the omni blog

EKU Science Building offers food for thought

February , 2012 05:50 AM | omni in the news | Permalink

On-campus restaurant in EKU's new Science Building offers healthy, affordable food choices and comfortable atmosphere.

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UofL Rec Center in the news

February , 2012 06:46 AM | omni in the news, project profiles and progress | Permalink

The new U of L Student Recreation Center was recently featured in a WAVE TV story, which included interviews with students and images of the project.

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HBEER Project Benefits University of Kentucky Students

February , 2012 05:42 AM | omni in the news, think green, around the office | Permalink

The University of Kentucky has released a new video, which talks about the ways HBEER benefits UK design students. The project was conceived to provide affordable, energy-efficient housing for low-income families, as well as a create an alternative product for houseboat manufacturers, who have been hard hit by the economy.

Click image to watch.

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What Generation Gap?

January , 2012 12:34 PM | the omni blog | Permalink

By Deb Cutts

It seems it was only a few short years ago that I was always the youngest person on staff, wherever I worked. I looked to the wiser, older, “seasoned” professionals for guidance as well as historical perspective – occasionally wondering how on earth they were still doddering around at the ripe old age of 50+.

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Governer appoints Jacobs and other new members to High Performance Buildings Advisory Committee

January , 2012 08:24 AM | omni in the news, think green | Permalink

Omni partner Michael Jacobs has been appointed to the High Performance Buildings Advisory Committee, filling one of the terms expiring Aug. 22, 2012.

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Focus Groups Scheduled for NKU Campus Rec Center

January , 2012 11:00 AM | project profiles and progress | Permalink

The Omni/Cannon Design Team will conduct a series of focus groups on the NKU campus to solicit feedback and comments on the planned expansion and renovation of the campus recreation center. The focus group meetings are scheduled for February 8 and 9, and will include NKU students, faculty, and staff.The collaborative process is a hallmark of the Omni project process, and has produced successful outcomes

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Ribbon cutting slated for 1st HBEER Prototype

January , 2012 08:51 AM | think green | Permalink

A down economy and an increased demand for affordable, energy-efficient housing has led to an initiative that could create a new product for houseboat manufacturers, hard hit by the recession. Once known for producing some of the most luxurious houseboats in the world, manufacturers in eastern Kentucky have seen significant staff layoffs and several have been forced to close altogether. Now, thanks to a partnership between Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, the University of Kentucky College of Design, with help from UK's Center for Applied Energy Research; and Stardust Cruisers houseboat factory in Wayne County, these facilities may receive a new lease on life.

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New Science Building opens at EKU

January , 2012 12:12 PM | project profiles and progress | Permalink

The new Science Building at Eastern Kentucky University officially opened for classes this semester. Check out the article in the latest edition of The Eastern Progress. For a full description of the project, visit the project page in our our higher education portfolio.

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NKU to renovate and expand campus recreation center

December , 2011 06:54 AM | on the boards | Permalink

Omni Architects, in partnership with Cannon Design, has been selected to design the renovation and expansion of the Albright Health Center at Northern Kentucky University. The campus recreation center project includes a first phase, 110,000 SF addition to be complete in 2014, and a second phase, 65,000 SF renovation to be complete in 2015.

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CEOC bids within 0.7% of Omni estimate

November , 2011 08:48 AM | project profiles and progress | Permalink

The Commonwealth Emergency Operations Center bid within 0.7% of Omni's estimate in November, with Morell Construction as the selected contractor. The 25,100 SF state-of-the-art facility will expand the ability of the Commonwealth to remain fully operational at all times, regardless of the situation. The CEOC supports 24/7/365 monitoring and will step up during activation to support Kentucky’s 15 emergency support functions. The facility incorporates more current stand-alone and redundant design features with the latest technology, and complies with DoD security standards as well as the latest FEMA guidelines. Construction is set to begin in January 2012.

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Blue Grass Airport to renovate administrative office area

October , 2011 10:26 AM | on the boards | Permalink

Omni Architects has been selected by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board to design a renovation of the board room and administrative office area at Blue Grass Airport. The renovation of the Board Room will increase space to accommodate the number of attendees at Board meetings and will upgrade communication technology to better support the need for virtual communication and multimedia presentations. The renovation of the administrative space will include space planning to support current staff organizational structure and upgrade finishes throughout. Omni, in partnership with The Feldman Group and CMTA Engineers, will provide professional space planning and design services.

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First public meeting on Downtown AA&E District draws 200

October , 2011 08:06 AM | Permalink

The first public meeting to gather ideas and community input on the creation of an arena, arts and entertainment district around Rupp Arena and The Lexington Center in downtown Lexington brought 200 people to Busters Tuesday evening. Several "big picture" ideas were presented by Gary Bates of Space Group, where one of the things he discussed was creating opportunities to "continue the fan experience" after events (specifically UK basketball games) at Rupp Arena.

Check out the October 19, 2011 article in the Lexington Herald-Leader for more information on the discussion.

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Kentucky National Guard to build new Readiness Center

September , 2011 08:04 AM | project profiles and progress | Permalink

Omni Architects is honored to be selected to design a new Readiness Center for the Kentucky Army National Guard in Burlington, Kentucky. A design-build partnership with D.W. Wilburn, Inc., the 75,000 SF facility will be located on an 11-acre site and include training spaces for guardsmen as well as administrative areas for KYANG staff. The building is targeting LEED Silver level certification and will be self-certified.

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City hires team to develop master plan for AA&E District

August , 2011 06:56 AM | project profiles and progress | Permalink

Lexington's Arena, Arts & Entertainment District Task Force, appointed by Mayor Jim Gray, took another important step this week toward creating a plan for a new downtown district surrounding Rupp Arena. The task force hired a design team led by Gary Bates of Space Group to lead a collaborative, public planning process which will result in a master plan for the 46 acre chunk of downtown surrounding Rupp Arena and the Lexington Center. Omni is excited to be a member of the design team and a part of this important community conversation.

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