Omaha Public Schools, Highland Elementary, Renovation & Addition

As part of Omaha Public Schools’ (OPS) continued plan to improve on their district-wide schools, they recognized that Highland Elementary was in an immediate need to update their existing mechanical and electrical systems while addressing a lack of space due to growth, resulting in more than 15 portables being used on the site to handle classroom overcrowding.

LEO A DALY was selected to partner with Highland Elementary and the neighboring community to plan to:

• Collaboratively assess the existing building, site constraints, and provide innovative concepts to design a neighborhood friendly solution
• Design a new secure main entrance and address other building security issues
• Program, plan, and design five new classrooms to help alleviate overcrowding
• Relocate administration offices to improve sight lines
• Extend the “main corridor” to engage teachers and students
• Create a sustainable solution that introduces innovative and cost-effective measures that will increase building system efficiencies
• Upgrade heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
• Upgrade electrical/IT systems
• Provide building exterior improvements
• Provide site/ADA upgrades
• Address parent/student pick-off/drop-off opportunities
• Create a more dynamic outdoor learning space/playground

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