Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Uncategorized

Get Your Home Ready for Early Record Cold

The forecast is calling for record lows, the first hard freeze of the season. It might be catching some of us off guard because we have been enjoying nice days with cool nights.

The Prairie Construction team suggests a few quick things you should do around the house before the temperatures dip below freezing:

  • Make sure all windows, including the storm windows, are closed.
  • Keep your garage door closed to protect any plumbing out there and prevent cold air from entering the home.
  • Disconnect hoses from the exterior and cover the spout with a spigot cover.
  • Replace any missing insulation, especially around exposed pipes.

If you have a sprinkler system for your yard, our friends at Millard Sprinkler recommend you have your sprinkler system drained before the first freeze of the winter.

They share a helpful video for homeowners who haven’t had their system professionally drained.

The forecast has a return to unseasonably warm temperatures by the weekend, but these quick steps will prevent frozen pipes which can cause a lot of damage and are costly to repair.

The Prairie Construction team will share more tips for a thorough winterization of your home soon!

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 Uncategorized

Renovate vs. Build

The Prairie Construction team would like to thank O’Donnell, Ficenec, Wills & Ferdig, LLP for partnering with us on their recent office renovation project.

The Omaha-based certified public accounting company occupied the second floor of the First National Bank building located at 114th & Dodge St. The OFWF team recognized the need for an updated space and chose to renovate their existing space.

We work many clients who have a desire for an updated space, but aren’t sure whether to move and build new, or renovate their existing space. We found ourselves in the same position a few years ago, and we made the decision to the renovate instead of building new – and what a great decision that was!

If your existing space has adequate room for your needs, an upgrade may be the way to go. Renovation projects are often quicker because the necessary elements are already in place. 

Cost is always a factor for any project, and a huge consideration when it comes to renovating vs. building. While a renovation project can be costly, depending on design and chosen materials, it is almost always less expensive than a new build.

Renovation projects may come with some restrictions from a design standpoint because you are limited to the confines of the existing space. However, if the space is adequate, there are endless possibilities when it comes to redesigning a space.

We enjoyed the renovation of the OFWF office. If you have questions about renovating vs. building, call the Prairie Construction team today!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Uncategorized

Memorial Day Greetings 

The Prairie Construction team would like to send Memorial Day greetings to all of our friends and customers. This weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, but more importantly, it is a time for us to reflect on those who have served our country.

The brave men and women who serve or have served in the US military are heroes. On this Memorial Day we hope everyone pauses and considers those who have sacrificed so all of us can enjoy the freedoms we have in this country.

We are looking ahead to a busy summer of exciting projects. We look forward to sharing news and updates on jobs around the city. We hope you all enjoy a fun, safe summer!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Uncategorized

Sheltering Tree in Papillion

The City of Papillion held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 7 at the site of the new Sheltering Tree location. Prairie Construction is proud to be the construction company chosen for this important project.

Sheltering Tree, Inc. creates and operates affordable, quality apartments for adults with developmental disabilities to assist them in achieving maximum independence, lead productive and fulfilling lives, build friendships, belong to, and contribute to the greater community in which they live.

The Papillion site, located just south of Shadow Lake Towne Center at 72nd and Ponderosa Drive, will be the third Sheltering Tree location in the Omaha metro area.

You can learn more about this project here and check our blog for updates on this exciting project!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Uncategorized

Another Reason to Work for Prairie Construction

If you or someone you know if looking for a rewarding career in construction, here’s another reason to consider working for Prairie Construction.

We are a successful, established, local construction company – and we value our employees!

Last week, we held our quarterly Employee Appreciation Celebration where we honored employees celebrating milestone anniversaries and significant accomplishments with Prairie Construction.

Prairie Construction understands the importance of the work/life balance. We take care of our employees, and value each member of our team. 

We’re looking for qualified construction management professionals who have a desire to work for a smaller but powerful local company.

If you or someone you know is looking for a new job in construction, email steve@prairie-construction. Head over to our website prairie-construction.com to learn more about our culture.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Uncategorized

Springtime at Prairie Construction – We are Hiring!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Prairie Construction.

March is here and that means the start of the college basketball tournament. 

We love the excitement of the competition, the rivalries, the upsets and the bracket busters – and we love that Spring is here!

This year we’re participating on the radio. During the tournament listen for our new Prairie Construction radio commercials on 1620 The Zone. We are gearing up for a busy Spring and Summer and adding to our staff –  WE ARE HIRING!

If you or someone you know is looking for a new job in construction, email steve@prairie-construction. Head over to our website prairie-construction.com to learn more about our culture.

We’re looking for qualified construction management professionals that want to work for a smaller but powerful local company. Prairie Construction understands the importance of the work, life balance. We take care of our employees. 

Enjoy the Madness!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Current Projects, Uncategorized

Update on Elkhorn Middle School Project

We continue to make progress on the construction of the new middle school for the Elkhorn Public Schools.

Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School will welcome its first students through its doors in less than a month. Here’s a unique look at the progress!

Elkhorn North Ridge is located at 183rd & Ida St. and will accommodate the continued growth in the fifth largest school district in the state.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News, Uncategorized

Happy Holidays from the Prairie Construction Team

As we close out what has been a most unusual year, we look back with appreciation for our amazing team of dedicated professionals. You make Prairie Construction who we are, and we appreciate your dedication, loyalty, and commitment to serving our clients with professionalism and excellence every day.

Thank you to all of our subcontractors and partners. We appreciate your shared commitment to quality craftsmanship and excellent service on every project.

And to each of our clients – thank you for trusting the Prairie Construction team with your construction needs. It has been our pleasure to work with you and we are grateful for the confidence you have in our team.

As we welcome 2021, we look forward to working with each of you on exciting new projects!

We wish you the very best of the holiday season, and a very happy New Year!

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.