​High school kids today face more and more pressure to find a career or pick a major without really knowing all the opportunities that exist.  The MCL Construction team is trying to reach as many kids as possible by participating in the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Careerockit program.  It's the largest program of its kind in the country and is designed to create career interest, grow the area's talent pipeline, and connect us with future employees.

"I consider an event like today's to be a ‘seed planting activity.’  The stories, information, and words of wisdom you shared are seeds planted in the minds of our students.  Those seeds will hopefully one day be watered, tended, and then bloom into what will become part of a beautiful career bouquet," said John Stanton, grade 10-12 counselor at Platteview High School.

The MCL Construction team participated in two Careerockit sessions, Platteview High School and Westside High School.

"Your presentation was informative and so relevant to the conversations we are having with students and we are so appreciative of your time," added Kathy McGauvran, Business Partner and Talent Development Specialist at Westside. 

The MCL Construction team presented to students the various careers that one can pursue, like project management, estimating, carpentry, and the latest technology like augmented reality, virtual reality, and laser scanning.

"The young adults that visited our presentation asked great questions, they were engaged in our story and process, and excited about the opportunities construction has to offer as a career," said Mark Berner, Director of Human Resources at MCL Construction.

Careerockit is a weeklong learning initiative that served 22,000 Nebraska and Iowa students a year ago.  This year almost 200 businesses participated in the program visiting almost 100 schools in a six-county area.

About MCL Construction:

MCL Construction is an Omaha, Nebraska, based Construction Manager and General Contractor. Founded in 1987, it builds relationships with business partners by using construction expertise with innovative building strategies to provide a collaborative, smarter building experience.

Tanna White and Heather Fredrick join Omaha, Nebraska, Construction Management and General Contracting firm, MCL Construction.

White joins MCL Construction as the Director of Training and Development. Originally from Decatur, Nebraska, White has a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State College and a master’s degree in Communications from the University of Northern Iowa.

White has over ten years of corporate and client training experience. In her role at MCL Construction, she will lead the company’s PILOT training program focusing on the development of innovation, leadership, operations, and technology.

"Tanna is a major asset to our business operations," according to MCL Construction Senior Vice President Tony Fucinaro. "It's vitally important that we continue to educate, train, and prepare our employees for the future and career advancement."

Heather Fredrick takes on the role of Associate Director of Business Development. Fredrick comes to MCL Construction from Union Pacific Railroad where she spent the last 21 years. At UP, Fredrick held a variety of positions in sales and marketing, human resources, and talent acquisition.

At MCL Construction, Fredrick will focus on new client relationships and client retention. Fredrick is an Omaha native and a graduate of Creighton University.

"Heather brings an extraordinary skill set to the position," said MCL Construction President Bob Carlisle. "As we continue to grow locally and regionally, her competitiveness and ability to connect with people will help reach more companies and showcase the services we offer and demonstrate a smarter way to build. We are thrilled to have her as part of our team."

About MCL Construction:

MCL Construction is an Omaha, Nebraska, based Construction Manager and General Contractor. Founded in 1987, it builds relationships with business partners by using construction expertise with innovative building strategies to provide a collaborative, smarter building experience.

​Looking back, 2018 turned out to be the busiest in MCL Construction history.  The Omaha, Nebraska, Construction Manager/General Contractor started 383 new projects in 2018, the most in the company’s 31-year history.  Its previous high was 323 in 2014.

"This speaks to the range of client services we offer," said MCL Construction President Bob Carlisle.  "Our customers know we are there for them for small projects that can take a day, or a month or two.  And they know our expertise when it comes to large-scale projects that can take a year or even longer to complete."

Markets:

​MCL Construction's record number of projects covers many different markets.  The busiest being corporate office projects and healthcare being a strong second. 

"We have a talented team, " adds Senior Vice President Tony Fucinaro.  "For the majority of the projects we started last year, we were involved early in the process with our owners and their design teams.  This collaboration makes a better building experience for everyone."

It's the healthcare market that excites Fucinaro for MCL's future.  "The market is unique, and it requires knowledge, training, and certifications to set yourself apart.  Several members of our team are Certified Healthcare Constructors by The American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE)." 

Completed Projects:

​As several hundred projects were starting in 2018 for MCL Construction, some of the most significant projects in the company’s history were completed -- like the Creighton School of Dentistry.  The project was recognized with a Build Nebraska award for projects over $50 million by the AGC-Nebraska Building Chapter.  Also, The Cloisters On The Platte Retreat Center was a one-of-a-kind project that took over 2-1/2 years to complete. 

Technology: 

​The construction industry is one that hasn't changed in the last 100 years.  At MCL Construction, the approach to projects is a lot different and the company is embracing and investing in technology and strategies to build smarter, faster, safer, and leaner. 

"Our virtual design and construction team is all in-house," said Fucinaro.  "VDC allows us to do so much with owners and design teams in design and development.  It also plays a pivotal role when it comes to prefabrication, logistics, safety, quality, and facilities management."

​As 2019 gets underway, there is no telling if it will be another record year; however, that is not the focus for MCL President Bob Carlisle.  "We are the people you build with; our goal is to build smarter, build new and existing relationships, and play an exciting role in the continued growth of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa."

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. 

​The Heart Ministry Center recently broke ground on its expansion project.  MCL Construction is the general contractor on the project that will add 14,000 square feet to the North Omaha campus.  Since 2005, the Heart Ministry Center has increased the acts of service provided by more than 4,000 percent!
 
When completed in late summer of 2019, the Heart Ministry Center will have:

• 23 additional parking spaces.
• Safer, more comfortable lobby.
• Private case management service areas.
• Dedicated Fresh Start Job Placement Program space.
• New community laundromat.

 
"The Heart Ministry Center plays an important role in the lives of so many people," said MCL Construction President Bob Carlisle.  "MCL Construction is honored to be a part of this project; we aren't just constructing an addition, we get to help build dignity for all."
 
In 2017, the Heart Ministry Center provided $300,000 in medical and dental care.  It distributed 3.6 million pounds of food and 6,400 individuals received case management and social work assistance.
 
The new addition is designed by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture and Project Advocates is representing the owner.

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.

Five employees at MCL Construction recently graduated from its carpenter training program.  The curriculum is designed to give students comprehensive carpenter skills from blueprint reading and basic framing to casework, door and hardware installation.
 
"We expanded the training to 13 weeks to give us an extra session to focus on safety.  Additionally, we modified the course to emphasize commercial carpentry skills specific to the work that MCL typically does," said MCL Construction labor coordinator Scot Stangl.
 
The training program combines on-the-job experience and classroom work thanks in part to a partnership with Metropolitan Community College where the students met every Monday for four hours.
 
"We think it's important to promote from within and give all our employees the education and experience they need to develop their skills and further their careers," said Jason Jansen, Director of Field Operations for MCL Construction.
 
The competition for skilled employees is at an all-time high.  After two complete classes, MCL Construction is already seeing the benefits as production has increased because of the versatility of skills learned in a controlled environment.
 
Recent graduates include:

• Chris Micheels
• Carlos Rivera
•  Dakota Giese
•  Brad Lorentzen
• Tim Isham.

 
MCL Construction is committed to hiring high performers who are eager to learn and who are passionate, dedicated, and thorough in the work and service they provide to clients.
 
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

MCL Construction in Omaha, Nebraska, wins the 2018 Association of General Contractors (AGC)-Nebraska Building Chapter's Build Nebraska Award for the best project over $50 million.  AGC peers throughout the country selected the Creighton School of Dentistry project as the winner in its category. 
  
"This honor humbles the entire MCL Construction team," said MCL Senior Vice President Tony Fucinaro.  "This was a project from start to finish that was committed to delivering excellence for Creighton University.  In addition to our team, RDG Planning and Design, Project Advocates, and all our building partners made this a success." ​

MCL Construction utilized its Augmented Reality (AR) technology to take Creighton University Dental School staff into their clinics, classrooms, and labs for a realistic view even before they were complete.  Additionally, AR technology assisted MCL Construction with quality assurance, layout, and safety. 

The project includes expanded clinical spaces for adults and children which allows the university to provide over $1.3 million in services to underserved patients.  These services include free clinics, preventative care education, and pediatric dental care.

Creighton University estimates the School of Dentistry project will reach an economic impact on the Omaha community of $848 million in 2023 with the new facility and up to 200 new jobs will be created indirectly.

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.

Photos By: Brad Anderson/Architectural Photography Inc.

Scare Away Cancer continues to get bigger and better as the nonprofit organization helps patients and families that are fighting cancer.

The 8th Annual Scare Away Cancer costume party, dinner, and dance was held on October 27, 2018, atAnthony's Steakhouse.  340 of the finest dressed ghouls and goblins helped raise a record $187,210.56. Scare Away Cancer is an all-volunteer organization meaning all proceeds are donated to patients and families.

"Thanks to our supportive sponsors and guests, Scare Away Cancer continues to help so many people in Nebraska and Iowa," said Scare Away Cancer Chief Decorator Tony Fucinaro.

"Everyone who attends really gets into the spirit of the night and sees first-hand the impact their donations make."
​
This year Scare Away Cancer honored Krew Anderson.  One-year-old Krew was diagnosed with AML Leukemia at 5 months.  

Scare Away Cancer was able to fund charitable care for patients at the Inner Beauty Salon at the Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center.  In 2018, the $15,000 donation helped 95 patients providing help to the uninsured and underinsured with skin care, scalp care, wigs, hats/scarves, and more.

Scare Away Cancer is presented by MCL Construction.  Sponsors of the event include:
Dark Knight Sponsors                                            
A United Automatic Doors and Glass Inc.
J.R. Barger and Sons
Electric Company of Omaha
T. Hansen Construction
Prairie Mechanical
 
Ghouls and Goblins Sponsors
Allied Construction Services
McGill Asbestos
Omaha Lancers
Peitzmeier Demolition
 
Save the date for October 19, 2019, for Scare Away Cancer 9.  You can donate to Scare Away Cancer by clicking here.  If you know of a family that is in need of financial assistance as they go through their cancer journey, refer them to Scare Away Cancer and fill out this grant application.
​
Scare Away Cancer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Omaha, Nebraska.  Its mission is to help pediatric cancer patients and their families by providing direct financial assistance.  

Westwood Chruch's Hearts and Minds early childhood program was having so much success that it required a 15,300 square foot addition to the church campus.  The new space designed by RDG Planning and Design provides bright and colorful classroom space for kids ages three through five.  There is also nursery space for kids two and younger for the Mom's Day Out program. 

The middle school and high school ministries benefit from the expansion as well.  Previously they gathered at the neighboring YMCA.  The program staff had a large say in the design of the area that resembles a really cool coffee shop.

All photos by:  Architectural Photography Inc.

According to Scott Christiansen, Senior Pastor at Westwood Church,  the response to the new construction has been all positive.  He says the more young families they can reach, the better they fulfill their mission, "Build His Kingdom...One Heart at a Time." 

The project was completed in just over a year. During construction, regular church activities continued as normal with minimal disruption to daily activities.  In addition, MCL Construction remodeled the church kitchen and its social gathering areas.
​

American National Bank held a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, August 27, 2018, to kick off the highly anticipated construction for its new branch located at 520 S. Saddle Creek Road in Omaha.  Bank executives, Board members, employees, and clients of American National Bank along with Mayor Jean Stothert and other local dignitaries and media were in attendance to celebrate the occasion.

“This is a great day to say congratulations and thank you to John and Wende Kotouc and everyone at American National Bank.  Thank you for your investment in our community.  We see exceptional growth here in Midtown Omaha for business, urban living, entertainment, and retail.  All are important to bring new customers and new families into the heart of the city,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. 
 
The new branch is being designed by RDG Planning and Design and  will be approximately 10,000 square feet and will feature a two-story atrium in an open concept design with state-of-the-art technology offering clients 3,500 square feet of comprehensive retail banking services with interior and exterior ITM’s allowing for a different way to do banking in a self-service environment.  The new space will also feature meeting and private office facilities as well as 6,500 square feet of leasable prime retail space.  This branch is specifically designed with the community in mind to promote a unique and personalized experience for our customers and for retail tenants.

The location is convenient to the nearbyBlackstone District and University of Nebraska Medical Center with easy access to downtown Omaha.  The architectural design is reminiscent of the historic integrity of the Blackstone district.  New sidewalks, lighting, signage, and landscaping will complement the totally revamped and reimagined structure.  The addition of this branch to the surrounding community will positively impact the vibrancy of the transformation taking place in the neighborhood and the revitalization happening throughout Omaha.  American National Bank has also been in discussions with nationally-recognized boutique retailers not currently serving the Omaha Metro market, all of which complement UNMC’s nationally ranked center.

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.

Citylight Church recently moved into the old Hy-Vee grocery store near Oakview Mall.  The re-purposed space designed by BVH Architects and built by MCL Construction gives Citylight a significant presence in West Omaha.  Why an old grocery store? According to Citylight, renovating an existing building would provide a better value than new construction, and retail spaces surface as a reliable option due to their availability, comparatively low cost, and ideal locations.

The new space holds up to 1,000 people for worship gatherings.  Citylight wants to be a church family, so they've always pushed back against the idea of a dark theater with all the focus on a few professionals on a stage.  They want to be able to see each other and worship together publicly.

​Going to West Omaha, they contextualized the building to its environment - they didn’t want to try to replicate a traditional church building or their 100-year-old Midtown building.  This new space would look very different, yet it needed to feel the same.

​When you walk in, you feel welcomed by the openness.  There is a large coffee and doughnut bar which serves over 300 cups of coffee and 50 dozen doughnuts each Sunday!  

​Citylight Church Oak View has an additional 15,000 square feet (8,000 of which was added in a mezzanine above the new kids' ministry and office space) which will be built out in the future as a youth space, additional kids' classrooms, and more office space.

According to Citylight, the response to the West location has been very positive.  People love the open feel of the space and the large windows.  The facility feels very at home in West Omaha while keeping a similar feel to its Midtown location.