Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Prairie Partners with Elkhorn Public Schools to Address Rapid Growth

Elkhorn continues to be the fastest-growing part of the Omaha metro area, and with that growth comes the need for new schools.

The Prairie Construction team is currently building the 13th and 14th elementary schools in the Elkhorn Public Schools district. Both schools are on track to be completed in August 2025.

As Elkhorn continues its rapid growth, schools in the community are quickly experiencing overcrowding. Nearby schools use portable classrooms, and completing these 2 new schools will offer much-needed relief.

The 13th & 14th Elkhorn elementary schools have a modern architectural design. They each contain state-of-the-art storm shelters and are being built to withstand 180 mph winds, following the tornados that hit the Elkhorn area in April 2024.

The Prairie has partnered with Elkhorn Public School on several school construction projects. We are experts in partnerships with schools to build safe schools with efficient designs and completing projects on deadline.

You can learn more about Elkhorn Elementary #13 and #14 here.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Welcome to the Prairie Team, Ben Gordon!

Prairie Construction is proud to welcome Project Manager Ben Gordon to the team!

In his role, Ben will oversee all aspects of the construction process, ensuring they are completed safely, on time, and within budget. Meeting client expectations and quality requirements are top goals of Ben’s!

Ben graduated from UNO with a degree in Construction Management in 2015. His first job was as a Project Engineer and has worked for both small and large firms’ general contractors in Omaha. He has a solid background in a variety of types of projects.

Ben is excited to join the Prairie team, saying it is unlike any other group he has worked for. “Prairie has created an environment that encourages collaboration and support both in the office and the field, which allows us to work truly as a team,” he said. “This teamwork ensures the success of each project while fostering strong relationships with our trade partners and the overall satisfaction of our clients.”

Ben likes the challenges associated with the ever-changing construction industry. “Whether it’s the continuing supply chain and labor issues, or an increase in security and technology requirements, the constant evolution and the need to adapt quickly keep me interested and motivated.”

Ben manages the project at the new Elkhorn Elementary School #13. Prairie recently broke ground on the school, which will welcome students for the 2025/26 school year. The 72,000 sq foot elementary school will be located at 204th & I St. and is a precast concrete and steel framed school. The new school will consist of 4 classroom wings, one of which will serve as a storm shelter, and new administrative offices, a gym, cafeteria, and kitchen.

He is also managing the renovation of the auditorium at Elkhorn High School and the remodel and expansion of Elkhorn Public School’s warehouse.

“I am excited to be a part of the Prairie team and contribute to the growth and success of the company,” said Ben.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Welcome Nighthawks to Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School

Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School welcomed students for the first time when the school year started a few weeks ago.

Prairie Construction has built many schools in the Omaha metro area, and each one is unique. North Ridge, located at 183rd & Ida St. in Elkhorn, was constructed with state-of-the-art safety features and design, and is proving to be fully functional for students.

Here is an inside look at some of our favorite spots in the school.

Have a great school year Nighthawks!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects, Uncategorized

Update on Elkhorn Middle School Project

We continue to make progress on the construction of the new middle school for the Elkhorn Public Schools.

Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School will welcome its first students through its doors in less than a month. Here’s a unique look at the progress!

Elkhorn North Ridge is located at 183rd & Ida St. and will accommodate the continued growth in the fifth largest school district in the state.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Expansion Project at Blue Sage Elementary

It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were busy building Blue Sage Elementary, a brand-new elementary school in the Elkhorn Public Schools District. It actually wasn’t that long ago – we completed construction on the 11th elementary school in the Elkhorn district in time to welcome students for the 2018/19 school year. We have already returned to the school for an expansion project.

This summer, we are back at Blue Sage Elementary School for an expansion project that will house an early education department for the school. The 8,400 square-foot addition will be the home of the preschool program for the school and will include two classrooms, flex rooms, restrooms and office space. The project will be completed in March 2020, and a new class of students will fill the rooms in the fall of 2020.

The expansion project is in response to the population boom in the Elkhorn community, one of the fastest growing communities in Omaha. At Prairie Construction, we love building schools – and we have built a lot of them! We are excited about the opportunity to return to one of our school buildings and contribute to its growth and expansion.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Construction to Begin on Elkhorn Middle School

Prairie Construction is excited to begin construction on the new Elkhorn Middle School #5 project!

Construction on the $29 million-dollar project will begin this summer and the school will be open for students in the Fall of 2021.

The new middle school will be located near 183rd & Ida St. and will accommodate the growing population of students in the Elkhorn area. Elkhorn Public Schools has quickly grown to the 5th largest district in the state.

The Prairie Construction team is looking forward to working with the Elkhorn Public School District and the architects at Jackson and Jackson Associates on this project.