Forest Station Elementary
LOCATION
Omaha, Nebraska
AREA
81,000 GSF
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Omaha Public Schools continues to expand and has seen steady growth over the past several years. The 3-story Forest Station Elementary features an array of bright colors, open spaces, and a name dedicated to its proximity to Fontenelle Forest and trains.
The open and collaborative spaces allow students to see others while learning. Tables around the building are set in alcoves, and different lobby-like spaces are attached to hallways for easy access. The facility includes a 2-story commons area, gymnasium, library, music room, art room, administration area, faculty offices and learning stairs.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
- Full utility design will provide connections for water, natural gas, storm sewer, etc.
- Heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system will ensure a comfortable environment for up to 600 students.
- Fire suppression and alarm systems will protect the building and its occupants against fire damage and injury.
- Provided a way to isolate the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems from the main building in the case of a disaster. There is a storage tank to provide water in order to keep toilets operational. Our team provided louvers and fans to exhaust air and provide fresh air for the occupants in the shelter area.
- Within the school, there is a small sensory room, which is adorned with glowing dimmed lighting, a swing, toys and audio to help students who are neurodivergent or have sensory needs to take a break from class.
- A new natural gas-fired emergency generator was provided.
- Architectural lighting design was provided in the cafeteria, media center, main central corridor, art room, tech room, and adjacent collaboration area.
- Technology systems design will include:
- Telecommunications pathways and rough-ins such as cable trays
- Audiovisual pathways and rough-ins such as back boxes
- Electronic security pathways and rough-ins such as door frame conduit stubs
Photography credit: Alan Jackson with Jackson Studios
