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Columbus Fieldhouse & Wellness Center
Columbus Community Hospital, Columbus, Neb., had an ambitious vision to expand its current facility with a multi-sport fieldhouse and gymnasium. A specific challenge for the Columbus Fieldhouse project was ensuring that such a large project would blend seamlessly with the existing building’s exterior. The answer was a comprehensive design featuring pre-engineered metal structures that were erected by Bierman Contracting Inc., also from Columbus.
The 266 ft. by 462.5 ft. fieldhouse has a custom, gabled steel frame with a 36-ft. eave side-wall height and a 62-ft. peak height. The result is a massive, column-free interior that comfortably houses a regulation-sized soccer field and two tennis courts. An additional feature is the elevated, 16-foot-wide running track. Batting cages were installed in a dedicated space beneath the fieldhouse mezzanine.
The fieldhouse design also called for a separate two-story administrative and office wing located near the main entrance, which leads directly into a central hub that provides easy access throughout the facility.
The steel-framed gymnasium addition includes a full-sized hardwood basketball court with retractable backboard/rims, plus ceiling-mounted divider curtains. Next to this sports court is a trampoline zone. A structure between the fieldhouse and gymnasium houses a multi-hole putting green.
Both the fieldhouse and gymnasium sections have three-inch insulated wall panels for superior thermal efficiency and sound dampening. Expansive window areas and translucent end panels maximize natural lighting and help reduce energy loads.
Weather protection is via the Behlen Building Systems ZL-24 Standing Seam roof system. A comprehensive combination of lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems completed the nine-phased build.
Completed in 2023, the Columbus Fieldhouse and Wellness Center addition is a unique, comprehensive solution that beautifully meets the multi-sport needs of Columbus and the surrounding areas.
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Jay’s Automotive
Jay’s Automotive in Eaton, CO, is a premier, multi-bay automotive repair facility and corporate office, one that perfectly pairs advanced service capabilities with a highly functional headquarters for office and shop staff.
Completed by Clark Enterprises Construction in 2025, the 21,500-square-foot facility represents Jay and Amy Wood’s vision for top-of-the-line automotive service. Measuring 80 ft. by 255 ft. on a 4.82-acre site, the building was designed and engineered to accommodate the diverse, complex service needs of modern cars and trucks, including heavy commercial vehicles.
Thanks to its versatile design, comprehensive features, and unique mix of construction details, the project earned recognition as a finalist in the 2025 Behlen Building of the Year contest.
Jay’s Automotive features an inviting 30-ft-by-30-ft customer entrance sheltered by an attached canopy, leading into a two-story office space designed to support the workflow of the office and front-line service staff. The space includes a full kitchen, bathrooms, and a spacious break room. The metal siding incorporated the company’s colors.
To support today’s comprehensive automotive service for the Eaton area, the shop floor includes 14 two-lift bays, a dedicated alignment bay, and a specialized ADAS system bay for calibrating modern vehicle automation technologies. Every bay has direct access to water, welding-supported electrical service, and air hose service, plus Ethernet connections for downloading service-related software programs.
The layout also includes a modular four-point lift area for commercial trucks and other oversized vehicles, as well as dedicated rooms for air compressors and tool storage. Energy-efficient Airius fan systems were installed across both the office and shop areas to optimize climate control.
Architecturally, the project prioritized maximizing clear-span interior space for ultimate workflow flexibility, maximizing natural light, and seamlessly integrating a vehicle exhaust ventilation system.
One of Jay’s Automotive’s core values is demonstrating its commitment to the Eaton community by providing exceptional service and repairs that exceed expectations. Inside and out, Clark Enterprises Construction Group constructed a facility designed to honor and fulfill that commitment.
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]]>June 15, 2026: Behlen Building Systems is proud to recognize five metal building contractors for being named to the 2026 Metal Construction News list of “Top Metal Builders.” The following companies on the MCN list are “Behlen Builders” – erectors, developers, and general contractors with an established history of partnering with Behlen Building Systems, the custom metal building systems design and manufacturer.
Named to the MCN 2026 list of Top Metal Building Contractors by Tonnage:
#8: Ahrens Companies, Lake Park, Florida
#10: Barnes Buildings & Management Group, Inc., Weymouth, Massachusetts
#25: Steel Vision Construction Inc., Rigby, Idaho
#45: NuAge Builders, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
#92: Hammers Construction, Inc., Perham, Maine
Named to the MCN 2026 list of Top Metal Building Contractors by Square Footage:
#13: Steel Vision Construction Inc., Rigby, Idaho
#14: Ahrens Companies, Lake Park, Florida
#18: Barnes Buildings & Management Group, Inc., Weymouth, Massachusetts
#28: NuAge Builders, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
#92: Hammers Construction, Inc., Perham, Maine
“We’re pleased to see these Behlen builders make the 2026 list because these accomplishments show that their customers trust their work,” said Arlene Campos Guerra, Behlen Building Systems President. “These companies partner with us because of the high-quality products and customer service we deliver.”
In releasing the 2026 lists, Metal Construction News reported that contractors achieved a 7.3 percent year-over-year increase in square footage. Erectors showed a 24 percent jump in square footage.
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by behlen builder
May 4, 2026: A Behlen Mfg. Co. tradition is to select a metal building project each year that shows outstanding attention to design, construction, and how well it serves the surrounding community. Behlen’s selection, The Refinery Sports Complex in Garden City, Kan., has also been named the 2026 Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) Building of the Year.
Each year, MBCEA’s Building of the Year recognizes the most outstanding metal building project across all categories—highlighting innovation, complexity, and overall excellence. In MBCEA’s evaluation, the project was singled out for showcasing large-scale coordination, clear-span design, and high-performance execution.
The Refinery Sports Complex, a 200,000 sq. ft. facility, was constructed by GBS Enterprises, Bel Aire, Kan., and manufactured by Behlen Building Systems. The Refinery serves as a regional destination for athletics, community events, and retail shops.
In releasing the name of this year’s Building of the Year, the MBCEA offered this evaluation: “The project features a massive clear-span structure assembled at grade and lifted into place, along with a complex multi-building configuration that integrates indoor fields, courts, retail space, and a convention center. The project required significant in-field coordination to merge multiple building systems into a unified structure while maintaining high performance and energy efficiency.”
A profile of the building will be featured in the July issue of Metal Construction News. In addition, MBCEA is creating a 2026 Building of the Year video detailing project specifics.
The Refinery project profile is also available here on our website.
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]]>April 19, 2026: At the 57th Annual MBCEA Conference and MBMA Spring Meeting at the Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs this April, there were many Behlen mentions and connections – just what you’d expect from a company entering its 90th anniversary year.
This annual event is the premier gathering for the nation’s metal building industry, bringing together contractors, erectors, manufacturers, and suppliers for multi-day sessions for education, networking, and innovation.
2026 MBCEA Highlights
At this year’s conference, TR “Tony” and Phil Raimondo were recognized for their induction into the Metal Construction News (MCN) Hall of Fame. Tony Raimondo Jr., accepted his dad’s award. Patrick Raimondo accepted his dad’s award. This was a memorable and heartfelt family moment, further acknowledging TR and Phil’s involvement in leading Behlen to become the business it is today.
Another Behlen connection is Richard Ahrens, a longtime Behlen Builder who was also inducted into the 2026 MCN Hall of Fame. Richard is a third-generation industry leader recognized for advancing the use of pre-engineered metal buildings, especially in South Florida, when they were not widely used. His pioneering work on the Florida Building Code Advisory Board was vitally important to our industry. Richard Ahren’s career is profiled in the April 2026 issue of Metal Construction News.
Building of the Year
It’s also exciting to hear the announcement of the MBCEA Building of the Year. For 2026, this award went to The Refinery Fieldhouse & Event Center, a Behlen Building Systems project by GBS Enterprises LLC of Bel Aire, Kan. The Refinery is a 200,000 sq. ft. sports, recreation, and event facility in Garden City, Kan. We agree with the Building of the Year choice, as The Refinery Fieldhouse & Event Center was also named Behlen’s Building of the Year.
2026 Oil Can Award
Wes Young, Product Innovation Manager at Behlen Building Systems, spoke at the 2026 conference and presented the 2026 Oil Can Award. Young received the award in 2025, which recognizes outstanding service to the metal building industry and contributions to MBCEA and MBI.
Safety Recognition
Behlen Building Systems received a Superior Safety Award, accepted by Patrick Raimondo at the event. This award recognizes companies for outstanding safety performance and zero incidents during the calendar year. Awards like these align with our industry’s emphasis on employee protection and well-being.
In summary, the 2026 annual event served as a reminder of our industry’s success. All Behlen employees can take great pride in helping make past achievements a reality and future ones within our grasp.
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The Refinery Fieldhouse & Event Center
The Refinery in Garden City is a premier destination for athletics, events, and community gatherings. This multi-function building has the distinction of being named the Overall Winner in the 2025 Behlen Building of the Year competition and taking top honors as the Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association (MBCEA) Building of the Year, which included entries from three categories: commercial, community, and manufacturing. (Read more about this double win here.)
Built by GBS Enterprises, the 200,000-square-foot facility stands out as a major attraction for residents of Garden City and surrounding communities. The main building measures 240 feet wide by 500 feet long, creating a clear-span interior that offers maximum flexibility. In addition, a durable Galvalume ZL-24 roof system protects the space. Crews assembled the rafters at ground level in paired sections and then lifted them into place with precision and efficiency.
Inside, the fieldhouse delivers a dynamic and engaging athletic experience. It includes six basketball courts and six volleyball courts. There are also five dedicated pickleball courts and indoor turf supports soccer, football, softball, and baseball. Additionally, a suspended walking track encircles the courts, keeping visitors moving. Spectator areas and viewing suites offer excellent sightlines. The facility also features equipment storage, an arcade, a restaurant, a bar, and a gift shop.
Complementing the athletic areas, an integrated event and conference center offers more than 11,000 square feet of flexible space. It accommodates weddings, banquets, corporate meetings, and community events. Advanced acoustics, built-in audiovisual systems, and adaptable layouts support both small gatherings and groups of more than 500 guests.
From competitive sports to elegant events, The Refinery Fieldhouse & Event Center delivers it all. It is a modern, all-in-one destination designed to bring people together and support the community for years to come.
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the colorado outpost retail center
The Colorado Outpost Retail Center is a striking 30,000 sq. ft. destination designed for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. This four-season retail space offers a wide selection of gear for campers, hikers, anglers, archers, and hunters, creating a true one-stop shop for adventure.
Inside, visitors will find a full-line sporting goods store featuring archery equipment, firearms, fishing gear, hiking and camping supplies, along with a selection of tourist and souvenir items. An impressive display of more than 100 big game mounts enhances the experience. The facility also includes an indoor archery range and an on-site restaurant, making it both a retail space and gathering destination.
The building’s exterior features ADP-2 panels in Patrician Bronze with Natural Evergreen trim, creating a warm, rustic appearance. A ZL-24® Regal White metal roof system provides durability and visual contrast. The canopy utilizes ZL-16® panels in Natural Evergreen for a cohesive finish.
With the priority on lightweight construction and accelerated timelines, the building owner partnered with Alcon Construction of South Alamosa, CO to erect this Behlen metal building system. Their approach delivered an efficient solution that met both performance and schedule goals.
The result is a dynamic retail environment that reflects the passion, heritage, and lifestyle of the outdoor community it serves.
Note: PBR and RVP panels are now offered in place of ADP-1 and ADP-2 panels.
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limitless brewing
Limitless Brewing is a community-based microbrewery in Lenexa, KS. When the fast-growing brewery outgrew its original location, the owners chose Behlen’s pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) system. With rigid frames that span moderate to long distances, Behlen’s system provides an efficient, cost-effective solution for wide-open, column-free interiors, giving the brewery complete freedom to adapt both the taproom and production floor as operations evolve.
Inside the facility, exposed main and portal frames, along with every pipe, valve, and tank, create an industrial aesthetic that reflects the transparency of the brewing process. This industrial feel is balanced by the use of vibrant colors and patterns, contemporary lighting, and a hand-painted mural by a local artist.
On the exterior, combining Behlen’s PEMB frame with the ZL-24 Galvalume metal roof system and steel stud walls allowed the builder to create dynamic, sculpted parapets that give the elevations a strong visual rhythm. Large overhead doors open the taproom to the patio, expanding the social atmosphere and inviting the community in.
Ultimately, Behlen’s metal building and roofing system was selected for its longevity, cost efficiency, material performance, and unmatched versatility. Limitless Brewery stands as a future-ready brewery built to grow alongside its community.
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schuyler public library
The Schuyler Public Library is a modern, community-centered facility designed to promote learning, connection, and growth. Erected by Bierman Contracting, Inc. of Columbus, Nebraska, the library replaced an outdated facility that no longer met the needs of the community.
The 11,300-square-foot, single-level building features an open floor plan with two community meeting rooms. Dedicated spaces have been organized for genealogy research, quiet study, youth areas, technology access, and administration, creating a welcoming environment for patrons of all ages. Serving a diverse and growing population, the library also supports bilingual collections, literacy programs, ESL classes, and community outreach initiatives.
The facility was constructed using a Behlen metal building system selected for its strength, durability, and clear-span design, and features a ZL-16 Evergreen metal roof system.
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alpine veterinary hospital
The Alpine Veterinary Hospital was constructed to replace an aging facility. The owners selected a metal building for its durability, longevity, and cost-effectiveness, resulting in a modern, efficient veterinary center that caters to both small and large animals.
The 8,528 sq. ft. main facility includes a spacious welcome and showroom area, ADA-compliant restrooms, a fully equipped operating room, and an X-ray suite. Animal care spaces feature built-in kennels with continuous floor drains, an isolation room, and separate rooms for dogs and cats, providing improved safety and comfort. Support and staff areas include a receiving room, multiple veterinarian offices, a kitchen, a conference room, and living quarters for traveling veterinarians.
A separate 2,600 sq. ft. large-animal barn expands the hospital’s capabilities with chutes and corrals, a high-traction floor for hooved animals, enclosed storage, skylights for natural light, and space for the clinic’s mobile animal ambulance.
The building features Behlen’s ZL-24® Standing Seam Roof System in Kynar Natural Evergreen, chosen for its exceptional durability and long-term value. Behlen’s ADP-1 exterior wall panel system, finished in Ash Gray, is accented with coordinating Natural Evergreen wainscot and trim for a clean, cohesive appearance.
This facility provides Alpine Veterinary Hospital with a durable, purpose-built environment that enhances animal care, staff efficiency, and long-term reliability.
Note: PBR and RVP panels are now offered in place of ADP-1 and ADP-2 panels.
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