Essink – New Commercial Building

Located in Lincoln, NE

Shive-Hattery provided architectural design for a new multi-tenant commercial building to accommodate three tenant suites, anchored by a modern dental and orthodontic practice and shared allergy practice. The design team focused on creating a patient-centered environment that balances privacy, comfort, and functionality while establishing a strong visual presence within the commercial development.

A key project goal was carefully separating public and private patient areas to support efficient clinic operations and enhance the patient experience. The floor plan was designed to create intuitive circulation paths for patients, visitors, and staff while maintaining appropriate levels of privacy throughout the practices. To further support a welcoming atmosphere, natural light was prioritized across the facility. Large exterior windows bring daylight deep into the building, and frosted glass doors and partitions within patient treatment areas allow light to pass freely while preserving confidentiality and comfort.

Throughout the design process, the team coordinated closely to balance the constraints of the site and specialized requirements of the dental equipment. The parcel was also governed by established design standards that required a sloped roof and specific materials, which the team incorporated while responding to the client’s desire for a modern aesthetic. To reconcile these goals, the sloped roof was tucked to the interior of the building, creating another opportunity for daylight to enter, while a prominent roof overhang at the building’s perimeter reinforces the client’s contemporary design goal. The clean lines of the roof overhang are also recognized in the thoughtfully detailed masonry. Brick walls featuring color-matched mortar and a stacked bond pattern create a refined, cohesive appearance that elevates the building’s presence and reinforces the project’s modern identity. The result is a highly functional healthcare environment and an attractive commercial asset that serves both tenants and the surrounding community.