Reimagining a New Purpose
For generations, the Bryant Resource Center building has been part of North Omaha’s story.
Originally built in 1928, the building has served many purposes over the years, including a school, senior center, polling location, meeting space and computer training center. Although it became underused in recent years, its importance to the community never faded.
The 11,950 SF building was transformed into a modern resource center to once again serve as a place for education, workforce development, community programming and support services.
“The Bryant Resource Center has been a cornerstone of North Omaha’s history and community life,” said Brea Worthington, Founder & CEO of Lyfe Changes Resource Center, Inc. “This renovation preserves an important piece of that history while ensuring it can continue serving the community in meaningful and modern ways.”
Bringing New Life into an Existing Building
Renovating a building that’s nearly a century old comes with its own set of challenges.
Ronco Construction’s work included a new elevator, expanded entrance and lobby, upgraded mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire alarm systems, and reconfigured spaces with offices, conference rooms, classrooms and accessible restrooms.
“With a ground-up project, you manage the quality, the speed that the project goes together, and you have more control across the project,” said Ronco Project Executive, Mark Lawlor. “With a renovation, especially with a building that’s almost 100 years old like Bryant Resource Center, your challenges and issues are already baked in. Some you know about from the beginning and some you discover as you go along. How you handle those issues and resolve those challenges determines the success of the project.”
Renovation projects demand flexibility, but they also depend on communication. Throughout construction, the team worked closely with the owner, architect and trade partners to resolve unforeseen conditions while maintaining the project’s schedule and long-term goals.
Built for the Future
The renovated Bryant Resource Center provides office space for community organizations, meeting rooms, classrooms, workforce development programs, and a computer lab with plans to become a national testing center. The center has plans to also host educational workshops, health fairs and other community events, creating one location where residents can access valuable resources.
By creating a trusted, community-based location where residents can access support, education, and resources in one place, the renovation transforms the building into an active center for growth, collaboration, and opportunity.
For Ronco, the project is more than a renovation. It’s an opportunity to preserve an important community asset while preparing it to serve North Omaha community for generations to come.
