A freshly hoisted sign at 11th and Douglas marks the new downtown home of a quickly growing Omaha business and signals its commitment to the community.
Upon first glance, the historic, newly renovated office building in downtown Omaha seems built to house the latest tech startup. But inside the walls of Kirsch Transportation Services Inc. are longstanding, well-respected business leaders driving the 19-year-old woman-owned logistics company toward its 20th year of operation. “We’re putting our stamp on the community and saying, ‘This is where we want to make a difference,’” said Shauna Morfeld, VP of Business Development. “It also gives us access to the people we want to bring into our fabulous company and work with us. It puts us on the map.” The company’s history is built on a strong family foundation and boasts an incredibly low rate of turnover. In its latest growth spurt, owners Camilla Moore Kirsch and Matthew Kirsch were drawn to the fresh, vibrant energy of downtown and sought to become part of the revitalization. This idea became a reality in 2018 with the purchase of a 30,000-square-foot office building at 1102 Douglas, wedged between the Capitol District and the Old Market, and just north of the Gene Leahy Mall transformation underway. Over the course of a year, Kirsch tapped local firms MCL Construction and RDG Planning & Design to restore the two-story building.
After a year of design and construction, Kirsch opened its restored doors in October 2019 to a bright, spacious office with fun and collaborative breakout areas, a gym/yoga facility, game room, and full kitchen.
“Working together with MCL was critical in terms of the vibe we wanted to create in our new space,” Camilla Kirsch said. “Combining our ideas, keeping safe some of the brick and mortar of the original building as well as repurposing some of the materials has added so much character.” The new office not only supports the company’s technology needs but provides an opportunity for the company to open its doors to talented industry professionals and partners. SEE MORE OF OUR COMMERCIAL OFFICE PROJECTS “MCL did a wonderful job exposing the cool things about being in a historic building that we wanted to preserve and then bringing in the modern pieces that reflected our young environment,” said Chief Financial Officer Kelli Gleckler. During the design process, employees weighed in at various stages, lending their opinions toward the final product. Just as would happen with any family, the company’s culture invites disagreement and deliberation, and staff aren’t afraid to voice their perspectives. In fact, owners challenged employees as to whether they would actually use the breakout spaces and, ultimately, were swayed by the possibilities of cross-collaboration between teams. “The best thing about Kirsch is that it really is the open road,” Morfeld said. “Matt and Cam allow us to explore ideas and come with new solutions and provide assistance in different areas to talk to them about the route we think we need to take. It’s a very open forum, so we’re able to spread our wings. You’re able to take off in areas where other companies may try to put limitations on you.” 
As employees embrace and adjust to their new home base, they say they’re empowered by the new energy in the office. Each gravitates to various areas of the office depending on the time of day and their mental state. But how does the new environment translate into productivity?
On tough days, time in the nap room or playing a game of Connect4 can quickly ease stress and put employees back in the game. Employees realize that owners are prioritizing health and mental wellbeing, empowering them to be the best versions of themselves whether on the phone with customers or at home with family. The very deliberation that resulted in Kirsch’s new office space is reflective of the dynamic, agile talent the team seeks to hire in the coming years. “The type of employees we hire aren’t hired because they can do a certain task,” Morfeld said. “It’s because they’ve worn multiple hats and can work in niche areas of our business successfully. They challenge us and bring new suggestions to the table that we, as existing employees, utilize to make ourselves better.”
And for the first time, the Kirsch brand is taking the forefront as the company looks to share its story and continue to build long-lasting relationships.
“With our move to this great place in Omaha, we are empowered so we actually are focusing more energy on our branding and marketing.” Expect to hear more from the brand as it continues to grow its footprint in Omaha as the business expands. The new office will provide Kirsch the ability to grow and fill additional hires as needed. “As to the future of our company, we’re putting a focus on building our partnerships,” Morfeld said. “We’re showing people our culture now more than ever, and how great of a company we are to work with.” “Our team absolutely loves our new office with its contemporary style,” Camilla continued. “This special new space will help us continue to grow our business and we couldn’t be more excited.” About MCL Construction For many businesses, navigating construction and knowing who to trust can be overwhelming. At MCL Construction, our people simplify the process by listening, planning, executing, and continuing the relationship to build their vision. 
When you first walk into the new Breast Health Center at CHI Lakeside, you know that you’ve arrived at something exceptional. That’s exactly what Kate Hunley and Mary Bailey had envisioned for the new space that the MCL team guided to fruition. Mary, Director of Imaging Services, helped oversee the creation and implementation of the new Breast Health Center with the functionality and layout of the space directed by Kate, the center’s lead Nurse Practitioner.
“Patient-centered” was the goal and the team wanted additional space overall, ideally another exam room and new consulting area. Previously, the waiting area felt outdated and uncomfortable which, unfortunately, could set the tone for a visit. Now, bright but warm, complete with stunning lighting and a beautiful fireplace, the updated waiting room almost feels more like a spa than a hospital which is really refreshing. The word “swanky” kept coming up and, according to Mary, “Women come in and take selfies in this area because it’s so pretty. They’re literally standing in line to take pictures to send to their friends!” 
Breast Health Consultation Room
Aesthetics aside, the biggest impact comes from their new Consult Room, which enables them to bring the entire health care team into one space to inform and empower their patients. Since the new space opened last September, they’ve been able to launch their new Multidisciplinary Care Clinic which really streamlines patient care. Within the new private consult area, there is comfortable seating and two large monitors so they’re able to bring doctors in virtually if need be, as well as other imaging, sometimes showing the patient slides of their breast cancer. Now, instead of requiring multiple appointments with multiple specialists, the patient now can walk out with a complete care plan and all of the answers they need after just one visit. Kate is excited about the new expanded capability of the multidisciplinary team, “It’s intended to be all encompassing and now it really is. Patients have been so grateful.”
Kate also explained that the extra exam room allows for better flow for the physicians. “It’s funny that one more room makes such a difference! It’s now meeting our growth; we were really busting at the seams.” She went on to say that the expansion really is changing the care they’re able to provide and improving what was already a nationally renowned clinic. As a Triple Accredited Center of Excellence, they are part of an elite 1% of breast centers across the country that have achieved this significant accomplishment. With the modernized new home of the Breast Health Center, they feel that the space matches, and even elevates, the care they provide. It’s also allowing them to hold their place in the local market in providing more competitive care. “This is part of the expansion of our awesomeness,” Kate laughed.
This project was only a dream for about six years but was spurred into action after receiving that award. From the initial design to the construction itself, the Breast Health team was appreciative of the guidance from MCL. Mary emphasized that they were so inclusive and creative with the process, “Since we wanted to create something unique, they were very open to different ideas.” Kate agreed and added, “They had great feedback and were able to show us how they could make it all work. They were really flexible and realistic. Very kind and respectful and had great communication. They never flinched.”
Even though the construction happened while they were seeing patients, she was impressed that “they were very conscientious of the fact they were in a hospital and they were always cleaning up and making sure everything was tidy. That was something that was pretty outstanding.” About MCL Construction For many businesses, navigating construction and knowing who to trust can be overwhelming. At MCL Construction, our people simplify the process by listening, planning, executing, and continuing the relationship to build their vision.
 Excitement at Clarkson College Space is getting tight on the campus of Clarkson College . . . students and faculty are about to get a lot more room. To celebrate the start of construction on the new Clarkson Commons and Education Center, Administration and staff swung a hammer for a ceremonial "wall-breaking." "I have been with the college a long time and we have been talking about this project for the last 10 or 15 years," said Interim President Dr. Aubray Orduña. "We have really been looking forward to it." Clarkson College is taking over the former Clarkson Family Medicine Building, a primary care facility operated by Nebraska Medicine. The complete remodel of the building, which includes two floors and a basement, will give faculty much needed office space and students quieter, more collaborative, and more spacious areas to study. "Students are going to have a place to go and talk to their faculty in confidence. They will have places to study where it's quiet. The faculty will now have the facilities they need to get the job done that they need to do and feel good about it," said Clarkson College Board Chair Dr. Steven Black. Clarkson College partnered with MCL Construction and Schemmer for the project that will be complete in the fall of 2020. About MCL Construction For many businesses, navigating construction and knowing who to trust can be overwhelming. At MCL Construction, our people simplify the process by listening, planning, executing, and continuing the relationship to build their vision.  Jenni Shukert & Heather Fredrick MCL Construction’s Associate Director of Business Development, Heather Fredrick, was presented with the “Rising Star” award from CREW Omaha last Saturday. This award is given to a member who has five or less years of experience in the commercial real estate industry and who is actively participating in CREW Omaha Metro and is a rising star in her industry. Heather joined MCL Construction just over a year ago after 21 years in corporate America. She excels at making connections with people and provides MCL’s clients accurate and honest information on the services MCL provides. We sat down with Heather to ask her a few questions about her most recent honor. Why did you get involved with CREW? Coming into an industry and not knowing anyone, I heard about the CREW Omaha organization and thought it would be a good way to develop contacts that touch all aspects of the real estate and construction world. I wanted to network and learn more about the industry; the companies I wanted to learn about were represented in this one organization. Over the past year, what have you learned by being a member of CREW? The biggest thing is it’s helped me learn about the different facets of the industry, how the various pieces fit together and interrelate. The monthly luncheons provide the ability to dive deeper into a specific development or project in the surrounding area. Also, the women in this space and industry are bad-ass! There are so many smart, amazing women in this organization doing great things in this community. What greater good does CREW provide the Omaha area and its members? CREW Omaha provides an environment to its members where women can help other women advance professionally, lend support, and exchange information. It provides the opportunity to get involved. To greater Omaha, CREW members focus on making a positive impact on our community by donating time and resources to many philanthropic organizations in Omaha. One example in 2019, led by the Community Outreach Committee, CREW members worked with multiple community partners and raised funds to provide a mini-van to a refugee family that CREW helped resettle the prior year. This is just one great example of how the women of CREW Omaha go above and beyond. Members also support the CREW Foundation, which helps to provide training as well as college scholarships and internships. You are the CREW Rising Star Award winner, what was your reaction when you first heard? Stunned, shocked, and humbled. I’m honored to have received the award and to be a part of this organization. What is something about CREW that people may not know? CREW is now an international organization with over 12,000 members.
CREW Omaha members are empowered by sharing their knowledge and experience with others in our community, while also learning from the insight and know-how of others.
About MCL Construction For many businesses, navigating construction and knowing who to trust can be overwhelming. At MCL Construction, our people simplify the process by listening, planning, executing, and continuing the relationship to build their vision.
Creighton Preparatory School officially opened the Lannon Learning Commons on January 6, 2020. The majority of the project is now complete; however, MCL Construction continues to work on the renovation of classroom and office space and adding new restroom space inside the high school.
We will share more detailed information about this project in the weeks and months ahead but wanted to share the completed time-lapse video of the new addition and the construction of the bell tower and plaza.
The Lannon Learning Commons is named after former Creighton Prep and Creighton University President Timothy Lannon, S.J. The new addition will be a one-of-a-kind multi-use building, catering almost completely to the well-being of the student population.
About MCL Construction: MCL Construction is an Omaha, Nebraska, based Construction Manager and General Contractor. It builds relationships with business partners by using construction expertise with innovative building strategies to provide a collaborative building experience.  Fr. Tom Neitzke, SJ & Bob Carlisle MCL Construction co-founder and President Bob Carlisle is inducted into the Creighton Prep Hall of Fame. Carlisle was honored with four others on October 23, 2019, at the 2019 Loyola Dinner of Honor and Distinction. “For as long as I can remember, Bob has been a man of generosity,” said classmate and friend Mike McGlade who made the formal introduction of Carlisle at the event. “What he has accomplished and his humility throughout the ups and downs of life say a lot about his character and a lot about the influence Creighton Prep has had on his life.” Creighton Prep has been part of Bob Carlisle's life for as long as he can remember. His father, William (Bill) Carlisle, is a 1951 graduate of Prep. Bob, the oldest of six Carlisle children, graduated from Prep in 1976 followed by his brothers Tom '78, Mike '79, and Dan '90. Bob's sons Rob '01, and David '05, are also Prep graduates. His sisters, Mary and Beth, and daughter Karie, are graduates of Marian High School. Bill and Bob become the first father and son Prep Hall of Famers in history. Bill was selected in 1996. Also, Bob’s mother Dolores was the 2014 Ancilla Domini Award winner. A graduate of UNO, Bob co-founded MCL Construction in 1987. MCL has grown into one of the largest Construction Management/General Contracting firms in the Midwest. It is currently constructing the Lannon Learning Commons at Prep which will officially open later this year.
While operating his business, Bob has lived by the Ignatian principle, "men for and with others." Bob has volunteered his expertise on several projects including:
Bob has served two terms on the Marian High School Board of Directors and is a current member of the CUES Board. This past May, Bob and his wife Ashley served as the Honorary Co-Chairs for the Child Saving Institute's Cabaret Gala. “This honor is not about me,” said Carlisle. “It’s about the great influences in my life, many of them from the class of 1976. The friendships that were made, the education we received, and our dedication of the Ignatian Principal of being men for others.” Other honorees at the 2019 Loyola Dinner of Honor and Distinction include: Cardinal Blaze Cupich - Sword of Ignatius Patrick Duffy - Alumnus of the Year Karen Van Dyke - Ancilla Domini Award Cindy Heider - Hall of Fame 
The Munroe Meyer Institute at the University of Nebraska Medical Center officially broke ground on its new location in Omaha, Nebraska. The program will be relocating to 6902 Pine Street, a former First Data building and connected with UNO's Aksarben campus.
MCL Construction is building the project that is scheduled to be completed late next year. Omaha design firm Altus Architectural Studios is the project architect. CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS FROM THE MMI GROUNDBREAKING Architects consulted with MMI clients and clinicians to create a plan for the building that enhances and simplifies the patient experience as well as offering an array of services not available elsewhere in the state. Existing programs will be expanded and improved while new programs and collaborations will be provided. Among the new amenities:
2019 marks the beginning of MMI's second century of providing services for patients with developmental and intellectual disabilities; its new home will be the first of its kind in the nation, MMI Director Karoly Mirnics, M.D., Ph.D., said. It will be uniquely designed to facilitate integrated care for the individuals and families with these disabilities and complex health care needs that MMI serves across the lifespan, Dr. Mirnics said. “This new facility will not only allow us to provide state-of-the-art care, but it will enable us to recruit and retain top clinicians, educators, and researchers to Nebraska,” Dr. Mirnics said. “Building on 100 years of service, our vision is for a center that will provide an intimate, convenient care center for our patients while providing us with the talent and facilities to have a global impact in the areas of education and research into intellectual and developmental disabilities.” MCL Construction is one of the leading healthcare builders in the Midwest and has completed several projects for UNMC. "We are ready to make the vision a reality," said MCL Construction Senior Vice President Tony Fucinaro. "This project is going to have a positive impact on so many people for years to come. For MCL Construction to be a member of such a talented project team means a great deal to our team and our employees and speaks to the level of trust UNMC has in our approach to construction." About MCL Construction: MCL Construction is an Omaha, Nebraska, based Construction Manager and General Contractor. It builds relationships with business partners by using construction expertise with innovative building strategies to provide a collaborative building experience.
 Marian High School in Omaha, Nebraska, officially opens the Haddix Academic Center on the all-girls school campus. The project broke ground in May of 2018 and was completed in time for school to start this fall. "The Haddix Academic Center is an absolute game-changer for Marian," said school President Mary Higgins. "It's in the center of the building, accessible to all students and faculty, and it's energetic and colorful; the kids love it!" The entire project provided more than just a new front door and academic center. There is the addition of the new chapel, renovated classrooms and hallways — also, the addition of a teachers’ lounge and workroom. Assistant Principal Rochelle Rohlfs was in charge of managing the construction efforts for Marian. "I enjoyed working with MCL Construction and walking in week by week and seeing all the change," said Rohlfs. The parts I won't miss are all the details and the decisions to make and the on-the-fly issues that come up." Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture designed the project and Morrissey Engineering assisted as the mechanical and electrical engineer for the project.
MCL Construction has completed several projects on the Marian Campus including the Performing Arts Center, the new Chemistry labs, and the Bluetique which serves as the school store. "I have a long history with Marian High School," said MCL Construction President Bob Carlisle. "My sisters went to school here, my oldest daughter went to school here. I know the value of Catholic education and building for a school that means so much to my family is of great importance to me personally and MCL Construction." "My heart just gets mushy when I think about how much I appreciate what MCL Construction, Alley Poyner Macchietto, and Morrissey Engineering did for us this entire project," said Higgins. "I trusted their integrity 100%. I trusted their work ethic and the way they handled the work professionally." About MCL Construction: MCL Construction is an Omaha, Nebraska, based Construction Manager and General Contractor. It builds relationships with business partners by using construction expertise with innovative building strategies to provide a collaborative building experience. 
Creighton School of Dentistry
The awards keep coming for the Creighton School of Dentistry. Engineering News-Record (ENR) recently named it the Higher Education/Research Project of the Year for the Midwest region.
RDG Planning and Design, the architect for the Creighton School of Dentistry, submitted the project for the honor. They will officially accept the award on December 3, 2019, at the ENR Midwest Annual Award Breakfast in Chicago, IL. MCL Construction was the Construction Manager at Risk onthe project that was also honored by the AGC of Nebraska Building Chapter. "The Creighton School of Dentistry is worth every award it receives," said MCL Construction Senior Vice President Tony Fucinaro who also served as Project Executive. "The ENR award recognizes the collaborative efforts of Creighton University,Project Advocates, RDG Planning and Design, Alvine Engineering, MCL Construction, and all the subcontractors and subconsultants. The amount of teamwork and near flawless execution of the design and building plan was about as perfect as you can get." The Creighton School of Dentistry project took less than two years to complete. It officially opened last August allowing Creighton to expand its incoming class size and provide expanded dental services to the community. “MCL optimizes the design and execution of infrastructure, envelope, utilities, and finishes for projects of every size and level of complexity. This held true working with them on Creighton University's School of Dentistry," said Benjamin Kroll, a partner at RDG Planning and Design. ENR Midwest used independent judges to determine the award winners. There were 97 total entries in 20 separate project categories. Thirty-five total winners were named ranging from Best Project to Award of Merit.
About MCL Construction:
MCL Construction is an Omaha, Nebraska, based Construction Manager and General Contractor. It builds relationships with business partners by using construction expertise with innovative building strategies to provide a collaborative building experience.
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