AIA NE Update
Issue LII
Jan 5, 2007

Hi !

In this issue, you'll read:
Renew Your Membership Today!
Architect Zenon made mark in Omaha
New Nebraska legislators ready for historic role
Congress Extends Commercial Building Tax Deduction
Need a better way to stay current about Nebraska labor laws that may affect your firm/company?
THE NEUTRA OFFICE BUILDING HITS THE MARKET FOR SALE!
AIA National 2007 Strategic Plan
AIA Releases Updated AIA Contract Documents Software
Introduction to the New AIA /CES Blog
Calendar of Events - January 5
AIA National Convention / May 3-5 / San Antoino
Interfaith Architecture Tour
Nebraska Conditions

Renew Your Membership Today!

Thank you for your ongoing support and membership to the American Institute of Architects. A reminder your 2007 dues are due and may be paid on-line.



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Architect Zenon made mark in Omaha

Published Saturday December 30, 2006
By Jane Palmer/ World-Herald
Golden Joseph Zenon Jr., FAIA, and Willie Mae Zenon, his wife of 54 years.

The designs of architect Golden Joseph Zenon Jr. included the Swanson Branch of the Omaha Public Library, the performing arts building at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the College of Nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

His work earned him local and national recognition, and in 1986 he was named a member of the American Institute of Architects' College of Fellows. At the time, he was one of only 10 Nebraskans to have received that distinction.

Zenon, 77, died at his Omaha home Wednesday, December 27, of complications from Parkinson's disease. Funeral services were 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 3, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 8200 N. 30th St.

Zenon grew up in Abbeville, La., where he worked in cotton fields. A talent for mechanical drawing led Zenon to study architecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After he graduated in 1955, he worked as a designer at Leo A. Daly Co. in Omaha and as an architect with Dana Larson Roubal and Associates.

In 1976, Zenon established his own architectural firm with architect David Beringer. Their company, now called Zenon Beringer Mabrey Partners Inc., continues in business today. Zenon retired in the mid-1990s. "He put his heart into each project as it came along," said Zenon's wife of 54 years, Willie Mae Zenon.

One of his favorite designs was the now-closed Father Flanagan High School for high-risk students at 2606 Hamilton St. (now the Omaha Boys and Girls Club). Zenon liked its contemporary design, the natural lighting and the trees growing inside, his wife said.

She recalled that her husband once visited the school and began to prune one of the trees. "A student ran to the office to say that someone was destroying the tree," she said. "Father (James) Gilg said: 'That's OK; he helped to put it in here.'"

Zenon's survivors also include his daughter Wendy Zenon Mason of Omaha; sons Terry Zenon Sr., Corey Zenon and Gerald Mark Zenon, all of Omaha, and Golden Zenon III of Lafayette, La.; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.



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New Nebraska legislators ready for historic role

The 22 new members of the Legislature made history Wednesday just by taking their seats in the legislative chambers at the State Capitol. They represent the largest turnover of lawmakers since the Legislature grew from 43 to 49 members in 1965. Twenty of the 22 new members were elected to seats vacated because of term limits. Because term limits will usher out the remaining senior lawmakers in 2008, some of the new state senators may get seats this year on coveted committees like Revenue and Education, seats traditionally assigned to the most senior and powerful lawmakers. And in just two years, many may be in a position to seek committee chairmanships. Most of the freshmen said they are going to take it slow their first year, introducing no more than a handful of bills and learning as much as they can from senior lawmakers. However, Sen.-elect Mark Christensen of Imperial already is drafting water legislation and lobbying for it, since he is worried about the economic impact on southwest Nebraska if irrigation is restricted to comply with the Republican River compact. The new lawmakers include 13 Republicans and 9 Democrats.

NEBRASKA LEGISLATURE LEADERSHIP RACES:
AIA Nebraska will have a particular interest in Health and Human Services and Government Affairs Committees


· SPEAKER: Sen. Mike Flood (Norfolk) defeated Sen. DiAnna Schimek (Lincoln)
· AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE: Sen. Phillip Erdman (Bayard).
· APPROPRIATIONS: Sen. Lavon Heidemann (Elk Creek).
· BANKING, COMMERCE & INSURANCE: Sen. Rich Pahls (Omaha).
· BUSINESS & LABOR: Sen. Abbie Cornett (Bellevue).
· EDUCATION: Sen. Ron Raikes (Lincoln).
· GENERAL AFFAIRS: Sen. Vickie McDonald (St. Paul).
· GOVERNMENT, MILITARY & VETS AFFAIRS: Sen. Ray Aguilar (Grand Island).
· HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES: Sen. Joel Johnson (Kearney).
· JUDICIARY: Sen. Brad Ashford (Omaha).
· NATURAL RESOURCES: Sen. LeRoy Louden (Ellsworth).
· REVENUE: Sen. Ray Janssen (Nickerson).
· TRANSPORTATION & TELECOMMUNICATIONS: Sen. Deb Fischer (Valentine).
· URBAN AFFAIRS: Sen. Mike Friend (Omaha).
· COMMITTEE ON COMMITTEES: Sen. Dwite Pedersen (Elkhorn).
· CHAIR OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD: Sen. Patrick Engel (S. Sioux City); Vice Chair: Sen. Don Preister (Bellevue).

'Norfolk state senator elected speaker'

(Norfolk Daily News) -- One of Nebraska's youngest state senators was elected Wednesday to lead one of the most inexperienced Legislatures in Nebraska history. Sen. Mike Flood of Norfolk, a 31-year-old broadcaster and lawyer, beat 18-year Sen. DiAnna Schimek of Lincoln for the job of speaker on a 28 to 21 vote Wednesday morning. In a short e-mail interview with the Daily News, Flood said he's looking forward to getting into the issues facing the Legislature this session and that his biggest challenge as speaker will be to work for a consensus on those issues. Above all other things, Flood said he will be fair. "To bring special interests together to find a common ground, knowing there will be days when that's not possible," Flood said.


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Congress Extends Commercial Building Tax Deduction

In the final hours of the 109th Congress, legislators approved a bill that extends the Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction until December 31, 2008. Since the original deduction was signed into law in 2005, the AIA has worked closely with lawmakers to ensure the provision is extended beyond its original expiration date.

The provision, which was a part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, allows for a tax deduction of up to $1.80 per square foot of building area for installing systems that reduce total energy and power costs by 50 percent or more when compared to a reference building. For more information about the tax deduction and how it can be applied, read the AIA issue brief.

The original deduction was set to expire in 2007. The AIA supported legislation to extend it past its sunset. When the 110th Congress convenes in January, the AIA is making this issue a priority [see story above], by calling on Congress to extend the deduction until at least 2013 and increase the size of the allowable deduction to $2.25 per square foot.

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Need a better way to stay current about Nebraska labor laws that may affect your firm/company?

As an employer, you need to stay abreast of the legal aspects of being an employer. The professionals at Nebraska Workforce Development Career Centers are available to assist you in getting the information you need including:

  • Nebraska Labor Laws
  • NWD experts will explain minimum wage, wage payment and collection, lunch period law and much more.
  • Employment of Minors
General Questions:
Staff routinely answers questions about wages, insurance, fringe benefits and the practices of hiring and firing in companies, regardless of business size. To find out more visit
Nebraska Workforce Development


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THE NEUTRA OFFICE BUILDING HITS THE MARKET FOR SALE!

The surviving Preeminent Neutra Architectural Icon has come onto the market! The 4800 SF 1950¹s Neutra Office Building on 7375 SF of land, which housed the 80-year Neutra practice from the 1950¹s to the 1990¹s at this same location: 2379 Glendale Blvd. in Silver Lake, is now being offered for sale protected by a Conservation Easement. This is a momentous moment for the history of modernism in California.

It is unique, in that it is the ONLY surviving example of an unmodified and uncompromised Neutra commercial design. Recognized by City and National Monument status, a Conservation Easement accompanies it, which will ensure its enduring cultural and economic value and its survival into the foreseeable future. We are seeking a worthy custodian of the Neutra legacy, an owner who will cherish the purity of the property and utilize it for a venture, which could compliment and build upon the Neutra legacy. The purchase of this icon would be equivalent to acquiring the last remaining Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece! Certainly, anyone buying this property could enhance his or her place in history through co-branding with this unique space and honored name. A recent sale of one of many Jackson Pollack paintings went for $140M; how should this unique one-of-a-kind piece be valued?

The Neutra Office Building is truly a milestone in the history of California architecture, and the sale of this totally unique example of early California Modernism has important implications for the preservation of Modernist architecture, still strong into its second 50 years. Far too many modern buildings, including several Neutra masterpieces, have been desecrated or demolished with or without eligibility for historic designation. Neutra¹s Maslon residence in Rancho Mirage was totally demolished and the Gettysburg Cyclorama is currently threatened with demolition. although a lawsuit filed recently may force the Government to jump through a few more hoops first. The pending sale of the iconic Neutra Office Building has global significance as more and more modern masterpieces start to pass from their original creators and their disciples into the public realm.

The recent sale of Case Study House 21 at over twice its appraised value could be considered a harbinger of this new era ŒArchitecture as Art¹. Can the Neutra office Building be far behind?

The current owner, Dion Neutra, son and partner of Richard Neutra, served as Project Architect on the construction of this building built by the Neutra¹s favorite contractor of the time, Red Marsh. Marsh passed away in 2005 at the age of 90. The building has been the creative epicenter for many of the most notable Neutra designs including the Chavez Ravine housing, the US Embassy in Karachi, the Los Angeles Hall of Records, the Gettysburg Memorial Cyclorama Center, the Orange County Courthouse, and the Huntington Beach Library, to name just a few of the Neutra architectural masterpieces.

Dion Neutra has now presided over the firm as long as did his illustrious father. He carries the torch for this Los Angeles Trophy Property. The Neutra firm¹s work redefined contemporary architecture in Southern California starting with the Lovell Health House of 1929. Richard Neutra had established the practice in 1926, moving it to Silver Lake in 1932, and this neighborhood has now become ŒNeutra Country¹, where this property is the flagship of a cluster of 10 Neutra landmarks clustered around Neutra Place, a street named after the famed architects. It is the prominence of the Neutra buildings in the area, which has defined and distinguished Silver Lake.

For More Information Contact: Sandy Bleifer 213-612-3756 or s_bleifer@DTLAR.com



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AIA National 2007 Strategic Plan

In a quest for continuity, consistency, and accountability, the AIA National Board of Directors adopted a new approach for setting the direction of the Institute. The process began with collaborative exercises among a cross-section of stakeholders to define goals, strategies, and metrics and clearly articulate what your AIA leaders want to accomplish, how to get there, and what measures success. This resulted in a mission statement for the Institute:

The American Institute of Architects is the voice of the architecture profession and the resource for its members in service to society.

From there, we shaped the goals, strategies, and programs that comprise the 2007 Strategic Plan, which you can now access online.

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AIA Releases Updated AIA Contract Documents Software

The AIA recently released AIA Contract Documents software, Version 3, which is an update to its successful software application widely used in the design and construction industries.

The revised software, created in response to comments from user interviews, widespread analysis of usage data, and comments from two beta trials, features a redesigned look to make it even more intuitive and simple to use.

“The software upgrade responds to the ongoing needs of design and construction industry professionals,” said James A. Gatsch, FAIA, general manager of AIA Contract Documents. “By always soliciting feedback from our users, and then responding to that feedback in a timely way, we continue to offer the design and construction industries the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art contract solution available.”

The updated software is available to new and existing customers at www.aia.org/docs. The update is provided at no additional cost to existing customers.

2007 AIA Contract Documents Software Licenses Increase in Price
The AIA is increasing the prices for AIA Contract Documents software licenses. The prices for our three most popular products are increasing as follows:

Product Name Member Price List Price
Meter 300 Annual $ 259 $429
Unlimited Annual - 1 Seat $ 639 $ 899
Unlimited Annual - 5 Seats $1,959 $2,919

After January 1, 2007, you can also view the full list of products and their new prices online. The new prices for AIA Contract Documents software licenses take effect January 1, 2007. Prices for paper AIA Contract Documents remain unchanged.

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Introduction to the New AIA /CES Blog

AIA/CES has joined forces with the blogosphere with the unveiling of http://blog.aia.org/ces. This is a new and exciting way to better communicate with members and providers about concerns, CE related issues and upcoming events. It is another way to improve communication with members and providers about AIA CES policies. Welcome to the AIA/CES BLOG!


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Calendar of Events - January 5

Link to New Calendar of Events

CSI-Preventing Crimes in Concrete/48th Annual Quality Concrete Conference
January 10 / Kearney Holiday Inn & January 11 / DC Centre Omaha

Young Architects
January 17, 6 pm /
Goofy Foot Lodge, 1012 S. 10th St, Omaha

USGBC Flatwater Chapter event:
High Performance Schools: Energy Savings Without Added Construction Costs, presented by Steve Laughlin, AIA, Leed AP, Sponsored by Leo A Daly/ 1.5 AIA CES
January 23, 5:30 pm Reception/6:00-7:30 Program/
Leo A Daly
Free RSVP: 402.391.8111

Women in Architecture
January 26, Omaha / Further details forthcoming

2006 IBC and IRC Seminars
(Lincoln will be updating the 2006 Code in early 2007.)

NEBRASKALAND CONFERENCE OF BUILDING OFFICIALS and INSPECTORS
Location: Mahoney State Park, Ashland, NE / 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
2006 IBC Significant Changes, February 1, 2007
2006 IRC Significant Changes, February 2, 2007

ICC Instructors: Doug Thornburg and Gary Karow

Storm Resistant Concrete Homes and Buildings / National and local expers / 7 HSW
February 15 / Omaha

Save the Date for this year's AIA Nebraska Legislative Forum, February 20, 2007.

Design-Build Summit 2007
March 8 - 9, 2007, Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO

Join AIA Design-Build for a two-day conference in Kansas City, Mo. This conference will feature keynote presentations by award-winning architects who will discuss best practices in design, using the design-build project delivery method. Tours will be arranged and sessions will focus on outstanding design, bridging, integrated firms, architecture education, leadership, K-12 schools, and sports architecture.




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AIA National Convention / May 3-5 / San Antoino


Not to early to book your rooms now.
Rooms filling quickly.

Register by February 7 to take advantage of the early bird registration.

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Interfaith Architecture Tour

Beth Israel Synagogue and St. Cecilia Catholic Church
March 18 / Tentative Schedule

Meet at Beth Israel Synagogue
1:00-1:05 Welcome and introductions
1:05- 1:35 Overview of role of art and architecture in these two communities with possible slides offered by the Joslyn
1:35-2:35 Tour of Beth Israel led by Marty Shukert and congregant
2:35-3:00 Relocate to St. Cecilia
3:00-4:00 Tour of St. Cecilia led by Brother Woeger and congregant/music personnel
4:00-5:30 Reception, reflection and relationship-building at the Cathedral Cultural Center

Co-sponsored by the ADL Malashock Project for Interfaith Affairs, the Archdiocese of Omaha and the American Institute of Architects. $5 per person.



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Nebraska Conditions

AIA Nebraska shares our concern for those affected by the central/northeast Nebraska ice storms


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