Union Pacific Child Development Center

CLIENT: Union Pacific Railroad
LOCATION: Omaha, NE
ARCHITECT: RDG Planning & Design

Lund-Ross built a new child development center for Union Pacific Railroad in downtown Omaha. The site for the 20,500-square-foot facility is located just north of Union Pacific headquarters.

Poor soil conditions presented construction challenges. Lund-Ross installed geopiers to strengthen the weak soil. A vapor barrier was installed under the building slab, and a network of venting boards were installed under the vapor barrier. A mix of steel, wood timbers, and masonry were used in the construction of the facility. Elevated platforms made from wood, Plexiglas, metal, and aluminum tube were used to create cantilever bump-outs on the outside of the building.

A combination of finishes, textures, and colors were used throughout the child development center. A reading area was built under a replica of a water tower, and the toddler play structure was built to resemble a caboose. The playground features unique elements like a metal storage silo, a wood bridge, a water play area, and simulated Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

The Union Pacific Child Development Center was completed by Lund-Ross after just nine months of construction. The project was honored with a 2005 Excellence in Construction Award from Associated Builders and Contractors.