Interior image a classroom of Omaha Public Schools' Forest Station Elementary
Interior image a commons room of Omaha Public Schools' Forest Station Elementary
Omaha Public Schools Forest Station Elementary
Interior image of the music room of Omaha Public Schools' Forest Station Elementary

Forest Station Elementary

LOCATION
Omaha, Nebraska

AREA
81,000 GSF

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Omaha Public Schools continues to expand and has seen steady growth over the past several years. The 3-story Forest Station Elementary features an array of bright colors, open spaces, and a name dedicated to its proximity to Fontenelle Forest and trains.

The open and collaborative spaces allow students to see others while learning. Tables around the building are set in alcoves, and different lobby-like spaces are attached to hallways for easy access. The facility includes a 2-story commons area, gymnasium, library, music room, art room, administration area, faculty offices, and learning stairs.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Dedicated telecommunications rooms were designed to be centrally located on each level of the building for optimal aggregation of cabling and to house network equipment.
    • Cabling from each room serves PCs, VoIP phones, wireless access points, and IP-based video surveillance cameras.
  • To achieve the most integrated and reliable cabling infrastructure, IP Design Group:
    • Coordinated and designed primary and secondary telecommunications pathways with the architectural design team and electrical engineer.
    • Coordinated telecommunications equipment power, cooling, and grounding requirements with the mechanical and electrical engineers.
  • Video intercom system was designed for the main entrance door to integrate with the access control, video surveillance, and VoIP phone systems.
  • Wall-mounted analog wireless clocks were located throughout the school.
  • Sound systems were designed for the gym and cafeteria to allow for the use of wireless microphones and audio playback.

Photography credit: Alan Jackson with Jackson Studios

Related Projects
Lewis Central Community School District's Performing Arts Center stage view and auditorium seatingOmaha Public Schools' Pine Elementary classroom