Burke High School in Omaha, Nebraska, recently added a gymnasium and several classrooms, and Eyman handled the heating plumbing, and air conditioning on this challenging project. The project was challenging for a couple of reasons. First, some of the areas worked on had not been updated since the building was constructed more than 60 years ago.
For Eyman, this made the work challenging because the plumbing and other systems had to be integrated into parts that are outdated and, in some cases, not even made anymore.
“This was mainly an addition that fed off all the existing systems, so in a lot of places you had to tie the old system to the new,” explained Karli Meisinger, construction manager for Eyman. “The building was built in the 1950s or 1960s, so you’re finding a lot of systems that maybe don’t even exist anymore – pipe sizes in there that are no longer common – and having to adapt to those while still getting the project done on time.”
In addition to challenges caused by outdated equipment, this project was also begun while school was still in session. At one point, a new main had to be dug to install a new fire sprinkler system. Eyman was able to meet this challenge and dig the 20 foot excavation into the building, even while school continued uninterrupted.
The project was also adjacent to the track field. Being that Burke is one of the largest high schools in Omaha, the state track meet is held at the school. Eyman had to be careful during the project that the activities and parking were not disrupted.
Eyman contracted with the Weitz Company on this project, who they have worked with on other projects. The Weitz Company assembled a team of quality contractors that Eyman has been proud to work with in the past. This project was made a success by this collaborative relationship Eyman has with its fellow contractors as well as the innovation and care Eyman’s team is able to put into the project.
