Issue LIII
Jan 12, 2007
Hi !
In this issue, you'll read:
Renew Your Membership Today!
The Urban Design Element: Community Session /January 16
Randy Brown Architects Winner: 2007 Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture
Employment Opportunity
Highlights of the Governor's Budget / State of the State Address
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!
Request for Architectural & Engineering Interests
AIA Nebraska New Sponsor Page Unveiled
Introduction to the New AIA /CES Blog
Congress Extends Commercial Building Tax Deduction
Calendar of Events - January 12
Interfaith Architecture Tour
AIA Lincoln Brown Bag Lecture Series
AIA National Convention / May 3-5 / San Antoino
Renew Your Membership Today! The Urban Design Element centers on three components: Green Omaha, which seeks to preserve and enhance the city’s natural setting and public park system; Civic Omaha, which seeks to define and improve the city’s civic places and public image; and Neighborhood Omaha, which seeks to preserve and enhance the city’s residential neighborhoods. These measures include proposed amendments to the zoning and subdivision codes plus new municipal code provisions. They will be reviewed at the community information session before being sent to the city planning board and city council for approval. The city should encourage the placement of public art in appropriate locations and the incorporation of art in public structures. The Jan. 16 session will feature a brief history of the Urban Design Element, comments from Mayor Mike Fahey, a presentation on the proposed implementation measures, and a question-and-answer session. For more information, send an e-mail to teresa@omahabydesign.org. AIA NE Member Nicole Ludacka, Associate AIA, The Architectural Offices served as a jury member for the 2007 Honor Awards. Eleven worthy projects were selected as the 2007 Institute Honor Awards for Architecture recipients. Schools and educational facilities made a remarkably strong showing, receiving 8 of the 11 awards. Jury members include: Jury Chair Richard Logan, AIA, Gensler; Elizabeth (Zibby) Ericson, FAIA Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott; Philip Freelon, FAIA, The Freelon Group; Thomas W. Kundig, FAIA, Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects; Nicole Ludacka, Assoc. AIA, The Architectural Offices; Kristal Peters, Howard University; Henry Siegel, FAIA, Siegel & Strain Architects; Victor Trahan III, FAIA, Trahan Architects; Jane Werner, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Additional information is available. The crop of the 2007 Institute Honor Awards for Interior Architecture features a remarkable variety of project types. From small office spaces to college residences to an independent high school, these 11 projects showcase creativity and ingenuity, often on a small budget. Ten of the 11 projects are located in the U.S.; the eleventh is in Hong Kong. Jury members include: Chair Ann Beha, FAIA, Ann Beha Architects, Inc.; Hank Hildebrandt, AIA, University of Cincinnati; James Prendergast, AIA, Goettsch Partners; Ken Wilson, AIA, Envision Design; D.B. Kim, Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Randy Brown Architects 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 Letters of interest are due January 24, 2007. Firms or individuals will be selected for a four-year period for projects with an estimated professional services fee ranging from $40,000 to $400,000. Interested parties should specify which projects they are interested in and request a "University of Nebraska Guideline for Preparation of Architect/Engineer Proposal," to prepare RFP's. After a letter of interest is received, the University of Nebraska will provide information for submission of the request for proposal. Firms wishing to be considered for design of University-wide projects are to be mailed or submitted to: Rebecca H. Koller, AIA, Assistant Vice President for Business & Finance or e-mail letter of interest to: vschweitzer@nebraska.edu No later than: January 24, 2007 Letter of Interest Due Selection of firms will be for a four-year period made upon recommendation of the Selection Committee to the Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. 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. NEBRASKALAND CONFERENCE OF BUILDING OFFICIALS and INSPECTORS ICC Instructors: Doug Thornburg and Gary Karow Storm Resistant Concrete Homes and Buildings / National and local experts / 7 HSW Save the Date for this year's AIA Nebraska Legislative Forum, February 20, 2007. 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. Meet at Beth Israel Synagogue Co-sponsored by the ADL Malashock Project for Interfaith Affairs, the Archdiocese of Omaha and the American Institute of Architects. $5 per person. Register by February 7 to take advantage of the 
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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The Urban Design Element: Community Session /January 16
The Urban Design Element celebrates the geography, history and people of Omaha. Local residents will have the opportunity to learn how this planning tool will be used to help make the city more vibrant, connected and distinctive at a community information session set for Tuesday, Jan. 16. The event, which is free and open to all interested citizens, will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine St.
A topographic diagram illustrates how all of the Green Omaha policies can work together to make the city a more ecologically responsible, pleasant place.
The Omaha City Council adopted the Urban Design Element as a component of the city’s master plan in December 2004. Since that time, a core group of city officials and staff from Omaha by Design have been working with area developers, architects, land use attorneys, nonprofit organizations and others to draft implementation measures for the Urban Design Element.
"As Omaha emerges as a travel destination, it is becoming even more important that the impression we create is one of a clean, inviting and attractive city," said Mayor Mike Fahey. "The implementation of the Urban Design Element will build upon the city's rich assets and create a city we are all proud to show off to the world and to call home."
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Randy Brown Architects Winner: 2007 Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture
2007 Institute Honor Awards for Architecture
The American Institute of Architects announced today the
“This was a highly competitive selection, and the chosen projects conveyed the clarity, innovation, and creativity which reflects our profession at its best,” said Jury Chair Ann M Beha, FAIA. “Some of the winning projects seem deceptively simple, but they reflect a level of complexity in thought and care that the jury associated with the highest design standards. The quality of execution, and the commitment to the environment were held as high standards for this jury, and many of the projects selected excelled both in their craft and stewardship.” Randy Brown Architects receives an interior honor award for the Better Business Bureau Heartland Office, Omaha. 
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Employment Opportunity
Are you exceptional?
Here is your chance to join a nationally award winning design team! Randy Brown Architects has openings for a few highly motivated design individuals. Interns + licensed architects who want full involvement in a high-design practice should send resume + samples of work to Randy@RandyBrownArchitects.com or Randy Brown, 1925 N. 120th Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Randy can be reached at 402-551-7097 x16.
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Highlights of the Governor's Budget / State of the State Address
Governor Dave Heineman
Provided by Campbell & Associates
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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:
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.
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Request for Architectural & Engineering Interests
The University of Nebraska is seeking letters of interest from Architectural/Engineering firms or individuals licensed to practice in the State of Nebraska for University of Nebraska capital improvement program projects in the following categories:
1. Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Projects
2. General Purpose Projects
3. Research Specialty Projects
Director of Facilities Planning & Management
University of Nebraska
218 Varner Hall, 3835 Holdrege Street
Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0742
February 14, 2007 Proposals due for Mechanical/Electrical Projects
February 21. 2007 Proposals due for General Purpose Projects
February 28, 2007 Proposals due for Research Specialty Projects
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AIA Nebraska New Sponsor Page Unveiled
AIA NE Sponsor Page: New Sponsorship Page Unveiled Link on sponsor section below. Sponsors logos are featured with links to sites.
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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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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.
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Calendar of Events - January 12 
Link to New Calendar of Events 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: 402.391.8111Women in Architecture
January 26, Omaha, 6:00 pm
Tour of MCC Learning Connector Hub (under construction), followed by dinner at Guaca Maya Mexican Restaurant (Further information through above link) RSVP by January 23, Kelley Rosburg, krosburg@bvh.com 2006 IBC and IRC Seminars
(Lincoln will be updating the 2006 Code in early 2007.)
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
February 15 / Omaha
March 8 - 9, 2007, Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO
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Interfaith Architecture Tour
Beth Israel Synagogue and St. Cecilia Catholic Church
March 18 / Tentative Schedule
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
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AIA Lincoln Brown Bag Lecture Series
AIA Lincoln Chapter and The City of Lincoln co-presents:Negotiated Rule Making Nebraska State Board for Engineers and Architects / Speaker Melinda Pearson, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Board for Engineers and Architects will be discussing various topics that came from the negotiated rule making committee’s work.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007/ 11:30am to 1:00pm / Chamber of Commerce Board Room, 1135 ‘M’ St., Suite 200. Brown Baggers lunch provided by Sandquist Construction.
Lunch RSVP required by 9:00am on Tuesday, January 16, 2007. E-mail each person’s name requesting a lunch; simply reply to this e-mail. 1.5 HSW Continuing Education Credits reported by your AIA Lincoln Chapter.
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AIA National Convention / May 3-5 / San Antoino
Not to early to book your rooms now. Rooms filling quickly.
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