Darland has partnered with BCDM architects and Omaha Public Schools to build a one-of-a-kind school for students with severe and profound special needs. J.P. Lord School will be relocated from its current location at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's main campus to a new, specially designed school near 45th and Marinda Streets. 

The 45,000-square-foot school will feature handicap accessible hallways and classrooms, multi-sensory elements, a therapy pool and mobility devices throughout. The vision behind the school is so unique architects had a hard time finding comparable projects. "It is a marker of our city's culture that we are building a brand new school for these students," said Architect Bob Mabry.

J.P. Lord serves students ages 5 to 21, with varying educational and physical needs. Parents, staff members and special education experts were invited to weigh in on the final design. From the canopied drop-off lane to the 'sensory nooks' carved in the hallways, every element was thoughtfully chosen with the students' unique needs in mind. "This project features some state-of-the-art equipment," said Darland Project Manager John Maderak. "None of this would be possible without the generosity of the Omaha community." Construction is on schedule and the school is expected to open in the fall of 2018.