Darland is underway on a new, yet-to-be-named elementary school near 10th and Pine Streets in Omaha.

The site, in the heart of Omaha’s ‘Little Italy,’ was home to Grace University for more than 70 years before Omaha Public Schools purchased it in 2017. The design team worked with the neighborhood association to ensure the new building would match the aesthetic of the historic area. The exterior features finishes like brick, metal panels and simulated stone. Construction plans also aim to preserve many of the mature trees on site.

Three additions, totaling over 46,000 square feet, will adjoin to the existing gymnasium and student center bringing the building’s total to nearly 113,000 square feet. The new K-5 school will feature four sections at each grade level with additional classroom space for Pre-K and the Alternate Curriculum Program (ACP). The former student center will be completely remodeled and house the school’s library, art, kitchen and various staff offices and conference areas. 

Tying the new additions into the existing structure presented structural and MEP challenges. “The site, along with meshing the new and the old, makes for a unique build,” said Project Manager Adam Simpson. Because of the way the school sits on the sloped site, the building will include three levels with entrances at each level.

Construction began this fall and the school is slated for completion in spring 2022. 

Watch the video here.