Clay Center, Neb. – A year after moving into their new Service Center in Clay Center, Nebraska, the team at South Central Public Power District is still feeling the difference every single day.

“It’s really night and day,” said Line Superintendent Steve Johnson. “We came from a 60 by 30 building, unheated. Now we’ve got a space where we can house linemen, trucks, food, everything all under one roof.”

Located on a former farm field, the 7.3-acre greenfield site was transformed to support the growing needs of the district. The project began with thoughtful recontouring to establish a stable site pad and direct stormwater to a detention basin. What now stands on that site is more than just a building, it’s a game-changer.

A Facility Built for Today (and Tomorrow)

The new Service Center was designed to boost operational efficiency and make day-to-day work easier, faster, and safer. The main structure is a prefabricated metal building featuring a standing seam metal roof, brick veneer, and durable metal panel siding. Inside, the layout supports the team’s needs with:

• A 13,800 SF truck parking area for up to 12 line trucks
• A 1,000 SF vehicle wash bay
• A 1,650 SF parts storage warehouse
• A 2,600 SF shop
• In-floor radiant heating in the shop, truck parking, wash bay, & storage warehouse
• A 2,260 SF office area with climate control
• A dedicated IT room with its own split-system AC
• LED lighting, and low-flow fixtures throughout for energy efficiency
• 2,730 SF of covered exterior storage

The exterior storage yard spans 12,700 square yards, surfaced with cost-effective crushed concrete and accessed via remote-operated gates. The project team also collaborated closely with the Nebraska Department of Transportation to design a safe and efficient entrance off the state highway.

Built to Handle the Storms

When a major storm rolled through shortly after the move-in, the new space proved its worth.

“We had 30 to 50 linemen come in to help during a storm, and we housed them all in this facility,” Steve said. “Trucks, meals, everything was here. It made a huge difference.”

“Before, we had to wait 15 to 30 minutes for trucks to warm up. Now they’re ready to go when we are.”

During the storm, Steve was able to gather 35 linemen in one room and coordinate efforts from a single command post. Something that would have been impossible in the old building.

“I gave directions once, answered questions once. That never would’ve happened in our old space.”

Comfort, Morale, and Pride

While the building supports better operations, it’s also changed the way the team feels about coming to work.

“We’re so much more efficient just from the temperature control alone,” Steve said. “You can go out there when it’s 10 below and it’s 60 degrees inside. Guys are working comfortably on those really cold days. Hands down, the heated floor in the shop is the only way to go.”

The wash bay has also become a favorite feature.

“The guys really take pride in keeping their trucks clean now,” he said. “We provided it for them, and they’re using it. That says a lot.”

And beyond the equipment and materials, it’s boosted morale.

“We’re a tight group anyway, but the new space has brought a new level of comfort and pride.”

One Team, One Solution

Steve credits much of the project’s success to the way it was managed from the start.

“Schemmer was fantastic to work with. Very accommodating,” he said. “We wanted a one-stop shop. I didn’t want to juggle 10 contractors while still running a crew. I talked to Schemmer, and they talked to everyone else. That made a huge difference.”

The South Central Public Power District Service Center is an example of what can happen when thoughtful design, strong collaboration, and real-world experience come together. After one year, the smile on our client’s face says it all.

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