Iowa Commission for the Blind Building

The Iowa Commission for the Blind Building is a historic building in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, United States. The building is a steel-framed structure covered in brick. It is a nine-story state government office building that rises above the ground.

History

The building was completed in 1913 for use by the YMCA. It was designed by the Des Moines architectural firm of Proudfoot, Bird & Rawson in the Neoclassical style. When the YMCA moved to their present location in 1959, the state acquired the building for the Iowa Commission for the Blind. It was here that the commission, under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Jernigan transformed rehabilitation services for the blind in the state into what became known as the Iowa Model. It is based on the belief that with the proper training and opportunity, the blind can live productive and successful lives. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.