Virtual Spec Building Program
With a lack of vacant industrial buildings to lure companies to locate to the Western Iowa Advantage (WIAD) region, the WIAD partners came up with a novel solution: the Virtual Spec Building program. The Virtual Spec Building is a computer-aided design of how an actual building might look on a particular parcel of property in any of the eight counties that make up the Western Iowa Advantage region. The project was developed in association with Ayars & Ayars, LLC, a design/build firm with offices in Omaha and Lincoln, NE, and funded through a grant provided by the Iowa Department of Economic Development and local funds.
The idea behind the Virtual Spec Building program is simple: By placing the virtual spec building on a specific parcel of property, and animating the computer renderings of the building (both inside and out and in concrete or metal panel construction), a prospective company can see how the building might fit into their overall plans. By viewing the computer renderings of the building, a company can also determine if modifications to the design would better suit their needs. Buildings can be constructed in as little as 6 months, from design to completion of construction, depending on several factors including weather. To view one of WIAD's virtual building site locations, click on the links on the left.
