This 50,000-SF center is the formation of the new Mead Training Site. The design uses wood glulam beams and decking as used in National Guard facilities of the past while providing a modern facility with today's technologies. This facility is the first of many facilities planned for the cantonment center. The program includes an assembly hall, administrative offices, recruiting center, fitness center, vehicle maintenance training bay, lockers, classrooms, kitchen, storage and POV/GOV parking for large military vehicles. A new outdoor gun range adds 300-, 100- and 50-meter fixed and 25-meter tactical ranges and a gun cleaning, RSO office and classroom. RDG's scope included programming, master planning, design and construction of the facility as well as implementation of the Mead Training Site master plan. The design inspiration for the facility was influenced by its location on a decommissioned Atlas missile base and reflections of the missile design are incorporated in the architecture. Incorporated into the force protection at the entry of the building are four laser-cut metal panels depicting the history of the Nebraska National Guard's involvement by immortalizing the battle medals. Creative design allows environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing landscape architecture to conform to anti-terrorism regulations.   

Designed as the centerpiece of the developing Mead Training Site, a second-story "eagle's nest" conference space is designed to provide a commanding view of the entire training site for observation of training activities and meetings with potential recruits and their families.   The facility prioritizes sustainable systems including geothermal heat, strategic daylighting and thoughtfully selected building materials, achieving LEED Silver recognition.