Notable as the tallest building in Iowa, 801 Grand was completed in 1991. It has many elements of postmodern design, with historical references at the base and top. Designed by the architectural firm of Hellmuth Obata and Kassabaum of St. Louis, it rises 44 stories above downtown Des Moines, reaching 630 feet at its highest point, with more than 2,000 stair steps. The top half of the granite tower features a series of terraces and setbacks. The building is topped by an eight-sided pyramid clad with copper. It was named one of the 50 most significant Iowa Buildings of the 20th Century by AIA. The first three floors are retail and restaurant, with office space above. It is owned by Principal Financial.