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 Industry News

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

The Omaha metro area has been hit by numerous devasting storms this season and many homeowners are still dealing with the aftermath.

The tornado that hit the Elkhorn area in late April left devastation in its path. Many homes were completely destroyed, leaving residents homeless and needing to rebuild their homes.

While most homeowners’ insurance policies will cover the cost of rebuilding damaged or destroyed homes, many people are discovering significant costs that are not covered. Debris must be removed before rebuilding can begin, and this cost is often not a covered expense for policies. Depending on the scope of the damage, this can be extremely costly.

Several recent rainstorms have caused significant property damage due to flooding. Damage can include flooded basements, damaged foundations, and collapsed garages and structures. Many insurance policies only cover certain water claims – be sure you know what is covered.

The lesson for homeowners – understand your insurance policy so you aren’t caught off guard by damage and destruction that is not covered.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Prairie Construction is Hiring!

Prairie Construction has immediate openings for full-time construction positions. Openings include Laborers and Carpenters, and seasonal Construction Workers.

Prairie Construction offers full-time employees competitive wages (based on experience), health, dental, and vision insurance, 401K, and paid vacation and holidays.

Commercial construction experience is preferred, but Prairie Construction is willing to train qualified candidates. Candidates must be at least 18, have transportation, and be willing to work a minimum of 40 hours/week. Work is local and will begin immediately.

If interested, please apply in-person at Prairie Construction 13316 B St. in Omaha, Monday – Friday 7 am to 3:30 pm, or send a resume to tom@prairie-construction.com.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Updates at Elkhorn Ridge Middle School

It’s not unusual for projects to start small, and morph into a much bigger job. That was true for the scheduled addition of a security entrance upgrade at Elkhorn Ridge Middle School.

After further assessment, the decision was made to revitalize the interior of the entrance through multiple architectural and mechanical upgrades. While this extended the initial time for the project, the result was well worth it!

After the upgrades to the interior, the focus turned to the school’s exterior. The change of color gave the school a refreshed, updated appearance. Add a complete roofing system upgrade, and the entire exterior looks newer and more modern.

 

The updates to Elkhorn Ridge Middle School may have been more than originally planned, but the result is a refreshed, updated school that is ready to welcome the future’s brightest minds through the doors in the Fall!

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Prairie Construction Welcomes Joe Barnhart

We recently welcomed Joe Barnhart to the Prairie Construction team. Joe will serve in a Project Manager/Business Development role.

Joe brings more than 2 decades of experience and an extensive skill set to the Prairie team. During his career, he has worked as a project manager for an engineering company on several projects, including work on the ATF headquarters in Washington DC, and the Santa Clara Crime Lab in San Jose. Before joining the Prairie team, he spent the last 16 years at a mechanical contracting company in Omaha.

Joe has been a great addition to the Prairie team. “The cultural environment of Prairie Construction is built around intellect, passion to be the best, and personal and professional respect,” he said.  “All while marching in the direction of bringing clients’ vision to reality.”

Joe points to loyal customers who continue to contract with Prairie as a sign of our dedication to quality service.  “The repeat business is a testament to Prairie Constructions’ vision, core values, and the character and abilities of each member of the team,” he said.

“I cannot stress enough that it’s great to be at a company with great people!  I see people helping where needed, hearing people discussing trade techniques, strategizing on how to accomplish a task, discussing past experiences, and genuinely enjoying working together as a team.  This is not just inside the walls of Prairie Construction but at owner meetings, at lunches, or company/client parties. I am honored to just be a part of a team that is willing to teach, advise, and guide a 22-year mechanical guy like me.”

Welcome to the Prairie team, Joe!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Prairie Completes First Splash and Dash

Commercial construction continues to boom in the Omaha metro area.

Prairie Construction recently completed the remodel construction of Omaha’s newest dog grooming business – Splash and Dash, Dog Grooming and Boutique.

 

The project was a remodel of an existing space in a commercial strip mall. Demolition of the space began in December, followed by a complete custom rebuild to fit the needs of this unique business.

 

 

Located at 2517 South 174th Plaza in Lakeside, the store is the first of four planned Splash and Dash franchises in Omaha, and the Prairie Construction team is looking forward to our continued partnership with the family-owned franchises.

Splash and Dash welcomed their first canine customers last week!

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Uncategorized

West Hampton Flex Building

The Prairie Construction team is finishing up construction on the West Hampton Flex Building located at 192nd and Blondo St.

 

The 30,000-square-foot building includes five separate bays, each approximately 5,600 square feet.

The West Hampton is a flex building, which is a commercial real estate trend that offers flexibility to tenants. It is typically a warehouse-style building with built-to-spec space to accommodate a variety of warehouse, office, or retail tenants.

The West Hampton will welcome CHIPS Performance Training as a tenant. The exclusive baseball training facility will offer memberships to high school, college, and professional players who wish to enhance their performance training. Perfect timing for local athletes looking to get ready for the Spring season!

 

Prairie Construction is excited to contribute to construction in this rapidly growing part of Omaha!

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

What to Know About Frozen Pipes

We’ve been hit with extreme cold weather, and it doesn’t seem to want to quit. Temperatures below 0 degrees aren’t unusual for the Midwest (although the Omaha Metro area never dipped below 0 in 2023!), but this stretch of cold has been extreme.

When temperatures fall below freezing, and stay as long as they have now, there is a real threat of pipes bursting, even in insulated, heated structures. Outdoor hoses, swimming pool plumbing, or sprinkler systems are at high risk, but pipes in unheated areas of your home such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and kitchen or bathroom cabinets are also susceptible to freezing. Pipes that run along exterior walls with little or no insulation are at the highest risk.

Older pipes, or those with rust or corrosion are weaker, and this increases the risk of freezing. Corroded pipes can split when freezing expansion occurs, and the damage occurs when they begin to thaw, or when water is turned back on. But even newer, plastic pipes can freeze in extreme conditions. The risk is even higher during a power outage, which is likely in areas of prolonged demands on the power systems.

This can often go unseen until it is too late because pipes are typically inside walls. Homeowners may notice a leak after the water has damaged floors, ceilings, walls, or carpet.

Draining exterior pipes completely of water is crucial. Insulating pipes in unheated areas with pipe sleeves or installing UL-listed heat tape will help prevent freezing. Plumbers recommend keeping a steady drip of water on to keep water moving through pipes. Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow airflow, and if you will be away for some time, set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, but aren’t sure which one, turn on the faucets. If one isn’t releasing water, it is likely frozen. Turn the hot and cold water on, and begin thawing the pipes with a hairdryer, starting close to the faucet. Wrap the pipes in hot towels or electric heat tape or turn the heat in the home or building up to thaw the frozen pipes. Do not use a blowtorch, propane heater, or any open flame device to thaw pipes!

Unattended frozen pipes can lead to significant damage in your home. Contact the Prairie Construction team if you have questions about avoiding these types of problems in your home or structure. Stay warm and safe!

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

New Year, New Projects

Happy New Year from all of us at Prairie Construction!

The start of the new year is a good time to set goals for the coming year. If you have been considering a remodel or new build project for your home or business, make 2024 the year for your project!

The Prairie Construction team has some tips to keep in mind to help make your new construction or remodel project successful:

  • Referrals: Choose your contractor carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals.
  • Do Your Research: Choose a company with a solid reputation. Check with the Better Business Bureau before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
  • Find a Project Manager: Working with a construction company that offers a designated Project Manager for your project who will manage your project from start to finish will save you the headache of needing to find subcontractors.
  • Similar Experience: Choose a contractor that has experience with projects like yours and ask if you can see them.

Choosing the right company for your project will make the process successful and eliminate stress, so trust your instinct and do your homework.

Investing in your home or business with a remodel or new construction project will pay off in the long run. Contact Prairie Construction to start planning your 2024 construction project!