energy-efficient systems, and durable, low-maintenance materials, paired with a thoughtful daylighting approach that supports both function and experience. Administrative offices and staff areas are designed to maximize access to natural light, enhancing comfort and well-being, while clerestory glazing brings daylight deep into process equipment spaces to create a more effective working environment. At night, these illuminated clerestories transform the facility into a subtle beacon, expressing the building’s civic presence and continuous operation.
