Located in an underserved neighborhood in north Omaha, this 55,000-SF health and wellness addition provides a safe and inspiring environment for the girls Girls Inc. of Omaha serves. The project expands on the existing 1916 building and maximizes use of the extremely complex site, but is intentionally of its time.

Previously, a confusing and cumbersome entry/exit sequence was present due to the existing building’s layout, and unsafe interactions with vehicular traffic occurred as the girls (ages six to 18) accessed exterior play areas. To address this, the addition was simply organized around a transparent, well-articulated “girl hub” that connects the existing and new portions of the building. Girls are dropped off on the north and picked up on the south with a centralized check-in desk.

Overall, the addition is a representation of the brand and mission. Spaces and materials further strengthen the brand and “inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.”

Awards
2016 AIA Nebraska, Merit Award for Excellence in Detail
2016 PCI Design Awards, Honorable Mention for Custom Solution
2017 ACI Nebraska, Award of Excellence