Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Uncategorized

Empty Office Space Makes Renovation an Option

Pandemic restrictions have essentially been lifted, and many companies have implemented a return-to-work policy. But for several companies, it won’t be a return to “normal”. Many businesses have adopted a hybrid schedule, while others are deciding not to return at all and stay remote. That means a lot of office space is sitting empty in Omaha.

The surge in empty office spaces means renovation may be a more feasible option than building new for companies considering a change. Renovation can be a quicker, less expensive option than building new.

The Prairie Construction team recently helped Colliers International with renovation of an existing office space in the Northpark area.

Renovation projects often take less time than a new build and can be less expensive, but there are other considerations. Plans may be limited to the existing infrastructure, and the space made need modifications to comply with updated codes. 

Give the Prairie Construction team a call if you are ready to renovate existing commercial space, or to discuss potential new construction plans. 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Athletico at Westwood Plaza

Athletico Physical Therapy has expanded in the Omaha metro area, and Prairie Construction was happy to help with a tenant build-out for the physical therapy clinic.

Athletico Omaha West Center is in Westwood Plaza, located at 120th & Center. The business development area has been a mainstay at the busy Omaha intersection for many years. The bays came available and offered an ideal location for the growing physical therapy clinic.

Prairie Construction helped Athletico transform the existing retail space to meet the specific needs for the physical therapy clinic. The plans for the renovation included specifications for additional safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team worked closely with the Athletico team to ensure deadlines were met and safety protocols were prioritized.

Prairie Construction is a locally owned construction company. We have experience helping businesses open multiple locations, including new builds and buildouts of existing spaces.

If your business is moving to Omaha or expanding to add new locations in the metro area, call the Prairie Construction team.

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 Industry News

Commercial Renovation vs. Construction

Whether your business is just starting out or outgrowing your current space, the decision about the right office space can be hard. Should we renovate an existing space or build a brand-new site?

When it comes to choosing a new space for your business, there are many things to consider, not the least of which is budget. Renovating an existing space can often cost less than a new build, but there are several factors to consider:

  • Can you find an existing space to meet your needs? Consider how much space you need now and for potential growth in the future. Do you need cubicles or offices, or a shared conference space, etc.?
  • Consider long-term renovations and upkeep. An existing building may require more significant updates over time than a new building, and those expenses may outweigh the upfront savings. You could have a pest issue, for instance, and you might explore a few michigan exterminators (or in some other location) to hire one for pest control. Whereas, a newly constructed building can be treated while construction to avoid such issues in the future.
  • What is your timeframe? A rehabilitation will often take less time than new construction, especially if the previous structure needs to be demolished. For instance, it would probably take less time to complete a renovation or place a new roof on your new office with the help of commercial roofing companies in Denver or elsewhere than to create a brand-new structure. If you need to move in before the building is finished, think about when you need to be in the new workplace.
  • What are your design preferences? Starting from scratch with a new building gives you a blank slate to choose the design elements you want. This may be limited in a renovation.
  • Energy-saving options. Construction from the ground up allows you to choose some energy efficient elements that may not be an option with a renovation project, and those can save you money in the long run. However, before embarking on the journey of constructing a building, you would need to find a commercial builder who has a good reputation in building offices. Besides this, you would also need to hire the services of construction site security guards TX who can provide impeccable security to the site so that no one can interrupt the construction process.
  • Location, location, location! if location is a crucial factor for your business, available options may be the deciding factor in whether you decide to you build or renovate.

Prairie Construction is experienced in renovations and new builds of all sizes. We are committed to completing projects that meet our client’s needs on time and within budget. Whether you decide to renovate an existing space or build a new space, Prairie Construction can help create the perfect office space for your business!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Pottawattamie County Courthouse Renovation

Several offices in the Pottawattamie County Courthouse are moving into a temporary home this week to make way for a renovation that we are anxious to start! Prairie Construction was awarded the contract for the renovation of the second floor of the courthouse.

The offices, including the Auditor’s, Assessor’s and Recorder’s offices, as well as the Supervisor’s, plan to be in their temporary home in various locations near the courthouse (Public Map), before construction begins in early April.

The 15,000 square foot renovation project includes a complete mechanical and electrical upgrade on the second floor. The plans include renovating the existing offices and corridors which will result in an updated and more efficient space. The projected completion date is August 1, 2018.

You can learn more about the Pottawattamie County Courthouse renovation here, and be sure to check back here for updates throughout the project.

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Creighton University Old Gym Renovation

We recently completed a project that we were honored to be a part of – the renovation of the Old Gym on the Creighton University campus. Construction companies are often associated with brand new builds, but we get excited when we can be involved in renovation projects that preserve a piece of history, and this project did just that!

The Old Gym, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2015, has housed many athletic facilities over the years including men’s and women’s basketball, swimming and diving, and volleyball. The building was formerly known as the Vinardi Center and is located at 24th & Burt St. Many alumni will recall class registrations, commencements and dances taking place in the building. Most recently it was earmarked to house the Pharmacy Skills Lab and associated offices, which were outgrowing their space in the Brandeis Building, and that is where Prairie Construction got involved.

Transforming a former athletic facility into a functioning medical academic facility presented many challenges – challenges we were eager to face, together with Creighton architect Coale Johnson and his team. A significant challenge was working around the main data center (DoIT) for the Creighton campus, which is located in the building. There were 2 absolute requirements – maintain power throughout the project and prevent dust in the DoIT – and we are proud to say we met both!

We also faced logistical challenges in accessing a building located in the center of a busy college campus. The majority of the work was done over the summer, but was necessary to work around normal operations on campus, and we met all deadlines.

There was no convenient area to fence off for easy access and equipment storage. The street next to the building would have been the logical option, but it provides the handicapped entrance for St. John’s Church and therefore needed to remain open at all times.

Site logistics were very tight – logistically challenged, street to building used for St. John’s church – handicapped entrance had to be kept open at all times. No area to fence off, need to maintain operations of campus life, data center, etc.

We built a floor in the space that was once open to the lower level gymnasium. You would never guess that the new classroom, office and laboratory spaces were previously athletic practice areas that were gutted and redesigned into state-of-the-art facilities. While the look of the building was completely transformed, we were mindful of honoring the legacy of the building, and in many ways we were able to preserve the original character of the building.  The gymnasium floors throughout the building were salvaged and will be repurposed.

This beautiful space will serve as a place of higher learning for years to come, and we were proud to play a role in preserving a piece of history on the Creighton University campus. You can learn more about the new Pharmacy Skills Lab here.