Ventures like the West Haymarket Redevelopment Project don’t occur too often in places like Lincoln, Nebraska. No, most undertakings of this scale are forged in cities a little more east or a little more west of Lincoln city limits (as in New York and Los Angeles, not Waverly and Pleasant Dale). Consequently, many viewed the Spring 2010 approval of the West Haymarket Arena proposition as a landmark moment in Lincoln’s history. Realizing the magnitude of the project, seven local design firms came together to form one of the project’s key partners, The Lincoln Haymarket Infrastructure Team (LHIT).
The LHIT is comprised of representatives from seven of Lincoln’s best design firms. These firms include: Olsson Associates, The Schemmer Associates, Benesch, The Clark Enersen Partners, Farris Engineering, Sinclair Hille Architects, and Davis Design. Olsson Associates will be serving as the team’s lead firm with John Olsson of Olsson Associates serving as Project Manager. While technically a new company, the firms that comprise the LHIT have extensive experience providing engineering and architecture services for related projects.
The LHIT is serving the role of leader for the West Haymarket Redevelopment Project’s design, infrastructure and transportation planning. Responsibilities within this realm include (but are not limited to) the design and construction of:
- Traffic Analysis
- Site Preparation
- Underground Utilities (water, sewer, and communications)
- Parking (lots and garages)
- Bridges (pedestrian and automotive)
- Roadways
- Streetscape
- Amtrak Station
- Festival Space
- District Energy
Tasks and responsibilities for each project will be assigned on an individual basis, taking into account each firm’s related interest and specialty. This decision was made to ensure a superior end product.
Steve Miller, a city planner/client manager for Olsson Associates, is the LHIT member responsible with coordinating project information and public inquiries. Given Miller’s knowledge of city planning, he is involved in the project’s sustainability components, assessing all design work and making sure effective sustainability practices and guidelines are being followed. When asked about the project’s sustainability plans, Miller said the team would take great pains protecting the West Haymarket environment.
“If possible, we’ll re-use materials from the site… we’ll strive to reduce fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and work with the natural features of the land so as to not disturb native plants and animal species… we’re sensitive to the historic preservation element in the Haymarket. We want to make sure the new development fits well with the existing development. There has been a lot of time and money spent on the Haymarket District and we don’t want to create something that will be a detriment to the existing atmosphere.” When discussing the flood plain concern, Miller said extensive research has been conducted to ensure that flooding will not be an issue. “Because some of the area lies within the flood plain, we’ll be using fill material to elevate the site. However, we need to make sure to use the proper amount of fill in each area, so that the properties downstream are not negatively impacted by what we’re doing at the site.”
When discussing the LHIT’s role in the overall West Haymarket Redevelopment Project, Miller’s excitement was evident. “This project is a big deal and we’re very excited and very honored to be working on it… the seven firms that make up the Lincoln Haymarket Infrastructure Team employ 415 Lincoln citizens. The folks working on this project live here and they have families here, so there’s a deep, vested interest in the success of this project.”
If you have a question regarding the LHIT and/or their responsibilities, please email us at info@haymarketnow.com.
Steve said he would be more than happy to help with anything that comes along.
