Construction continues on Elkhorn Middle School #5, and we are excited to share this unique perspective of the project.
Looking Ahead to 2021!
As we look back on 2020, I think everyone can agree the year didn’t necessarily go the way we planned it!
No one could have predicted a pandemic that would close businesses and put many aspects of our lives on hold the way they were in 2020.
But it’s a new year, and as we look ahead we can revisit plans that were put on hold in the last year. If your plans to remodel, or build a new home or office, stalled in 2020, the Prairie Construction team may be able to help with your plans.
If you are ready to move ahead with your construction needs, the Prairie Construction has some tips to keep in mind to ensure your 2021 project, big or small, is successful:
- Don’t be afraid to ask a contractor for referrals. Or ask your friends and family for a recommendation.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure the company has a solid reputation.
- Choose a company that has experience with projects similar to yours.
- Work with a company that has a good understanding of architectural design.
- Choose a contractor or construction company that will manage your project from start to finish so you don’t need to find subcontractors.
More than anything, trust your instincts. Choosing the right company for your project will make the process successful and enjoyable. Contact the Prairie Construction team to discuss your projects for 2021!
Happy Holidays from the Prairie Construction Team
As we close out what has been a most unusual year, we look back with appreciation for our amazing team of dedicated professionals. You make Prairie Construction who we are, and we appreciate your dedication, loyalty, and commitment to serving our clients with professionalism and excellence every day.
Thank you to all of our subcontractors and partners. We appreciate your shared commitment to quality craftsmanship and excellent service on every project.
And to each of our clients – thank you for trusting the Prairie Construction team with your construction needs. It has been our pleasure to work with you and we are grateful for the confidence you have in our team.
As we welcome 2021, we look forward to working with each of you on exciting new projects!
We wish you the very best of the holiday season, and a very happy New Year!
Go Green with Gift Wrap
The Holidays are here, the most wonderful time of the year. Shopping, decorating, baking, and checking your lists twice. So much to do, so much anticipation.
But before you think about wrapping the gifts, consider this. Not all wrapping papers and gift bags are recyclable.
The City of Omaha recently started a new garbage and recycling, and program coordinators and conservationists are optimistic this will lead to a renewed enthusiasm for recycling. The extra-large, wheeled carts make recycling easy and convenient.
In the flurry of gift-giving and unwrapping, you may think all wrapping paper can be recycled together. But that is not the case. Just because they are paper doesn’t mean they can go in the recycling bin.
Wrapping paper that is metallic, glittery or textured is not recyclable; adding it to a bin of recyclables can contaminate the entire bin. While you may have bought your recipient a pretty thoughtful gift, like a diploma frame, from Jostens (you can read more about the shop here), the glittery wrapping paper may not make the gift seem as thoughtful. But if you really wish to present yourself as a thoughtful person, then why not go green with your wrapping?
If you’d like to do your part to Go Green and recycle this holiday season, here are a few tips to consider for your gift wrapping.
- Look for wrapping paper that is made of recycled paper. Not only is this type of paper recyclable, using recycled materials prevents them from ending up in a landfill.
- Do not include wrapping paper that is metallic, glittery or velvety. These need to be separated from paper and thrown in the trash, or saved to be used again.
- Ribbon, bows and glittery cards are not recyclable. These should be separated and discarded into the garbage, or saved to be used again next year.
- Crush recyclable wrapping paper into a ball – it’s more likely to be recycled.
- When you shop for wrapping paper, opt for those made of recycled papers and avoid recyclable papers.
- Consider reusing papers and gift bags from previous years, and save salvageable gift wrap as you unwrap gifts this season.
- When you are wrapping, using only enough paper to cover the gift, minimizing scraps and excess that are discarded.
This season, remember one of the best gifts we can all give is the gift of conservation. Wishing you and yours the very best of the season!
Doors Returned to St. John’s Church
Earlier this Fall, we helped Creighton University remove the front doors of St. John’s Church so they could be restored and repainted. The church located in the center of Creighton’s University’s campus has been welcoming students, faculty, parishioners and visitors since 1881.
Removing and transporting the massive, 5-foot-wide doors was no small feat. Neither was the job of replacing them. After transporting the restored doors back to campus on a flatbed truck, a crane was used to lift the doors back into place where the hinges were replaced and the doors were rehung.
Not every job we do at Prairie Construction is as big as building a new school, constructing a commercial structure, or remodeling an existing building. Our team enjoys the opportunities when we can do something a little different, especially when we can help a long-time partner like Creighton University.
We were happy we could help Creighton return the beautiful doors in time to welcome visitors for the Christmas celebration!
Photos courtesy of Creighton University
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
‘Tis the season for holiday decorating and trimming the tree. The Holidays are here! If you like fresh cut Christmas trees listen up…..
Keep your tree watered A fresh cut tree will suck up more and more water the longer it remains in your home. For it’s first drink mix one cup sugar and one quart warm water then be sure to water regularly. The sugar mix is similar to sap to fool the tree.
Here are some other Christmas tree safety tips from the Prairie Construction team to ensure you and your family enjoy a safe holiday season.
- Fresh is best. Visit a tree farm to cut your tree as opposed to a pre-cut tree from a lot or retail location. If cutting your own isn’t an option, check for brittle needles on a pre-cut tree and choose one with flexible needles instead.
- Use a sturdy stand. Choose a stand that is big enough for your tree and will hold you tree firmly in place. A wider or taller tree may require a bigger tree stand.
- Safe lighting. Make sure any lights you put on your tree are in good working order with no broken bulbs or frayed or split cords. Older lights, even in working order, should be disposed of for newer, safer lights. And leave the lights on to enjoy them, and turn them off before going to bed for the night.
- Keep away from heat. A dry tree can catch fire if it is too close to a heat source. Avoid putting a real tree next to a heat vent, television, lamp or candle.
And remember Water Water Water.
Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy new start to the new year from Prairie Construction.
Giving Back this Holiday Season
The pandemic of 2020 has brought changes for all of us, but for some the impact has been significant. Failed businesses, lost jobs and illnesses have had devastating effects on many people in our community.
In the spirit of giving back to the community, if you’re able, we encourage giving to those who have been significantly impacted by the pandemic and here’s a great opportunity.
The Food Bank for the Heartland is hosting a Food Drive this Saturday, December 5. The community is encouraged to donate non-perishable food items or monetary donations in a drive-through event at the Food Bank located at 10525 J St. in Omaha from 9 am to 12 pm. Click here to see the most-needed items.
Collecting non-perishable food is the purpose but monetary donations are always encouraged and appreciated as they can be stretched further. Donated funds made to The Food Bank for the Heartland are used to purchase food items that are most needed, including fruits, vegetables, and perishable items including dairy and meat products. Learn more about the drive-through Food Drive or other donation options to the Food Bank for the Heartland here.
Each year the need increases, and demand is always highest at the holidays. This year, the need is even greater as thousands of children are learning from home and missing school-provided meals.
If you’ve never given to The Food Bank for the Heartland before, now might be your time, a few dollars go can go a long way. Thank you.
Gretna Fire Station South
The Prairie Construction team has begun construction on Gretna Fire Station South, the second station for the Gretna Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.
The new station will be located at Highway 6 and Capehart Road. The 40,000 square-foot, 2-story project will include a large classroom space and conference room, sleeping quarters for 12, a fitness area, kitchen and dining, laundry and office space, a training facility space and apparatus bays.
The project started with the county adding new paving and the addition of utilities added to the south side of Capehart Road, about a quarter mile west of Highway 6/31. The Prairie Construction team has completed the steel structure and the precast wall panels of the new station.
As the Gretna community continues to grow and expand, so does the need for vital fire and rescue services. Prairie Construction is proud to help meet these needs for the Gretna community. Our teams will work throughout the winter to meet a completion date of June 1, 2021.
Prairie Construction Employee Appreciation
The Prairie Construction team a few weeks ago with an employee appreciation lunch where several employees were honored for their loyalty and dedication to Prairie Construction.
Among them was Steve Vencil, who celebrated 30 years with Prairie Construction!
Each of these dedicated employees have helped Prairie Construction achieve our goals, develop relationships, and truly made an impact on our company. We recognize how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to celebrate the longevity of employees who are dedicated to our company, and we hope they feel our true appreciation.
Thanks for your commitment to Prairie Construction!
West Shores Event Center
Prairie Construction has been busy in West Shores!
This summer, we broke ground on the 43,000 square foot building that will be anchored by A View West Shores, a large event venue. The building, which is the first commercial property in West Shore, will also include a restaurant and space for retailers or professional offices.
The residential subdivision in Waterloo was developed 20 years ago and includes 300 lots for homes and a 203-acre sand-bottom lake.
We are working with Avant Architects on this project. The footings have been installed and the structured steel is going up. You can learn more about the project HERE.
The project has a strict deadline – the venue is reserved for its first wedding on May 8th!