bvh.com News

BVH AWARDED METRO COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROJECT

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:37:00 -0600

BVH has been selected to program the new Arts Building at the Elkhorn Campus of MCC. The 2010 JJR Master Plan identifies 75,000 SF of new space needed for arts education, and the College has a preliminary budget of $12-15M for its construction. Congratulations team!

WORTH CONTINUES ROLE ON NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION BOARD

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:41:00 -0600

Dan Worth, BVH Senior Principal, has been awarded a second term on the Nebraska State Historical Preservation Board. This will be Dan's second and final term, extending his participation on the board until September 2014. Congratulations Dan.

WORTH CONTINUES ROLE ON NEBRASKA STATE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION BOARD

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:41:00 -0600

JOY RESIDENCE RECEIVES AIA AWARD

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:34:00 -0500

Joy Residence in Omaha, Nebraska has been awarded a 2011 AIA Award.

Located on the top floor of an urban warehouse, this “white box” apartment space was chosen for its natural daylight, expansive walls, and high ceiling. Its vertical space, large windows, and remote location all served to create a successful environment suited to the artist’s expressed inspirational needs: quiet, flexibility, and natural daylight.

The tall and slender dimensions of the existing apartment presented design potential in their seemingly useless high spaces. Compartmentalizing the high space with opaque partitions however, whether vertically or horizontally, would both remove the living space from natural light and rob the studio of its gallery feel.

An open sleeping loft was created by inserting a warm and richly detailed object possessing a human scale, treating it as a piece of inhabitable furniture clad in a humble tulip poplar wood. This introduction brought opportunity in creating efficient living space while maintaining access throughout the apartment to the valuable natural lighting and visual openness of the original space. The form creates an intimate pocket deep inside the “white box” suited for the artist’s meditation and seclusion. The dense and efficient living areas are privatized from the working studio without ignoring their undeniable need to be one in the same.

TAUER NAMED INCOMING PRESIDENT OF YPG

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:45:00 -0500

Congratulations to Katie Tauer, BVH Architects Marketing Manager, for being named incoming President of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group (YPG).

YPG empowers young professionals in Lincoln and State wide to create an energetic and dynamic environment of learning, networking and entrepreneurship.

Tauer previously co-chaired the YPG Professional Development Committee. Creating the Mentoring Program as well as organizing educational development programs for the nearly 1,000 person membership base. She has been President of the Lincoln non-profit event planning group GoLincolnGO, which strives to make Lincoln a better place to live, work and play. She also served as President of the American Marketing Association, where under her leadership they were awarded the national honor of Chapter of the Year.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY HONORS NEBRASKA STATE CAPITOL

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:08:00 -0500

Historical Society Honors Those Who Make History - Including the BVH Project, the Nebraska State Capitol. The Nebraska State Historical Society will honor people and a state commission for their contributions to history at the society's 133rd annual meeting and awards luncheon at noon Oct. 14 at the Holiday Inn, Ninth and P streets in Lincoln. Click the link for details http://bit.ly/nKMSBq

HANIGAN NAMED ASSOCIATE

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:10:00 -0500

On behalf of the BVH Board of Directors, BVH is pleased to announce the promotion of Darin Hanigan to Associate in the firm.

Over the years Darin has proven himself to be an invaluable team member on many significant projects. He has a strong design appreciation and does a good job incorporating the design direction into his projects. Darin is also a strong ambassador for the firm, having initiated a number of marketing contacts to strengthen the firm’s position, in the corporate and Catholic religious markets. We look forward to Darin’s continued contributions to the firm. Join me in congratulating Darin as our newest Associate.

ST. PATRICKS CHURCH WINS NATIONAL AWARD

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:53:00 -0500

St. Patricks Catholic Church, Iowa City, Iowa was awarded a Bronze award in the national Brick in Architecture competition, sponsored by the National Brick Industry Association.

St. Patricks Church is a new facility, built following a 2006 tornado destroyed the original 1878 church. A 1,000 seat worship space is at the core of the building, with a 130-seat Day Chapel to the north, administrative, music and nursery functions in a wing on the west and a 500-seat social hall, classrooms, and recreation sized gymnasiumm occupy the two-story east wing.

BVH teamed with Iowa City local architects Neumann Monson in the design of the new religious campus. McComas Lacina Construction was the contractor.

The complete submittal and photographs can be seen at http://www.gobrick.com/PhotoGallery/2011BrickinArchitectureAwards/tabid/9229/Default.aspx

THE DAILY RECORD - BVH ARTICLE

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:05:00 -0500

Omaha-Lincoln Firm of BVH Architects Named Small Business of the Month

By Andy Roberts

All right, technically the name of the honor is Small Business of the Month, and in this case, it’s for July. But the work of BVH Architects is anything but small.

The firm was founded in 1968 in Lincoln by Deon Bahr and Lynn Vermeer. George Haecker then opened an Omaha office in 1971. The work of BVH is, literally, everywhere you look. This month you can see the firm is honored as the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Month. President Paul Jeffrey said he was proud and honored to receive the award. “We share it with all of our staff and especially our clients who have given us the opportunities to integrate their aspirations with our abilities to help them exceed them.”

Operating out of 1425 Jones Street in Omaha, the Chamber award is only the latest to come to BVH. “We’ve been honored consistently over the years with design awards from the American Institute of Architects. Over 60 project awards, and a ‘Firm of the Year’ award,” Jeffrey said. He has been with BVH for 32 years, joining with a year’s experience after college, and has been a partner for 15 years.

Jeffrey’s lengthy history with the firm gives him an excellent platform from which to view its impressive body of work.

“We have a very diverse list of projects in our history, from grocery stores to museums,” he said. “We have focused on five major market areas: Education, Religious, Historic Preservation, Commercial, and the Arts.” That means a BVH project may well be something you see on a daily basis.

• Education includes everything from day care centers and K-12 schools to college and university projects.

• Religious includes churches, education centers, and campus masterplans.

• Historic preservation covers the spectrum of adaptive reuse (warehouses into housing) to the restoration of the Nebraska State Capitol.

• Commercial work has included retail and office developments, and community centers.

• The Arts covers museums, performing arts centers, and art galleries.

The past year has been more of the same. “In the past year, we’ve been proud of serving many diverse clients – some of whom include the National Park Service; Noddle Development; Metropolitan Community College; University of Nebraska; Archdiocese of Omaha; Chadron State College; Wayne State College; Omaha, Millard, and District 66 Public Schools; and Union Bank,” Jeffrey said “There are many others – I wish I could name them all.”

But note, these projects are more than just good business for BVH. “We’ve been recognized with design awards, which credit goes to our visionary clientele!” Jeffrey said. “We have also had seven projects recognized with LEED certification distinction, noting their performance as sustainable buildings.” BVH separates itself from the competition with “extreme” attention to design, detail, and service to its clients.

“Our mission is ‘To Create Architecture That Serves and Inspires,’” he said. “What I believe sets us apart is that all in the firm truly believe in that, and are passionate to carry it out.” That helps as BVH finds new clients through building relationships that strengthen and raise the firm’s profile through the various market area organizations.

Jeffrey points to founder Haecker as a long-time employee who remains active. Soon after Haecker joined the firm, Gary Bowen joined and he too remains active with many clients and projects. But when asked to name key players among the 52 employees in BVH, he said: “The true answer is everyone. We have a very ‘flat’ hierarchy – we treat everyone equally, and everyone has their individual way of contributing. There are nine principals in the firm.” The firm is motivated by the desire to improve the built environment for its clients and communities. “The challenge never waivers,” Jeffrey said. Jeffrey cites the Omaha and Lincoln areas’ consistent flow of commerce and work ethic as making the area a good location for the firm. That helps when looking for new hires with integrity, a positive can-do attitude, a desire to serve and collaborate, and, of course, talent.

“We have some of the best designers, we believe, in the region,” Jeffrey said. Looking forward, Jeffrey hopes to perpetuate the BVH mission. “[We want to] create more great architecture that serves and inspires, and to broaden that with more market areas and geographic reach,” he said. With that he offered a “thank you” to the Chamber and the Omaha community and was on his way to continue the creative work of BVH Architects.

WORTH TO PRESENT ON RESTORATION OF STATE CAPITOL

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:27:00 -0500

Join the Preservation Association of Lincoln (PAL) and AIA Lincoln as they present "A summary of 12 years of exterior restoration of the Nebraska State Capitol", presented by Dan Worth, AIA, of BVH Architects. This lecture will take place at the Nebraska State Historical Society Museum, located on 15th & P Streets, in Lincoln, Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at noon. Bring your lunch and learn about this important historical project, no reservations required.

NEBRASKA STATE CAPITOL WINS PRESERVATION AWARD

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:32:00 -0500

The Heritage Nebraska Preservation Awards winner for the PRESERVATION category recognizes an outstanding or noteworthy preservation building rehab project. This year’s winner was a slam dunk once the scaffolding was removed and the landscaping work begun. The winner is the BVH Architects Project - Nebraska State Capitol Masonry Restoration Project. Years in the making and millions of dollars later, the nation’s most beautiful state capitol is standing tall and proud. A true feat of historic preservation, the building has rehabilitated to original standards from the very foundation to the top of the Sower’s head. The building represents a true icon for the entire state, standing as tall and proud in Eastern Nebraska as historic Chimney Rock stands in the Panhandle.

NEBRASKA STATE COLLEGE SYSTEM WINS STEWARDSHIP AWARD

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:30:00 -0500

Heritage Nebraska Preservation Award winners have been announced. In the category of STEWARDSHIP, concerning the care and maintenance over time of a historic property or properties: the winner is the BVH Architects project - Nebraska State College System - for preservation and stewardship of the three historic Nebraska State College campuses at Chadron, Peru and Wayne. A historic preservation ethic is emphasized for each campus and everyone, from maintenance personnel to top administrators, appreciates and recognizes the historical significance of the buildings and grounds. From the high plains of the Panhandle’s Chadron State College, to northeast Nebraska’s Wayne State College and down to the campus 1,000 Oaks in Peru, the state college system is a steward of Nebraska’s Heritage.

MUNN NAMED CHAIR OF THE LINCOLN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:48:00 -0500

Greg Munn, Architect for BVH, has been named the Chair of the Lincoln Historic Preservation Commission. Greg will replace Bob Ripley who has been in the position for several years. Congratulations Greg on this wonderful achievement.

BVH SELECTED AS BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:44:00 -0500

BVH Architects has been selected by the Omaha Chamber of Commerce as the Business of the Month for July!

For the full article and to view the video go to: http://www.facebook.com/BVH.Architects

DORN AND NELSON GRADUTE LEADERSHIP CLASSES

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:38:00 -0500

Congratulations to Kristine Dorn, IIDA, BVH Interior Designer, for graduating Leadership Lincoln, Class of 2011. Kristine brings a fresh and energetic approach to Interior Design for BVH's projects and compliments each of our projects with her design approach.

Congratulations also to Paul Nelson, AIA, BVH Associate Principal for graduating Leadership Omaha, Class of 2011. Paul works in all phases of project development from planning and design through contract documents and is an extremely important asset to the BVH team.

ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH ACHIEVES LEED GOLD CERTIIFICATION

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:49:00 -0500

The original St. Patrick Church in Iowa City was destroyed by a tornado in the spring of 2006. Now, five years later, on Sunday, June 26th the Parish will hold a special ceremony celebrating the new St. Patrick's Church building’s achievement of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold rating.

BVH Architects (liturgical architect), Neumann Monson Architects (Iowa City), and McComas-Lacina Construction worked with the St. Patrick congregation to design a new church building that incorporates many sustainable and energy saving features that factored into the project achieving its LEED Gold rating.

The congregation’s decision to construct a LEED Certified building was based on their desire to be good stewards; by using their resources and gifts wisely to create an efficient structure to reduce operational costs, and by using low impact, earth-friendly materials.

The recognition ceremony will occur during the 10:00 AM mass at St. Patrick Church (4330 St. Patrick Drive, Iowa City, IA), with a reception following in the Social Hall. Paul Jeffrey, AIA, President of BVH Architects, will be attending the ceremony and said: "It was a great honor to work with the wonderful people in the St. Patrick community, and they are to be commended for their commitment to this level of sustainability in their new church."

BVH SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:02:00 -0500

As a benefit to our employees, BVH will begin summer office hours June 3 - Sept 2, with some of our employees being out of the office on Friday afternoons. Our project commitments will continue to be a priority and will come first and we will be available to accommodate any needs. Thank you for supporting BVH and making us a valued member of your team. Enjoy your summer with your family, friends, and co-workers, too!

GENGLER RECEIVES SENIORS FOUNDATION PARTNER AWARD

Mon, 30 May 2011 14:18:00 -0500

Mike Gengler, AIA, LEED, an Associate with BVH has been awarded the First Annual Seniors Foundation Partner Award.

Mike served as the Project Architect for the Clark Jeary Retirement Community. The facility is located near Yankee Hill Road and 33rd street in Lincoln.

Mike was involved in the early phases of design; both with the physical parameters of the complex, but also worked directly with staff and directors on the Programming phases and issues. Mike worked with the Owner’s representative, Scott Howeter, Presbyterian Welfare Foundation, Lincoln and Clark Jeary Director, Kathy Pierson.

Clark Jeary had previously been located next to Pius High School and was a three-story building. Mike, the design team and the building committee strived to create a new Clark Jeary independent facility that would be a community without any hints of being an institution and be retirement living with dignity. Indeed it was a “change of culture”.

Roughly, 75% of the housing is independent living and 25% is assisted living. In order to promote community and social interaction, the units were built on one level with many occasions of large indoor/outdoor courtyards where one can sit, converse, read or play games. Mike and BVH Architects’ interior designer, Kristine Dorn, worked with Kathy Pierson to select furniture and artwork to further enhance the spaces and to promote a comfortable, homey environment. Indeed, the landscaping of the grounds by Campbell’s Nursery also lends character to the facility and encourages seniors to get out and walk the paths surrounding the manicured lawn areas.

The design team was comprised of Mike, other BVH Architects’ personnel, and consultants, ETI, Olsson Associates, R. O. Youker, and Foodlines. Construction for this new 100,000 sf building was completed in 2006 by Leuder Construction at a cost of $12 million dollars.

We celebrate Mike’s hard work to get this project through approvals with the City Building and Safety Division, the County Health Department, the State Fire Marshal, and to completion of the construction. Mike’s dedication makes the new Clark Geary Retirement Community a facility with dignity in retirement living.

SOLKO AND COUDRIET PROMOTED AT BVH

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:27:00 -0500

On behalf of the BVH Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce that at our recent Board meeting on May 9th, we made the following promotions:

To Associate – Bryan Solko AIA

To Associate Principal – Dennis Coudriet AIA

Over his five year tenure at BVH, Bryan has demonstrated “excellent performance, attitude, and dedication” – along with great talent in his efforts on many projects, has secured the confidence of clients and co-workers, and has recently obtained his architectural license. He knows how to service clients and projects on the highest of levels, adding to and strengthening the BVH reputation.

Dennis has superior skills in many areas of project and firm leadership. He has shown the character and abilities that BVH so greatly values, and is sure to continue to play an important role in the future of the firm. Managing a variety of projects, people, budgets, marketing and operational roles, Dennis has demonstrated his ability to lead and raise the quality of the work we produce and the relationships we build.

Congratulations to both Bryan and Dennis. We are proud of their accomplishments and their outlook for BVH!

BVH ENTERS DESIGN COMPETITION

Mon, 09 May 2011 15:32:00 -0500

Enclose and Extend : Winter Garden Event Space. More than just a façade cover up, the objective to create a new face for the Puskinsky Theater, leads to an expanded opportunity to engage Pushkin Square as an integral part of the theater entry and to create a new public gathering space for year around use. This proposal opens the entire front of the theater, on both levels, to a new “winter garden’ that incorporates the west side of the Square and provides, both, a new theater entry and a new public venue for Moscow. In effect, the theater itself, disappears behind the glass walls of the enclosure. And M Putinkouskiy Pereulok is closed between Pushkinskaya Ploshchad and Strastnoy Bul’var, creating a continuous interior plaza between the Square and the Theater. Public entries and drop-offs are maintained from the two side streets to allow convenient public access, both to the theater and the new winter garden. The glass enclosures on the two sides of the theater remain open at street level, allowing optimum ease of entry to the businesses on the lower level. The design of the garden enclosure aligns with the two adjacent side streets, creating a slightly skewered rectangle and augmenting a forced perspective, enhancing its interior volume. The garden retains the existing fountain and transitions this end of the square from outdoors to indoors. The monumental theater steps are removed in favor of multiple smaller stair locations and an elevator. The overall site plan preserves the existing trees and the fountain is retained within the new glass room, expanding the Squares utility year round. Potential DuPont products include the Sentry Glass system, Butacite, Elvaloy, Ti-Pure and Fusabond.

WEST HAYMARKET ARENA UPDATE

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 15:51:00 -0500

The West Haymarket Arena design continues to evolve. The latest rendering of the arena, courtesy of BVH Architects, has just been published. Stay tuned for future updates as this design matures into the final design. To see the rendering and for full arena coverage go to: http://journalstar.com/special-section/arena/

ST THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH LEED CERTIFIED

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:42:00 -0500

Congratulations to the BVH/Neumann Monson Architects team for the recognized LEED certified design of the St.Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville Iowa. Also key to the effort were Alvine and Associates, Miron Construction, and many members of the parish and Building committee. This is one of only two LEED Certified churches in Iowa – both designed by the BVH/Neumann Monson team!

FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN BEGINS FOR SHERMAN FIELD

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:45:00 -0500

Sherman Field Fundraising Campaign Starts March 31. See the article for this BVH Project at http://journalstar.com/sports/baseball/article_1e95b0be-6730-5ed4-ac36-6dea6220f6b7.html?mode=story

SIOUX CITY PUBLIC MUSEUM SET TO OPEN

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:17:00 -0500

By all accounts, the planners hit a trifecta in designing this exciting new museum, which is set for a grand opening on held April 23, 2011. The completion of the $12.5 million project represents an extensive public-private partnership that began in 2005. That is the year the City Council authorized the purchase of the former JCPenney’s department store building at 607 Fourth St. and earmarked $1.5 million for the project. The heritage foundation raised the rest of the money. The new museum features a number of inter-active displays, videos and hands-on exhibitions. To see the full article go to: http://www.architectmagazine.com/architect-newswire/sioux-city-public-museum-set-for-opening.aspx?cid=ARCH110328003

CHARLES E. LAKIN HUMAN SERVICES CAMPUS RECEIVES LEED CERTIFICATION

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:23:00 -0500

The BVH project - Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus in Council Bluffs Iowa, has been awarded CERTIFICATION as a LEED Building. Congratulations to the team of BVH Architects, Studio Insite, Alvine Associates, HGM Engineering Group, and the Weidt Group.

BVH TEAM AWARDED CAMPUS MASTER PLAN PROJECTS

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:53:00 -0500

The BVH team has been selected to develop Campus Master Plans for all three Nebraska State Colleges - Wayne State College, Peru State College and Chadron State College.

BVH TEAM AWARDED METRO PROJECT

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:52:00 -0500

The BVH/WJE/Alvine Engineering team has been selected to perform a comprehensive condition assessment of the Museum of Westward Expansion under the Gateway Arch!

BVH AWARDED NISSAN DEALERSHIP PROJECT

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:58:00 -0500

BVH has been selected as the architect for a new Nissan Dealership in Bellevue.

BVH ENTERS DESIGN COMPETITION

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:50:00 -0500

George Haecker and Jeff Davis, of BVH Architects, entered a conceptual rendering for the International Competition: Hotel Centro 2010. Check out all of the entries at www.coarq.net

SPELLMAN CABIN FEATURED IN ARCHITECTURAL RECORD

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:26:00 -0600

Spellman Cabin has been featured in the Residential Showcase category of the Architectural Record Photo Galleries. Use the link below to see the selected photos of this BVH project.

http://construction.com/community/publicgallery.aspx?plckGalleryID=79777740-067b-48fe-b7ef-1514c1ce57a7

MUNN PROMOTED TO ASSOCIATE

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:25:00 -0600

Greg Munn has been promoted to Associate at BVH Architects.

For over nine years, Greg has contributed greatly to many projects including the award-winning Blue Orchid Restaurant, and many historic preservation, religious, and educational projects. He also recently obtained his architectural registration.

BVH PROJECT EARNS LEED CERTIFICATION

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:22:00 -0600

The USGBC has awarded the Charles E. Lakin Human Services Campus in Council Bluffs Iowa, as a LEED Certified Building.

Congratulations to the BVH team, Studio Insite, Alvine Associates, HGM Engineering Group, the Weidt Group, and Kiewit- Contractor

UNL STADIUM WINS AWARDS

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:11:00 -0600

BVH Architects was recognized along with Todd Rose Decorative Concrete and Sampson Construction with an ACI (American Concrete Institute) Award of Excellence-Outstanding Achievement for the design of the UNL Athletic Student Life Complex-North Entrance Plaza.

The project was recognized for the unique and innovative stenciled “N” and how the stencil, rough finished concrete and stained concrete are all used adjacent to one another with no physical joints. .

The project also won the Bronze Medal in the Midwest Region from CISCA (Ceiling & Interior Systems Construction Association) for the Armstrong ceiling system.

BVH PROJECT HIGHLIGHTED FOR SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:04:00 -0600

GREENVILLE, S.C.--(article provided by BUSINESS WIRE)--Hubbell Lighting, (www.hubbelllighting.com) a division of Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBB, HUBA) (www.hubbell.com), and a market leader in innovative lighting technology for over a century, provided both indoor and outdoor energy efficient illumination for a 5-story parking garage with more than 1,000 parking spaces on the campus of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

“As designer of the facility, our main goal was to provide a safe and effective environment for the occupants”

Built near the east/northeast corner of the growing higher education campus, the parking garage, which opened in the Fall 2010 semester primarily to serve students and faculty, attained USGBC LEED certification, a first for the State of Nebraska for this type of parking structure.

Under the guidance of Engineering Technologies, Inc., (ETI) (www.eti-engineers.com), the lighting specified for the garage called for 379 state-of-the-art interior and 47 exterior pole mounted fixtures from Kim Lighting (www.kimlighting.com), a Hubbell Lighting brand. ETI chose Kim Lighting’s patent-pending PGL7- LED fixtures for interior illumination and Kim’s WARP9-LED pole mounted area lighting fixtures for the garage’s exposed roof level parking

“As designer of the facility, our main goal was to provide a safe and effective environment for the occupants,” said Gary Loop, an ETI principal/electrical engineer. “We took advantage of the unique characteristics of the light sources available to us as well as the energy they saved. By comparison to traditional indoor HID 100watt HID lamps/magnetic ballast, the PGL7 LED/electronic driver provides a 44% energy savings per unit; compared to an outdoor 250 watt HID/magnetic ballast the new WARP9 LED/electronic driver provides a 52% energy savings per unit … impressive figures that go directly to the University’s bottom line. When we were presented with Kim’s new PGL7 and WARP9 luminaires by Lighting Specialists (www.lightingspecialistsinc.com), the Hubbell Lighting sales agency, we could immediately observe the energy savings they presented”, Loop continued

“Unique to Kim’s new designs were the internal optics that not only provided the light levels desired but also put the light where we wanted. One of the important visual characteristics that we observed from Kim’s fixtures was the reduction in glare compared to similar LED fixtures and conventional sources. Being able to provide a well lit environment while minimizing distractions to the driver allowed us to provide an effective design”, said Loop

“To meet high standards of reduced energy and maintenance costs as well as limited light trespass, Kim’s proprietary MicroEmitter™ technology was used to provide the garage with exceptional luminous uniformity and glare control. Unlike most LED and HID luminaries whose light output is directed straight down, the Kim luminaries with MicroEmitter technology dramatically improve illumination uniformity by eliminating the wasteful “nadir dump” of lumens directly below the fixture. Because each MicroEmitter is precisely aimed exactly where needed, glare is substantially reduced preventing direct view of more than 50% of the LEDs from any viewing angle.” noted a Kim Lighting spokesperson.

In addition to the Kim Lighting’s remarkable fixture performance, the company is doing its part to limit hazardous waste by using aluminum-housing materials and reflector components constructed from more than 90% recycled materials for all MicroEmitter LED luminaire offerings. All of Kim’s LED products are entirely lead and mercury free meeting strict US and international environmental protection and recyclable requirements.

WOHLGEMUTH NAMED SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:53:00 -0600

Craig Wohlgemuth has been promoted to Senior Associate. Craig has demonstrated leadership, mentorship, and a true eye for client service through the production of quality documents - true to BVH's focus to create great design.

NE STATE CAPITOL RESTORATION PROJECT COMPLETED

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:15:00 -0600

The most famous building in Nebraska is finished getting its face-lift.

The 78-year-old Indiana limestone facade of the Capitol is back in pristine condition, and the once battered and beaten Golden Sower atop the building is back to his chiseled bronze self after more than a decade of work.

For the past 12 years, visitors have seen cranes, scaffolding and building materials move around the building as part of the exterior masonry restoration project, but Capitol administration expects the last vestiges of the project, the east construction yards, to be removed in April or May.

"It's a great feeling to have it done," said Bob Ripley of the Office of the Capitol Commission who has watched over the project for the past six years.

"This place has looked like a construction yard for a dozen years. We want the Capitol grounds to look like a Capitol again, and we want people to enjoy it as it should be."

Some work will continue on interior courtyards through May.

The project was completed on schedule and within the budget of $57.4 million, which was provided over 12 years by the Legislature.

Ripley said visitors won't see a project of this scale again for quite a while. The building will be evaluated for repairs every 10 to 15 years and appropriate repairs will be done as needed, he said.

"We've done many projects during my 27-year history with the state, however this is not only the longest and most expensive but it's the most important in terms of long-term preservation of the Capitol, because it gives it a weather-proof skin," Ripley said.

The project began in 1995, when Bahr Vermeer Haecker Architects of Lincoln and Wiss, Janey, Elstner Associates of Chicago were commissioned as consultants for the project.

In 1998, following inspection of the entire exterior and the development of a five-phase plan for restoration, work began on the north entrance.

That same year, the Capitol's tower was enclosed with scaffold and Mark 1 Restoration Company of Dalton, Ill., began to repair and weatherproof the limestone facade.

Initially the project was scheduled to take eight years and be conducted in five phases: the north entrance, the gold dome and drum, the tower and turrets, roof replacement and the base.

More than half a dozen people moved to Lincoln from Chicago and Florida to work on the project, Ripley said.

That included then-67-year-old Lou Perschke, the project manager, who was heading into retirement when he got a one-sentence letter from his old boss at Mark 1: "Louis, if you get this, give me a call."

Ripley said Perschke retired to Arizona with his girlfriend after working on the Capitol for five or six years. A listed number for him in Arizona was disconnected.

Early in the project, economic conditions and the discovery of unforeseen problems with the exterior façade caused the project timeline to be extended.

During the 12-year project, the entire exterior was cleaned and organic growth and dirt were removed, all four entrances were dismantled and rebuilt to prevent water infiltration, all existing exterior mortar joints in the base and tower were removed, and all masonry joints were tuck-pointed.

Ineffective original expansion joints in the tower limestone walls were replaced at each floor level, and fractured stones were repaired or replaced. The four tower corner turrets and observation deck walls were dismantled and reset. The gold ceramic tile dome was cleaned and re-grouted. The tower octagon windows were reglazed using unbroken original amber window glass and, where needed, newly manufactured matching amber glass. And the parapet walls of the four cardinal entrance pavilions were dismantled and rebuilt.

From 2007 through 2010, in concert with the masonry work, project subcontractor Midland Engineering of South Bend, Ind., installed a new 100-year, 2 1/2 acre, 20-ounce batten copper roof over insulation to improve energy efficiency.

While the Sower was accessible from the tower and dome scaffold, a Save Outdoor Sculpture grant, provided by Target Stores and federal appropriation, helped pay to inspect and fully restore the bronze colossus and its base.

Jensen Conservation in Omaha determined the Sower was in fine condition and needed only cleaning and an application of patina to maintain its condition. A federal Save America's Treasures grant also aided masonry restoration efforts.

Ripley recalls winds on the scaffolding near the Sower near gale force.

"You had to hold on to your hat when you were up there," he said. "An assistant who was helping clean the Sower had his hard hat taken right off his head, and it flew horizontal for 40 feet before falling into a courtyard.

"It didn't even hit the tower."

Even though the largest project on the Capitol in decades is done, there is always something that needs to be preserved or restored, Ripley said.

"The thing about the masonry project is that everyone can see it by just driving by," Ripley said. "What people may not know is that something always goes on inside the building. Most people have some little thing they want to get done in their house -- we do too, just multiply it by 400 or 500.

"Our work is never done."

Article written by Lincoln Journal Star reporter Jordan Pascale.

MILLER JOINS BVH

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 09:38:00 -0600

Thomas Miller has joined BVH as a Senior Associate. Miller obtained his Master of Architecture degree from the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at Columbia University and his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Architecture with a minor in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley. Miller comes to BVH with over 15 years of experience leading design and development efforts in the real estate development field. In addition to bringing a focus on residential, retail, preservation and urban infill design, Miller adds a component of real estate development efforts to the firm. With over $200,000,000 in development experience in both new construction and historic preservation Miller adds a level of service for developers unique to BVH.

Several featured projects include Capitol West in Madison, WI, an $80 million mixed-use urban infill development featuring high-rise condos, mid-rise lofts, townhomes, row houses, retail suites, a Hyatt Place Hotel and a 60,000 square foot commercial office building; Novation Technology Campus, an 80-acre mixed-use campus; and Cayuga Court in Middleton, WI, a downtown master-planned revitalization and restoration effort. All of Miller’s work to date focuses on cooperative partnerships between community leaders, developers and design professionals – He will be continuing these efforts at BVH.

TEAM COMBINATION KEY TO THE SUCCESS OF THE MCC EVENTS CENTER

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:27:00 -0600

CG Architects/BVH form a winning team to design and develop MCC Events Center. When CG Architects and BVH Architects teamed up to design and develop the Events Center at McCook Community College, it was a winning combination.

Formerly Davis Design of North Platte, CG Architects was established in 2005 with roots dating back to the 1950’s. The CG design team has provided architecture, planning and construction administration services in the Greater Nebraska, Northern Kansas and Eastern Colorado areas for more than 13 years. They have designed projects ranging from multi-million dollar to smaller municipal projects for low-populated villages, cities and townships providing hands-on design services.

Not only is the CG design team native to Western Nebraska, but their engineering consultant, Engineering Technologies, Inc., includes natives of McCook, Paxton and Farnam. Because North Platte is also their home, they hold themselves to a higher level of accountability for their designs.

BVH is an energetic, diversified design firm of architects, designers, and planners. Established in 1968, today BVH serves clients nationally from its offices in Lincoln and Omaha, with affiliated offices in Alexandria, Virginia; and St. Paul, Minnesota. A BVH project manager is assigned to each project and is involved from start to finish. This provides all their clients, including MPCC, with single-source continuity from beginning to completion.

Grant Creager from CG and Dan Spiry, Bryan Solko, and Mike Daily from BVH are the lead architects for the Events Center project.

“Living in North Platte and a number of our Engineers being from McCook, many of our friends and family will be attending these facilities for a variety of activities. We want to leave behind something in our communities that we can be proud of as well,” said Grant Creager, AIA, Project Planner and Co-Design Architect. “This is not just another project for us. It is our legacy.”

BVH PROJECT IN THE NEWS, SYRACUSE LIBRARY

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:38:00 -0600

The Syracuse Library Foundation will start beating the drums this holiday season to raise money for a new library and community center.

The foundation already has $1 million of the $1.6 million estimated cost of the project, thanks to the generosity of the Otto Wellensiek Estate.Wellensiek, a local attorney and banker who died in 2009, made the gift with the stipulation the new building be handicapped-accessible and all on one level.

"I think we owe it to Otto and our community to do this," Joy Stilmock, treasurer of the foundation and principal of Syracuse-Dunbar-Avoca High School, said when asked why the foundation would take on such a costly project in tough economic times. Now, the library is in an old house and is not accessible. The new, 8,250-square-foot building will sit on three lots owned by the foundation near Fifth and Plum streets.

Construction bids will open in March, and a groundbreaking ceremony is planned for June. Completion is expected in summer 2012. The community got its first peek at architectural renderings for the new library this weekend during the Christmas Tour of Houses sponsored by the Friends of the Library. In the coming months, the foundation will seek private donations, apply for grants and hold fundraisers. "It's very important to our community that a lot of people get behind the library," Stilmock said. Plans call for having more computers and access to Internet-based books. Half of the building space will be used for community rooms.

Cheryl Halvorsen, the foundation's construction coordinator, said the nonprofit group saw the need for a new library about 10 years ago. "We're just terribly crowded there," she said. "There's no room for additional books or technology." This summer, children enrolled in the summer reading program had to use another location because "there wasn't room for all of the kids," Halvorsen said. There are also repair and maintenance issues with the current library.

Halvorsen said the library serves not only Syracuse but the nearby communities of Dunbar, Avoca, Otoe, Unadilla and Burr. "It's a big area," Halvorsen said. In related news, Waverly is exploring several options to expand its library. The Waverly Library Options Committee plans to update the City Council at 7 p.m. Monday on alternatives, including expanding the current library, building a new one or becoming a branch of the Lincoln Public Library system, committee chairwoman Lynn Wallasky said. Now, Waverly pays about $44,000 in annual taxes for library services from Lincoln and would need to come up with an additional $100,000 to become a branch library, she said .

Story written by Lincoln Journal Star writter Algis J. Laukaitis

BVH PROJECT IN THE NEWS, SHERMAN FIELD

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:56:00 -0600

When he was a boy, John Sampson used to ride his bike across town to watch the Lincoln Chiefs play at Sherman Field. And the former catcher played ball on the field for Lincoln High School and for Gary's Sports Shop. So Sampson, president of Sampson Construction Co., has a soft spot for Sherman Field. His Lincoln-based company will donate more than $400,000 in labor and materials for renovation work at Sherman Field, said Lynn Johnson, director of the city's Parks and Recreation Department.

The donation is among the largest to parks and recreation programs, Johnson said."This is a huge gift, a very significant one," Johnson said. Sampson Construction will put in two new dugouts, a new maintenance and training building and put in place 60-ton, prefabricated restrooms. The renovation is expected to be finished by March, in time for next year's baseball season.

Sampson Construction also has helped with other athletic venues, including the public schools' Den Hartog Field and the two new YMCA soccer fields, Johnson said. The company has been very generous to the community, he said. Sampson's donation of labor and material is part of the $1.9 million the city is raising to renovate the city's 53-year-old baseball field at South and Second streets. Other improvements include a new ticket and concession building, new stadium entrance, infield regrading, enhanced landscaping, reorganized parking lot, historic and interpretive features under the grandstands and new energy-efficient field lighting (using $163,000 in federal funds). The roofed grandstands were renovated in 1997, but the city plans to repaint the steel structure, Johnson said. The city has raised about $1.6 million for the public-private project. That includes $500,000 from the city and $150,000 from the county's visitors improvement grant program (the lodging tax), according to Johnson.

The city also is raising money for a $400,000 endowment fund that will be used to maintain the field in the future. About 600 players use the field each year with about 250 scheduled games, Johnson said. Local American Legion teams and local high schools play their games at the field, and Sherman Field has been home to state high school championships and American Legion championships for decades. In fact, former second baseman Chris Beutler -- now Mayor Beutler -- still has his certificate showing he was on an American Legion state championship team (Dugdale Construction Co.) that played on Sherman Field in August 1962. Sherman Field has a contract to host the high school baseball championships through 2012, said Susan Larson Rodenburg, campaign organizer for the project. "We are on notice that if we don't get this field done, we could lose that tournament to another aggressive city," she said.

Article written by Lincoln Journal Star Reporter, Nancy Hicks.

BVH SELECTED FOR MARYSVILLE EVENT CENTER

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:53:00 -0600

BVH was selected for the Marysville Event Center in Marysville, KS. A master planning effort will study the remodel of a historic train station for a museum/gallery space, with an addition for a multi-use performance space. The building also fronts the rails-to-trails line that follows Hwy 77 up to Lincoln. Planning work should start soon with fundraising to follow closely.

JEFFREY NAMED MEMBER OF OMAHA PARKS FOUNDATION

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:03:00 -0600

BVH President, Paul Jeffrey was named a member of the new Omaha Parks Foundation.

Sustaining and enhancing the city's parks, in good financial times and in not so good ones, will be the main aims of a new city parks foundation, Mayor Jim Suttle said Thursday.

Such foundations and the public-private partnerships they enable have been a hallmark of cities with premier parks systems, said Melinda Pearson, city parks director. Without such a foundation to support city parks, she said, the city would be able to maintain its existing parks. But while the city is growing, the city's budget is not. The foundation will allow the parks system to keep pace.

The Omaha Parks Foundation will be led by a six-member board made up of private citizens. The foundation, which received nonprofit status last week, will begin talking to major donors within the community with the goal of creating a parks endowment.

"By encouraging philanthropic support and investment in a valued community resource, the Omaha Parks Foundation will secure the future of the city's parks system, offering citizens the opportunity to leave a legacy for generations to come," Suttle said.

UNL PARKING GARAGE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:54:00 -0600

Environmentally Friendly Parking Garage opens in time for Fall 2010 Semester.

BVH provided design services for the new 1040 stall parking garage that includes many environmentally friendly elements for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln city campus.

The environmentally sensitive design features include: • Rainwater use for landscape irrigation • Pervious concrete and debris separator for on-site storm water management • Geothermal heating and cooling for elevator and stair towers • Wind and solar powered ventilation system • LED lighting with activity sensors and dimming controls • Locally supplied concrete and brick panels.

For further information go to: http://newsroom.unl.edu/releases/2010/09/16/New+parking+garage+at+UNL+is+environmentally+friendly

BVH SELECTED FOR SCHOOLS PROJECTS

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:32:00 -0500

BVH has been selected to assist two Nebraksa schools with their future planning process.

Beatrice Public Schools – facility audit and pre-bond planning.

Boone Central Schools (Albion and Petersburg)- facility audit and pre-bond planning. BVH has over 40 years of extensive experience in educational facilities master planning and design. We assist schools in sorting through the multitude of options and opportunities available for improving existing buildings or building new facilities.

WORTH INDUCTED TO APT COLLEGE OF FELLOWS

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:50:00 -0500

Dan Worth a Senior Principal of BVH Architects of Lincoln, NE was inducted to the College of Fellows by the Association for Preservation Technology International (APT) at their Annual Conference in Denver on September 8, 2010.

The Association for Preservation Technology International (APT) is an interdisciplinary organization dedicated to promoting the best technology for conserving historic structures and their settings and is considered the premier worldwide organization in the field of historic preservation. APT members hail from more than 30 countries. The College of Fellows honors those APT members who have provided valuable services to the preservation field and to APT.

Dan was recognized for his commitment to APT as Vice President, Member of the Board of Directors, APT Membership Chair, co-chair of the Technical Committee of Sustainable Preservation, as well as his assistance with organizing many APT Symposiums, developing new APT chapters, his service to disseminate preservation technology best practices and his work as a preservation practitioner on many important structures across the US.

Dan has been the managing partner at BVH Architect in Lincoln from 1992 until recently. His work has encompassed the restoration/preservation of many notable and important historic landmarks including the restoration of the Harry S Truman Home in Independence, Mo., Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO., Central High School in Little Rock AR, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Wind Cave National Park and many projects for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Regionally, he has been responsible for projects such as the Nebraska State Capitol Restoration, the Wm Jennings Bryan Home restoration, Nebraska State Historical Society Headquarters Renovation, and many projects for the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska State College System.

CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH SELECTS BVH

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:28:00 -0500

BVH is the firm of choice for the Christ Community Church renovation and expansion project.

CSC SELECTS BVH/POPULOUS

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:26:00 -0500

Chadron State selected the BVH/Populous team for the new Rangeland Center on the CSC Campus. The new facility will house the CSC Range Management programs along with labs for animal science, a herbarium, along with an indoor arena for animal sciences and CSC rodeo program.

BVH PROJECT WINS DLA IMPACT AWARD

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:47:00 -0500

The Downtown Lincoln Association awarded the Significant Development > $1 Million to the BVH Project - Paint & Color Court Building.

WRK LLC, the owner of the Paint & Color Court Building, was officially organized in 2003 by twin brothers Will and Robert Scott. They made their first property purchase together in 2001 and since that time, WRK LLC continues to make a considerable mark on Downtown. At DLA’s Annual Meeting on October 15th, they received the Impact Award for their development of the Paint & Color Court building, a project that began in February 2008 and was completed and move-in ready by October 2009.

The building, which was originally used as a factory for the Lincoln Paint and Color Company, was built in 1892 by well-known Lincoln architect James Tyler. As one of the oldest buildings in the Haymarket, sustainable development and historic considerations were important to WRK LLC as they made renovations.

The building was designed to meet the standards of Leadership in Energy and Efficient Design (LEED) Platinum Status thanks largely in part to BVH Architects and Engineering Technologies Incorporated, which served as the project engineer and is a current tenant of the building. LEED Platinum is the highest level that can be achieved through the United States Green Building Council’s ratings for sustainable design and construction. Several technologies were incorporated into the development, which helped “Make it Green” including : A Geothermal heat pump system, solar cell faucets, a green roof and 100 percent reuse of structural components. Efforts like these can only help sustain and enhance the usability of a wonderfully developed building that will have an impact on downtown Lincoln for years to come.

BVH AWARDED AIA DESIGN AWARDS

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:23:00 -0500

BVH was honored with two design awards at the 2010 AIA Nebraska Awards Gala.

Wilson Performing Arts Center, Red Oak Iowa – Award in the New Construction Category.

Take a Seat Bench, Omaha Gene Leahy Mall – Award in the Detail Category

2010 GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:07:00 -0500

Lincoln Chamber of Commerce awards BVH Architects with the Green Business of the Year Award at the 2010 Celebrate Business Awards Ceremony.

Believing that green design should be both functional and inspirational, BVH Architects is a leader in creating sustainable and beautiful architecture. The Lincoln-based firm designed one of the first LEED Platinum preservation projects in Nebraska, the Color Court Building in Lincoln. Other current and future sustainable projects include the UNL Vine Street Parking Garage, UNL’s Physical Sciences Building, and the Lincoln Haymarket Arena.

A member of the U.S. Green Building Council, BVH’s employees not only design green spaces—they work in one. The company’s office, located in the Sawmill building in the Haymarket, is LEED Silver certified. Through designs that conserve resources and delight the senses, BVH is helping to create a brighter future for generations to come.

UNL ALL-SUITE STUDENT HOUSING OPENS FALL 2010

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:57:00 -0500

BVH provided design services for the Robert E Knoll Residential Center that officially opened in August 2010 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The center features 565 beds in suite-style units. This is the first new residential hall to offer four person double room suites for freshmen residents.

Features include: • Coed living • Laundry facilities each floor • Living room suites • Small kitchenette with refrigerator and microwave • In suite bathrooms • High speed internet connectivity • Independent heating/cooling control • Convenient to campus parking.

For further details go to the following: http://housing.unl.edu/halls/knoll.shtml , http://newsroom.unl.edu/releases/2009/08/28/New+residence+hall+being+named+for+the+late+Robert+Knoll .

BVH LINCOLN STUDIO RECEIVES LEED SILVER CERTIFICATION

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:21:00 -0500

The Sawmill Building in Lincoln Nebraska, which is home to the BVH Lincoln studio, has been certified as a LEED Silver building. The final construction submittal for the Sawmill Building was accepted by the USGBC review panel and awarded with a silver designation. A total of 35 points were submitted and all points that were submitted were granted. The BVH staff are breathing in that interior air quality and basking in the energy efficiency.

BVH is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and has several LEED® Accredited Professionals on staff who are able to guide clients in decision-making that will ultimately allow the building to be rated as a LEED® Facility.

In BVH’s holistic design approach, there is an awareness that the project’s greatest impact will be realized by the people who live, learn and work inside the building. BVH strives for ‘green architecture’ that not only performs technologically but also stirs the imaginations of its inhabitants.

The sustainable design process should be inclusive and should elicit an elegant solution appropriate to its unique setting. The daily operation of buildings should involve their inhabitants as participants in control of the systems that afford them comfort, health and aesthetic pleasure.

NORTON JOINS BVH

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:47:00 -0500

Jessica Norton has been added to the BVH team as a Project Architect. Jessica was a BVH intern from 2002 to 2004. Since then, she has been working as a Graduate Architect for another Nebraska based firm and recently passed her ARE and is now registered as a Nebraska architect. BVH welcomes Jessica and is thrilled to have her back on the team.

BACON JOINS BVH

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:13:00 -0500

Mark Bacon has joined BVH Architects as a Project Architect. Mark has a Bachelor of Architecture and a post-professional Masters of Architecture degree in Architecture from Kansas State University. Prior to joining BVH Mark worked in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania for Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects, a prominent international design firm where he designed high-end residential and higher education buildings. In conjunction with practicing architecture Mark has served as an adjunct professor at Kansas State University and Marywood University in the Department of Architecture. Mark is excited to be back in the Midwest practicing architecture as part of the BVH team.

DORN JOINS LEADERSHIP LINCOLN PROGRAM

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:16:00 -0500

Kristine Dorn, BVH Interior Designer, joins the 2010-2011 Leadership Lincoln Class. Leadership Lincoln was founded in 1985 by a group of community leaders to ensure our city a pool of well-trained and knowledgeable individuals ready and willing to assume leadership positions in the community. Leadership Lincoln develops, sustains and supports civic engagement through diverse leadership so that all members of our community can make a difference in strengthening and transforming Lincoln.

NELSON JOINS LEADERSHIP OMAHA PROGRAM

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 09:25:00 -0500

Paul Nelson, AIA, Associate Principal at BVH Architects, is currently a member of Class 33 of Leadership Omaha, a program of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

48 participants were selected for this class, based on their demonstrated prior community volunteer involvement and leadership; expressed desire to contribute both time and energy toward serving the community; demonstrated interest in and understanding of the Omaha community; and demonstrated professional growth and leadership. The curriculum of the10-month program, which began in September, focuses on community trusteeship, leadership styles, and community awareness.

FREMONT OPERA HOUSE

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:37:00 -0500

BVH project Fremont (Love Larson) Opera House was recently featured in a news article in the Fremont Tribune. Paul Nelson and Zach Soflin were photographed and quoted in the article.

Link to article

BOWEN RECOGNIZED IN ALUMNI PROFILE

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:07:00 -0600

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.

Link to Bowen article.

COLOR COURT BUILDING RECEIVES AWARD

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:41:00 -0600

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.

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.

LINCOLN HAYMARKET ARENA

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:34:00 -0600

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.

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.

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:

- 5,120 arena stalls

- 300 ice rink stalls

- 975 mixed-use development stalls

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.

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.

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.

TAUER SELECTED FOR GSE

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:32:00 -0600

Katie Tauer has been selected to be a participant in a Rotary Club Group Study Exchange program.

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.

SAROKA JOINS FIRM

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:15:00 -0600

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.

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.

Kate will provide interior space planning and design services to BVH in the Omaha Studio.

MONOGRAPH WINS AWARD

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:49:00 -0600

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.

BVH FALL MEETING

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:05:00 -0500

Staff from both BVH offices gathered on Friday, October 2 at the Hill Crest Country Club in Lincoln for the company's fall retreat.

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.

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.

The afternoon culminated with a visual project review of 37 BVH projects currently in design or construction, followed by a cocktail reception.

BOWEN TO RECEIVE CUNNINGHAM GOLD MEDAL

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:33:00 -0500

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.

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.

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.

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.

DORN NAMED ASSOCIATE

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:31:00 -0500

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.

KOERNER AND GEVIK AWARDED POSITIONS

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0500

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.

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.

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.

JEFFREY TO CHAIR AWARDS

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:37:00 -0500

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.

MEAD BUILDING FEATURED

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:01:00 -0500

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.

The story features quotes and insights from John Sinovic and Dan Worth, and can be accessed via the link, below.

www.yankton.net

COLOR COURT BUILDING FEATURED

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:47:00 -0500

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.

The Strictly Business article can be accessed through the link, below.

www.strictly-business.com

AMUNDSON FEATURED ON UNEP WEBSITE

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:25:00 -0500

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.

www.rona.unep.org

PAINT AND COLOR COURT BUILDING LEED TOUR

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:23:00 -0500

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.

This event is sponsored by Lincoln Green by Design. For more information, visit LincolnGreenByDesign.org , or see the event invitation linked below.

Invite Link

RESTORATION OF NEBRASKA CAPITOL RECOGNIZED

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:39:00 -0500

Published Thursday, Jun 11, 2009 by NATE JENKINS / The Associated Press in the Lincoln Journal Star.

The decade-long effort to restore the Nebraska Capitol has earned national recognition from the group that oversees the country’s historic landmarks.

The National Park Service on Thursday presented the Nebraska Capitol Commission with an award in appreciation of the multimillion-dollar restoration project.

“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.

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.

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.

The restoration project originally had a budget of $25 million.

“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.

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.

Gov. Dave Heineman accepted the award on behalf of the Nebraska Capitol Commission during a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda.

“They have scoured the building from top to bottom,” Heineman said.

The Capitol is one of 20 national historic landmarks in the state. Nationally, there are 2,500 historic landmarks.

MUNN APPOINTED TO PRESERVATION COMMISSION

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:05:00 -0500

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.

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.

STOLLE & WEGENER RECEIVE LEED ACCREDITATION

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:10:00 -0500

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.

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.

HANIGAN TEACHING LOCAL CLASSES

Tue, 26 May 2009 13:57:00 -0500

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.

OMAHA ENVIRONMENT DAY

Mon, 18 May 2009 11:49:00 -0500

From the Omaha Environment Day website, www.omahaenvironmentday.com.

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.

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.

More information and a calendar of events can be found at www.omahaenvironmentday.com.

BVH SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED

Mon, 04 May 2009 08:22:00 -0500

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!

LYNN VERMEER MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Fri, 01 May 2009 15:49:00 -0500

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 www.lincolnzoo.org

Link to Save the Date Golf Scramble

HAECKER ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF HERITAGE NEBRASKA

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:50:00 -0500

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.

DORN COMPLETES NCIDQ CERTIFICATION

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:25:00 -0600

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.

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.

FIRM BLENDS DESIGNS WITH SURROUNDINGS

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Published Sunday February 15, 2009 Architectural firm blends designs with surroundings BY JOHN PITCHER WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Architect George Haecker estimates that his firm has worked on well over 3,000 projects since 1968.

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."

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.

Some of the state's key architectural landmarks are shown in the publication, which the firm produced to mark its 40th anniversary.

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.

Cecil Steward, dean emeritus of UNL's College of Architecture, says all of BVH's designs and renovations share a common philosophy.

"This firm doesn't create egocentric works," he said. "They create structures that fit beautifully into their surroundings."

Two cases in point are the Douglas County Corrections Center and the Bowen residence.

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.

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."

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.

"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.

"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."

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.

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.

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.

"That's still my favorite project," Haecker said. "It's the one that really put BVH on the map."

Major BVH projects

Gene Leahy Mall, downtown Omaha, 1976-1994.

Architecture Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1987.

Milton Abrahams Branch Library, 5111 N. 90th St., 1988.

Harriman Dispatch Center, Union Pacific Railroad, 850 Jones St., 1989.

Madeline Island Music Camp, La Pointe, Wis., 1996

St. Wenceslaus Parish Complex, 15353 Pacific St., 1998.

St. Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N. 40th St., restoration, 1999.

Douglas County Corrections Center, 710 S. 17th St., 2005.

Connector Building, Metropolitan Community College, south Omaha campus, 27th and Q Streets, 2006.

Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln, restoration, ongoing.

RENNER JOINS BVH

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Tyler Renner joined BVH on February 2 as a Network Specialist.

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.

BVH PUBLISHES 40th ANNIVERSARY MONOGRAPH

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600

A Monograph titled "BVH Architects Forty Years" was released today.

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.

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.

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.