Omaha World Herald wrote: Builder expands in stages
A Michigan company that specializes in rapid construction of energy-efficient, flexible buildings has opened a branch office in Omaha.
Workstage's first local office - one of six opening in the next year - is at 1108 Douglas St. in downtown Omaha.
The company built the 115,200-square-foot PayPal building in La Vista in six months. It is nearing completion on two other local buildings: a 104,000-square-foot facility for Vatterott College at 11818 I St. and AAA Motor Club's 45,000-square-foot regional office at 148th and F Streets.
The AAA building is scheduled to open Nov. 9 after five months of construction, said Bob Campos, site manager for Workstage.
"That's fast," said Campos, who worked 22 years with his father and five years on his own using conventional construction methods before being approached by Workstage.
He said he was intrigued by the Workstage concept.
The company, as reflected by its name, designs buildings on a platform, or stage. The raised floors allow the heating-cooling, power, voice, data and plumbing systems to be managed more efficiently and with greater flexibility for changes, said Kent Riddle, Workstage vice president of development.
Some non-Workstage projects, such as Union Pacific's new headquarters in downtown Omaha, also feature raised-floor systems. But Workstage projects also are distinguished by the use of a "kit of parts" designed and manufactured off the site.
"The outside skin and inside materials can be customized, but the infrastructure is similar from project to project," Riddle said.
The company's approach, he said, helps with construction speed as well as the air and lighting quality inside the building.
"It's not brand-new technology," Riddle said. "It's just we've tried to refine it so it's more affordable and competitive with conventional construction."
Workers usually like Workstage-designed buildings, Riddle said, because of the emphasis on natural and indirect lighting and the individual control they have over their workspace. An employee who was cold, for example, could lift a panel and turn up the heat in his work area.
Workstage buildings also design in amenities the company says are aimed at promoting a sense of well-being among workers. Many of the buildings, including the AAA office, have "fuel stations" with stand-up tables in strategic locations so that when employees get a cup of coffee, they are encouraged to interact with co-workers.
Click To Enlarge
The company built the 115,200-square-foot PayPal building in La Vista in six months.
"Often they find they don't need to schedule meetings, because they're running into people spontaneously," Riddle said.
Company managers like the buildings, Riddle said, because of the speed of construction, the energy efficiency - the company says a user typically saves 20 percent on gas and electric costs over a typical new Class A building - and the ease of revamping workspaces.
"They can make changes over a weekend rather than a course of weeks," Riddle said.
Because of the energy savings, under-floor air distribution and reliance on daylight and sensor-controlled lights, most of Workstage's facilities have qualified for certification under the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, Riddle said.
Workstage's launch five years ago was preceded by two years of research and design, he said.
The Grand Rapids, Mich., company was founded by Steelcase Inc., the office furniture maker, and the Gale Co. with backing from Morgan Stanley Real Estate Funds.
Workstage's local partner is the Lund Co., working with Aaron Bilyeu.
Workstage employs five people in Nebraska.
Omaha was selected for the first branch office, Riddle said, because of its size, the shared Midwestern values and the success Workstage already has seen here. Though Workstage has projects all over the country, Omaha is the only city outside of its home state that has had three.
The Omaha office, said Workstage President and Chief Executive Jack Cottrell, serves "as a working demonstration," highlighting the company's systems.
Said Riddle, "We think this is the way of the future." Let's hope not!
Rapid methods construction company opens Omaha office
Moderators: Coyote, nebugeater, Brad, Omaha Cowboy, BRoss
Rapid methods construction company opens Omaha office
I have not been impressed with the results this company has produced at all. I think the Paypal building looks very poor... and the new AAA building is horrible. Apparently we will be seeing more of their work with the opening of this local office.