Downing Construction Inc. was founded in 1966 by D. Robert (Bob) Downing. Bob started with one 8-by-20 foot trailer, one employee and two trucks. By the end of his first year, he had built five houses and a four-plex apartment building in Indianola. By the 1970’s, Downing built 50 to 60 houses a year, nearly half of the houses constructed in Indianola.
In 1975, the company built a new office and warehouse at 2500 West 2nd Ave. in Indianola, and has since expanded six times, the last time in 2008. Around the same time, a concrete division and a computer-aided drafting department were added.
By the 1980’s, the housing market was changing. In 1985, only 16 residential building permits were issued for Indianola. Downing Construction learned to change with the times and the company started seeking out more commercial construction. Since the company had been an authorized Varco Pruden dealer of pre-engineered steel building systems since 1976, it was logical to expand that line of business. In addition to metal buildings, Downing constructed projects from restrooms for the City of Des Moines Parks Department to the renovation of Old Chapel at Simpson College.
In 2001, Denis Frischmeyer joined Downing Construction Inc. as Operations Manager, and was eventually appointed Vice-President. Bob knew Denis shared his vision of customer commitment and would provide the same type of leadership that has resulted in the respect that the company has built in the business community for the last 45 years. Denis was promoted to President in 2010 and Bob was named Chairman.
Denis has built on that foundation, expanding the concept of Total Project Management. This requires an expert staff with appropriate education and experience on all levels. Downing Construction Inc currently has 25 employees: six Project Managers (three of which have LEED® AP designations) , six Project Superintendents, seven Field Staff, and six Office Staff. These individuals have 265 years of combined experience.
Downing Construction is proud of its history and excited about its future. Our team of Project Managers and Superintendents are committed to understanding its clients’ needs and giving superior customer service throughout the planning and building process.