Funded by a gift from the Heider Family Foundation, the $25-million renovation project included wiring, lighting, design build technology, and workstation power for numerous spaces, including the following:
- Starbucks, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, and iJay (Apple Store)
- Enrollment Management and Presentation Room
- Five new classrooms and 15 faculty offices outfitted with height-adjusted mobile podiums, projectors, and screens
- Rooms with white boards, video cameras, microphones and speakers, adaptable furniture, and lighting systems
- Innovation Labs (Analytical, Digital Content, and Agency Practicum)
- St. Peter Faber, SJ Chapel
The project, which was designed by Tim Holland of Holland Basham Architects, repurposed existing space to increase efficiency without needing to construct new buildings to accommodate the growing college’s needs.
“This project at the Heider College of Business is very special, as it will take the learning and teaching environment to a new level," said Scott C. Heider, Director/Trustee of the Heider Family Foundation. "It positions us as one of the premier business colleges anywhere in the country, and that is good for Creighton University and the Omaha community.”
The challenges and curveballs of the coronavirus pandemic could not throw progress on the renovations off track. By Labor Day 2020, all second and third floor classrooms were open for students, bringing the total number of available classrooms to 18, all of which are now outfitted with audio-visual, lighting, and communication capabilities. Several rooms have multiple wall monitors capable of mirroring professors’ screens and allowing students to connect their devices to share content with the class.
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Collaboration space was a major emphasis in the renovation. Of the more than 50 spaces designed for cooperative learning, half are small study areas equipped with tables, seating and monitors where students can gather, safely, to discuss ideas and projects. Other new spaces included common spaces such as study stalls, an analytics lab, a digital content lab, and an agency practicum lab.
Throughout the work, Creighton University Superintendent Scott Kuehler said Miller Electric was an ideal partner to have on the job.
“The employees involved, including Joe Pecha and Jim Baatz, were very knowledgeable, and great people to work with," Kuehler said. "They handled any cases that arose related to the pandemic professionally and with compassion to other workers’ health and safety in mind. With that focus, the project was able to stay the course without being shut down to any outbreaks. It was truly an entire team effort between all the trades involved, and excellent communication amongst all, that led to success on this important project."
