Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

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

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

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.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

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.

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

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.

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

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!

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

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!

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Uncategorized

Robert Sturm Welcome Center Dedicated at Westside High School

Prairie Construction attended a dedication of the Robert B. Sturm Welcome Center at Westside High School last week.

We broke ground on the construction of the new student entrance at Westside High School. The project included a glass-enclosed vestibule and reception area designed to streamline student entrance and provide added security features to the main entrance of the school.

The welcome center is named for Westside alum and well-respected philanthropist Robert Sturm, who was a major donor for the project.

The space, which was officially dedicated last week, has already welcomed hundreds of Westside students since the 2020/21 school year began in August.

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Prairie Participates in a Restoration Project at St. John’s

St. John’s Catholic Church has been welcoming visitors and students on the campus of Creighton University since its dedication in 1881. Thousands of people have passed through the doors of the beautiful church over the decades.

Time and elements have taken a toll on those iconic front doors, and they were in need of restoration. Removing the massive doors is no small project, due to their size and weight.

The Prairie Construction team was called in to help with the job. A crane was used to slowly and carefully remove the 5-foot wide doors and place them on a truck so they could be transported to the painter. After they have been restored and painted, the Prairie Construction crew will bring them back to campus and reinstall them on the front of the church.

This was a fun project, and we look forwarding to the returning the restored doors to their home soon!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Update on Elkhorn Middle School #5

Last year, we shared the news that we had broken ground on the new middle school for Elkhorn Public Schools. The school is scheduled to welcome students through its doors in the fall of 2021.

Elkhorn Middle School #5, located at 183rd & Ida St. will accommodate the continued growth in the fifth largest school district in the state.

With the help of a large tent over the project, the Prairie Construction crew continued work on the school throughout the winter. Concrete walls and slabs, steel erection, roofing and utilities have kept our crews and subcontractors busy, and we are pleased to report that the project is still on schedule for all deadlines.

Prairie Construction has built numerous schools in the Omaha metro area, and we get excitement from each unique project. We strive to create safe, beautiful schools that foster a love of learning for students.

We will continue to share updates on Elkhorn Middle School #5!

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Prairie Construction Partners with the Westside Foundation

Prairie Construction proudly partnered with the Westside Foundation to expand their childcare services.

The Foundation supports early childhood education for the Westside School District through preschool programs and before and after school care.

The most recent child care center for the district was opened in the former Countryside Church, which was purchased by Corum Deo. The Foundation formed a partnership with Corum Deo to designate the lower level of the church for a child care center.

Converting the former Church basement into a space suitable and up to code for a child care center required a complete redesign of the space. The design included the renovation of four classrooms, two preschool rooms and bathrooms designed for preschool-age children. The floors needed to be raised in the new bathrooms to meet code for educational purposes and the entire space was refreshed and remodeled.

The Westside Foundation uses private funds to support continued improvements of educational programs offered by Westside Community Schools. Prairie Construction is proud to partner again with the Westside Foundation, and look forward to additional projects in the future!