Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Westside Golf Project in the News!

It’s not every day your work is featured in a national publication, and we have to admit – it is pretty cool when it happens!

The Swede Center is an indoor golf practice facility located in Westside High School which was recently featured in Golfweek, part of USA Today.  Add to that, it was a really fun project for the Prairie Construction team!

The simulator sits in what was formerly an unusable space behind the gym. It includes putting, chipping and hitting bays, as well as a locker area and players’ lounge. It is used by District 66 students of all ages.

No other high school in the state – and possibly the country – can boast having a nicer, more state-of-the-art indoor golf practice facility like The Swede Canter. And it appears to be paying off as Westside is producing state champion golfers!

The facility was just one of several recent projects that Prairie Construction has collaborated on with Westside Schools, and we look forward to many more!

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Uncategorized

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.

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

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!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News, Industry News

Dedication of the Westside Welding Lab

Westside students have already been busy learning in the new welding lab, which was officially dedicated on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

Governor Pete Ricketts, a 1983 graduate of Westside High School was on hand to officially dedicate the lab.

We could not be more excited about Westside School District’s dedication to teaching trades and crafts to students, and we are extremely proud to be trusted with this important project. The lab is state-of-the-art and amazing!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects

Westside High School Welding Program Expansion

Prairie Construction is involved with a renovation project at Westside High School that will expand the existing welding lab. The Welding Program at Westside High School was established in 1955 and is one of the most distinguished programs in the state. The project was recently featured in an article in the Omaha World Herald.

The lab expansion project is part of the Engineering, Manufacturing and Fabrication Expansion at Westside High School. Construction on the project began in early October with the demolition of the old lab on the west side of the building.

The project, which has been made possible through the support of generous supporters, will double the existing lab space from 1200 square feet to 2450 square feet. In addition to welding, the lab will serve as a space for robotics, engineering and architecture classes and programs.

The expansion will accommodate the growing interest in the welding program. The district is committed to incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs into the high school curriculum resulting in a surge of interest in the curriculum and courses. Each year, more than 200 students are enrolled in the program.

The expansion in lab space will allow for the program to accommodate an updated technology known as TIG (Gus Tungsten Arc Welding) which incorporates mills and sheet metal work. The larger space will include smaller welding labs for more efficient instructional time.

The project is funded through the Westside Foundation. You can learn more about the Westside High School Welding Program and how to support the Engineering, Manufacturing and Fabrication Project HERE.