Schemmer was recognized with multiple honors at the 2026 ACEC Nebraska Engineering Excellence Awards, including a Category H (Transportation) Honor Award and two Merit Awards.

Honor Award: US Highway 71 – Okoboji, Iowa

Schemmer received a Category H Honor Award for its work on US Highway 71 through the Iowa Great Lakes region.

This corridor connects East and West Okoboji and plays a key role in both daily travel and seasonal tourism. The project addressed needed bridge replacements and long-term stability concerns, all while maintaining access through one of the busiest areas in the region.

Construction was carefully phased to avoid major disruptions during peak summer months. The team coordinated closely with local communities, emergency services, and businesses to keep traffic moving while work progressed.

Improvements included upgraded signals, wider sidewalks, added fiber infrastructure, and measures to protect nearby water quality. The result is a more reliable corridor that supports both the local community and regional traffic.

Merit Award: Benjamin Avenue – Norfolk, Nebraska

Schemmer also received a Merit Award for the Benjamin Avenue project in Norfolk.

Benjamin Avenue serves as a primary commercial corridor, but over time, access points, aging infrastructure, and limited pedestrian space created challenges for both traffic flow and safety.

Working with the City of Norfolk, Schemmer redesigned the corridor to improve access and circulation while upgrading key infrastructure. The project included a continuous center turn lane, updated stormwater systems, wider sidewalks, improved crossings, and new street lighting.

Utility coordination allowed overhead lines to be buried, improving both reliability and the overall look of the corridor.

The result is a safer, more functional street that better supports local businesses and day-to-day travel.

Merit Award: South Central Public Power District – Clay Center, Nebraska

A second Merit Award recognized Schemmer’s work on the South Central Public Power District Clay Center Service Center.

The project consolidated several essential functions into a single facility, including fleet storage, shop space, offices, and crew support areas. The design focused on efficiency, durability, and day-to-day usability for staff.

Site planning and building layout were tailored to support utility operations, from equipment storage to vehicle movement and crew coordination. Features like in-floor radiant heat, backup power, and LED lighting help maintain reliable operations in all conditions.

The facility gives the district a centralized, modern space to support its teams and ongoing service needs.

These projects reflect the range of work Schemmer delivers across transportation, municipal, and utility sectors. Each one required close coordination, practical design decisions, and a clear understanding of how the final product would be used every day.

Congratulations to the project teams, and our clients and partners who trusted us to deliver. We’re proud to have this work recognized by ACEC Nebraska.

SCHEMMER – DESIGN WITH PURPOSE. BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE.

At Schemmer, we believe that great design goes beyond structures; it strengthens communities. As a full-service architecture, engineering, and construction field services consultant, we deliver innovative solutions that enhance the built environment and improve lives.

Since 1959, we have been shaping the future while honoring our legacy. With nine offices across six states in the Midwest, our expertise reaches coast-to-coast, bringing thoughtful, sustainable, and impactful solutions to every project.

Our Comprehensive Services:

• Architecture
• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Site/Civil Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Water/Wastewater Engineering
• Surveying
• Interior Design
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Field Services

At Schemmer, we don’t just design, we create lasting impact. Let’s design a better future together.

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