Squash Bend Substation

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To strengthen North Liberty’s power infrastructure, Alliant Energy envisioned a new substation that could serve as both a functional asset and a community-friendly landmark. Named Squash Bend after the town’s original name, the substation was planned for a highly visible area near residential neighborhoods. The challenge was to design a resilient facility that addressed community aesthetics, environmental stewardship, and future connectivity.

Shive-Hattery partnered with Alliant Energy to design the Squash Bend Substation and surrounding site. The design included a screen wall to visually buffer the facility and one of Alliant’s first pilot pollinator planting programs, supporting honeybees and native species. In addition, Shive-Hattery designed an 8-foot-wide concrete trail—approximately one-third of a mile long—that will eventually connect Highway 965 to a nearby residential neighborhood. The trail design required creative grading solutions and a safe railroad crossing, all while maintaining proper stormwater drainage.

The completed substation enhances energy reliability and resilience for North Liberty while setting a new standard for environmentally conscious utility design. The pollinator plantings have since become a model for other Alliant substation sites. The future trail connection will improve pedestrian and cyclist access across the city. Shive-Hattery’s thoughtful, community-focused approach helped deliver a project that balances infrastructure needs with environmental and neighborhood benefits.