What is the secret to constructing one of the world’s most innovative facilities to advance the cognitive study of primates, when your company is accustomed to relying on verbal communication with its clients? Hansen Company, Inc., general contractor for the Great Ape Trust, says it is all about creativity, enthusiasm and flexibility.

“Creating the homes for the great apes was one of the most interesting and most challenging projects our company has ever completed,” says Mike Carroll, vice president of the Hansen Company, Inc., a Des Moines-based general contractor. “From the challenge of building a project that was one-of-a-kind in the world, to learning as much as possible into our ape clients’ needs, this project was not only unique, but also an opportunity to use all of our skills.”

To design one of the world’s most innovative sanctuaries to advance conservation of great apes, Hansen Company got down to basics. Working with Omaha-based design company Leo A Daly, they approached the project as they do in every instance -- with research. However, with this facility, it meant intense study into ape research and conservation. They watched videotapes and read books on bonobos and orangutans. They consulted with Dr. Gen'Ichi Idani, one of the world’s leading primate researchers from the Great Ape Research Institute (GARI) in Japan.

Dr. Tetsuro Matsuzawa of the Primate Research Institute also provided advice. Both men developed state-of-the-art great ape research facilities in Japan and provided their expertise to the project.

The professionals at Hansen Company were quick studies and swiftly developed an understanding of the honorable and dignified 237-acre residence that these great apes would soon call, “home.”

Great Ape Trust Founder Ted Townsend wanted the structure to be as “green” as possible which meant using sustainable materials, incorporating energy efficiencies and melding into the former gravel pit.

Hansen Company’s proven record of accomplishment, coupled with their accreditation as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDTM) professional, also afforded the project a unique construction perspective on conservation and sustainable design. The LEED Green Building Rating SystemTM is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.

“We were extremely thrilled to be part of this unique and worthwhile endeavor, Carroll says. “There’s no doubt the design and construction of this facility will set new standards for great ape sanctuaries around the globe.”

The Hansen Company is accustomed to challenging and unusual projects. Hansen has earned a reputation as one of the Midwest’s top construction firms with its work designing health care facilities, federal/state government buildings, schools, libraries, banks and many other buildings in various industries. Hansen Company is currently building the Principal Riverwalk and metro area loft living spaces in the Des Moines area.

In 1979, Craig W. Hansen began to grow what has become one of the most successful contracting companies in the Midwest. In 1989, The Hansen Company, Inc., was named one of Inc Magazine’s 500 Fastest Growing Companies.

The Hansen Company, Inc. experience portfolio includes construction, renovation and management services for every type of building and project. Their ability to create effective and efficient partnerships between owners, designers and builders has allowed the company to be leaders and innovators in the construction industry.

Since 1979, Hansen Company, Inc. has dedicated itself to teamwork in order to pursue perfection, not their competition. By acting as creative partners and enthusiastically joining the team in the early stages of a project, Hansen was able to help contain costs and develop flexible solutions.

Great Ape Trust began as the Iowa Primate Learning Sanctuary in early 2002. In June of 2003, work crews began developing the former sand and gravel quarry near the Des Moines River. Located about five miles southeast of downtown Des Moines on nearly 230 acres of lowlands, river forest and lakes, Great Ape Trust of Iowa will be the largest great ape facility in North America and one of the first worldwide to include all four types of great ape -- bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans -- for noninvasive interdisciplinary studies of their cognitive and communicative capabilities.

Great Ape Trust is dedicated to providing sanctuary and an honorable life for great apes, studying the intelligence of great apes, advancing conservation of great apes and providing unique educational experiences about great apes. Great Ape Trust of Iowa is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization and is certified by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). To learn more about Great Ape Trust of Iowa, go to www.GreatApeTrust.org.