Whittier Junior high was renovated into a state-of-the-art research center and child care facility, including site development for playground equipment and parking for the facilities. The 134,000 SF renovation of the existing three-story main building was for research space for the research center, including heating, air conditioning, new windows, and modern infrastructure. The Annex, smaller building to the north, was renovated for the child care facility to be used by UNL students and faculty. A new mechanical link was constructed to service both buildings. This project has been awarded the '2010 Environmental Leadership' and '2010 AGC Building Renovation' awards.