Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Do You Know the History of May Day?

May Day is the first day of May!

May Day is marked by maypoles and baskets of treats and flowers left anonymously on porches. Small gestures to celebrate the arrival of Spring!

But did you know May Day is significant for another reason? The history dates back to 1886 when thousands of American workers demonstrated in support of an 8-hour workday, and in 1889, the International Socialist Conference declared May 1 to be International Workers’ Day, an international holiday for labor.

In 1958, President Eisenhower signed a resolution naming May 1 “Loyalty Day” – declaring it a “special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States of America and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.”

On this May Day, and every day, we celebrate the hard-working members of the Prairie Construction team. While the coronavirus crisis has impacted all of us, and our community has been sheltering in place for several weeks, our crews have continued working hard and keeping projects moving forward.

With gratitude to everyone on the Prairie team, our vendors, clients and partners, we wish you all a Happy May Day!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Update from Prairie Construction

The threat of the coronavirus has impacted all of our lives and each of us has had to make adjustments to how we live, learn and work. These certainly are interesting times!

We want to assure you that the Prairie Construction team is here for you. As we continue to work on projects, the health and safety of our clients and our crew members is our top priority. We are carefully following safety guidelines outlined by the CDC and the US Department of Labor and we will continue to monitor the changing situation carefully.

We are committed to providing the same quality service that you have come to know and trust from Prairie Construction. We are working closely with our partners and suppliers to keep projects on track and we

We continue to schedule projects and are busy preparing for spring and summer construction projects. Contact us today to discuss your construction projects.

Take care and stay well!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News, Industry News

Spring is Coming – Time to Plan Your Projects!

The groundhog did not see his shadow – that means an early Spring!

We’ve had a mild Winter, especially compared to last year when we had record snow amounts, and it felt like it would never end! But we have already experienced mild temps, making us think that Spring is just around the corner.

If you are considering a construction project for this Spring or Summer, don’t put off planning – Spring will in fact be here before you know it! Everyone wants to take advantage of nicer weather and plan projects for the Spring and Summer, and schedules fill up quickly – so don’t put off planning your projects!

The Prairie Construction team has some tips to consider when choosing the right construction company, no matter how big or small your project is:

  • Choose a company that has experience with projects similar to yours
  • Make sure the company is reliable and has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau
  • Referrals matter, so ask trusted sources for recommendations
  • Work with a company that has a good understanding of architectural design
  • A good construction company will manage the project from start to finish, eliminating the need for you to find subcontractors
  • Trust your gut – you should feel good about the project manager you are working with!

The Prairie Construction is looking forward to the end of Winter and a busy construction season!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Progress on Our Office Renovation

Last week we showed you an update of our office renovation project – the demolition!

This week, we have another update – the progress!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drywall is going up, lighting is being installed, and soon glass walls and fixtures will be put into place, followed by paint and the finishing touches!

We have learned a lot being on this end of a renovation project – and we have a whole new appreciation for our clients as you attempt to maintain operations throughout a construction project!

As many of our clients do, we made the decision to continue working in our office throughout the renovation. Construction projects are messy and loud and disruptive, and our staff has displayed amazing patience and dedication throughout the project. We appreciate their commitment to maintaining operations throughout this process.

We can’t wait to show you the finished project in a few weeks!

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Update on Office Renovation at Prairie Construction

Things are looking a little different around the Prairie Construction office these days.

Demolition on our office renovation project is underway. In celebration of our upcoming 30th Anniversary, we are treating ourselves as the client and giving our office a much-needed update and renovation.

The project will include a complete update and renovation of our existing office space, an inviting entryway and redesigned meetings paces.

Demolition is complete and our teams are hard at work on the space that reflect our style and commitment to excellent craftsmanship, construction and design.

We look forward to showing you progress – and the finished project. In the meantime, we need to get back to work!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

New Papillion/LaVista Schools Project

Prairie Construction is thrilled to be chosen for the Papillion /LaVista high school addition and renovation project! We are excited to continue our partnership with Papillion/LaVista Schools.

The $21.7 million multi-phase project includes the renovation of the existing high school which will begin this month, and continue through August of 2022. The 69,360 square-foot addition will provide additional offices, classrooms, and lab space.

At Prairie Construction, we enjoy building schools. We understand the elements of design, security and efficiency required. You can read more about some of our recent school projects HERE.

As work on the Papillion/LaVista school project progresses, we will be sure to share updates with you!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

A Renovation of Our Own at Prairie Construction

The Prairie Construction team is excited to announce the launch one of our most exciting projects of the year – our own!

Prairie Construction was founded in 1989 and we are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year. What better way to mark the occasion than by treating ourselves as the client and launching a major office renovation!

Our offices are located near 133rd & B St. in southwest Omaha. Over the years, styles and trends have changed. We have helped design and build attractive, efficient spaces to meet our clients needs, and now it is time to do it for our own company!

The project will include a complete update and renovation of our existing office space. The front entryway will be modern and inviting. The offices and conference room space will be redesigned with collaboration and efficiency in mind, and will be a reflection of our style and craftsmanship. Our overall look and color scheme will be updated to reflect our progressive and innovative style.

This project gives us an opportunity to work with many of the partners we typically collaborate with on projects, but this time as the client. For example, Signworks of Omaha will create new exterior signage for the updated storefront.

Demolition has already begun and we expect the project to be completed at the end of January. We will share updates throughout the project to showing you the finished project soon!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Insulated Concrete Forms on Display at New Papillion Elementary School

We broke ground on Asbury Hills Elementary School, the newest Papillion school district elementary school, at the end of the summer.

Asbury Hills Elementary will have a very similar floor plan to Prairie Queen Elementary School, which Prairie Construction also built for the Papillion school district. One big difference in the construction of the two schools however, is the addition of insulated concrete forms (ICF) that will be used to form the exterior walls of Asbury Hills Elementary.

Prairie Construction has been working closely with the Nebraska Concrete Aggregates Association to incorporate ICF into the construction of the school. While this trend is not brand new, few schools or buildings in Nebraska have adopted this construction practice.

On Nov. 1 the Nebraska Concrete and Aggregates Association and Iowa Ready Mixed Concrete Association will host an Open House and tour of the new school to showcase the insulated concrete forms. Architects, designers, contractors and school officials will have the opportunity to see the process up close, and learn about the energy efficient benefits of ICF.

The event will be held from 10 am to 2 pm on Friday, Nov. 1 at the site of the new school near Werner Park in Papillion. The event is free and lunch is included. The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 25 and can be completed HERE.

The event will include a presentation at Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way in Papillion by Greg Lewis, NRMCA and Randy Daniels, Fox Blocks. A bus tour of the school site will follow lunch.

Insulated concrete forms are safer and more efficient energy than traditional framing, and the inclusion of ICF reduces construction time. Their sustainability and strength contribute to reduced annual utility costs which can save school districts millions of dollars throughout the life of the structure.

Prairie Construction is proud to be part of this ground-breaking project and we look forward to seeing you there!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News, Industry News

Dedication of the Westside Welding Lab

Westside students have already been busy learning in the new welding lab, which was officially dedicated on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

Governor Pete Ricketts, a 1983 graduate of Westside High School was on hand to officially dedicate the lab.

We could not be more excited about Westside School District’s dedication to teaching trades and crafts to students, and we are extremely proud to be trusted with this important project. The lab is state-of-the-art and amazing!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Elkhorn Stadium Project Completed

During the summer we shared news that we broke ground on a stadium project at Elkhorn High School.

The first football game was Friday, Aug. 30 so the deadline to complete the project was firm. We are happy to say the project was completed before the deadline, and the results have been well-received by Elkhorn fans as well as fans the opposing teams.

The project included a 4,400 square foot athletic team building includes training rooms, locker rooms, concessions and restrooms.  In addition, new bleachers were added to the east side of the Stadium which added 3,000 seats.

Prairie Construction was happy to help Elkhorn Public Schools show their team pride and we wish them luck this season!