News Release: Opus is Building New High School for Des Moines Christian School

URBANDALE, Iowa, July 28, 2026 – Opus today announced that construction is underway on a new dedicated high school for Des Moines Christian School. The 133,670-square-foot facility is located at 4300 136th Street in Urbandale, Iowa, on 104 acres the school purchased in 2024 with a generous gift. The new campus is a key part of Des Moines Christian School's Build Today | Plan for Tomorrow campaign, a comprehensive plan to enhance the student experience for future generations.

“Des Moines Christian School has been a vibrant and vital part of the Des Moines community for nearly 80 years. We’re proud to partner with them on their bold vision for the future and to build the new high school that will stand as the hallmark of their new campus,” said Jeff Smith, senior vice president of construction with Opus.

Des Moines Christian School currently serves 1,500 students in grades Pre-K-12 on its 26-acre Urbandale campus. The new high school, being built one mile away, will include a two-story academic wing with 24 classrooms and three labs, including dedicated STEM spaces; a state-of-the-art gymnasium with a regulation collegiate-sized basketball court and bleacher seating for more than 2,000 fans; dedicated spaces for wellness, fine arts and student activities; a natural light-filled common space with an electric fireplace; a student-led coffee shop; and outdoor learning and dining spaces.

“This is an exciting and transformational time for Des Moines Christian School,” said Head of School Cade Lambert. “As our community continues to grow, this new high school represents an investment in future generations of students, and we’re grateful to partner with Opus to help bring that vision to life.”

Opus is the construction manager on the project and is working with SVPA Architects, the architect of record.

About Opus
Opus is a group of commercial real estate development, design and construction companies headquartered in Minneapolis with offices and projects across the country. Opus operates as a vertically integrated multidisciplinary team with expertise in development, capital markets, finance, project management, construction, architectural design and engineering services. Opus includes Opus Holding and its operating subsidiaries: Opus Development Company, Opus Design Build and Opus AE Group. Specializing in industrial, multifamily residential, office, retail and institutional projects, Opus offers the unique combination of a design-build project delivery approach, driven by a client-centered team of experts and backed by enduring commitment to the community. For more information, visit www.opus-group.com and follow Opus on LinkedIn and Instagram.

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