U.S. General Services Administration
GSA reopens courthouse four days after Iowa derecho storm
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A derecho storm with the force of a Category 2 hurricane swept through the state of Iowa Aug. 10, leaving GSA facilities damaged and without power for days.
The hardest hit areas, spanning Des Moines to Cedar Rapids, experienced straight-line winds of 120 mph — leaving many offices with roof damage and water leaks.
The Cedar Rapids U.S. Courthouse closed after the storm scored a direct hit.
“The courthouse saw the loss of many windows, metal facade panels, rooftop mechanical systems, roofing pavers and the photovoltaic system,” said PBS Regional Commissioner Kevin Rothmier.
Region 6’s Iowa Field Office team responded immediately to the storm, directing operations, maintenance and janitorial firms to secure the courthouse and start the clean up process. A team of regional employees— including Deputy Regional Commissioner Courtney Springer, Project Manager Brian Ball and subject matter expert Denise Ryerkerk — also traveled to Cedar Rapids to assess the damage and meet with the repair contractor.
“We awarded a contract to address the immediate safety concerns,” Springer said. “We felt the building could be restored quicker than the time and funding required to prepare an emergency lease. Our building manager Austin Puetz did an excellent job working with his field office and regional office counterparts in the assessment of the facility and addressing concerns, allowing the building to be opened more quickly than expected.”
After determining the minimum requirements to open safely, testing building systems, and addressing concerns, GSA was able to reopen the courthouse on Friday, Aug. 14 — four days after the storm.
“We told all employees and contractors about the known safety hazards, and revised operational practices to address the hazards, until full repairs can be made,” Springer said. “The courts are very happy with the outcome.”
Jaimee Basanes, 8th Circuit program manager for the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and Rob Phelps, Clerk of the Northern District of Iowa, praised Puetz and his team for what they both called a “stellar job” handling the derecho storm.
“We have determined this response to be a best practice in emergency response,” Springer said. “We have developed a team and revised our protocol to address future emergencies.”
For the time being, the main courthouse entrance remains closed due to safety concerns. Visitors will be screened at the employee entrance.
"It is truly amazing how our Iowa field office, building managers and regional office support teams responded to this unusual weather event,” Rothmier said. “It’s hard to believe the courthouse was able to open just four days after sustaining that amount of damage. It was a great response."
PBS Deputy Commissioner Allison Azevedo said everyone at GSA headquarters also appreciates the extra effort.
“Your regional team and the field office staff never cease to amaze us with your ability to respond to these types of events,” she said.
In addition to the courthouse, the Iowa Field Office responded to facilities damaged in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Marshalltown, Coralville, Davenport, Waterloo and other places in Cedar Rapids.
“Our teams were focused on our facilities and tenants in the midst of power outages, limited phone and internet service, roads closed, and despite their own homes being damaged,” said Regional Administrator Michael Copeland. “To say I’m proud of their efforts is an understatement. It’s truly an honor to have such dedicated and committed public servants in GSA’s Heartland Region.”
Region 6 employees assisting directly in the Iowa derecho storm damage include:
Field Office
- Austin Puetz
- Robert Werstler
- Ben Smith
- Diane Strawn
- Brad Teggatz
- Andrew Amodeo
- Stewart Gunnerson
- Chan Cavanh
- Shaun Smith
- Chad Barr
- Jennfer Genovese
Design and Construction
- Brian Ball
- Denise Ryerkerk
- Allen Faught
- Jeff Dwyer
- John Nelson
Facilities Management
- Jeff Cushing
- Dakota Roth
Acquisition
- Erica Hoffman
- Chris Cox
- Mitchell Akers
- Ben Smith
- Justin Panasiuk
Portfolio
- Lee Ann Kramer
- Janice Butler
- Shawna Penman
- Lisa Nelson
Finance
- Andy Bramble