Posted on By Addy Combs Categories Uncategorized

Some Prairie Construction Projects to Highlight  

At Prairie Construction, we take pride in delivering high-quality projects that enhance Omaha’s commercial, educational, and civic landscapes. Our expertise in construction and renovation allows us to create lasting structures that serve the community.   

Here are five standout projects that showcase our commitment to excellence:  

1. A View West Shorts – Commercial Project  

A View West Shores is the ideal lakefront property for weddings and events, offering breathtaking views of West Shores Lake. Designed to accommodate gatherings of all sizes, the venue features three reception spaces with seating for up to 350 guests per large room and a smaller space for up to 130 guests. Guests can also enjoy the spacious balcony overlooking the lake, providing an indoor-outdoor experience that enhances any special occasion.  

 

2. Creighton Skutt Student Center – Educational Building Project  

The V. J. and Angela Skutt Student Center has been the heart of Creighton University’s campus since 1987. Known as “the living room of campus,” this vibrant hub brings students together for studying, socializing, and various events. The center hosts Creighton’s largest involvement fair, annual Christmas celebrations, student government debates, live performances, and keynote speeches. With its versatile event spaces and welcoming atmosphere, the Skutt Student Center continues to be an essential part of student life at Creighton University.  

 

3. Gretna Fire Station – Civic Building Project  

Public safety is a cornerstone of every community, and Prairie Construction was honored to play a role in enhancing emergency response services with the Gretna Fire Station. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to support first responders with modern equipment, training spaces, and efficient layouts for rapid response. The station serves as a crucial resource for Gretna, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents.  

 

4. Creighton Criss Health Sciences Building – Educational Building Project  

Advancing healthcare education is vital for the future, and the Creighton Criss Health Sciences Building stands as a testament to that mission. This cutting-edge facility provides students with access to modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, and collaborative learning spaces. As part of Creighton University’s commitment to excellence in health sciences, this building plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of medical professionals.  

 

5. Investors Realty – Renovations & Tenant Improvements  

Investors Realty, Inc. is a leader in commercial real estate and property management in Omaha. Prairie Construction was proud to support their mission by executing renovations and tenant improvements that enhance their office spaces. From upgrading infrastructure to modernizing interiors, our work ensures that Investors Realty can continue providing top-tier services to businesses across the region.  

  

Building Omaha’s Future  

Prairie Construction is dedicated to creating exceptional spaces that enrich Omaha’s landscape. Whether it’s a stunning event venue, a vital civic building, or a modern educational facility, we take pride in every project we complete. Our commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and community impact drives us to build structures that stand the test of time.  

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Lock in Your Construction Project Now

You may not be thinking of construction projects in the middle of Winter, but the Prairie Construction team thinks now is the perfect time to start planning!

Rising costs for materials are unavoidable, but confirming a project now can help minimize the impact. Weather-related natural disasters, supply issues and the economy only drive up demand for materials, so short supplies and increased prices impact projects.

Weather in the Midwest dictates the timing for many projects as well. Extreme cold, snow, and ice make the Winter months less than ideal for many projects, but an ideal time to prepare.

The Prairie Construction team encourages planning now to ensure the best prices and timing for 2025 projects.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

New Year – Time for New Projects!

New Year’s Greetings from the Prairie Construction team!

The end of the calendar year is a great time to reflect on the past year, and to look forward to the coming year! A new year can bring a fresh start and an opportunity to set new goals.

If you’ve been putting off a remodel or new build project, make 2025 the year to make it happen!

As you prepare for any construction project, the team at Prairie Construction has some considerations to make your project a success:

  • Choose your contractor carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask for referrals. A trusted, reliable contractor can be the key to making any project run smoothly.
  • Pick a company has a solid reputation. Check their rating with the Better Business Bureau before you sign a contract or pay a deposit.
  • Working with a single contractor or construction company who can manage your project from start to finish will save you from having to find subcontractors.
  • Ask your contractor if you can see their previous projects like yours.
  • Work with a company that has a good understanding of architectural design.

Choosing the right company for your project will eliminate stress and keep the project running smoothly, and on schedule.

Contact Prairie Construction to start planning your 2025 construction project!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Prairie Construction is Hiring!

Prairie Construction has immediate openings for full-time construction positions. Openings include Laborers and Carpenters, and seasonal Construction Workers.

Prairie Construction offers full-time employees competitive wages (based on experience), health, dental, and vision insurance, 401K, and paid vacation and holidays.

Commercial construction experience is preferred, but Prairie Construction is willing to train qualified candidates. Candidates must be at least 18, have transportation, and be willing to work a minimum of 40 hours/week. Work is local and will begin immediately.

If interested, please apply in-person at Prairie Construction 13316 B St. in Omaha, Monday – Friday 7 am to 3:30 pm, or send a resume to tom@prairie-construction.com.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Prairie Construction Welcomes Joe Barnhart

We recently welcomed Joe Barnhart to the Prairie Construction team. Joe will serve in a Project Manager/Business Development role.

Joe brings more than 2 decades of experience and an extensive skill set to the Prairie team. During his career, he has worked as a project manager for an engineering company on several projects, including work on the ATF headquarters in Washington DC, and the Santa Clara Crime Lab in San Jose. Before joining the Prairie team, he spent the last 16 years at a mechanical contracting company in Omaha.

Joe has been a great addition to the Prairie team. “The cultural environment of Prairie Construction is built around intellect, passion to be the best, and personal and professional respect,” he said.  “All while marching in the direction of bringing clients’ vision to reality.”

Joe points to loyal customers who continue to contract with Prairie as a sign of our dedication to quality service.  “The repeat business is a testament to Prairie Constructions’ vision, core values, and the character and abilities of each member of the team,” he said.

“I cannot stress enough that it’s great to be at a company with great people!  I see people helping where needed, hearing people discussing trade techniques, strategizing on how to accomplish a task, discussing past experiences, and genuinely enjoying working together as a team.  This is not just inside the walls of Prairie Construction but at owner meetings, at lunches, or company/client parties. I am honored to just be a part of a team that is willing to teach, advise, and guide a 22-year mechanical guy like me.”

Welcome to the Prairie team, Joe!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

What to Know About Frozen Pipes

We’ve been hit with extreme cold weather, and it doesn’t seem to want to quit. Temperatures below 0 degrees aren’t unusual for the Midwest (although the Omaha Metro area never dipped below 0 in 2023!), but this stretch of cold has been extreme.

When temperatures fall below freezing, and stay as long as they have now, there is a real threat of pipes bursting, even in insulated, heated structures. Outdoor hoses, swimming pool plumbing, or sprinkler systems are at high risk, but pipes in unheated areas of your home such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and kitchen or bathroom cabinets are also susceptible to freezing. Pipes that run along exterior walls with little or no insulation are at the highest risk.

Older pipes, or those with rust or corrosion are weaker, and this increases the risk of freezing. Corroded pipes can split when freezing expansion occurs, and the damage occurs when they begin to thaw, or when water is turned back on. But even newer, plastic pipes can freeze in extreme conditions. The risk is even higher during a power outage, which is likely in areas of prolonged demands on the power systems.

This can often go unseen until it is too late because pipes are typically inside walls. Homeowners may notice a leak after the water has damaged floors, ceilings, walls, or carpet.

Draining exterior pipes completely of water is crucial. Insulating pipes in unheated areas with pipe sleeves or installing UL-listed heat tape will help prevent freezing. Plumbers recommend keeping a steady drip of water on to keep water moving through pipes. Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow airflow, and if you will be away for some time, set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, but aren’t sure which one, turn on the faucets. If one isn’t releasing water, it is likely frozen. Turn the hot and cold water on, and begin thawing the pipes with a hairdryer, starting close to the faucet. Wrap the pipes in hot towels or electric heat tape or turn the heat in the home or building up to thaw the frozen pipes. Do not use a blowtorch, propane heater, or any open flame device to thaw pipes!

Unattended frozen pipes can lead to significant damage in your home. Contact the Prairie Construction team if you have questions about avoiding these types of problems in your home or structure. Stay warm and safe!

 

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Uncategorized

Choosing the Right Commercial Contractor for You

When you’ve made the decision to undertake a commercial construction project, whether it is a renovation or a new build, the first step is to choose a contractor that is right for you.

Working with a reputable, local contractor that shares your goals and vision for the project will produce the best outcome. Here are a few suggestions to help you choose the right commercial contractor for you and your project.

  • Review their portfolio and services. Consider your project and choose a commercial contract that has proven experience in similar projects. For example, Prairie Construction has extensive experience in new school construction, making us a strong choice if your project is a new or renovated school.
  • Speak to references. You can learn so much about a prospective construction partner by speaking with references and past clients. Don’t be afraid to ask references about their experience with a contractor’s project, budget, and time management.
  • Prioritize quality over cost. The old advice “you get what you pay for” carries so much truth, even when it comes to commercial construction. Choosing a contractor based on their reputation, safety record, and commitment to quality service, and not because they have the lowest bid, will produce satisfaction and strong results.
  • Meet the Project team. You will spend a lot of time with your construction team, especially the project manager. It’s OK to ask to meet the team so you can ensure your vision and goals align.
  • Ask about their safety record. Safety is a priority on any construction project. Don’t be afraid to check the safety record before you choose a contractor.
  • Choose a local contractor. Working with a local contractor with a trusted reputation, and references you can speak to, will save you time and money because they will likely choose local subcontractors for the project.

If you are planning a new commercial build or renovation project, give the Prairie Construction team a call to see if we are right partner for you.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News, Current Projects

The Longest Day of the Year

The official start of summer is June 21 – it is also the longest day of the year!

Summer is busy for the Prairie Construction team – the days are the longer, the weather is cooperative, and it’s a great time for us to complete as many projects as we can!

Not only do we take advantage of the warm, dry weather, but we also take advantage of longer hours of daylight. And in some cases, we barely wait for the sun to rise before getting a start on the day.

That was the case recently when our team made the most of the day to pour concrete at the West Hampton Flex project at 192nd & Blondo. We used light towers to help our team make the most of day and get the concrete poured at this new construction build.

You can watch the progress here!

Posted on By JM Online Categories Company News

Prairie Construction is Hiring!

Prairie Construction has immediate openings for full-time summer or permanent construction positions. Openings include Superintendents, Laborers, Carpenters, and seasonal Construction Workers.

Prairie construction offers full-time employees competitive wages (based on experience), health, dental, and vision insurance, 401K, and paid vacation and holidays.

Commercial construction experience is preferred, but Prairie Construction is willing to train qualified candidates. Candidates must be at least 18, have transportation, and be willing to work a minimum of 40 hours/week. Work will begin immediately.

If interested, please apply in-person at Prairie Construction 13316 B St. in Omaha, Monday – Friday 7 am to 5 pm, or send a resume to tom@prairie-construction.com.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News

Prairie Partners with Procore

The Prairie Construction team is proud to announce a partnership with Procore.

Procore is a project management software used by many companies in the construction industry. The software connects each contributor to a project with the owner and the contractor with a centralized dashboard. Managers can easily handle all details of the project, schedule tasks, and view up-to-the-minute progress.

We have been very pleased with organization and efficiency Procore has brought to our projects since implementation. Communication among our partners is streamlined, and everyone has access to everything they need to do their job on time and to the project specifications.

At Prairie Construction, we have always been committed to providing quality service on deadline and on budget, for each project. With the addition of Procore, our customers can feel confident that their project will be completed on time, and they feel informed and confident every step of the way.

As you look ahead to your construction projects in 2023, you can feel confident that the Prairie Construction team will manage your project with the most efficient software in the industry. We look forward to working with you!