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.

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!

 

Skutt Catholic High School Project Dedicated

In May 2018 we told you about a project that Prairie Construction was starting at Skutt Catholic High School.

As the 2017/18 school year wrapped up, we started a 3500 square foot project that included a secure main school entrance and vestibule, an expanded lobby area, and additional office space.

The students, faculty and staff of Skutt Catholic High School enjoyed the new space for the first semester of the 2018/19, and the Ken and Beverley Pohlman Welcoming Lobby, was officially dedicated on February 4, 2019.

Prairie Construction was honored to be part of this special project.

New Oakdale Elementary School Will Welcome Students in the New Year!

In 2016, voters in District 66 approved a bond to rebuilt multiple schools in the district. Among those was Oakdale Elementary School, located at 98th & Center St. We were honored to be chosen for the project that entailed rebuilding a new school on the site of the former building.

We were proud to complete the project on deadline and in enough time to welcome the student body of about 300 students back in January, after the holiday break. The modern design of the new school includes updated safety features and an efficient use of space, and the end result is a beautiful new building!

The Prairie construction team recently attended a ribbon-cutting event that officially opened the school. Current students as well as members of the Oakdale Elementary Class of 1936 were among the first to see the brand-new building.

This was a fun project for the Prairie Construction team to be involved with because we love to think of the students’ excitement about learning in a brand-new school.