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Design Achievement - As part of the greater Metropolitan Omaha area, Sarpy County’s population has seen significant growth in recent years, the existing 35-year old County Correctional Center has seen a corresponding increase in inmate population. This increase and a need for better program and specialty function spaces meant that the existing jail facilities no longer served the needs of current inmates and staff. Additionally, Sarpy County, as the fastest growing county in the state, is projected to more than double its population in the next 30 years. The County also wants to address the needs of those experiencing mental illness and addiction problems with the intent of breaking the cycle of recidivism caused by those conditions. Starting in 2008, a series of studies were completed recommending various solutions and growth targets for a new County Correctional Center. Beginning with a Needs Assessment in 2017 and subsequently providing comprehensive design services, DLR Group’s Justice and Civic Studio has provided guidance to help the County realize a design that will provide a healing and transformative environment focused on the safety, security and wellness of the inmates and staff.   The resulting design incorporates a variety of housing classifications, each designed to appropriately serve the differing needs of the varied individuals housed in the facility. Key housing components are dedicated male and female units specifically designed to assist with the mental health needs of those individuals who require these services. The DLR Group staff has worked with Sarpy County to design housing that incorporates large amounts of natural light, flexible furniture where appropriate, softer finishes and an interior color pallet inspired by nature. The new facility is intended to elevate the experience of those who will live and work in the facility through its design.    Scope Summary – The scope of work for the new 150,000 SF facility includes 364 beds including a dedicated 28 bed behavioral health unit. Minimum and Medium security inmates are housed in direct supervision units with two or four-bed cells in a two-level configuration around a central dayroom. Each dayroom has dedicated recreation and program spaces accessed directly from the unit. Administrative and Specialty housing units are designed in an in-direct supervision model with one central control location able to monitor six different units. A combined use of premanufactured steel and precast cells is planned. A connection to the existing courthouse in addition to a new secure courtroom and video arraignment spaces are designed in the new facility. The facility also includes dedicated spaces for Medical Care, Administration and Staff, Laundry, Intake / Release, Master Control, and Food Service. These core services are sized to accommodate future planned growth of up to an additional 224 beds, providing a total of nearly 600 beds on the campus. DLR Group is providing site development, architecture, interiors, structural & MEP design.

NOT TO SPEC Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital was looking to expand their care services by providing an outpatient Physiatry Clinic at their Omaha campus. This addition posed a challenge, as the original building was not planned for future expansion. Careful consideration regarding the existing building was also critical to respect the original design lead by well-known architect, Michael Graves. The best location to the site the addition was directly east of the building’s current cafeteria. In order to maintain natural light into the cafeteria and accommodate the underground conduits, the addition is set back 40 feet from the existing hospital. Connected by a link, these three masses create a courtyard that can be enjoyed from both the clinic and existing hospital. The exterior façade of the clinic match features from the existing building, particularly the window openings and gabled roof profile. The design maintains the purity of geometry found in the Madonna design and what is signature to Michael Graves. The window openings and entry canopy re-enforce the nine square grids found throughout the building. The clinic addition includes a light-filled reception, 10 exam rooms, six nurse stations, and office space for six doctors. Interior finished are to match the existing Madonna Hospital. Close consideration was given to universal accessibility. A high percentage of the patient population have mobility challenges. This understand lead to the decision that minimum ADA requirements would not provide a adequate solution. DLR Group provided architectural; interior design; and civil, structural, and electrical engineering services.

Design Achievement - As the population of Sarpy County has continued to increase in recent years, the existing County Correctional Center has seen a corresponding increase in inmate populations. This increase and a need for better program and specialty function spaces meant that the existing jail facilities no longer served the needs of current inmates and staff. Additionally, Sarpy County, as the fastest growing county in the state, is projected to more than double its population in the next 30 years. The County also wants to address the needs of those experiencing mental illness and addiction problems with the intent of breaking the cycle of recidivism caused by those conditions. Starting in 2008, a series of studies were completed recommending various solutions and growth targets for a new County Correctional Center. Recently, DLR Group was engaged by Sarpy County to design a new Correctional Facility to replace the existing building, designed by DLR Group in 1985.   DLR Group’s design incorporates an efficient, functional, state-of-the-art facility for the adult local detention needs of Sarpy County. This facility provides for the safety, security, and well-being of the staff, inmates, and the community. Various classifications and levels of housing as well as on-unit program spaces and a dedicated behavioral health unit allow the facility to offer a wide range of services and programs to inmates with the goal of reducing recidivism. The architectural design was created, respectful of the prominence of the site as it relates to prime traffic arteries through Metropolitan Omaha. The exterior was designed to belie the traditional idea of incarceration while evoking ideas of movement and transformation. This idea of movement and transformation is anchored to the site at ground level through the use of a podium made of durable and timeless materials appropriate of a civic campus.   Scope Summary – The scope of work for the new 146,000 SF facility includes 368 beds including a dedicated 28 bed behavioral health unit. Minimum and Medium security inmates are housed in direct supervision units with two or four-bed cells in a two-level configuration around a central dayroom. Each dayroom has dedicated recreation and program spaces accessed directly from the unit. Administrative and Specialty housing units are designed in an in-direct supervision model with one central control location able to monitor six different units. A combined use of premanufactured steel and precast cells is planned. A connection to the existing courthouse in addition to a new secure courtroom and video arraignment spaces are designed in the new facility. The facility also includes dedicated spaces for Medical Care, Administration and Staff, Laundry, Intake / Release, Master Control, and Food Service. These core services are sized to accommodate future planned growth of up to an additional 224 beds for a total of 600 beds on the campus. DLR Group is providing site development, architecture, interiors, structural & MEP design.

DESIGN ACHIEVEMENT Since its opening in 1948, Boys Town High School provides safe and inspiring learning experiences for its students. Aging facilities, plans for expansion, and the need to consolidate grade levels prompted the organization to enlist DLR Group to help make plans for an upgrade. DLR Group’s design for the new Boys Town Education Center captures the spirit of Boys Town and appreciation of the little things. Throughout the design process, the design team paid special attention to each detail; from the vertical and horizontal juxtaposition of form to brick and stone color detailing. Capturing the spirit of place – celebrating it – is the ultimate goal of the project. At the beginning of the design process, students and staff shared their desire for more privacy on the campus. The design team ensured that there is a distinct separation between public and private spaces. Exterior classrooms provide direct connections to nature and a sense of calm. Consideration of mental health and well-being inspired the inclusion of several respite rooms throughout the facility. Smooth circulation is also a priority for stakeholders. A central hub connects all levels, allowing staff to easily supervise student movement. The exterior façade is inspired by historic facilities of Boys Town, with its playful brick patterns and original mural. Each detail of the new school is an embrace of the past with forward-thinking hope for the future. Trauma-Informed Design recognizes the emotional power the built environment has to positively impact an individual’s life experiences. Boys Town is a treatment center for youth placed through the Juvenile Justice System, State Family Services Departments, or families seeking help from across the United States. Creating a space that truly encompasses the principles of Trauma-Informed Design is at the forefront of this facility, fostering safety and belonging for each student, teacher, and caregiver.  SCOPE SUMMARY The new 110,000 SF school serves 450 students, grades 4-12. A variety of different-sized classroom studios are included in the facility to support programmatic needs identified in the curriculum assessment. Dispersed small group rooms throughout the building allow group work, acoustic separation, and student / specialist one-on-one time. Elementary and middle school students have access to a learning commons for collaboration and “messy work.” The entirety of the high school suite is a NextGeneration learning environment, with each interwoven. The media center serves all students, grades 4-12, and features a collaborative approach with books focused on leisure and reading. A multipurpose room offers activity space for elementary and middle school students to engage in physical education activities. Makerspaces or “tinkerspaces” give high school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in technology and STEM-related activities. Three outdoor classrooms are incorporated based on direct student input, each being accessed from the main level. Spirit Hall occupies the main level and is visible to every level, looking over the three-story volume with fully transparent glass on the east side for spectacular views of the landscape and city skyline. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, planning, and interiors services.  

NOT TO SPEC By 2019, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital was already looking to expand care services and meet the needs of the community by adding an outpatient Physiatry Clinic to provide additional outpatient services in partnership with UNMC. This addition posed several challenges, as the original facility was not designed for future expansion and careful consideration to the design of the existing building was also critical in order to respect the original design lead by well-known architect, Michael Graves. The best location to the site the addition was directly east of the building’s current cafeteria. The addition is set back 40 feet from the existing hospital to maintain natural light into the cafeteria and accommodate the underground conduits. Connected by a link, the three masses create a courtyard that can be enjoyed from the clinic and existing hospital.  The exterior façade of the clinic matches features from the existing building, particularly the window openings and gabled roof profile. The design maintains the purity of the signature Michael Graves geometry found in the Madonna design. The window openings and entry canopy reinforce the nine square grids found throughout the building.

Design Achievement - Father Flanagan’s Boys Home is an iconic institution founded in Omaha and well-respected across the globe. DLR Group earned the opportunity to lead the design of what will become a new or upgraded high school. Much more like a collegiate campus than a typical high school, the academic building is one of many students occupy throughout their day. As such, the site location and connections are critical. DLR Group enlisted BOLD services to define the school’s programmatic needs as well as an integrated team of designers and engineers to assess current facilities and maximize results.  Scope Summary - Although the scope of the project is to be determined, the interview required DLR Group’s design team to create three potential outcomes to accommodate 450 students: a renovation and addition the existing high school, and; a new building on two possible sites located on the Boys Town Campus. The team took the opportunity to develop the three unique approaches to the learning environment by utilizing the expertise of both the K-12 and Healthcare studios.

*Gallery images approved for use in project plate only. Design Achievement – Visitors of General Fire & Safety will be impressed by its innovative and inviting new building. DLR Group’s cutting-edge design incorporates the business’ brand into the exterior to solidify its presence within the community. Three uniquely clad exterior elements act as an extension of General Fire & Safety’s brand using various styles of metal cladding. The program elements of the warehouse and office spaces are visually distinguished by the orientation of the metal siding. A vertical pattern on the warehouse is prominently contrasting with the horizontal pattern of the office. The exterior cladding design reflects the dynamic and robust nature of the warehouse and the refined and simple aesthetic of the office. The contrasting program and design elements of the office and warehouse are separated by the entry canopy piercing and highlighting the core of the building. The building’s core is designed for community engagement with a showroom, a training room, a golf simulator, and a breakroom/event space. The warehouse is fitted with industry technology and a hydro-room for testing water pressure while a hoist-beam allows for the movement of heavy equipment and optimizes both safety and workflow for employees. There is a dedicated bay for prefabrication of sprinkler and fire suppression pipe. The interior material palette is a mix of well-curated warm and inviting elements with exposed structures to display the company’s fire suppression system and industry knowledge.   Scope Summary – The metal patterned exterior design of General Fire & Safety’s new 15,600 SF building and optimized location on a corner lot achieves community visibility and provides education opportunities for both visitors and staff. Key program spaces include the warehouse, office, patio, war-room, break room, training room, kitchen, and golf simulator room. The training room doubles as a learning lab as it allows for public engagement. A standpipe for fire suppression, fire alarm panels, and other components installed by General Fire & Safety are in the training room to educate both employees and visitors. DLR Group provided architecture, interior design, and civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering services.

Design Achievement - Located in the heart of Omaha’s business district sits the headquarters for Union Pacific. The building is a modern, 1.3 million SF, 19-story glass and steel structure that includes a dining facility, fitness center, health clinic and a host of other amenities and is home to over 4,000 employees. The project was a complete re-design of the dining facility for the 24-hour centralized dispatching center. Union Pacific’s goal was to create a state-of-the-art, world class experience combining the latest technology with functionality, user efficiency, and environmental control. One of the key moments for the project was the design of the custom curved wood ceiling that helped acoustical performance. The team executed multiple studies of sight lines to the display walls as many of the graphics are visible from multiple vantage point from throughout the expansive lobby atrium.   Scope Summary - Utilizing professional grade arial photography provided by Union Pacific as a reference, the main feature wall pays homage to the past of the iconic brand and one of the most recognizable locomotives in the company’s history. A series of custom graphic illustrations and typographical designs were developed for the wall graphics and were organized in a way that makes reference to the rich history of Union Pacific, but also evokes a modern and contemporary aesthetic. Additional project scope included the design of custom food station signage throughout the cafeteria. DLR Group provided interior design and experiential graphic design for this project.

Design Achievement -  Block 65 is a mixed-use development in downtown Lincoln NE in collaboration with developer Argent Group. This project raises the bar in the area as the newest addition to Lincoln’s skyline. DLR Group and Argent Group leveraged local knowledge and ideas to recognize opportunities within the community and presented a vision to local City leadership who have the ability to incite change that impacts the landscape of downtown Lincoln. DLR Group’s vision for Block 65 is a modern juxtaposition to a historical tower adjacent on the block that is currently a 15-story office building. The relationship between the Block 65 tower and the adjacent tower tells a story of two towers holding up their respective corners to create an urban wall. The contrast between traditional limestone and brick to the modern materials of Block 65 complement each other, but are also able to stand alone as independent design expressions of their time.  The new high-rise includes 200 apartments with amenity spaces that elevate the residents’ experience.  The Post-Tension concrete structure puts strength, durability, acoustics performance at forefront of the design. Roof decks and scattered amenity spaces create setbacks in massing, and offer options and opportunities to congregate differently in various spaces. Due to adjacent height restrictions, Block 65 stands out and takes advantage of unobstructed views to the state capitol.  DLR Group’s design of Block 65 is a pillar to the quality design and construction that is set to come to the Lincoln community and introduces a new standard for the direction the community is moving toward.   Scope Summary - Planned on 27,410 sf of land, Block 65 offers a program and height that promotes opportunity for the community to transform the skyline and quality of life for residents in the downtown area. Through modern construction technology to maximize the urban core, this project creates a great symbiotic relationship with the context of the area. Block 65 is a dynamic urban piece of architecture that is a step above what we are seeing currently in the Lincoln Market. DLR Group leveraged unitized architectural precast panels that are installed with a crane for a ‘one pass’ system at enclosing the tower to maximize cost and speed. The rapid install & construction allows for design freedoms with new technology to bridge gap between old and new systems. The adjacent traditional architecture is juxtaposed with DLR Group’s modern version of both design and application methods. DLR group provided Architecture, Concept, Construction Services

Design Achievement  In 2020 the City of Gretna passed a bond issue that included $139.5 million for a 2nd high school for the community. Initially the school will house 1,000 students and will have a max capacity of over 1,600. The school board selected another mythical creature (the other high school's mascot is the Dragons) the Griffins as the mascot for the new high school. The XGD Studio at DLR Group worked with the school board and other administrators to design the new brand which will define a new generation of students in Gretna.     Scope Summary  The deliverable for this effort is both a brand guide that the school can use as their direction when implementing the brand and an experiential graphics package that implements the brand in high volume spaces within the facility. The brand guide includes direction on typography, color, identity mark usage. The guide also includes as series of badges that can be implemented if so desired and also demonstrates how business materials, uniforms and merchandise can be designed using the new Griffin brand. DLR Group provided brand development and experiential graphic design services.

***Client name and construction cost are Confidential. Label as Confidential Client.*** Design Achievement – Hoping to reinvigorate their workspace, this company saw an opportunity in their underutilized campus café, waiting to be redefined into a vibrant hub of workplace enjoyment. DLR Group’s design envisions not merely a renovation but a catalyst for invigorating the workplace experience, promoting employee well-being, and fostering a sense of community. The principles driving this fresh space are to create a culinary oasis that transcends the mundane, providing a spectrum of amenities enabling employees to thrive through nutrition. Central to this renovation is the kitchen—a dynamic, core where culinary creativity converges with the diverse preferences and palates of employees. At its heart, a pizza oven stands as a symbol of artisanal excellence, crafting savory bites that mirror the diversity of the workforce. Stations dedicated to curated specialty meals, distinctive coffees, and a juice bar cater to the spectrum of tastes within the employee demographic. The addition of a grab-and-go option allows for healthy refueling, aligning with a commitment to honesty about food—clean, pure, and free of impurities or preservatives. In parallel with the culinary vision, the interior design is meticulously curated to evoke an authentic ambiance, ensuring a seamless integration of the space with the experience. Stone, stainless steel, and wood form the core material palette, each element chosen with intentionality to complement the essence of the meals served. The natural textures and finishes speak to the honesty and purity of the food, creating an environment that resonates with the ethos of clean, healthy eating. The choice of materials extended beyond aesthetics; they were selected for high utilization and resiliency, acknowledging the café's role as a bustling epicenter of workplace activity.  Scope Summary – This renovation was not without its challenges. Operating in a phased manner was essential to ensure continued service during construction. Off-peak work became a necessity, aligning with the intentional approach that recognizes the unique nature of the company's operations. Amidst the construction bustle, it was essential to maintain operational portions of the café, navigating the intricate balance between renovation and daily functionality. Accessibility emerged as a focal point, a consideration that woven into every aspect of the project. The food service lines were designed with meticulous attention to accommodate all ability types, ensuring that patrons of differing heights interacted seamlessly with the space. Stainless steel millwork from the former design had to be modified, emphasizing the commitment to accessibility and the adaptability of the space. DLR Group provided architecture and interior design services. 

Design Achievement – White Lotus Group, a leading regional real estate developer, desired to develop a Class A office property to appeal to discerning tenants on a highly visible site in a rapidly expanding district of Lincoln. DLR Group’s design provides a high-quality office building that is differentiated in the market and meets the needs of the building’s anchor tenant, real estate company Nebraska Realty, who will occupy nearly two-thirds of the property at move-in. The core & shell design, representing the strength of the Nebraska Realty group and their Midwest work ethic, is realized in a building that holds hands with its context. With its simple and elegant massing, ample access to daylight, and integrated outdoor amenity spaces, the building is designed to attract, inspire, and motivate Nebraska Realty employees and future building tenants alike. A masonry base is topped with a white box that reaches out to the community. Shifting planes in the building’s massing create communal spaces, including an outdoor amenity deck on the second floor adjacent to the future Nebraska Realty offices. On the ground level, the shift provides a covered patio space, replete with a wood ceiling and integrated lighting that sends a warm beacon to the community and creates an outdoor ‘living room’ for the building.   Scope Summary – This project is a new 30,000 SF multi-tenant office building on an approximately 3-acre site in a fast-growing suburban neighborhood in the southeast quadrant of the city. The relatively small floorplates and offset core allow for great daylight penetration through the building, reducing the need for artificial light in tenant spaces. A flexible floorplate is able to accommodate a variety of workplace configurations, while tenant amenity spaces will support collaboration, socialization, and health and wellbeing. DLR Group provided architecture and structural engineering services for the core & shell, and interior design for Nebraska Realty’s tenant space.  

Design Achievement – As a top real estate developer in the region, Nebraska Realty needed an office space that would reflect the brand values and nurture the best talent. DLR Group’s design infuses cutting-edge technology and achieves a harmonious balance between open collaborative spaces and private work areas. The design concept revolves around creating a vibrant workplace that exudes energy and warmth, with a distinct bright red branding color complemented by secondary hues to delineate different areas and foster visual interest. The interiors aim to strike a bustling coffee shop feel while maximizing value and impact through minimal materials. The envisioned space encompasses various elements, including a fitness center, a commons area with adaptable walls and a striking red ceiling, which opens to a roof terrace. A dedicated children's space offers a direct view from the conference room, enhancing the work-life balance for employees and clients. Additionally, the flexible open office space encourages collaboration, featuring a large collaborative zone accessible to all. This project aims to not only provide a functional and inviting workplace but also to make a bold statement, demonstrating that exceptional design can indeed "pack a punch" while using resources efficiently. Scope Summary – This project spans two floors and three tenant spaces for a total of 20,000 square feet with approximately 40 private offices, 2 open office collaboration spaces, 4 conference rooms, 4 small group/huddle rooms, 1 training room, and 2 flexible break/assembly areas. Along with the myriad of office and conference rooms, the design provides space for collaboration, socialization, and relaxation as well. Common lounging areas, an outdoor terrace, and a fitness center serve as amenity spaces for employees to work as they choose, along with adaptable features such as a moveable wall along The Commons. This venture encountered budgetary challenges amidst the pandemic, prompting us to creatively utilize cost-effective materials, such as affordable lumber, which was transformed through innovative design and painting techniques to elevate its aesthetic appeal. DLR Group provided architecture and interior design services.

NOT TO SPEC Nebraska Comprehensive Capital Facilities Plan; Lincoln, NE DLR Group led the Nebraska Comprehensive Capital Facilities Plan that provides a comprehensive, forward-looking, and integrated strategic planning framework with a planning horizon over the next 20 years. The plan provides recommendations on potential building renovation and new construction, amenities, design guidelines, multi-modal circulation, parking, public realm, signage and wayfinding, and sustainability measures. Yogesh led this project as a senior planner and project manager. The Plan recommendations aligned and integrated with the City of Lincoln’s goals for downtown revitalization. Nebraska Comprehensive Capital Facilities Plan, Lincoln, NE DLR Group led the Nebraska Comprehensive Capital Facilities Plan that provides a comprehensive, forward-looking, and integrated strategic planning framework with a planning horizon over the next 20 years. The Facilities Plan is the first comprehensive planning document to collect and record recommendations for all campus systems, including future space and program needs of the legislative, judicial, and executive branch activities located in Lincoln, Nebraska. The plan provides recommendations on historic building renovation and new construction, teammate usage and amenities, campus architecture and landscaping standards, transportation and parking, and sustainability measures. Yogesh led this project as a senior planner and project manager in collaboration with DLR Group. The Facilities Plan is envisioned as a long-range planning tool addressing the physical, social, intellectual, and sustainability challenges that state government is either currently or may face in the 21st century. The State is currently implementing the recommendations of the Facilities Plan that including an office building and a parking garage through Public Private Partnership in the vicinity of the Capitol.   Client: State of Nebraska Department of Administration Services Total Square Feet: Existing Office Space included in the MP – Approx. 1.3 million GSF Project Size: Approx. 30 City Blocks in Downtown Lincoln, NE Year Completed: May 2018 DLR Group Key Personnel: Yogesh Saoji, John Badami Green Building Standard: Overall energy use reduction target of 20 percent by 2040, water use reduction target of 10 percent. Completed Plan Document: https://das.nebraska.gov/building/capitalplanning.html Services: Planning and Urban Design, Worplace, Signage and Wayfinding, Sustainability and Energy, and MEP

Design Achievement: DLR Group was retained by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) to prepare the Program Statement for the planning of a new 1,512 bed multi-custody correctional facility. The purpose of the Program Statement is to identify the needs and planning parameters to replace the existing Nebraska State Penitentiary that dates back as far as 1869.  The new facility will be designed to incorporate the latest trends in correctional architecture, which include creating a therapeutic/treatment environment for the inmates.  Elements of biophilic design, acoustics, enhanced indoor air quality, and exterior views are also important strategies included due to their proven ability to enhance the well-being of inmates and staff alike. Scope Summary: The Program Statement summarizes the need for a new facility to accommodate 1,512 beds and will house an all-male adult population. Minimum-security capacity is 600 beds and consists of a semi-autonomous compound located adjacent to the maximum/medium security compound. Housing for the minimum-security facility will consist of three (3) housing units, each with a capacity of 200 beds. The new facility will be designed to incorporate energy efficient and sustainable design features, furthering the goal of reducing long-range operational costs and providing staffing efficiencies. The enhanced environmental qualities of the space will not only improve the well-being of inmates but will also provide a better work environment for staff. This should contribute to boosting staff recruitment and retention rates. DLR Group is providing master planning and programming services.

Design Narrative Nearly five years after the design and construction of the second Gretna Public Schools new middle school, the Nebraska community’s continued growth prompted the need for a third. DLR Group’s design for the new Gretna Middle School is a site-inspired prototype of Aspen Creek Middle School, with modifications developed through the direct engagement of district administrators and staff. Two vibrant colors on the precast exterior illustrate the programmatic separation of the building itself. The two lower levels, which include performing arts and athletics spaces, are bathed in a deep, saturated red, reflecting rich earth tones and the old brick streets of historic Gretna. The upper two levels and west half of the facility house two academic wings, each encased in a brilliant white, rising out of the ground and reaching for the sky. A large canopy at the main entry arches out and beckons visitors into the interior. Reflective metal tile panels in red and white tones adorn the canopy, blending at the center in a subtle curve, highlighting the union of the two halves of the building. A large, open, three-story stair in the entry enables clear wayfinding and natural daylight access. Large collaboration spaces serve as a centralized hub of activity for the 125-student pod structures within each grade level. These flexible spaces provide visual connectivity and supervision for all five classrooms within each pod. Scope Summary The new 162,000 SF building serves approximately 750 of the district’s 6-8th grade students. The design capitalizes the rolling terrain with an expanded auxiliary gymnasium and performing arts level. There are three levels of academic environments serving grades 6-8. The 6th grade pod covers two stories and the 7-8th grade pod is situated in its own three-story wing. A centrally-located three-story super stair flows in one direction in an atrium-like space connecting all levels. Distinct breakout learning commons complement each grade pod and the library entrance. Outdoor classroom space is positioned directly adjacent to the art studio, culinary lab, and special needs classroom. These plaza classrooms conveniently enter a common lobby at the main entrance for students to easily access car and bus drop-off areas. The performing arts commons incorporates top-loading entry and tiered seating, functional for audiences, presentations, and dining. Much of the facility is open for community use, including the gymnasium, music rooms, multi-purpose lab, and the performing arts facility, with restrooms accessible to each of these areas. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, planning, and interiors services.

Design Achievement - The Roman L. Hruska U.S. Federal Courthouse accommodates three distinct user groups — defendants in custody, judges and their staff, and the public — to affirm the principle that every citizen has equal access to the law.  DLR Group in association with Pei-Cobb Freed and Partners designed the building's distinctive features including a classic four-story, 95-foot atrium that rises into four steel-paneled cantilevers above the roof. The site features an outdoor plaza landscaped with a grove of 36 ginkgo trees. The design conveys the integrity, permanence, and restraint that are embodied in the administration of justice. Design considerations include clarity in circulation, security check points, vehicular and personnel sallyports, and layout of corridors, stair wells and elevators that isolate defendants from the public, judicial and administrative personnel. Scope Summary - The 350,130 SF mid-rise building contains nine courtrooms, including five district courts, a court of appeals, two magistrate and one bankruptcy court. The facility houses the courts and courts-related agencies for the U.S. Marshals and U.S. Trustees, satellite offices for the Federal Public Defender and U.S. Attorney, as well as the IRS Counsel and Appeals, Department of Labor, Federal Railroad Retirement Board, DoD/Defense Contracts Audits, and the U.S. General Services Admninistration's Nebraska Property Management Center. Security systems include a main entrance pavilion that houses the facility's security check station. DLR Group was the Architect of Record for this project, providing architecture and engineering services.

Design Achievement: The State of Nebraska has been faced with crowded correctional institutions for several decades and currently are experiencing some of the worst levels of crowding in its history. Over the years, the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) campus has been expanded and renovated many times to allow it to remain a viable correctional facility in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) system. It is however, given its age and configuration, extremely difficult to efficiently operate as a modern correctional facility. The scope of this program statement identifies modernization and renovation scenarios necessary for NSP to continue as a viable component in the NDCS system of facilities well into the future. It also identifies recommendations for the removal of certain buildings in the main campus along with the construction of new, more efficient buildings for inmate housing and programs. Scope Summary: Depending on the option selected, the proposed expansion and modernization efforts will provide NDCS the ability to provide appropriately configured facilities for the desired inmate population in addition to extending the longevity of NSP well into the future. These proposed expansion and modernization options would improve security and operational efficiency and will also better allow all inmates to receive expanded programming opportunities, such as education and counseling, that will aim at making them productive members of society upon their eventual release or being better behaving fellow inmates in the event of transfer to a different facility. Both options include a proposal to remove some of these older, single use structures and replace them with centrally located new structures that will be more accessible and provide for a more efficient operation. DLR Group provided planning and programming services.

design modifications to the site adapt design from Aspen Creek MS-2.  see base number 10-19121-20 for more info.

(not to Narrative specs) DLR Group was retained by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) to prepare the Program Statement for the planning of a new 1,512 bed multi-custody correctional facility. The purpose of the Program Statement is to identify the needs and planning parameters to replace the existing Nebraska State Penitentiary that dates back as far as 1869.   The new facility will be designed to incorporate the latest trends in correctional architecture, which include creating a therapeutic/treatment environment for the inmates.  Elements of biophilic design, acoustics, enhanced indoor air quality, and exterior views are also important strategies included due to their proven ability to enhance the well-being of inmates and staff alike.  The Program Statement summarizes the need for a new facility to accommodate 1,512 beds and will house an all-male adult population. Minimum-security capacity is 600 beds and consists of a semi-autonomous compound located adjacent to the maximum/medium security compound. Housing for the minimum-security facility will consist of three (3) housing units, each with a capacity of 200 beds.  The new facility will be designed to incorporate energy efficient and sustainable design features, furthering the goal of reducing long-range operational costs and providing staffing efficiencies. The enhanced environmental qualities of the space will not only improve the well-being of inmates but will also provide a better work environment for staff. This should contribute to boosting staff recruitment and retention rates. DLR Group is providing master planning and programming services. 

Design Achievement – First Interstate Bank moved from their current downtown office location to the historic Terminal Building in Lincoln, Nebraska at the corner of 10th and 'O' Street. While the entire building underwent a much-needed revitalization, the bank became a key tenant on the first and second levels of the high-rise building. The first level provides uniquely high-volume space flooded with natural light through the 19-foot-tall exterior windows. DLR Group's design for the retail branch takes advantage of and accentuate these attributes of the space. The second level is home to First Interstate Bank's local commercial banking group. In contrast to the first level, overhead space is lacking on the second floor. To overcome this challenge, our design enhanced the exposed structure to create more volume in key areas and also expresses the tech-focused, industrial, modern feel that represents this local group. Grey and blue finishes were selected in concert with branding while warm wood wall and ceiling features tie the first and second levels together with a contrasting material that also communicates with the ornate woodwork original to the building. Scope Summary – The scope of work for this project encompassed improvements to approximately 3,000 SF on first level for retail banking and 9,100 SF on second level for the commercial banking group. The branch bank includes two entries to the spacious lobby, conference space, offices for five, a curved teller space with four stations, safe deposit boxes, and a back of house space. On second level, the space includes a waiting and reception space with a work room. Offices ring the exterior walls along with conference rooms, training space, a board room, and break room. In the middle, is an open office space with room for growth. DLR Group provided architecture and interior design services.  *Great Western was acquired by First Interstate Bank shortly after this project was complete.  

variety of items under the following

The Law Enforcement Center is the main headquarters for the Douglas County Sheriff and space required for the Omaha Police Department and the newly consolidated City/County 911 Dispatch Communications Center. The design includes Administrative and Public spaces, a Uniform Services Bureau, a Criminal Investigation Bureau, a Research and Development Division and Property and Evidence Division.The Administrative and Public Spaces area will house the Sheriff's office and support personnel, the Chief Deputy's office, three Captains' offices, a Conference Room, a Public Lobby and Waiting area, a Reception area, and an Interview Room equipped with video and audio recording capabilities.for crime victims and juveniles. The design includes evidence storage, evidence lockers and contaminated material storage located in the Property and Evidence Division. The Shared Support Spaces include a multipurpose training room and a training office, equipment storage, a physical fitness room with weights and stationery bicycles, an armory and patrol equipment room and male/female locker space. Janitorial services, showers, a kitchen and break room, and mechanical, electrical and communications systems are also located in this area. Lieutenant and Sergeant offices are within the Uniform Services Bureau space. A roll call room with seating capacity for 15, report storage shelving/racks, and a kitchen and food service area are included in this space.The Criminal Investigation Bureau space will house the Criminal Investigation Division with Captain, Lieutenant and Sergeant offices, and the CID bullpen with ten cubicles, two secretaries, and eight investigators. Two interrogation rooms, one secure holding cell, one interview room and a polygraph room are in this area. The Criminalistic's Division of the Criminal Investigation Bureau will include a criminalist office, evidence processing, a booking area, an intoxilizer room, a report writing room, two secure holding areas, a vehicle sallyport with two vehicle capacity, maintenance storage and a security vestibule. The community services command office, a deputies' bullpen and supply storage are within the Community Services Division.

Design Achievement – Inspired by the local context of Nebraska, Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park perfectly blends dramatic architectural curves with the surrounding rolling hills and long sweeping plains. Located between an existing racehorse track and the site of the state fair, this resort offers guests a variety of leisure experiences. DLR Group’s design ties in natural textures, patterns, and colors, paying homage to the farmland of the surrounding region on the exterior and transports guests to another world on the interior. The resort welcomes visitors with an exterior water feature meandering thru the site, creating the feel of a river encompassing the project, by which the city’s name was derived as the Grand Island created by rivers. A dynamic facade sweeps across the plaza, porte cochere, and walkways. On level 2, a large roof deck overlooks the horse track and the location of the state fairgrounds, and features meeting rooms, outdoor patio deck, and the hotel swimming terrace. The hotel tower embodies grain silos found throughout the state, symbolizing the core of each community and offers long range views of the city and the surrounding plains. The overall cladding hints at elements of old abandoned barns found along the surrounding country roads. The tone and scale reflect that of the weathering wood slats. In collaboration with the architectural design, the interiors highlight each space with its own story for a destination-based resort. This creates a sense of adventure for guests as they travel the floorplan and aids in wayfinding. The main concept of the interior revolves around Nebraska’s diverse topography, featuring rich farmland and endless beautiful prairies. Thoughtful design elements nod to the mesmerizing sunsets during harvest and the famous local Sandhill Crane migrations, immersing guests in the local essence. The concept is carefully tied into the materiality and shape of the indoor space through custom artwork, carpet, lighting, mosaic, and finishes.   Scope Summary –  To meet the announcement timeline for the new destination, the design of the resort and casino, which spans over 241,000 SF, was expedited. In addition to visual renderings, an animation of the design was created to provide the public with a visual concept of what’s to come. The property includes a 37,000 SF casino game floor with 750 slot machines and 20 table games, a sports book, showroom lounge, and three restaurants. The boutique hotel includes 162 keys, a salon and spa, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness room, and meeting space. DLR Group provided architecture and interior design services.  

Addition of a multi-purpose addition serving PE classes and more.  The small gym will have courts for athletics.  Support spaces for storage, electrical, toilets and mother's room.  Mechanical will have roof top unit for gym  and extending Heat Pump loop to serve the support spaces.

Design Achievement: Nestled between Omaha’s historic Old Town and the Missouri River is the Mercantile, an evolving mixed-use destination overlooking the riverfront Heartland of America Park. This 20-acre redevelopment of the former Conagra corporate campus is master planned to include residential, commercial, and an abundance of green space. On the route of a proposed streetcar line, and adjacent to downtown’s iconic public space, Gene Leahy Mall, the site is an ideal location for the addition of Hines’ T3 asset class: next-generation timber office buildings, equipped with advanced building systems and technology, outstanding amenities, and flexible and efficient workspace. Within the context of this walkable urban district, DLR Group’s concept design explores the potential of two new T3 properties within the Mercantile site, one surrounded by green space near the river, and the other in a more urban setting closer to Old Town. Scope Summary: Designed to appeal to today’s innovative workforce, T3 at the Mercantile studies the feasibility of constructing two 225,000 SF mass timber office buildings within the redevelopment. The project adapts the optimized T3 ‘prototype’ design originally developed for Atlanta’s West Midtown to the context of Omaha, with external bracing, generous private balconies, and façades that juxtapose warm wood and steel. T3’s signature industrial aesthetic, timber construction, and technology integration are key components of the design, as are floor-to-ceiling windows that bring natural light deep into the buildings. The warmth of exposed timber will carry through from the ground-level entry to all areas of these modern office environments, with ample transparency at the street level to further activate the public realm. DLR Group provided concept design services.  

Project consists of replacing the fencing that is around the Sarpy County Juvenile Justice Center. The project includes replacing the 10-ft high fencing around the recreation court with a 12-ft high fence, and replacing the 4-ft high south and west perimeter fencing with a 10-ft high fence. Replacement of the 4-ft fencing with a taller fence will allow detained youth greater access to the outdoors.

Project consists of replacing the fencing that is around the Sarpy County Juvenile Justice Center. The project includes replacing the 10-ft high fencing around the recreation court with a 12-ft high fence, and replacing the 4-ft high south and west perimeter fencing with a 10-ft high fence. Replacement of the 4-ft fencing with a taller fence will allow detained youth greater access to the outdoors.

The Labor/Delivery/Recovery/Postpartum (LDRP) unit at UNMC is a specialized care unit designed to provide an environment conducive and supportive to a high-risk mother/infant population, throughout the labor, delivery, resuscitation and stabilization/management of either baby or mother. This facility has 9 LDRP rooms (all of which are specific to high-risk deliveries) 1 C-Section room; one recovery room with 2 beds; a ten-bassinet nursery and support functions. The functional layout makes maximum use of the available space by providing a shared resuscitation room and nurse’s station for every LDRP room. The design concept maximizes contact time for the new infant and family, without risking safety or sacrificing response time in case of a high-risk emergency for mother or child. One LDRP room is also equipped to serve as an additional C-section room, if needed. Locating the nurse’s stations nearer to single patient rooms for mother-infant care promotes parental attachments and facilitates communication and teaching to prepare parents for early discharge. This family-centered approach to maternity care enhances UNMC’s ability to meet the parents’ needs for support and education when the length of actual in-hospital stay is short. DLR Group worked with the University staff to provide the planning and comprehensive architectural and engineering services for this project.

Design Achievement: The renovation of the Lincoln Lutz office improves user experience and creates space for a younger demographic of employees to work and collaborate. DLR Group’s design breaks away from traditional office norms and achieves a lively office environment conducive to future employees. The removal of private offices is a big cultural change for the client; however employees have option for privacy in the conference rooms, huddles spaces, and phone booth areas. The integration of brand identity is evident throughout the office with branding in the main lobby and brand-specific blue and green color schemes. This renovation adapts to the client’s needs for a progressive office culture and accomplishes this through its appeal to younger employees with the additions of a ping pong table and nerf guns for fun and relaxation. As the employees move through the modern workspace, they may use the various space types to move their work or for groups sessions. The creative culture at Lutz embraces the design with a growth mindset and excitement for the opportunity to build future office relationships. Sliding doors added to the training and break rooms provide the options for larger events. The addition of custom glass walls with acoustic felt panels adapt to employee needs and distinguish two separate departments within the office. The wall can open for a larger environment or close to create privacy for quiet work. Scope Summary: This 8,500 SF office renovation provides 55 employees various space types for both individual and collaborative work. The design focuses on brand identity and office culture through the many space types which include the break room, training room, conference rooms, and individual workspaces. Human experience is central to the design to promote a modern office culture and to provide opportunities to strengthen employee relationships. This location was previously established and occupied by Lutz so DLR Group guided the client to choose an area of the building with views of downtown Lincoln and the market district for this expansion. DLR Group provided architecture and interior design services.

Design Achievement: The refresh of Building 1 on PayPal’s Omaha campus accommodates a shift to an increasingly hybrid mode of working, allowing the organization to accommodate growth and change while also providing a robust amenity package that helps draw employees into the office. DLR Group’s design celebrates the community of Omaha, creating a strong cultural identity for this location that aligns with the overarching PayPal brand and global standards. A flexible planning approach breaks the large floorplate into nine distinct neighborhoods, each with updated meeting spaces, refreshed break areas, and flexible furniture and lockers that accommodate the needs of mobile workers. All neighborhoods are branded with large-scale experiential graphics that pay homage to Omaha’s rich history and local landmarks—bringing vibrancy and life to the new space while adding another element of wayfinding to the expansive floorplate. Taking an egalitarian approach to planning, all workspace is pulled away from the exterior glass, providing a walkway around the perimeter of the building and allowing daylight to permeate the space. Special acoustical treatments help mitigate noise concerns within the office environment. A skylit multi-function game room, complete with ping-pong tables, arcade games, and lounge space provides employees a place to take a break and interact with colleagues. A new cafeteria and fitness center round out the amenity package and serve both building employees and the broader campus.   Scope Summary: The project was an interior refresh of 121,000 SF of office space for 1,255 employees. The scope includes the construction of eight new pavilions containing huddle rooms, phone rooms, conference rooms, locker spaces, a new game room, new office furniture throughout the open office, and re-configuration of the main reception area. Enhanced security features help control access to the office, with designated meeting areas for visitors and guests adjacent to the reception area. During the design process, the existing raised access plenum floor system was carefully evaluated with respect to the overall interior functional design coupled with the structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering design.  DLR Group provided architecture, interior design, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical engineering, experiential graphic design, and reality capture services.

Design Achievement - As the master developer for Aksarben Village (40 acre mixed-use redevelopment), Noddle Companies was looking to create a mixed-use building on one of the last remaining development parcels that would compliment the adjacent project while bringing new luxury residential to the mix.  The client wanted to maximize the site while limiting risk by over developing any one type of product offering.  DLR Group design for this space was to provide a mixed-use building that captures and balances three commercial program elements (Retail, Office, Residential) into one holistic structural while maintaining subtle individuality between all three program elements.  To do this, the design team focused on a building composition that harnessed it’s 24/7 active evolution.  Facing south and west the design takes full advantage of the great views on to the vibrant urban development adjacent while utilizing strategically placed shading devices and trellises to mitigate exposure to the sun.    Scope Summary - The scope of work for this project encompassed the development of a Core + Shell mixed Use building totaling 84,500 SF.  The building includes ground level Retail and onsite parking, two levels of Class A Office space and luxury Condos with private outdoor terraces on top.  High performance exterior cladding systems working in concert with strategically placed sun shading strive to create a highly efficient building that captures the views and activity of the adjacent development.  DLR Group is providing integrated architectural design services.

Design Achievement – The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) is currently experiencing a shortage of housing for offenders who require a more secure and abuse-resistant environment due to their security classification and behavior. To address this shortage, the Reception and Treatment Center (RTC) Housing Expansion Project includes the construction of two new housing buildings. The new housing units will be located on the same site and become part of the same overall facility as the Reception and Treatment Center addition and remodel project that DLR Group designed which is currently under construction.   These new housing buildings will have a total initial capacity of 400 beds to house male inmates that are classified as Level 1 (Maximum Security). The program includes support components associated with the housing component to provide the appropriate levels of educational and rehabilitative programming for the inmates. DLR Group’s design of these new facilities will allow inmates to receive programming such as education and counseling that will aim at making them productive members of society upon their eventual release, or better behaving fellow inmates to allow them to be transferred to a lower-level security setting at a different housing unit in the system. The large dayrooms with lots of natural light greatly enhances the interior environment for both the inmates and staff.   Scope Summary – The scope of work is two new housing unit buildings totaling 98,450 SF, each housing building has a 192-bed capacity with the option in the future to convert 96 single-bunk cells into double-bunk cells to increase the total capacity in the two new housing units to 480 beds. The purpose of these new housing units is to provide much needed space to house inmates who are, based on classification and past behavior, requiring a more secure setting in order to not cause harm to staff and fellow inmates or property. There is currently a lack of this type of secure housing capacity in the NDCS system. The program was most efficiently executed in the form of two new buildings, placed on the grounds of the current outdoor recreational fields of the former LCC, and connected to the rest of the RTC by exterior walkways. This design allowed for minimum impact to the existing facility, by means of minimizing exterior security fence alterations, and  increasing staffing efficiency by incorporating the housing into the same secure perimeter with the rest of the RTC facility. The new housing buildings will utilize services in the RTC facility for support functions such as food service, medical, visitation, and administration. DLR Group provided Architectural and Civil Engineering Services.

Design Achievement - DLR Group was asked to conduct a naming exercise and develop a comprehensive wayfinding + signage package for the project located just outside of Papillion, Nebraska. The development will become the first experience that visitors have with the City, so careful thought and planning have been put into the overall project that includes landscape design, architecture and signage. The unique signage design, reflective of the city logo, has become a strong identifier for the mixed-use development which is along the most trafficked highway in the area. With a goal to attract new visitors and direct on-site users, the wayfinding and signage is a compilation of varying sign types. Begining with the large 60-foot-tall interstate facing pylon sign, to the entryway monument signage, all the way down to the vehicular and pedestrian level solutions, the signage package includes a complete toolkit of sign types. Industrial materials are used in the design to help incorporate the signage into the overarching architectural style and blend with landscape solutions.   Scope Summary - The Steel Ridge development not only sits along a highly traveled interstate, but it also serves as the new gateway to the City of Papillion, thus making a case for incorporating a system that is unique and iconic. Inspired from the form of the butterfly in City’s logo and the folds in origami, the signage family provides a strong identity for both Steel Ridge development and the City itself. The final design solution considered both current and future signage needs in the form of placement and flexibility as the development will most certainly evolve over time. DLR Group provided experiential graphic design and naming services for the project.

Design Achievement – This mixed-use development takes its name from the butterflies that have emerged here every year for decades. The site is just above Papillon Creek, ‘papillon’ being French for butterfly. DLR Group’s design for the master plan delivers a marketplace for local residents, a place to work, play, and live. It also provides a place to live for local wildlife – including the butterflies that migrate through here every year. The site is organized around a spine that descends across the site in a series of terraces linking a the various spaces from a large residential community at the high end of the site, down a sledding hill, through pickleball courts and a dog-park, and on to a town square suitable for small outdoor events and performances. Curation of these activities and events encourages people to stay and to return, furthering a sense of community. Further along leads to a new food market at the lowest end of the site. People are kept near one another at the center of the site, by regulating parking to the periphery. Throughout, and surrounding, all this is a natural landscape full of the milkweed that monarch butterflies thrive on. The largest retailers are situated nearest to the highway for visibility, while their front doors are still easily accessible to pedestrians and the large structures protect customers from vehicular traffic noise. While a common design language filters throughout all the structures, each storefront varies to allow different businesses to express their individual character. Scope Summary – The project consists of 340,000 SF of mixed-use development over 25 acres. There are two 40,000 SF office buildings as well as 77,000 SF of multi-family residential, all over 183,000 SF of retail and food & beverage. Outdoor terraces, plazas and green spaces provide opportunity for a diverse offering of recreation, leisure, and eating and drinking that will attract a diverse crowd throughout the year. The town square has an office building at each end to provide a daytime population, apartments across the third side to provide evening and weekend population, and a food & beverage cluster to activate the remaining side. The roofscape of this development will be fully utilized as roof terraces for the occupants, equipment enclosures, and extensive green roof to create habitat for winged wildlife. Using remote sensing tools such as GIS and Placer AI, DLR Group was able to concentrate efforts on complementary, rather than competitive, retail options that would best round out the local marketplace. DLR Group provided architecture and planning services.

The Solem Public Safety Center is a joint use facility. It houses the South Dakota Women's Prison, the South Dakota Department of Corrections, the Pierre Police Department, the Hughes County Sheriff Department, Department of Criminal Investigation officers and the South Dakota Highway Patrol Regional Office. The 19- acre site has expansion capacity for a second prison housing unit, a regional jail facility and a regional juvenile facility.Architectural programming and site acquisition began in early 1995. The joint venture design team of Rysavy Leither Architecture of Sioux Falls and DLR Group of Omaha were chosen as the overall designers based on their history of corrections and law enforcement design. Also participating in the project were Associated Consulting Engineers of Sioux Falls, Larry Kimbro & Associates of Tampa, Florida, and Stockwell Engineers, Inc. of Sioux Falls. Brosz Engineering from Pierre was the on site testing and surveying firm.The building project was divided into several design components. The site work was designed and bid late in 1995 with completion of the site work before the end of the year. As the site work was going on, the Warehouse/Prison Industry was bid and awarded to Midwest Construction of Pierre. Construction on the Warehouse started immediately after the site work was completed and was completed early in 1996. The major portion of the building was designed in four components. The front component is administration space for the Department of Corrections and the Police Department, Sheriff's Department, DCI and Highway Patrol. All entities attended design meetings, working to minimize any duplication of space or needs. The remaining three components all deal with prison programs. They include food service, laundry, medical, education, library, recreation and housing areas. Each area is housed in one of the three components of the building.The building is served by a large central mechanical and electrical center and a second smaller mechanical and electrical center. It has total fire protection and is served by an emergency generator capable of sustaining all of the major operations of the building for an extended period of time. The building has two large hot water heating boilers and two large domestic water heaters. The building is air conditioned by several unit air conditioners and is served by both soft and hard water systems. The heating ventilation and air conditioning systems operate using a total building energy management system from the capital complex basement. There are three major control rooms in the building. Each room is capable of operation under extreme conditions, including both fire and smoke. The police/sheriff dispatch center is also the emergency center for fire and ambulance dispatch and weather and houses the area's 911 system. It is interconnected with the State Radio System. The two prison control rooms are also reinforced against attack from inmates. They are the nerve centers for all electronic surveillance, door operations and communication for the prison.Total construction cost, including design fees and furnishings was $9,100,000. Total floor space in the combined space is 89,958 sq. ft. Scull Construction of Rapid City began construction May 1996 and was completed early in November 1997, 18 months later. The project was completed within 45 days of the original projected date and was $1,000,000 under the original budget.The success of this project is attributed primarily to the process of partnering with the design team, contractors and the owners. Meetings were held early on to develop mission statements for each phase of the project and also to have a commitment to the partnering process.

Initial Scope: Assessments, programming and planning of 4 statewide youth treatment center campuses (Geneva; Kearney; Hastings; Lancaster Whitehall). Including but not limited to - Durability enhancements; Physical security and electronic security upgrades; Fast track review/recommendations on in-progress Geneva repairs; Demolition of outdated facilities and new construction. Other TBD. 2021_1220 Updated SL from CGarcia to SGatewood. Jcarnahan

This 95,000-SF facility's prominent feature is the three-level housing tower component that contains the 244-bed county jail functions. The sheriff's administrative offices are located at the jail facility. The County is under contract with the U.S. Marshal's Service to provide 75 beds for their use, which provided an additional $2,000,000 grant fund for construction.The top two levels of the jail tower have mezzanines, providing a total four levels of cells. Two hundred forty-four beds are allocated for general population and 40 beds are used for work release inmates.The minimum and medium security areas have both two-person and four-person cells. The maximum security and women's areas have single cells.The jail utilizes video visitation and arraignment systems. Visitors, including attorneys or members of the public defender's office, do not have to enter the secure inmate portions of the building. They are escorted to a room on the main level where they can pick up a phone and talk to the inmate they wish to visit while seeing them on a video monitor. The inmate video visitation area is located adjacent to the inmate dayrooms. Inmates can also make their initial court appearance using this video process.Pottawattamie County voters approved a $14.9 million bond issue in November, 1995 to finance construction of a new 284-bed county jail. The proposal was approved by an 80.45% YES vote (5,149 to 1,251).

Design Achievement- The Calvin T. Ryan Library has been the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s hub for student learning since its opening in 1963. Apart from an addition completed in 1983 and minor interior work and energy-saving measures, the facility has remained largely unchanged for the past 38 years. To enhance the library’s role in academic success, the aging building will undergo significant improvements to give students, staff, and faculty a modernized learning environment. The capital renewal project focuses on updating systems and addressing differed maintenance needs. Through engagement with key stakeholders, DLR Group’s design aims to provide additional targeted improvements to the ‘core’ student spaces in the building to create an attractive space that is both engaging and inspiring. This effort focuses the transformation on the areas of high impact to all stakeholders while ensuring the renovated facility replaces outdated items and breathes new life into the campus. As part of the master plan for the facility, DLR Group is currently engaged to evaluate conditions, analyze current and future needs, apply modern standards, and benchmark approaches at peer institutions and sister campuses. The modernization will contribute to unique and meaningful in-person experiences that support the growth of academic learners and instructors. Scope Summary- This multi-phase project will replace aging systems and restore the almost 60-year-old facility to support continuous campus operations. The $16.8m renovation will update lighting, flooring, ceilings, paint, furniture, restrooms, IT infrastructure and HVAC systems, extending the building’s useful life and increasing energy efficiency. Exterior enhancements will improve the building’s appeal, address critical ADA and life safety needs, and improve student access to its services and resources. A variety of spaces will be added to allow for collaborative and individual study as well as spaces for academic success and advising resources to relocate from MSAB. DLR Group is architect of record providing program development and verification, design,  preliminary cost estimating, permitting assistance, and construction administration services. HBM Architects, LLC provided library visioning, planning, and collaborated with DLR Group in the program verification and conception of the project.

Design Achievement - The Peter Kiewit Institute merges the cultures of higher education and business to create an ideal learning environment for future information science and engineering professionals. A unique building as lab concept provides visual exposure of various engineering systems including the first commercial application of open-web concrete joists and double-tees. Informational markers invite students and faculty to monitor, investigate and interact with the structure and systems. Distinct wings reflect the duality of housing two colleges with the Peter Kiewit Institute in one location, providing identity for instruction, research and public service areas. Designed to provide and promote collaboration, the atrium stairways and integrated huddle spaces allow open areas for faculty and business representatives to interact with peers and students. Specialized labs are designed and equipped for instruction and learning in computer-aided manufacturing, structures testing, robotics, imaging and animation, lighting, healing and cooling, and many other fields. Scope Summary - The 192,000-SF building provides technologically enhanced classrooms, class labs, computer user commons areas and distance learning rooms.

The Sarpy County Jail has 76 single-occupancy cells arranged around separate dayrooms providing segregation and distinguishing different inmate types. Classifications include pre-sentenced, medium, maximum, women, and juvenile holding. Dormitory housing allows community-based programs such as work release and weekend sentencing for 60 additional inmates.A central indoor/outdoor recreation area, library, classrooms, multipurpose area, and visitation, medical, dental, laundry, and food service areas are contained within the jail. Along with the jail, the structure houses a first-appearance courtroom and the Sheriff's Department.A precast concrete superstructure allowed rapid construction of the facility.Client's Program and Design Issues:The owner required a state-of-the-art county facility that would respond to a diverse population with a minimum of staff and operational costs. The new building was to be located on the county courthouse property to allow for expansion of future county facilities and to maximize the parking area.How Resolved by Design Team:A compact two-story building is placed at one end of the available site for easy expansion and to allow for visual prominence of the courthouse. The jail plan features a central recreation area that provides internal daylighting to the surrounding podular units. The location of the master control on a raised level allows for direct sunlight supervision of the most critical dayrooms.

Description:The jail is comprised of 191 single-occupancy cells arranged around individual dayrooms, separating the different classifications and sexes. Dormitory housing for an additional 96 inmates allows community-based programs, such as work release and weekend sentencing. The inmates in this minimum security area are totally segregated from other inmates.A County courtroom and support area are part of the facility. Inmate support services within the facility are sized to accommodate the future addition of about 200 more inmate cells. The structure encloses a central courtyard for circulation and outdoor recreation. Inmates with minimum and certain medium security classifications may be allowed to move more freely throughout the courtyard, providing access to recreation areas, library, classrooms, and dining areas.A precast concrete structure and wall systems allowed for rapid construction of the jail.Client's Program and Design Issues:The client required an expandable County jail facility for a variety of classification types with an initial capacity of 300 beds. The client desired a building that would be responsive to the diverse groups of inmates being processed and detained.How Resolved by Design Team:A plan layout was developed that allowed for flexible use of space and clear separation of classification types. Inmates in "problem" status have limited freedom of movement in an austere physical environment. Easy expansion was planned for the ability to "plug-in" to the main circulation spine.

Located in downtown Lincoln, the new facility is adjacent to the present city/county building. Precast was used on the exterior to reflect the existing architecture, which will be connected by a skybridge. Parking is located underneath the new structure.The secure beds are organized into six housing units, including 94 general population cells (2 units), 24 women's cells, 24 administrative discipline cells (maximum security), and reception and trustee units with 32 and 16 cells respectively. Sub-dayrooms allow for further classification within these various housing areas.Other accommodations within the facility include four indoor/outdoor recreation areas, a medical suite consisting of 15 hospital beds, holding area (10 beds), administration and training, kitchen, laundry, one master and four decentralized control areas.Client's Program and Design Issues:County officials wanted a jail facility adjacent to the existing architecturally significant City/County building near downtown Lincoln, other design challenges revolved around underground parking, decentralized visitation, and minimized prisoner movement.How Resolved by Design Team:Our Team met the challenges of producing a facility which is compatible in design with the existing building and which is adjacent to the County Courtrooms, cutting down on time, expense and security issues related to housing inmates in remote locations.

This 2,560-bed medium security correctional facility is located in Kern County, California, approximately five miles east of downtown California City. The 489,780-SF facility occupies approximately 70 acres of a 320-acre property with an onsite asphalt paved parking lot of approximately 350-car capacity.The inmate housing consists of eight general housing units, one special management housing unit and one segregation housing unit. Each housing unit is comprised of one story with mezzanine precast concrete cell modules aligned around three dayrooms per housing unit. The facility and outdoor recreation yards are enclosed by a perimeter security fence illuminated with thirty foot high pole mounted lighting and monitored with security cameras, perimeter detection systems and patrolled on a gravel patrol road surrounding the entire perimeter security fence. Supporting facilities include an administration building, medical support area, recreation building with outdoor recreation yards, classroom educational area, vocational educational area, food preparation and service area and dining rooms.Additionally, the building is designed to meet all current building codes including the standards of the American Correctional Association.

The overall design reflects the image of law and strength portrayed by the military and its Security Police Operations.The facility was programmed and designed to be a primary command, control and support center for all security police functions for a large Midwest Air Force Base. The 20,000 SF building also serves as a staging and command center for military police throughout the United States.The new building provides a centrally located facility for all Air Force Base police training, weapons and equipment storage, as well as command and control administration, offices supervision, investigation, testing and record supply functions. A vehicle maintenance garage is also a part of the facility.The Security Police Operations Facility maintains 24-hour operations and must accommodate the needs of the general public in addition to base personnel. The floor plan design, incorporating a central, naturally lit corridor, creates a separation between the administrative operations network and the training and supply network.The curved front and symmetrical floor plan enhance the visibility of the facility accentuating the image of the Security Police Operations.The facility includes a training area, guardmount area, battle staff office, an armory, security and law enforcement operations, security police administration, quality control section, vehicle maintenance, and storage.The facility is required to have 24 hour use of command and control functions, yet allow for the securing of all other functions within the facility. Restricted areas represent approximately 85% of the facility and are easily accessible by security police personnel only. The main entry foyer, considered the control area for the public, is the only un-restricted area in the building. Beyond this point the general public must be escorted by security police personnel.The facility serves as a primary command control and support center for all security police functions on Offutt AFB, as well as a staging and command center for military police throughout the United States.The administrative command center includes the following departments:- Law Enforcement - Pass and Registration- Investigations - Information Security- Quality Control and Training - Crime Prevention- Reports and Analysis - Resource ProtectionClient's Program and Design Issues:The intent of the design and physical plan layout was to allow the building to separate passive administration and supervisory offices from active training, storage, and maintenance functions, while still providing a central command and control center operating on a 24 hour cycle.How Resolved by Designer:The new 22,000 SF facility separates the passive and active functions by using the central command and control programmed functions as the core of the facility. This allows visual control via the front entry foyer and ready accessibility to all departments within the facility. The passive and active functions are further divided by a linear clerestory corridor - thus becoming a naturally illuminated dividing and organizing barrier.

The design for this facility is based on a multi-building, campus style, site layout concept, with two general housing units, one transition/treatment unit, a special management unit and several support service buildings.The general and transition/treatment housing units utilize a direct supervision management philosophy with an enclosed officer control station in conjunction with roving day room officers. The general and transition/treatment housing units consist of 320 double bunk cells and 128 single bunk cells. Contact visitation for the general inmate population is accommodated in a centralized visitation area.Administrative maximum security inmates are housed in the 192-bed Special Management Unit. This unit utilizes an indirect supervision management philosophy. All 192 cells are single bunk. Visitation is accommodated via a CCTV/video visitation system.The administration and support services buildings form a central building spine that connects with a 45,000 SF correctional industry building, which provides employment opportunities for inmates.The primary method of facility security is a central door control system and a 12'-0" high, double perimeter fence, which incorporates razor ribbon obstacles, an electronic detection system, CCTV surveillance, a central guard tower and two perimeter mobile patrol units.The gatehouse, warehouse, vehicle maintenance, energy center and weapons training range are located outside of the secure perimeter fence of the facility. Primary access into the facility is through a secure underground tunnel from the gatehouse to the administration building. Vehicles enter through a sally port that accesses a non-inmate service yard area.

Design Achievement – Othmer Hall at the University of Nebraska is designed to overcome significant shortages of research, teaching, office, and support space. This addition to the Walter Scott Engineering Center provides expanded opportunities for enhancing student learning with modern classrooms and laboratories. A defined teaching laboratory was designed as a high bay replica of an industrial work environment to give students hands-on experience with reactors, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics equipment. Research laboratories were designed based on a highly adaptable service corridor concept to accommodate the varied and changing nature of engineering programs. Prominently sited on the northeast corner of 16th and Vine Streets, this location presents the opportunity to strengthen the overall image of the University. The project creates a well-defined main entry, and in keeping with the theme of a new front door, the College of Engineering Dean was relocated from the back of Nebraska Hall to a highly visible spot by the main entrance along Vine Street. Scope Summary – The scope for Othmer Hall encompassed a 3-story, 127,800 SF addition to the existing Scott Engineering Center. The design adds research laboratories, classrooms, a 129-seat lecture hall, and faculty offices. DLR Group provided integrated architectural; interior design; civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering; and code analysis services.

The facility is surrounded by a double row of chain link security fence with exterior lighting illuminating all open areas. These areas have 24 hour surveillance and exterior landscaping. An administration area is contiguous with the housing units. The facility also contains a full kitchen, dining, laundry, maintenance, and medical areas.The building is constructed with a maximum security building envelope, and is constructed of 10" thick precast concrete panels and a 6" thick precast concrete double tee roof. Narrow security windows are located in each cell in the exterior walls. Additionally, the building is designed to meet all current building codes, including the American Correctional Association Standards for Adult Correctional Facilities and is master planned for the future expansion of 512 beds.The development team designed, constructed, and operates the correctional facility at its own expense in exchange for the government's commitment to pay a fixed daily rate to house prisoners.The facility is designed to hold 512 prisoners. The housing units are subdivided into separate dayrooms to allow better classification of prisoners. CCA intensively trained all new staff members before the facility opened and maintains an ongoing training program.The facility is designed as a direct supervision facility wherein the staff will supervise the prisoner activities within the housing unit in direct contact with the prisoners. A prisoner is processed, evaluated for classification, given a medical checkup, and placed in a housing unit by the CCA staff.

 This expansion of the San Diego Correctional Facility uses 12 acres directly west of the existing County Jail site, situated between Lower Otay Lake and the U.S./Mexico border. The five new 31,000 -SF housing units join an existing housing unit and are organized on either side of a new 80,000-SF Administration Building. Each housing unit, with its two-tier cell arrangement, forms a U-shape around dayrooms, support spaces and the unit's control functions. Fenced walkways at ground level connect all units to administrative services. An enclosed corridor above the walkway serves visitor circulation.The Administration Building includes the programmed intake/processing/release, central control and kitchen. The staff area offers complete locker and restrooms, paired up with physical training and debriefing rooms.Inmate services provide a central nurses station with medical exam rooms and dental care. Located in the upper level are 12,500 SF of future-use space. Administration will accommodate the facility's plans for additional programs.This facility houses inmates for the U. S. Marshall's Service and INS.

Design Achievement The New Underwood Middle School provides a dual solution for the growing District. DLR Group’s design attaches the new building to the existing elementary school allowing for expansion and shared functional spaces to accommodate growth. The main focal area for the building is the media center suite located between the Middle School and Elementary areas. Included in this suite are shared areas for Middle School and Elementary staff and controlled access between the two main student spaces. These student spaces are separated from each other by a wall, but are visible to each other by large amounts of glazing, and the primary design feature; a continuous bulkhead that begins on the exterior of the building, continues through both media centers, and ends in the commons/cafeteria.   Scope Summary The new 53,000 SF Middle School is designed to serve 225 students in 6-8 grades.  Attaching the new facility to the existing elementary allows space for enrollment growth and provides adequate air conditioning and ventilation for both. The media center and gymnasium are shared spaces, and the elementary expansion includes new art, music, and computer lab rooms. Downsizing from three campuses to two, the District eliminated the teachers traveling between schools. The parking lot was expanded to accommodate the increase in traffic at the site. DLR Group provided architectural, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and structural engineering, construction administration and interior design services.

The Central Arizona Detention Center is a 2,304-bed facility designed and constructed in accordance with ACA Standards. Of the total 2,304 beds, 1,998 beds are a combination of two-person, six-person and eight-person cells. In addition to 1,998 general population beds, the facility also has 27 segregation beds.In addition to the housing units, CCA has designed all of the following areas to be dedicated to the USMS to meet their requirements. These areas include:- Central intake- Medical area that includes dental room, exam rooms, records room, pharmacy, waiting room and nurse's station- A full service kitchen with freezer/cooler and dry storage- Visitation space for non-contact visitation and attorney visitation- Laundry- Barber - Commissary - Offices - Multi-purpose/program space for various functions (i.e., general library services, religious services, counseling)- Electrical, mechanical and storage space- Outdoor covered recreation yards (one per housing unit)The overall facility has a drive-through vehicular sallyport that can accommodate a 50-passenger bus and separate access to the facility for prisoners, services and the general public.

Marion County Jail II occupies a former four-story commercial warehouse building in Indianapolis, Indiana. The facility was designed to take advantage of the existing structural systems to keep costs at a minimum. The exterior was preserved to maintain the original architectural character. The jail annex includes administrative space, intake / processing, visitation, support service, recreation, kitchen, laundry, and housing for 670 inmates, in both multiple occupancy dormitory units and single cell configurations.Housing areas consist of single cell segregation, double cells, general population and dormitory spaces with ancillary spaces for inmate recreation, commissary, and medical needs.The building is divided into multiple zones both vertically and horizontally to respond to various security requirements. Staff control modules are located at each housing unit to provide for inmate observation and supervision. Indoor/Outdoor recreation areas for inmates are located on each floor. Public, staff and inmate entry points and circulation areas are separated by security zones utilizing physical barriers and controlled passageways. Separate entry points into the facility are provided to allow complete separation between public and inmate traffic. Inmates are processed into and out of the facility through a secure sallyport. The public enter the building via a controlled lobby. All public interaction, i.e. contact or non-contact visitation, and administrative functions occur in the vicinity of this lobby area.DLR Group served as conceptual designers for Corrections Corporation of America in their design/build submittal to Marion County. Corrections Corporation of America was awarded the project. CCA retained the local architecture and engineering firm of RQAW to be the architect of record. DLR Group performed planning, programming, adaptive building re-use, design, security systems design and assisted in construction administration for this project.

Sitel Corporation, the largest telemarketing firm in the world, is experiencing sustained growth in national and international markets requiring specialized space needs. From technology-driven business centers worldwide, they are providing telemarketing and customer service for Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft. DLR Group developed a corporate office building space program identifying the need for 40,000 SF to house an operations/call center, centralized administration and commons area. State-of-the-art information technology systems are incorporated throughout the building. The most important directive was to design a prototype floor plan. Sitel will replicate this building to house specialized service divisions nationwide. A key design feature is the introduction of a wall separating the operations wing from the commons area.

This 232-bed, single cell prison facility is a maximum security institution in terms of the construction materials, staff and inmate protection and safety, and the security systems and procedures employed. Built on a small 2.7-acre site, (and limited in height to 50 feet) this 258,000 gsf facility incorporates all the amenities of a modern prison while respecting the cultural and architectural requirements of New Zealand.   If future prisons are built, the government is likely to adapt construction techniques and design solutions from the Auckland prison project.   The five-level prison is designed into three building elements. The western component is three levels including the main entry/lobby, administration, visiting, master control, training/muster and indoor/outdoor recreation. Also, an exterior court incorporating cultural requirements is at the front of the building. The middle component is four levels and contains the vehicular sally port, health center, education and gymnasium. The eastern component is five levels and contains intake and discharge, food service, laundry, and all inmate housing units.

Design Achievement – The corporate headquarters for Valmont Industries comprises over 220,000 SF of office space in two towers. Valmont Plaza consists of two separate office buildings connected by a skywalk and contained within a circular pedestrian parking plaza. The central circle theme is symbolic of Valmont’s hallmark product, the mechanized center pivot irrigation system. When viewed from an adjacent major expressway, the buildings and parking plaza have an absolute sense of order within a circle defined by low walls extending from the buildings. The expressive circular site plan conveys an absolute sense of order, embracing users and visitors upon arrival and drawing them toward the building entry. The masonry and glass facade expressions convey both permanence and transparency, while Valmont's interiors scheme builds on these essential characteristics in a dynamic interplay of sleek metals, earthy stones and cool colors.   Scope Summary – Valmont Plaza is a 222,600 SF, two-building office complex site on 9.5 acres within the First National Bank of Omaha business park. The six-story, 131,000-SF structure includes visitor lounges, boardrooms and conference space, training rooms, a library, and dining, cafeteria and break areas. The worldwide corporate headquarters for Valmont Industries, occupies two floors with the remaining 175,000-SF designed for tenant fit out.

Design Narrative DLR Group has served the small but growing Gilbert School District for more than 18 years. Overcrowding at the elementary and junior-senior high school facilities compelled the district to construct this 78,000 SF new middle school housing grades 5-8 with fifth and sixth graders from the elementary schools and seventh and eighth graders from the junior-senior high school. Utilizing previous DLR Group middle school projects as a design starting point, Gilbert Middle School was able to develop it’s own identity, responsive to the school district’s needs. Gilbert Middle School’s design is based on the concept of academic areas organized like a "town square" containing four neighborhood zones at each corner. The neighborhoods consist of: 1) fifth and sixth grades, 2) seventh and eighth grades, 3) exploratory and 4) student services. Two corners also contain community space for activities with locker access. The activity zone of the school incorporates a stage/gym seating relationship between the cafeteria and the gymnasium. The site is adjacent to the Jr./Sr. High School with the capacity to expand from 400 to 600 students.

DLR Group provided master planning and professional services for this 40-acre, 350,000 SF, private college in a downtown neighborhood of a growing metropolitan area.   The master planning services included: Campus-wide assessment of building systems Physical condition analysis of facilities Building space utilization analysis Campus orientation analysis Pedestrian circulation planning Vehicular circulation planning Use recommendations Campus safety and security requirements Cost estimating Phasing plans, based on the submitted sketches, were drafted and cost estimating requirements were investigated based on the levels of renovations and replacement efforts required for each proposed project. A review process and schedule for the Draft and Draft Final document was established before the presentation of the final Master Plan Executive Summary to the Board of Trustees and College staff.

Scope Summary Valmont Plaza is a 222,600 SF, two-building office complex site on 9.5 acres within the First National Bank of Omaha business park. The new corporate headquarters for Valmont Industries are located in the left 131,000 SF. six-story tower.  DLR Group’s design grew from the essential characteristics of Valmont’s hallmark product line. The expressive circular site plan conveys an absolute sense of order, embracing users and visitors upon arrival and drawing them toward the building entry. The final design included a 6000-SF data center phased renovation, accomplished while maintaining operation. A default computer room was redesigned into a Tier II+ data center, planning included capacity and utilization designs, systems orientation and growth plans for voice, synchronous data processing and web delivery. The upgrade included designs for power distribution, isolated redundant UPS/PDU, generator and control systems upgrades. Communications infrastructure redesign included cable tray and backbone designs. A new UTP and fiber distribution system was outlined to provide flexibility to manage future demands.

This 512-bed facility is located in Shelby, Montana. The 191,000-SF, medium/minimum security facility opened in the fall of 1999 and houses State of Montana inmates.The building is constructed primarily of precast concrete wall panels and precast concrete double tee roof structure. The facility is enclosed by two 12-foot high perimeter security fences and is monitored by state-of-the-art perimeter detection and surveillance equipment. This facility provides all operational areas under one roof, ensuring clear sight lines and economy of space. Inmate housing units consist of two levels of cells surrounding a central room, which contains seating, a shower area, and telephones. Each cell is double-bunked and contains a bed, table and seat, toilet and lavatory. Fixed seating in the day room facilitates educational activities and programs. Each pod has direct supervision by a housing control officer.The facility also contains all components crucial to daily operation. These components include administration, medical, visitation, education, recreation, intake and segregation.

The name Haymarket Park designates the community location for this baseball stadium and softball complex, shared by the Lincoln Saltdogs, an American Association member, and the University of Nebraska baseball and softball teams. Located west of Interstate I-180 and the University of Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium, this sports complex creates a visually appealing gateway to downtown Lincoln. Pedestrian walkways connect the stadium complex to the nearby historic Haymarket District and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln city campus. Fan comfort and amenities are the focus of this stadium design. Fans can enjoy spectacular views of the game from their seats, the concession stands and even from the concourse that completely surrounds the field. Haymarket Park heralds many fan focused amenities that highlight the experience of gameday. These include 4,500 chair back seats, 1,500 berm seats and 16 suites located throughout the two leveled bowl that give fans a more relaxed and enjoyable viewing experience. A diamond suite was also constructed with fans in mind. DLR Group developed a picnic area next to the Buck Beltzer playground to accommodate young children. Next to the playground, In right center field fans and players alike can avert their attention to a 13’ x 16’ 7” video board. A two level press box that spans 2,100 SF including four radio and television booths is located behind the plate. A subAIR drainage system implemented underneath the field has also helped the park garner the accomplishment of being the only college field to be named the field of the year twice in 2004 and 2007.

Design Achievement The name Haymarket Park designates the community location for this baseball stadium and softball complex, shared by the Lincoln Saltdogs, an American Association member, and the University of Nebraska baseball and softball teams. Located west of Interstate I-180 and the University of Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium, this sports complex creates a visually appealing gateway to downtown Lincoln. Pedestrian walkways connect the stadium complex to the nearby historic Haymarket District and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln city campus. Fan comfort and amenities are the focus of this stadium design. Fans can enjoy spectacular views of the game from their seats, the concession stands and even from the concourse that completely surrounds the field.   Scope Summary Haymarket Park heralds many fan focused amenities that highlight the experience of gameday. These include 4,500 chair back seats, 1,500 berm seats and 16 suites located throughout the two leveled bowl that give fans a more relaxed and enjoyable viewing experience. A diamond suite was also constructed with fans in mind. DLR Group developed a picnic area next to the Buck Beltzer playground to accommodate young children. Next to the playground, In right center field fans and players alike can avert their attention to a 13’ x 16’ 7” video board. A two level press box that spans 2,100 SF including four radio and television booths is located behind the plate. A subAIR drainage system implemented underneath the field has also helped the park garner the accomplishment of being the only college field to be named the field of the year twice in 2004 and 2007.

The Labor/Delivery/Recovery/Postpartum (LDRP) unit at UNMC is a specialized care unit designed to provide an environment conducive and supportive to a high-risk mother/infant population, throughout the labor, delivery, resuscitation and stabilization/management of either baby or mother. This facility has 9 LDRP rooms (all of which are specific to high-risk deliveries) 1 C-Section room; one recovery room with 2 beds; a ten-bassinet nursery and support functions.   The functional layout makes maximum use of the available space by providing a shared resuscitation room and nurse’s station for every LDRP room. The design concept maximizes contact time for the new infant and family, without risking safety or sacrificing response time in case of a high-risk emergency for mother or child. One LDRP room is also equipped to serve as an additional C-section room, if needed.   Locating the nurse’s stations nearer to single patient rooms for mother-infant care promotes parental attachments and facilitates communication and teaching to prepare parents for early discharge. This family-centered approach to maternity care enhances UNMC’s ability to meet the parents’ needs for support and education when the length of actual in-hospital stay is short. DLR Group worked with the University staff to provide the planning and comprehensive architectural and engineering services for this project.

Design Achievement - Growing student enrollment established the need for Ames Community School District to build a new Ames Middle School and move to a 6-8 middle school grade configuration. DLR Group's design offers students expanded exploratory learning opportunities within energizing spaces. A "V-wing" footprint creates separation between the three grade levels and shapes small learning communities for more personalized learning. Administration sits at the crux of the V to provide clear visibility of students. Academic wings reach out in a two-level sawtooth design to help capture natural daylight into every classroom. Views from the building and outdoor learning spaces take advantage of the beautiful surrounding landscape and nearby creek and wooded areas. Scope Summary - The new 246,000 SF school supports students in grade 6-8. The design responds to the District's desire for small learning communities and supports a caring environment that promotes a sense of belonging and enables students to focus on learning. DLR Group provided architecture services.

Design Achievement An exhilarating retreat and revitalization for both the local community and incoming travelers, King’s Point Resort offers two large-scale indoor and outdoor water parks. DLR Group’s design situates the lodge with a breathtaking view overlooking the surrounding lake, on a site that allows for a floating dock, boating and a jogging/walking trail near the shoreline. Lodge guests also experience a spa, fitness center, arcade, lakefront restaurant and spacious conference and banquet facility, ideal for mingling indoors. Located in the heart of northwest Iowa, the resort has enhanced the quality of life for the Storm Lake community and has become a regional recreation and cultural destination. Scope Summary The King’s Point Resort lodge contains 100 rooms and family suites with a connected family aquatics facility. The aquatics facility includes both a 20,000 SF indoor water park and a 24,000 SF outdoor water park. Inside the resort are a 3,000 SF conference and banquet facility and a 2 story lobby area. The lodge was designed to be the cornerstone of a community and regional economic development project called AWAYSIS. The resort opened in August 2007 and had more than 40,000 guests at the outdoor water park in the first 5 weeks. DLR Group provided all architectural, engineering and interior design services.

This facility was designed and constructed in accordance with the American Correctional Association (ACA) and the Federal Bureau of Prisons correctional construction standards. The facility houses Federal inmates and is managed and operated on a contract basis. Construction materials consist of pre-cast modular concrete cell units, pre-cast exterior walls, and double-T roof members.The housing units consist of double cell and dormitory housing units, and a single cell segregation housing unit. Support facilities include an administration area for the private operator, administrative area for Federal agencies, medical/dental, recreation yards, gymnasium, academic and vocational classrooms, kitchen/dining, laundry and maintenance/storage areas.

This medium/minimum security state prison facility was developed through a competitive bid, fast track, Design-Build-Operate delivery method. Designed to house 1,272 medium and minimum security inmates, the prison is comprised of precast modular double cell units. Three medium security cell blocks of 64 double occupancy cells, minimum security dormitory of 12 open bay style dayrooms each housing 42 inmates, and 44-cell single occupancy segregation housing unit comprise the 278,000 SF prison building.The correctional complex also includes an armory, gymnasium, a pre-engineered metal building for prison industries, materials storage building, and an administration facility complete with kitchen, cafeteria, visitation area, classrooms and office. The use of high quality precast concrete modular double cell units, structural double tee roof panels, structural columns and wall panels played a significant role in meeting the project's fast-track schedule, remaining within the owner's budget and providing a solid, secure and safe prison environment.

  This facility was designed and constructed in accordance with the American Correctional Association (ACA) standards. Construction materials consist of pre-cast modular concrete cell units, pre-cast exterior walls, and pre-cast concrete double-T roof members. The complex consists of three 252-bed dormitory housing units; three 256-bed (double occupancy cell) housing units; total of 1,524 beds; an 80-bed Segregation Housing Unit; Central Administration Offices, Medical, Education/Library, Vocational Education Industries, Public/Inmate Visitation, Food Service, Religious Services, Intake/Reception, S.O.R.T. and Central Support, i.e., Maintenance, Warehouse, Laundry, Mechanical/ Electrical rooms. The facility contains approximately 297,550 square feet. Original Contract Amount $43,000,000Final Contract Amount $48,891,500 Three 252-bed dormitory housing units; three 256-bed (double occupancy cell) housing units; total of 1,524 beds; 80-bed Segregation Housing Unit; Facility Administration Offices, Medical, Education/Library, Vocational Education Industries, Public/Inmate Visitation, Food Service, Religious Services, Intake/Reception, S.O.R.T. Central Support, i.e., Maintenance, Warehouse, Laundry, Mechanical/Electrical rooms. The initial facility contains approximately 307,600 square feet.

Design Narrative The Denison Bus and Maintenance Facility is a welcome addition to the School District facilities. DLR Group’s design includes space for up to 20 buses and school vehicles as well as two maintenance bays and a wash bay. The 22,000 SF metal building also provides parts storage, office space and a lounge area for the bus drivers.

The City of La Vista Police department had long outgrown their tiny 4,650 building. DLR Group partnered with the City to plan, program and design a new 27,000 sf facility, delivering space for 61 sworn officers and 10 civilian employees. The facility consists of twelve distinct divisions each interacting with the others. Functions shared by the entire department are readily accessible and centralized to each division. Functions utilized by a specific group of employees are accessible only to that area, set by varying levels of secure access.   DLR Group was retained by the city of La Vista to provide planning, programming and design services for a new Police Facility. In addition, DLR Group assisted the city in determining an appropriate site for the project. The final design incorporates elements and materials that are responsive to the surrounding residential character, while establishing an accessible and welcoming civic presence.

CHI Health Center Omaha was one of the first contiguous convention center/arena complexes in the country. A large exhibition hall, sizable ballroom, numerous meeting rooms, and plentiful pre-function space allow the convention center to easily host events ranging from large expositions and gatherings to smaller business conferences and receptions. The arena is currently home to Creighton University’s men’s basketball team and the United States Olympic Team Swimming Trials (held continuously in the facility since 2008) but has also successfully hosted numerous NCAA Championship events, large corporate annual meetings, and premier concerts and shows.   CHI Health Center’s arena seats 17,000+ for basketball, volleyball, hockey, and concerts. This includes 32 private suites and 1,200 club seats with private lounge. The arena floor is contiguous to the convention center’s 194,000 SF exhibit hall floor, which is also served by a 720-foot-long airy lobby and pre-function space. The upper level of the convention center features a 31,000 SF grand ballroom, 11,000 SF junior ballroom, meeting rooms and all necessary support spaces. The team completed several expansion and renovation studies and built projects since the arena opened in 2003, including transforming the upper seating bowl in the arena from a “u” shape to a full 360-degree configuration shortly after the building opened. In addition, upgrades have been made to concession areas, locker rooms, concourses and the premium hospitality club as demands have evolved and sponsorship agreements have changed over time. The multi-faceted facility continues to be a huge success for the City of Omaha and has spurred hundreds of millions of dollars in ancillary development in its immediate area.

Design Narrative The new Glenwood Community High School is an opportunity to reexamine what is being taught, how it is being taught and how the design of the new high school can enhance and facilitate the educational delivery process. Through a collaborative process involving school administrators, staff, students, community members, architects and engineers, initial concepts and plans were developed and became the basis DLR Group's design that provides a collaborative environment and an energy-efficient building. The site includes a significant hill that provides an opportunity for a top loading gymnasium and upper lobby area. The team also embraced the idea of positioning the main entrance in such a way that the two curved masses of the building open up and draw you into the building as guests approach the site from the south. Scope Summary The new high school is a two-story structure with 144,000 SF of classrooms, administration area, auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria, kitchen and media center. The facility is planned for 750 students and future growth up to 900 students. Additions of six classrooms and a practice gym are included in future expansion plans on the 55-acre site. The media center is in a prominent location adjacent to the main entry with views to the courtyard. The administration area is directly adjacent to the main entrance and serves as the supervision and control point for the entry. The Energy Star rating, in process, based on actual utility bills is 95. The incentive payback from utility is $295,000. The payback for energy investments is 3.4 years and the energy savings per year displayed $84,000.

Design Achievement Crocker Elementary School is the first of a fresh, flexible generation of elementary schools for Ankeny’s fast-growing District. DLR Group’s design uses well-defined vertical windows to provide abundant natural light to all classrooms and to emphasize the building’s long, low form characteristic of prairie-style architecture. The school has a strong presence with its clean lines and horizontal orientation. It opens to a flowing, friendly interior which makes moving from outdoors to indoors a seamless transition. The clustered arrangements of grade-level pods create an inviting and inclusive atmosphere – a feeling of connection and acceptance for students in a large building. All sides of the building are easily expanded and the activity entrance allows community access to the gymnasium, commons and rest rooms but not the academic areas.   Scope Summary Crocker Elementary School comprises design and construction totaling 90,300 SF and serves 500 students in grades PK-5. Students are arranged in grade-level pods made up of four classrooms arranged around a central teaming area that shares teaching, technology, resources and lockers. The core spaces include the media center, cafeteria, gymnasium, and preparation kitchen and are sized to be efficient for growth to 600 students. The classroom areas are pre-designed to be quickly and responsibly converted from four sections to five. Traffic issues are minimized with a separate entrance and area for buses. To address facility equity, DLR Group’s comprehensive plan ensures that all of the District’s schools improve in program, spaces and building systems.

Design Achievement Community members engaged with the planning process prioritized planning criteria and guided the design solution for Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary. DLR Group led the K-12 facility evaluation and successful bond referendum giving the Indianola community an opportunity to plan a new elementary school.   The design places grade-level pods around the outer perimeter to capture daylight and uses a wide, curved circulation hallway to introduce the school and gently lead occupants through the building. Vibrant, lively colors throughout the space add energy and draw attention.   Each grade has their own academic and commons space within their pod, and a centrally located media center and outdoor courtyard unite the school and invite exploration. The protected courtyard functions as an extension of the classroom and as a play area.  Efficient zoning allows community members to easily use the commons area and gymnasium while restricting unnecessary access to academic areas.     Scope Summary This four-section elementary school is 78,000 SF on a 19-acre site and serves 400 students in grades K-5. Separate entrances for buses and cars ease traffic flow and the full-service kitchen allows on-site food preparation. This one-story building is energy efficient with use of natural lighting, geothermal heating and cooling, and low-maintenance, durable materials. The design supports all-day kindergarten, an expanded pre-school program, and childcare. DLR Group provided architectural, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and structural engineering, construction administration and interior design services.

Design Achievement Webster Elementary School echoes the prairie-style architecture of Urbandale’s public library. DLR Group’s design uses stylized windows to accentuate the low, horizontal lines and to illuminate the school with the benefits of natural light. The interior setting supports the house concept with the student body divided into two groups, K-2 and 3-5, in two separate areas of the building. The grade-level grouping creates an inclusive environment that reinforces connection and cooperation among staff and students.  Scope Summary This two-section elementary school is 75,000 SF on a 15-acre site and serves 400 students in grades K-5. The scope includes pre-bond planning and design of a new elementary school within a residential setting.  The building is easily expanded for additional classrooms and the large gymnasium is popular with the district and the community. DLR Group provided architectural, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and structural engineering, construction administration and interior design services.

Design Achievement – Set against the backdrop of rural Iowa, the design of the new Bondurant-Farrar High School featured a highly collaborative approach involving community leaders, staff, students, citizens, and DLR Group K-12 education experts. The outcome is a learning environment conducive for interdisciplinary instruction and pursuit of excellence. The design implements a practical sustainability approach by applying sound methods of building placement and orientation. This maximizes southern exposure during the harsh Iowa winter months, and minimizes solar heat gain in the summer. Scope Summary – The scope for this new 87,000 SF high school included a master plan for 1,000 students with two two-story classroom wings, a 5,000 square foot media center, a 700-person seat auditorium, and a 1,500 capacity gymnasium. The campus included a full array of athletics fields and a football stadium. The core and service areas are oversized to accommodate expansion. DLR Group provided architecture and engineering for this project.

Design Achievement - The new North Polk High School creates a focal point for the town and unifies the school campuses for the District. DLR Group's design creates a welcoming, safe and secure environment that supports expansion for a fast-growing consolidated district. Constant positive and proactive communication and community engagement overcame location disputes and led to an effective solution with unique project features.  The media center overhangs the cafeteria below giving a visual connection to the heart of the school as visitors enter the building.  Future classroom expansion also will lead to the creation of an enclosed outdoor courtyard. The efficient building layout creates multiple zones for various functions and for enhanced security. All DLR Group disciplines were involved from the start of the project and followed an integrated design process to achieve a project that was on-time and under budget.   Scope Summary - The 130,000 SF building includes a two-story classroom wing, media center, commons, 1,500-seat gymnasium, and performing arts space with a 750-seat auditorium. Built for expansion, it serves 500 students in grades 9-12. There also is a plan for an outdoor activity campus with a new stadium for football and soccer, a competition running track, track and field event area and three large practice fields. The energy-efficient facility includes sustainable design strategies of increased wall and roof insulation, LED exterior lighting, occupancy sensors, and a geothermal mechanical system. The building is organized into classroom wings and centralized commons space which maximizes the potential for natural day-lighting.  DLR Group provided all architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, technology, construction administration, and interior design services for the new high school.

To minimize disruption to students and programs, the phased reconstruction of the Urbandale High School was the most cost effective solution to resolve facility needs and accommodate projected future growth in the district. Phase I of the senior high school reconstruction program provides a two-story addition of a 32-classroom wing and locker/commons area on the north side of the school. Key features include wider hallways, bigger classrooms and bathrooms. Five disciplines - math, foreign language, language arts, social studies and special education are taught in the phase one area. The classroom wing connects to the existing building through two covered walkways. Scheduling is a critical design element for the Urbandale facility improvements. The senior high school reconstruction addresses several building components with planned phasing that allowed the school to remain fully operational during construction. The facility solution is addressed in a series of construction phases with the first phase priority being the addition of classrooms and learning space.

Design Achievement- GK Development sought out a designer to renovate the outdated interiors of College Square Mall and increase their customer base. DLR Group’s design accomplishing this goal by creating an inviting space that enhances the customer experience and creates a great place to shop. Ultimately, more popular and higher end tenants would be attracted to the mall, reinforcing the primary intention to make College Square Mall a desirable shopping destination. The design concept was based on a natural garden within a Victorian greenhouse. Instead of the existing mono-tone ceramic tile, the new mall tile would be more stone-like exemplified through natural stone used on column bases. The trellis on the columns and the braced framing were metaphors of the cast iron framing of a Victorian greenhouse, with the acoustic clouds being the sky. The water feature became more natural like that of a typical English garden.   Scope Summary- The scope of work transformed approximately 365,000 SF of space. The lighting in the mall was inadequate, and the ambiance of the public spaces was dark and uninviting. Furthermore, the acoustics in the mall were poor, causing noisy echoes. The renovation brightened the mall with new natural and artificial lighting, new color scheme, and more openness. Heavy bulkheads were removed in order to open up the space, allowing light to penetrate and eliminate dark corners. Column enclosures were removed and replaced with light braced framing to increase visibility to shops and a layer of detail and scale to enhance the ambiance of the space. Floating acoustic sound absorbing clouds were introduced to quiet the concourses. DLR Group provided architecture and interior design services.

Design Achievement Ashland Elementary is one of two new elementary schools for the community. DLR Group’s design is site-adapted from Crocker Elementary, the prototype for a new generation of schools in the Ankeny School District. With a strong horizontally-oriented façade and open flowing interior, natural light dances through the rooms inviting and exciting teachers and students to be energetic participants in the learning environment. The clusters of grade-level pods create a friendly, collaborative atmosphere and promote a sense of belonging. At the hub, a large media center functions as a gathering place for all-school events as well as a quiet spot for small group study and research. The design welcomes and accommodates community use with an activity entrance that grants access to the gymnasium, commons and rest rooms.   Scope Summary Ashland Elementary School is 85,000 SF of new construction and serves 625 students grades PK-5. The building is residential in scale and the grade-level pod design gently interrupts the sheer size of the building. Pre-designed for expansion, the facility easily transforms from a three-section elementary to four sections. DLR Group’s comprehensive plan meets the district’s goal of maintaining facility equity by ensuring that all schools, new and renovated, improve in program, spaces and building systems. DLR Group provided architecture, mechanical engineering, programming, educational specifications, and interior design services.

Design Achievement – Ankeny, Iowa, is a fast-growing northern suburb of Des Moines. Ankeny High School is the result of rapid enrollment growth in the Ankeny Community School District and its transition to a two high school system. At the center of DLR Group's design is an enclosed courtyard providing indoor/outdoor connections, pathways, and social spaces. The intent is to enhance identity, connectivity and collaboration by breaking down the large comprehensive high school into four small learning communities. The academic areas are developed in two-story houses with performing and visual arts located on one side and athletics and dining on the other. The dining commons is designed with a 200-foot curtain wall view of the central courtyard; booth seating and ceiling planes help define areas for large and small groups. Scope Summary – The scope for this project was the design of a new 281,000 SF high school serving 1,400 students in grades 10-12. The 83-acre site includes a prominent main entrance that is reinforced by the site design for traffic flow. Landscaped parking promotes safety with maximum drop off lengths and separation of buses and cars. The central courtyard is surrounded by classrooms, the library, the dining commons, and art and guidance offices. DLR Group provided integrated architecture; civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering, and interior design.

Design Achievement The upscale performing arts addition at Bettendorf High School transforms the entire public façade and calls attention to the importance of theatre. DLR Group's contemporary design expresses the district's vision of embracing cutting-edge technology. The two-story glass entry captures attention and pulls day light into the elegant auditorium lobby. During the school day, the entrance forces visitors to go through a monitored area near the high school administration suite before having access to the rest of the school. This project is a source of pride for the community and creates inspiration for future growth. Other improved spaces include a remodeled media suite, a new fitness addition, and district administration offices. Scope Summary The addition and renovation project at Bettendorf High School includes 51,000 SF. The 840-seat auditorium has a 320-by-50 foot stage and state-of-the-art lights and sound. The media center expansion/renovation included 10,200 SF and involved moving the circulation corridor to the perimeter to eliminate cross traffic through the research and study space. The High School is an energy star leader for the District. Efficient lighting and district-wide monitoring are other energy reducing strategies used for efficiency.  DLR Group provided the architectural planning and design, auditorium specialty design, mechanical and electrical design, technology design, and interiors.

Design Achievement - Des Moines Area Community College's (DMACC) New Health Sciences building serves as a tool to recruit and retain new faculty and students in the area of healthcare. With an industry shortage of healthcare professionals, DMACC aims to fulfill a need within the community and establish itself as a leader in the area. DLR Group's H-shaped design reflects modern hospital layout and establishes familiarity with such environments for students as they begin their medical career journey. The high-tech classrooms and laboratories, ample faculty offices and dynamic meeting spaces of various sizes encourage collaboration between learners at the college. An iconic architecture symbolizes and promotes the growth of health sciences academics at the college while also emphasizing the college's strong ties to the community by firmly connecting the college via walking and bike paths. Scope Summary - Located on the northwest side of the inner ring of the campus circle, the 58,500 SF structure co-locates the Health Sciences programs, clarifies and strengthens the architecture already established on campus, organizes the campus and imparts a unified presence of the Health Sciences programs. The building enables additional training, especially in the EMT and paramedic professions, and features a full-size ambulance chassis for training new professionals. DLR Group provided architecture and engineering services for this project.

Design Achievement - Ankeny Community School District conducted a series of community sessions with administrators, teachers, patrons, students, and peer school Districts to address continued enrollment growth. The group collectively decided to build Southview Middle School, the District's third middle school, on the same campus as a second high school and a master planned community. DLR Group's design creates a campus setting, positioning middle school students for an easier transition into high school. The school is adjacent to Prairie Trail Development, a 1,000-acre planned community that includes restaurants, retail boutiques, businesses, and complementary housing options to create a vibrant, energetic community. Development of the 28-acre site includes facilities for middle school athletics, parking facilities and car and bus drop off areas planned to accommodate future facility expansion. Scope Summary - The school serves 600 students in grades 8-9 and sits on the same campus as a 1,000-student high school. At the heart of the middle school is a courtyard for outdoor dining and learning opportunities for art, industrial technology and science. DLR Group provided architecture services for the project.

Southeastern Community College needed a comprehensive campus master plan that addressed all three of their campuses. The Master Plan process addressed the analysis of their existing facilities to establish a clear benchmark from which to start; developed clear goals and priorities around the academic plans and enhancing the overall student experience to establish a shared vision for the future; and developed a prioritized list of projects that clearly identified the timeframe for each project and how the identified projects supported the established goals and vision. Each campus addressed similar issues – sense of entry, enhanced student experience, technology planning and infrastructure, storm water management, pedestrian connections and defined growth patterns – each in a way that integrated with their surrounding communities while moving the position of the College forward. The master plan addressed all three campuses: Fort Madison, Keokuk and West Burlington.

Design Achievement - Cultivating a relationship with the Merle Hay Mall landlord was equally as important as listening to the vision of the new tenants including MC Sports, Maurices and Massage Heights. DLR Group's design for MC Sports makes them a new Junior Anchor store for the mall. Six tenant spaces were revitalized creating a warm, inviting environment for the large sporting goods store while enhancing the mall. Using the warmth of cultured stone, the lengthy mall commons area was transformed into an attractive storefront promoting quality that will boost community shopping. Maurices, a popular women's clothing store, has been revitalizing it brand and image with new prototypes nationally.  The new location in Merle Hay Mall brings the brand front and center with new opportunities to reach shoppers.  DLR Group's design for Massage Heights, a popular and growing national massage store, revitalized a vacant storefront on the Mall's prominent east facade. Using the warmth of dark woods, earth tones and mood lighting, the renovation project includes a rich and inviting lobby space along with the treatment rooms.  Scope Summary - The renovation project included converting six tenant spaces into a 23,470 SF sporting goods store, a 5,500 SF women's clothing store and a 1,885 SF massage store. Energy-efficient design elements included implementing occupancy sensors and installing an updated HVAC system. DLR Group provided architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering services for these projects.

Design Achievement - The focal point of the Tri-Center High School/Middle School addition is a new commons/cafeteria. DLR Group's design features seven tall brick piers interlacing a glass curtain wall with inspirational views of the east horizon. A yellow canopy stretches across the façade to tie all the vertical elements together and creates a theme of color for the interior space. The commons/cafeteria includes a platform at the west end to facilitate guest speakers, banquets, and other school functions and community activities. The bold additon creates a new front door for the high school and adds functional space for students, faculty and visitors. Scope Summary - The 11,600-SF addition project comprises six main programmatic pieces: a computer lab, art and family consumer science classrooms, a food service expansion, a concession stand and the 5,982 SF commons/cafeteria with platform area. The renovation portion includes work in the food service area, locker rooms, rest rooms, data rooms, special education classroom, and a redesigned and remodeled high school administration area complete with a new security entrance vestibule. Significant window replacement on the east and north faces of the high school building incorporates a new glazing system that increases light quality and visual stimulation. DLR Group provided architecture, civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services.

Design  Narritive - The Bondurant Farrar Commuinity School District applied for a grant and was awarded funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to build an addition providing protection for approximately 1100 students and staff at Bondurant Middle School. This was done in an effort to provide safety and security for their students and staff in the event of a tornado. DLR Group's design uses FEMA-rated shutters so that the classrooms have day light and yet meet standards in the event of a tornado.

DLR Group was selected by Premier Companies as the architect and engineer for the renovation of an existing 12-story tower near downtown Des Moines. Formerly serving as a senior living complex, the tower has been transformed for the new young urban professional. The re-branded, Lyon Apartments are located in the growing East Village neighborhood of Des Moines – looking across the downtown skyline over the Des Moines River & with a view of the golden dome of the State Capital. Features include renovated with quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances, stacked washer/dryer units, new cabinets, and gorgeous new flooring. The 100,000 sf renovation included 103 renovated apartments, window replacements, HVAC and electrical updates, as well as a new community room, fitness spaces and offices.

Design Achievement – Wild Rose Entertainment was one of several entities pursuing a new gaming license from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. In an exceedingly competitive process that saw the development of proposals for numerous sites across the state, the client engaged DLR Group to develop a plan that was at once enticing, aesthetically pleasing, and capable of spurring further development. DLR Group's design responds not only to the Commission’s requirements, but to the owner’s stipulation that it be efficient, open, sophisticated, safe, clean, and offer a return on investment. The design focuses on openness. Visual connection from the inside to the outside is achieved through a large curtainwall expanse allowing natural light to stream into the building. Natural light is key to providing safe, clean and comfortable facilities while increasing the perception of openness and trust. A sophisticated palette of materials such as stone and rich woods integrate the exterior and interior spaces, conveying the feeling of luxury and comfort without being ostentatious. It is operationally efficient with the two largest volumes anchoring the development. Support spaces are placed within easy proximity of the spaces they serve. The development will also spur further economic growth on two available adjacent out lots and beyond, with appeal to convenience stores, quick service restaurants, and local and regional consumer-focused businesses. Scope Summary – The project is a full-scale resort integrating casino, hotel and event center components. The casino’s 18,000 SF gaming floor provides 525 slot machines and 14 table games. An attached 70-room Cobblestone Inn is designed by DLR Group in conjunction with another development team. Together with the integrated event center seating up to 800 guests, the resort will provide entertainment and hospitality for the residents of Greene County and beyond. Additional venues include a sports bar with stage suitable for intimate performance and focus on a multiplicity of virtual reality games. Adjacent development potential is likely to include convenience stores, quick-service restaurants, and local and regional consumer-focused businesses. DLR Group provided architecture, engineering, and interior design services.

Franklin Elementary School The work for this Contract continues a long tradition of work at the Franklin ES building by DLR Group. DLR Group originally provided services for a building expansion in the late 1980’s.  As Boone’s population and growth have evolved, the consolidation of 2 other elementary buildings in the District led to the current expansion of the building.   The current expansion provides for the construction of three (3) separate additions onto the existing Franklin Elementary School located at 1903 Crawford, Boone, Iowa for the Boone Community School District.  The three (3) additions include an expanded classroom wing, a new and dedicated Cafeteria/Kitchen facility and a new Media Center.   In addition to the newly expanded areas, a complete interior renovation was undertaken.  This included modernizations to classrooms, restrooms, public spaces and the administration areas.  A number of energy efficient strategies were employed including installation of a new geothermal HVAC system.

Concurrent with the final phase of building construction for the new Ankeny High School, DLR Group provides design and planningservices for spectator stadium and supportfacilities.The planning process includes developmentof a site master plan that preserves the option for expansion of stadium spectatorfacilities. The initial phase of constructionincludes a 750-seat stadium for high school track and soccer events and JV football.Separate facilities provide 600-seat stadiumsfor baseball and softball. The first phase of construction also includes restrooms,concessions and storage buildings serving the stadiums and a support building provides additional team locker and meeting spaceduring spectator events as well as practicefacilities. Planning of this support building also includes space for general site maintenanceand athletic equipment storage.The development and construction of thestadiums and stadium support facilities is being constructed concurrently withconstruction of the track and installation of the artificial turf at the primary soccerand football facility. Site development also includes development of three practice fieldsand a marching band practice facility.

Design Achievement - The well-lit, comfortable new classrooms at Herbert Hoover Elementary give the pre-school and kindergarten teachers and students an energizing start to the school year. DLR Group's design includes electrical and mechanical solutions for a new multipurpose room, kitchen, four classrooms, restrooms and office space. Challenged with a sloped roof and minimal space, DLR Group engineers creatively carved out a mezzanine for the mechanical equipment for the new addition. The support staff especially appreciates the new HVAC system that extends into the existing administration area.  Strategic electrical switching provides multi-level lighting, flexibility and energy-saving opportunities. The additional space and improved comfort levels are well-received by the Bettendorf community as a solution to increasing enrollment issues.   Scope Summary - Using an integrated design approach, DLR Group's engineers provided creative mechanical and electrical solutions for the addition to Herbert Hoover Elementary. Additional roof beam support for the existing structure was necessary to sustain new snow drift loads created by the higher roof elevation of the new addition. Mechanically, an electronic building management system was installed to provide local temperature control, mechanical systems real-time operating control, and lighting control to optimize the building energy consumption while maintaining occupant comfort.   The front row of lighting fixtures are switched separately from the middle and back row fixtures to provide a low lighting level suitable for note-taking during presentations using video projection. Locating the mechanical equipment in the mezzanine allowed easy service access which maximizes the life of the system. DLR Group provided structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services for the addition.  

Design Achievement – Southeastern Community College is determined to give students the chance to improve their lives, help businesses train the skilled workers they need to be competitive, and provide the region with a highly skilled workforce that encourages businesses to locate and expand. The Health Occupations Building is a modern teaching facility that serves as a virtual hospital for SCC’s health professions programs on the West Burlington campus. DLR Group’s design of the new Health Occupations Building creates a welcoming entrance using transparency and building massing. The interior spaces emulate modern health services environments and provide a collaborative setting for team-based experiential learning that reinforces the interdependent nature of the health care industry.   Scope Summary – The scope of work for the Health Occupations Building encompasses 38,500 SF and includes new construction. Programs/space types included nursing labs/lecture spaces, MA & Phlebotomy lab/lecture spaces, CNA/CE lab/lecture spaces, an EMS classroom with integrated ambulance lab, SCALE up lecture/labs, general classrooms, and office spaces. DLR Group provided integrated architecture and engineering services.

Design Achievement - The growing need for skilled employees in high tech manufacturing provoked the need for the Industrial Maintenance Technology Building at Southeastern Community College. It was important to the college that the technical spaces offer modern tools and equipment while the ‘in-between’ spaces provide casual areas for students to study and socialize with fellow students and faculty. DLR Group’s design of the Industrial Maintenance Technology Building uses transparency and building massing to reflect a progressive image and a sense of belonging. The project emphasizes collaboration and socialization which are key elements of Southeastern Iowa Community College’s efforts.   Scope Summary -  The new Industrial Maintenance Technology Building comprises 17,700 SF of space with the central corridor’s elevated roof-line allowing clerestory lighting and complimenting its surroundings. This building included electrical/mechanical labs, IMOS lab/lecture, welding/fabrication shops, computer lab, maintenance garage, and breakout spaces that emulate typical work environments which students will encounter upon graduation. DLR Group provided integrated architecture and engineering services.

Design Narrative - The additions and renovations to Boone High School create an attractive facility that transforms the District’s delivery of education in an era of innovation. DLR Group’s design uses materials and design cues from the existing facility and surrounding neighborhood to create a modern, cohesive appearance to a building that was pieced together with additions from 1911, 1924, 1955, and 1984. The interior incorporates 21st-century learning environments with team teaching and collaborative break-out spaces, enhanced day lighting, and flexible technology improvements. This complex project involved demolishing 100,000 SF of the oldest additions located at the center of the building. Using a detailed phasing sequence and a value-focused design process, DLR Group was able to keep the school fully operational during the construction process.   Scope Summary - The 213,500 SF high school serves 800 students in grades 9-12. The renovation and addition established a main entrance identity and improved security, energy efficiency and building utilization. Secure features included intrusion detection, video surveillance, access control and classrooms with emergency communication and exits. New areas included administration offices, commons and cafeteria, a café, library and relocation and expansion of the fitness/weight area. DLR Group provided all services for this project which included  architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical engineering, and interior design. 

Design Achievement - The growing workforce needs for STEM professionals provided the impetus for Southeastern Community College to develop their new Science Building. With connection and collaboration at the core, this facility focuses on connecting resources to promote STEM initiatives. DLR Group’s design provides state-of-the-art collaborative classroom and lab environments that change and adapt to a wide range of technology and curriculum needs. The two-story structure is physically connected via skywalk to the adjacent Health Professions Building and organized into Science focused classrooms and labs along a centralized common circulation space. Exterior windows on the east and west ends of the circulation spine maximize the potential of natural day-light. Offices are grouped together in a centralized location on the north side of the building.   Scope Narrative – The new 26,880 SF facility provides chemistry, biology, and physics labs along with technology-rich classrooms, social spaces and faculty offices. DLR Group provided architecture, interior design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and civil engineering.

Design Achievement - Southview Middle School is one of three new school facilities for Ankeny School District. DLR Group's design creates a campus-like environment locating the Middle School across the street from the new Ankeny High School. Using a multi-stage transition plan, the District will use Southview to serve as a 10th grade center until the other high school is completed in 2013. The creative planning and phased design allows the District to use the new Middle School to address rapid enrollment growth issues while meeting funding and facility needs. The cost-effective building design optimizes space utilization. Assembly areas are planned to provide necessary space for school functions as well as alternate uses for evening and weekend community activities. The building design allows natural light to reach all classrooms, and the courtyard creates a safe outdoor setting for students to socialize, dine, and gather. Scope Summary - With the completion of the second phase of construction, Southview Middle School comprises 196,500 SF and serves 1000 students in grades 8-9. It contains a multipurpose wrestling room, serving kitchen, and a main and auxiliary gym. The middle school students use the High School auditorium and athletic facilities for performing arts and sports activities. Sustainable features include low VOC-emitting materials, outdoor air delivery monitoring, lighting occupancy sensors, geothermal ground-source heat pump, and energy recovery systems. Heat pumps are located throughout the facility to provide localized temperature control and ease of maintenance.  The heating and cooling load is reduced by increasing insulation levels and window characteristics. DLR Group provided architecture, mechanical engineering, programming, educational specifications, and interior design services.