<p>Gary Bowen, FAIA, RIBA, was recognized in the winter 2010 issue of Nebraska Magazine, a publication by the Nebraska Alumni Association in cooperation with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Bowen was interviewed by Suzanne Smith Arney for the Alumni Profile section of the magazine, featuring his receipt of the Harry F. Cunningham Gold Medal and his career experiences and accomplishments in the field of architecture.</p> <br/> <a href="http://www.bvh.com/Bowen030110.pdf">Link to Bowen article. 2010-02-26T09:06:48-08:00 44 2010-02-26T11:07:00-08:00 2010-03-01T07:54:59-08:00 <p>The Color Court building has been recognized by the Preservation Association of Lincoln (PAL) by receiving an award for “Integration of Old and New.” This award recognizes exemplary integration of new construction within a historic district or structure. The award will be given at the PAL Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 3, 2010.</p> <br/> <p>The Preservation Association of Lincoln is a private, 501(c)(3) tax exempt, non-profit, self-supporting, Nebraska organization. Their efforts are made possible through community support. For additional information on the Preservation Association of Lincoln you can visit their website, at www.preservelincoln.org.</p> 2010-02-26T08:40:07-08:00 43 2010-02-26T10:41:00-08:00 2010-02-26T08:40:07-08:00 <p>BVH Architects, in association with Clark Enersen Partners, DLR Group and Olsson Associates, has been developing preliminary designs for a new arena, which will be located in the Haymarket district of downtown Lincoln.</p> <br/> <p>The new arena will seat 16,000 and has the potential to put Lincoln in a completely different league in terms of the ability to attract A-list talent and entertainment options. Based on a May 2009 economic analysis, the Haymarket Arena can conservatively expect to host 130 events per year with an average annual attendance of 850,000 patrons. Those events run the gamut and include conventions, family events and rock concerts.</p> <br/> <p>A comprehensive West Haymarket and Haymarket Parking Study has been conducted. Based on design assumptions, the Parking Study indicates the following total stall demand by land-use to be:</p> <p>- 5,120 arena stalls</p> <p>- 300 ice rink stalls</p> <p>- 975 mixed-use development stalls</p> <br/> <p>The city will build three Parking Garages near the Arena. The first is attached to the arena and will hold 540 cars. The other two garages will hold approximately 1,800 cars. They will face the back bone road and will allow easy entrance during arena events.</p> <br/> <p>The Historic Preservation Commission and Urban Design Committee have been involved in establishing standards for development in the proposed West Haymarket. An Integrated Development Plan, detailing those standards, along with other issues related to the environment and green building practices has been released and is available for review. The design released to date is approximately 20% complete.</p> <br/> <p>Additional information about planning for the Lincoln Haymarket Arena can be found on the City of Lincoln website at Lincoln.ne.gov, keyword: arena, and also at LincolnHaymarketArena.com.</p> 2010-01-27T07:33:32-08:00 42 2010-01-27T09:34:00-08:00 2010-01-27T07:35:37-08:00 <p>Katie Tauer has been selected to be a participant in a Rotary Club Group Study Exchange program.</p> <br/> <p>The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity that provides travel grants for a four person team to exchange visits between paired areas in different countries. For four weeks, team members study the host country's institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas. A GSE offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills, work on team building, and increase self-confidence. The program is designed to have an invaluable impact on the career of a young professional in the increasingly global workplace by creating networking opportunities and lifelong friendships.<p> 2010-01-12T10:31:19-08:00 40 2009-12-23T12:32:00-08:00 2010-01-12T10:31:19-08:00 <p>Kate Saroka has joined Bahr Vermeer Haecker Architects as an interior designer, bringing with her seven years of experience with other architectural and interior design firms. She is an associate member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for five years.</p> <br/> <p>Kate holds a Bachelor of Science in Design-Interior Design and a Masters in Architecture with an emphasis in Interior Design from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She was the 2002 UNL Superior Scholar – High Distinction, and in 2003 received the AIA Nebraska Gold Award of Excellence, Young Architect.</p> <br/> <p>Kate will provide interior space planning and design services to BVH in the Omaha Studio.</p> 2010-01-12T10:27:58-08:00 39 2009-12-21T12:15:00-08:00 2010-01-12T10:32:36-08:00 <p>BVH’s 40th anniversary monograph, “BVH Architects: Forty Years” won the award for best design for a book published in 2008 from the Nebraska Center for the Book, on Saturday, November 14 at the 2009 Book Awards.</p> 2010-01-12T11:48:03-08:00 41 2009-11-14T13:49:00-08:00 2010-01-12T11:48:03-08:00 <p>Staff from both BVH offices gathered on Friday, October 2 at the Hill Crest Country Club in Lincoln for the company's fall retreat. </p> <br/> <p> The agenda for the meeting included a State of the Firm presentation by BVH President Paul Jeffrey, who reported that fiscal planning and budget adjustments made early in the year have resulted in the company's steady performance through the first three quarters, and optimism for the remainder of the year. </p> <br/> <p> A focus of the afternoon meeting was a roll-out of the firm's new Design Delivery process that addresses all aspects of how a project is produced at BVH - from the specifics of software choices to the broader issue of project management.</p> <br/> <p>The afternoon culminated with a visual project review of 37 BVH projects currently in design or construction, followed by a cocktail reception.</p> 2009-10-05T12:06:32-07:00 38 2009-10-02T14:05:00-07:00 2009-10-05T12:08:28-07:00 <p>Bahr Vermeer Haecker Architects is proud to announce that Gary Bowen, FAIA, has been selected as the recipient of the 2009 Harry F. Cunnningham Gold Medal for Architectural Excellence in the State of Nebraska. The Gold Medal is the highest honor that AIA Nebraska can bestow, and is awarded in recognition of the most distinguished achievement in architecture or service to the profession of architecture in the State of Nebraska.</p> <br/> <p>Bowen, a Principal of Bahr Vermeer Haecker, has been practicing architecture since 1964. His ageless design style is seen in cities across the country, and his hand has touched dozens of communities throughout Nebraska. Gary’s humble approach to seeking excellence in the design of buildings, places and quality of life is what endears him to clients and fellow professionals, and inspires those he mentors and serves. His efforts designing master plans, architecture and furniture, as well as his talent as a watercolorist and renderer, demonstrate this while adding positively to people’s lives.</p> <br/> <p>While the quality of Gary’s work speakers for itself (over 60 AIA awards, magazine features and community awards), the variety of his architecture is notable. Gary has worked with hundreds of clients through the years to design their churches, libraries, homes, civic buildings, schools, child development centers, country clubs, banks and offices. </p> <br/> <p>An alumnus of Page (NE) High School, Gary went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska College of Architecture with a Bachelor of Architecture (1964) and Master of Architecture (1974). While pursuing his degrees Gary also worked for a number of firms - F.W. Horn Associates (Quincy, IL); Howell Killick, Partridge & Amis (London) and Leo A Daly (Omaha, Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA). He was also a Partner with Hartman, Morford, Bowen in Omaha, before joining Bahr Vermeer Haecker in 1974. Married to his wife Beth for 47 years, Gary has two daughters, Ann and Leslie, and three grandsons.</p> 2009-09-14T12:33:41-07:00 37 2009-09-14T14:33:00-07:00 2009-09-14T12:33:41-07:00 <p>BVH announces the promotion of Kristine Dorn, IIDA, to an Associate in the firm. Kristine, who joined BVH is 2005, is an Interior Designer in the BVH Lincoln office. She holds a Bachelor of Arts, Marketing and Corporate Communication from Buena Vista University and a Bachelor of Science – Design from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Kristine is responsible for interior architectural development, space planning, custom furniture design, and color and material selection for all types of BVH projects.</p> 2009-09-14T12:31:48-07:00 36 2009-09-14T14:31:00-07:00 2009-09-14T12:31:48-07:00 <p>BVH Interns Andrea Koerner and Erin Gevik have both been awarded Graduate Assistant positions with the University of Lincoln College of Architecture for the 2009-2010 school year.</p> <br/> <p>Koerner, who holds a BS in Architecture, is currently working toward a graduate degree in Planning and Architecture, and has been awarded a position with Kim Wilson, Director of the new Landscape Architecture program at UNL.</p> <br/> <p>Erin Gevik, who holds a BS in Interior Design and is currently pursuing her Masters in Architecture, has been awarded a position with Betsey Gabb and Kathy Anderson, Associate Deans for the Interior Design program at the UNL College of Architecture.</p> 2009-09-14T12:30:44-07:00 35 2009-09-14T14:30:00-07:00 2009-09-14T12:30:44-07:00 <p>BVH President Paul Jeffrey has accepted the invitation to serve as the Jury Chair for the 2009 AIA South Dakota Honor Awards. The awards will take place in October.</p> 2009-09-01T09:41:23-07:00 34 2009-09-01T11:37:00-07:00 2009-09-01T09:41:23-07:00 <p>The Yankton Press and Dakotan recently ran an article on the historic Mead Building and the feasibility study that is currently underway by BVH Architects.</p> <br/> <p>The story features quotes and insights from John Sinovic and Dan Worth, and can be accessed via the link, below.</p> <br/> <p> <a href="http://www.yankton.net/articles/2009/08/03/community/doc4a765f0feb988804149584.txt" target="_blank">www.yankton.net<a></p> 2009-08-12T13:05:25-07:00 33 2009-08-12T15:01:00-07:00 2009-09-09T11:35:47-07:00 <p>A current BVH project, the Color Court Building Renovation, was recently featured in a Strictly Business magazine article on office efficiency. The Color Court Building is designed to be the first LEED Platinum Certified Historic Renovation in Nebraska.</p> <br/> <p>The Strictly Business article can be accessed through the link, below.</p> <br/> <p><a href="http://www.strictly-business.com/35/103.707/office-efficiency.aspx" target="_blank">www.strictly-business.com<a></p> 2009-08-12T12:51:19-07:00 32 2009-08-12T14:47:00-07:00 2009-09-09T11:36:13-07:00 <p>Nicolette Amundson, an associate in the BVH Omaha office, has been featured on the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) website for her involvement in World Environment Day, which took place on April 9, 2009. To view this article, access the link below.</p> <br/> <p><a href="http://www.rona.unep.org">www.rona.unep.org<a></p> 2009-07-29T13:28:52-07:00 31 2009-07-29T15:25:00-07:00 2009-09-09T11:37:34-07:00 <p>A tour will take place at the Paint and Color Court Building on August 7, 2009 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The building is located at 8th and M Streets in the Haymarket area of Lincoln, NE. This tour will offer a behind-the-scenes look at a LEED project in progress. There will also be art on display by Deon Bahr.</p> <br/> <p>This event is sponsored by Lincoln Green by Design. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.lincolngreenbydesign.org">LincolnGreenByDesign.org<a> </a>, or see the event invitation linked below.</p> <br/> <a href="http://www.bvh.com/LEEDPostcard.pdf">Invite Link 2009-07-29T13:27:15-07:00 30 2009-07-29T15:23:00-07:00 2009-08-04T07:25:38-07:00 <p>Published Thursday, Jun 11, 2009 by NATE JENKINS / The Associated Press in the Lincoln Journal Star.</p> <br/> <p>The decade-long effort to restore the Nebraska Capitol has earned national recognition from the group that oversees the country’s historic landmarks.</p> <br/> <p>The National Park Service on Thursday presented the Nebraska Capitol Commission with an award in appreciation of the multimillion-dollar restoration project.</p> <br/> <p>“This is very different from many of the nation’s capitols; it’s a beautiful building, and they’re doing a fantastic job of restoring and rehabilitating,” said Stephen Adams of the National Park Service.</p> <br/> <p>The Nebraska Capitol, distinctive for its modern, austere design that lacks the domes and columns so common in other capitols, was the first statehouse to break from the standard form modeled after the nation’s capitol.</p> <br/> <p>It is the second-highest state capitol in the country, next to Louisiana, and was the first built with an office tower. It was built from 1922 to 1932 for less than $10 million.</p> <br/> <p>The restoration project originally had a budget of $25 million.</p> <br/> <p>“We’re over that,” capitol administrator Bob Ripley said after the ceremony Thursday. Ripley said he didn’t know by how much, and the figure would remain unclear until the project is completed.</p> <br/> <p>One of the most significant aspects of the project — restoring exterior masonry — is scheduled to be completed by the end of next year. Exterior work originally was scheduled to be done in 2006, but an economic slowdown delayed work.</p> <br/> <p>Gov. Dave Heineman accepted the award on behalf of the Nebraska Capitol Commission during a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda.</p> <br/> <p>“They have scoured the building from top to bottom,” Heineman said.</p> <br/> <p>The Capitol is one of 20 national historic landmarks in the state. Nationally, there are 2,500 historic landmarks.</p> 2009-06-15T09:42:44-07:00 29 2009-06-11T11:39:00-07:00 2009-06-15T09:42:44-07:00 <p>BVH Architects proudly announces that Greg Munn has been appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission of the City of Lincoln. The Preservation Commission advises the Planning Commission and legislative and administrative branches of government concerning historic preservation matters. The Preservation Commission consists of seven members appointed by Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler, with confirmation by a majority of the Lincoln City Council. Members are appointed for three year terms.</p> <br/> <p>Munn has been an architect in the BVH Lincoln Studio for 8 years, where he has specialized in design and historic preservation. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies and Masters of Architecture from Technical University of Nova Scotia, and he is an Associate member of the American Institute of Architects.</p> 2009-06-09T09:07:52-07:00 28 2009-06-09T11:05:00-07:00 2009-06-09T09:08:41-07:00 <p>Mike Stolle and Matt Wegener, both graduate architects in the BVH Architects Omaha Studio, have received LEED Professional Accreditation from the Green Building Certification Institute. LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to manage the LEED certification process. LEED Accredited Professionals have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System.</p> <br/> <p>Stolle has 7 years of architectural experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and a Masters in Architecture from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Wegener, who also holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural studies and a Masters in Architecture from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, has been with BVH for 7 years.</p> 2009-06-03T09:13:35-07:00 27 2009-06-03T11:10:00-07:00 2009-06-09T09:09:08-07:00 <p>Darin Hanigan, an intern architect in the BVH Lincoln Studio, is currently teaching a Commercial Construction class, as well as a Codes Study class at Southeast Community College. In Commercial Construction, Hanigan teaches a lab format class where the students design a small commercial project and take it through the design development phase. His Codes Study class focuses on the ADA guidelines and how to make existing conditions meet the ADA codes. Hanigan has taught classes as Southeast Community College for the past seven years.</p> 2009-05-26T11:59:52-07:00 26 2009-05-26T13:57:00-07:00 2009-05-26T11:59:52-07:00 <p>From the Omaha Environment Day website, www.omahaenvironmentday.com.</p> <br/> <p>Omaha has been chosen by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as the host city for the North American celebrations of World Environment Day 2009. This year’s theme is “UNite to Combat Climate Change.” During the period between Earth Day (April 22) and World Environment Day (June 5), events throughout the community will highlight resources, initiatives and methods that promote low carbon economies and lifestyles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.</p> <br/> The selection of Omaha reflects the city’s commitment to environmental and sustainability issues. This commitment is demonstrated by the creation of the Green Omaha Coalition, a partnership of public agencies, non-profit groups and private organizations dedicated to promoting a healthy, sustainable community through partnerships, policy, and smart solutions. BVH Architects is affiliated with the Green Omaha Coalition, who is helping to organize this event.</p> <br/> <p>More information and a calendar of events can be found at www.omahaenvironmentday.com.</p> 2009-05-18T09:51:59-07:00 25 2009-05-18T11:49:00-07:00 2009-05-18T09:51:59-07:00 <p>Recipients of the annual Bahr Vermeer Haecker Historic Preservation Fund Scholarships were announced at the University of Nebraska College of Architecture 2009 Awards Ceremony, Monday, May 4. Congratulations to recipients Trevor Gregg Lee, Bret Stephan Sleight, and Sarah Jo Rollman!</p> 2009-05-07T06:25:19-07:00 24 2009-05-04T08:22:00-07:00 2009-05-07T06:25:19-07:00 <p>Save the date! The Lynn Vermeer Memorial Golf Scramble, hosted by the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and sponsored by BVH Architects, will take place at the Firethorn Golf Club, on July 13, 2009. Registration forms can be downloaded at <a href="http://www.lincolnzoo.org">www.lincolnzoo.org <a></p> <br/> <a href="http://www.bvh.com/LVmemorial.pdf">Link to Save the Date Golf Scramble 2009-05-01T13:51:33-07:00 21 2009-05-01T15:49:00-07:00 2009-05-04T11:41:53-07:00 <p>George Haecker has been elected Chairman of Heritage Nebraska, a new statewide non-profit organization missioned to raise public awareness and promote the preservation and reuse of Nebraska historic properties. The Nebraska Main Street program, focused on reviving our smaller communities, is part of Heritage Nebraska as well as a planned outreach advisory service to owners of historic structures.</p> 2009-05-01T13:52:27-07:00 22 2009-04-29T15:50:00-07:00 2009-05-01T13:52:27-07:00 <p>Kristine Dorn, Interior Designer in the BVH Lincoln design studio, recently passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Examination and earned the prestigious NCIDQ Certificate.</p> <br/> <p>Passage of the Examination and earning the NCIDQ credential signifies that Dorn has met the standards for education, experience and examination for interior designers in North America. A minimum of six years of combined education and experience is required before being eligible to take the practice-based Examination. The Examination requires examinees to demonstrate competence in a wide variety of aspects that affect the safety of the interior environment. The Examination covers programming, schematic design, design development, contract documents, contract administration and professional practice, among many other related topics such as codes, sustainability and universal design.</p> 2009-02-19T13:28:57-08:00 17 2009-02-19T15:25:00-08:00 2009-02-19T13:31:21-08:00 <p>Published Sunday February 15, 2009 Architectural firm blends designs with surroundings BY JOHN PITCHER WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER </p> <br/> <p>Architect George Haecker estimates that his firm has worked on well over 3,000 projects since 1968.</p> <br/> <p>What was the most stressful job? "That would be the remodeling of Architecture Hall at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln," Haecker said. "Imagine the pressure of creating architecture for all those architects."</p> <br/> <p>UNL's architecture building is one of 20 structures featured in "BVH Architects: Forty Years," a new monograph surveying the signature works of the noted Nebraska-based firm Bahr, Vermeer & Haecker.</p> <br/> <p>Some of the state's key architectural landmarks are shown in the publication, which the firm produced to mark its 40th anniversary.</p> <br/> <p>Examples include BVH's historic restotrations of St. Cecilia Cathedral and the Nebraska State Capitol. The firm also designed Omaha's Gene Leahy Mall, which helped spark a revival of the city's downtown.</p> <br/> <p>Cecil Steward, dean emeritus of UNL's College of Architecture, says all of BVH's designs and renovations share a common philosophy.</p> <br> <p>"This firm doesn't create egocentric works," he said. "They create structures that fit beautifully into their surroundings."</p> <br/> <p>Two cases in point are the Douglas County Corrections Center and the Bowen residence.</p> <br/> <p>The jail is near 17th and Leavenworth Streets, in the Omaha Rail and Commerce Historic District. That area is full of brick warehouses and commercial buildings constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. BVH designed a jail with a terra cotta brick facade that complements the surrounding buildings. "We didn't want to just stick a concrete prison in the middle of that historic area," Haecker said.</p> <br/> <p>The Bowen residence, designed as a home for BVH partner Gary Bowen, seems to grow organically out of its wooded, one-acre Omaha site. The cream-colored cottage is built on a slope. Bowen designed a house that appears to flow with the rising land. The home's interior is open and airy, with each room connected through steps instead of doors. "Some firms might come in with a bulldozer to create a level topography," Bowen said. "Our philosophy has been to work with our surroundings."</p> <br/> <p>That said, BVH's designs often come across as strikingly modern. The firm, for instance, developed the initial concept for the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge over the Missouri River, linking downtown Omaha and Council Bluffs. Already a civic landmark, the recently opened span boasts an assortment of geometric curves and triangles.</p> <br/> <p>"You might not expect to find a structure like that in the Midwest," Haecker said. But one of BVH's original goals was to change perceptions about regional architecture, he said.</p> <br/> <p>"When I was an architecture student in Lincoln, everyone thought you had to go to Europe or the East Coast to find modern architecture," said Haecker, who joined the firm in 1971. "BVH wanted to dispel that notion."</p> <br/> <p>The firm got its big chance in 1977, when UNL launched a national competition to remodel its Architecture Hall and an adjacent building that is the former home of the NU College of Law.</p> <br/> <p>Architecture Hall was built in the 1890s in a Romanesque style. The adjacent building was constructed in a contrasting Georgian style about 20 years later.</p> <br/> <p>BVH won first place for a design that renovated the two buildings and connected them with a glass atrium. The contemporary glass building, completed in 1987, was aesthetically pleasing and created open spaces filled with natural light. The atrium also included 13 interior half levels. Those were needed to provide access between the original buildings, which were constructed at different elevations.</p> <br/> <p>"That's still my favorite project," Haecker said. "It's the one that really put BVH on the map."</p> <br/> <p>Major BVH projects</p> <br/> <p>Gene Leahy Mall, downtown Omaha, 1976-1994.</p> <br/> <p>Architecture Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1987.</p> <br/> <p>Milton Abrahams Branch Library, 5111 N. 90th St., 1988.</p> <br/> <p>Harriman Dispatch Center, Union Pacific Railroad, 850 Jones St., 1989.</p> <br/> <p>Madeline Island Music Camp, La Pointe, Wis., 1996 </p> <br> <p>St. Wenceslaus Parish Complex, 15353 Pacific St., 1998.</p> <br> <p>St. Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N. 40th St., restoration, 1999.</p> <br/> <p>Douglas County Corrections Center, 710 S. 17th St., 2005.</p> <br/> <p>Connector Building, Metropolitan Community College, south Omaha campus, 27th and Q Streets, 2006.</p> <br/> <p>Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, restoration, ongoing.</p> <br/> 2009-02-17T12:41:21-08:00 15 2009-02-15T00:00:00-08:00 2009-02-17T12:43:39-08:00 <p>Tyler Renner joined BVH on February 2 as a Network Specialist.</p> <br> <p> Renner has 5 years of experience in technical support, installation and troubleshooting of hardware, software and end-user training. He will work with all aspects of the company's computer networks and diagnose network hardware and software issues for multiple locations.</p> 2009-02-17T11:59:51-08:00 14 2009-02-02T00:00:00-08:00 2009-02-17T12:42:08-08:00 A Monograph titled "BVH Architects Forty Years" was released today.</p> <br/> <p>Written to mark the firm's 40th anniversary, the full-color Monograph highlights 10 of the firm's most important projects and also includes images of more than 50 additional projects completed by BVH since 1968, including the Metropolitan Community College Connector Building that graces the cover. This project received two Nebraska AIA Design Awards in 2008.</p> <br/> <p>The monograph was published by Omaha Books (a division of Eventive Marketing), and written by Suzanne Arney. The BVH design team included Deon Bahr, George Haecker, Gary Bowen, Gill Peace and Joette Deitering.</p> <br/> <p> The book was gifted to BVH staff, as well as hundreds of clients and friends of the firm. It can be purchased in select bookstores and available in local libraries. A copy can also be obtained by contacting BVH Architects at 402 345 3060.</p> 2009-01-06T09:59:21-08:00 13 2008-12-01T00:00:00-08:00 2009-06-24T11:58:31-07:00