The Good News: You’ve just been endowed by John Pappajohn with the $1.65 million “Nomade” sculpture by Jaume Plensa from Spain

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The Frightening News: Installers will be on site in two days to erect the 28’ foot tall, 13,000 pound, stainless steel inspiration composed of randomly arranged letters configured in the shape of person sitting with knees drawn up!

Who are you going to call to get a temporary 16 foot square platform constructed and set on a solid foundation in the frozen tundra of Gateway West Park in less than 48 hours? If you’re the Jay Ewart, Chief Preparator for Des Moines Art Center you call the Hansen Company, of course! Having recently prepared the plaza and fountain pool for the Sally Pettus “Quantum Leaf” sculpture at the Hansen Triangle the obvious choice for a General Contractor to get the job right and on time was the Hansen Company.

The Hansen team, led by General Superintendent Jim Edenburn, mobilized quickly to order materials, line ups subs and move workers into separate jobsites, one to construct the treated 2 x 12 lumber support platform and one to thaw out the ice and snow and prepare a crushed limestone pad.  Randy Ballard led the site team and Don Powel and Ron Chenoweth led the team constructing the platform and together they coordinated last minute details with officials from the City of Des Moines, Substance Architecture, Charles Saul Engineering and the Art Center. The result: A solid temporary home to a unique and we’re sure soon to be famous piece of artwork that the whole community can be proud to say resides here.

“Nomade” by sculpture by Jaume Plensa