Robert Sturm Welcome Center Dedicated at Westside High School

Prairie Construction attended a dedication of the Robert B. Sturm Welcome Center at Westside High School last week.

We broke ground on the construction of the new student entrance at Westside High School. The project included a glass-enclosed vestibule and reception area designed to streamline student entrance and provide added security features to the main entrance of the school.

The welcome center is named for Westside alum and well-respected philanthropist Robert Sturm, who was a major donor for the project.

The space, which was officially dedicated last week, has already welcomed hundreds of Westside students since the 2020/21 school year began in August.

 

Added Security to Westside High School Student Entrance

Westside High School students will notice some changes at the school when they return in the Fall.

Prairie Construction is taking advantage of the slower summer months to continue with some essential upgrades to Westside High School.

Last summer, we added glass wall partitions to the existing concrete walls in the main entry and commons area of the school. A glass entryway was installed to separate the commons area from a hallway. The glass dividers provide added security while maintaining the open feel of the original design.

This summer, we are adding additional security to the building with the construction of a glass-enclosed vestibule. The new reception space will be right inside the main entrance to the school, and a single exterior door will be added for exclusive entry to the building after 8 a.m. when school is in session.

Safety and security are top priorities for schools, and Prairie Construction has extensive experience in this area. Security features are a key component to the design of numerous schools we have built over the last several years, and we have added upgraded security features to several existing schools.

The steel structures have been installed at Westside High School, and we anticipate the completion of this project in the next few weeks. Stop back for an update if you can’t wait until the start of the 2020/21 school year to see the finished project!

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.

Renovation Underway at Skutt Catholic High School

The 2017/18 school year just ended at Skutt Catholic High School and we could not be more excited! Students took their last final on Thursday, May 24 and Prairie Construction began work on a new addition to the school right away!

The focus of the 3500 square foot addition to the southwest corner of the building will be a secure main entrance to the high school, providing additional safety for the students and faculty. The project will also include an enlarged main lobby, secure vestibule and additional office space.

The addition was designed with safety in mind and goes beyond secure doors. The design for the single-story entrance calls for structural steel, brick, EIFS and composite metal panels, as well as aluminum curtain walls for the windows. The result will be a modern attractive front entrance that will provide security for the school.

We are probably just as excited that the students are out of school for summer – we were anxious to get started! Watch for progress throughout the summer. We expect to have the project completed in September, 2018!