Aerie AT BLUE SAGE PROJECT

Valley Corp’s Role in the Exciting New Elkhorn Development

SERVICES: Utilities, Concrete Paving, Site Preparation, & Structures

OWNER: Spruce Capital

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Ronco Construction

LOCATION: 204th & Pacific Streets in Elkhorn, Nebraska

HEAVY EQUIPMENT USED IN PROJECT:

  • Excavators
  • Wheel Loaders
  • Compaction Equipment
  • Trimmer
  • Paver

Valley Corporation is pleased to share the progress on the Aerie at Blue Sage Project, a large-scale undertaking near 204th and Pacific Streets in the Elkhorn area of Omaha, Nebraska. As we approach the final stages, the hard work and dedication of our team have positioned this project for completion around Thanksgiving. Here’s an inside look at the project and the critical role Valley Corp has played in bringing this vision to life.

Aerie at Blue Sage Project

Valley Corp was selected by Ronco to complete the essential Public Improvements, a task that has included storm sewer installation, on-site paving, and the construction of a new turn lane off 204th Street. Our team has also tackled a significant challenge: the installation of an arch culvert with cast-in-place headwalls and wingwalls, providing critical infrastructure for the community’s growth.

The Scope of Our Work

The Aerie at Blue Sage project has been a multi-phase endeavor, with each phase requiring precision and teamwork. Here’s a closer look at some of the key components:

  • Storm Sewer Installation: We installed 2,905 linear feet of Reinforced Concrete Pipe (RCP), ranging in size from 18 inches to 60 inches in diameter, ensuring the area has the necessary infrastructure to handle water runoff efficiently.
  • Manhole Construction: Our team constructed and installed 17 manholes, ranging from 54-inch to 120-inch diameters, to support the stormwater system.
  • Concrete Paving: Over 7,100 square yards of durable concrete pavement were laid, with 9-inch thickness for on-site roads and 10-inch doweled concrete for high-traffic areas, providing smooth and long-lasting surfaces for future residents and visitors.
  • Arch Culvert Installation: One of the most complex aspects of the project, this 74-foot-long, 9-foot-tall arch culvert required 8500 cubic yards of excavation, 560 cubic yards of concrete, and 78,000 pounds of reinforcing steel. The culvert’s tall headwalls, extended wing walls, and skewed orientation presented unique challenges that our team navigated with expertise.
  • Roundabout Construction: We constructed a roundabout on Shirley Street to streamline traffic flow through the intersection, reducing congestion and improving efficiency for vehicles on all approaching roads.

Timeline & Progress

The groundwork for this project began with pipe installation in December 2023, paving started in summer 2024, and we are now in the final stretch with the completion of the arch culvert. After this, our team will tackle the remaining earthwork, 175 linear feet of additional piping, and roughly 600 square yards of paving. We’re aiming to wrap up all work by Thanksgiving, delivering on our commitment to quality and timely completion.

Overcoming Challenges

As with any major construction project, Aerie at Blue Sage has had its share of challenges. The most notable has been the assembly of the arch culvert. With its tall headwall, extended wing walls, and large, heavily reinforced footings—all built on a skew—our team has been put to the test. Through precise planning, skilled craftsmanship, and the use of specialized heavy equipment like excavators, wheel loaders, and compaction tools, we have met each challenge head-on, ensuring a solid and lasting structure.

The Impact on the Community

The Aerie at Blue Sage project is more than just a development—it’s a new opportunity for the Elkhorn community. The improved roadways and infrastructure will provide residents with easier access to 204th Street and support further development in the area. This project also plays a vital role in addressing the housing shortage in Omaha and surrounding areas, offering diverse residential options to meet the needs of a growing population.

The completion of the Aerie at Blue Sage will be another milestone for Valley Corporation, showcasing our ability to take on complex projects and deliver results that benefit the community for years to come. As we look ahead to the final weeks of construction, we’re proud of the dedication our team has shown and the positive impact this project will have on the region.

BLUE SAGE PROJECT IN ELKHORN

Founded in 1886, Elkhorn, Nebraska, is a thriving neighborhood in the western part of Omaha, offering a blend of rich history and modern growth. Originally settled by homesteaders in the 1850s, Elkhorn was officially founded in 1865 by George Crawford and H.O. Jones, with its name drawn from the nearby Elkhorn River, a tributary of the Platte River. This City of Omaha annexed Elkhorn in 2007, making it an integral part of the city’s expanding western reach.

Today, Elkhorn is experiencing rapid population growth, driven by the high demand for homes in the area. Its proximity to major routes like the West Dodge Expressway and West Maple Road provides residents with convenient access to the broader Omaha metro, making it an appealing location for those seeking a balance of suburban living and urban amenities. With its strong schools, abundant job opportunities, and a welcoming community atmosphere, Elkhorn has become a favored spot for families looking to put down roots. The neighborhood’s blend of small-town charm and access to city conveniences makes it a prime location for new developments, catering to the growing demand for housing and contributing to the area’s ongoing vitality.

About the Aerie at Blue Sage Project

The Aerie at Blue Sage development transforms 40 acres of former farmland into a vibrant new community featuring 327 market-rate residences. The community will include stand-alone cottages, duplexes with garages, townhomes with private rooftop decks, and low-rise apartment buildings. With amenities such as a clubhouse, pickleball courts, a dog park, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a yoga studio, Aerie at Blue Sage offers a blend of Scandinavian and Farmhouse design influences, creating a unique and welcoming environment.