Nettie S. Freed Expeditionary K-8 School Tops Out

The new Pueblo District 60 Nettie S. Freed Expeditionary K-8 School tops out! This key milestone marks the halfway point of construction as the final steel beam is placed. Set to open next fall, the new school will provide experiential, hands-on learning opportunities in a technology-rich environment for students.

Check out this great video on the school’s homepage that includes a walkthrough of the construction site with Principal Nicolas Roberts before the topping out ceremony: Freed Expeditionary School / Homepage (pueblod60.org)

a group of construction workers standing in front of a partially completed school with a steel beam behind them; and two construction workers standing on parallel steel beams as the final beam is lowered to them

Design-Thinking Framework in Action at Chinook Trail Middle School

Chinook Trail Middle School Principal Tom Andrew and RTA Principal Brian Calhoun teamed up to write an article for EdMarket Essentials describing how the school’s design works with education programming to develop curious design-thinking learners for life. At Chinook Middle School, an open, holistic, positive approach to learning is supported by a design that creates positive spaces, is optimized for learning, and provides opportunities for students to connect with nature in healthful and empowering ways for students and staff.

Read the full article here. https://essentials.edmarket.org/2021/04/design-thinking-framework-in-action/

A teacher writes on a whiteboard in front of a group of middle school students seated on a learning stair

RTA's Interiors Team Brings Cheer to Children's Hospital Patient

In the spirit of the season, the RTA interiors team gathered to decorate a Christmas Tree for Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver. The team had a great time decorating the tree and were thrilled for the chance to bring cheer to a patient for the holidays!

A group of three photos that show a small, decorated Christmas tree on a table with a dog in the background; a group of 3 women sitting at a table with two women standing, the table is covered with Christmas ornaments and paper, a bare Christmas tree sits on the edge; and 3 women and one man sitting around a table, paper and Christmas tree ornaments cover the table.

2022 Miracle on Orman Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony

RTA was excited to again sponsor Pueblo Community College’s Miracle on Orman Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony. Visit the PCC campus during the holiday season and enjoy all the beautiful lights! 

A photo of a group of adults wearing coats, hats, and gloves; adults in Santa, reindeer, and elf costumes; and an adult in the Pueblo Community College mascot panther costume listen to a speech by a representative from Pueblo Community College in front of a decorated Christmas tree on a snowy cold night.

AdAmAn Alley Update

The arch is in place and the AdAmAn Alley project is nearing completion! Set to be unveiled at a grand opening on November 29th, the activated alley pays tribute to Pikes Peak and the AdAmAn Club’s first climb up the Peak in 1922. With several artistic and interactive features, the alley will transport visitors to Barr Trail and allow them to peek into the past. Final touches on the alley are being finished, including this steel arch depicting the Frozen 5, the original AdAmAn climbers to brave the summit in 1922, which was recently installed in the alley entryway facing Pikes Peak.

For more details on the project, check out this great article by Colorado Springs Magazine: Keeping It 100 Colorado Springs 

 AdAmAn Alley project archway

RTA Projects Recognized at AGC Colorado's 2022 ACE Awards

We were excited to celebrate the success of several of RTA's amazing projects at the Associated General Contractors of Colorado 2022 ACE Awards with our contractor partners, and the bedazzled western theme made it a night to remember!

ACE Award, Contribution to the Community - GE Johnson, Canon City Middle School and Washington Elementary School, Canon City Schools

Bronze Award, Contribution to the Community - Bryan Construction, Pueblo Community Health Center East Side Clinic

Congratulations to these great project teams!

GE Johnson ACE Award recipients

Bryan Construction Bronze Award recipients

Valerie Jackson Honored in Colorado Construction and Design Magazine's "Women In Construction"

RTA’s incredible Sr. Marketing Manager, Valerie Jackson was featured in Colorado Construction and Design Magazine's fall issue celebrating women in construction. Valerie is an invaluable member of the team at RTA, and we couldn’t be prouder. Congratulations Valerie on the well-deserved recognition!

 Colorado Construction and Design Magazine page featuring Valerie Jackson

High-Altitude Research Laboratory (HARL) Wins Two Awards from the Design-Build Institute of America

The accolades continue for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Omaha District’s new High Altitude Research Laboratory (HARL) atop PikesPeak! It recently garnered top honors from the Design-Build Institute of America as Best Small Project and a Merit Award in the Federal Project category. (https://dbia.org/project/high-altitude-research-lab-best-small-projects/).

High altitude and mountainous terrains present a challenging environment and a unique opportunity for research and development. At 14,115 feet, this facility is the highest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project in the world and one of the most remote. The new HARL replaces the old deficient structure and will enhance the United States Army’s ability to conduct medical research and prepare warfighters for battle.

Congratulations GE Johnson and to the entire design-build team!

GE Johnson representatives receiving the 2022 Best Small Project and a Merit Award from the Design-Build Institute of America

2022 EDspaces National Conference

Thank you EDspaces and to everyone who attended our EDsession on safe and secure schools. From inspiring school tours, to seeing the innovative products on the exhibition floor, to hearing from others influencing the future of K-12 design, we returned from Portland full of inspiration!

 Brian Calhoun and colleagues at the EDspaces conference

Peak Vista Breakfast of Champions

RTA was proud to be a sponsor at the Peak Vista annual Breakfast of Champions fundraiser. The team had a great time hearing keynote speaker Greg Louganis, Olympic gold medal diver, share insight from his time at the Olympics and why holistic healthcare, kindness, and support are essential. Peak Vista’s dedication to helping those in need in our community by providing holistic healthcare and support services was clear when President and CEO Dr. Emily Ptaszek and several Peak Vista staff detailed the First Visitor program and Well Child Waiting areas. It was incredibly moving to hear several mothers describe the impact that receiving support and resources from the First Visitor program had on them and their children.

Signed poster print of Greg Louganis