Omaha is truly a hidden gem, that’s why we love living here. With our museums, diverse neighborhoods, fantastic food scene, shopping, and one of the best zoos in the world, our city continues to grow and transform. From library plans to Omaha’s first science center, to amphitheaters and outdoor spaces, we’ve compiled a list of the noteworthy developments on the horizon that will reshape our city!
Omaha’s First Science Center – Kiewit Luminarium
Location: Lewis and Clark Landing
When: Opening April 2023
Opening this Spring, the Kiewit Luminarium is part of the city’s Riverfront Revitalization Project at Lewis and Clark Landing. The $101 million privately funded science center will inspire and change the way you see the world. The center will feature more than 100 exhibits encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved and shine a light on science, technology, engineering, and math. The team behind the Luminarium has partnered with one of the leading science centers in the country, the Exploratorium, located in San Francisco to co-create interactive exhibits and immersive environments.
If you love Lola’s in Dundee; then you will love their sister café, Fig at the Luminarium. Fig will feature high-quality ingredients and sustainable sourcing. Fig also has an interactive partnership with the Luminarium to explore science and culture through food. The Luminarium will even be offering weekly adults-only nights where visitors can explore exhibits and educational programs focused on food and drink.
The Omaha Riverfront Revitalization Project features 72 acres and 3 parks, Gene Leahy Mall (opened in 2022), Heartland America Park (expected to open in 2023), and Lewis & Clark Landing (expected to open in 2023). We are excited to watch it all come together!
Omaha’s Central Library Project
Location: 72nd and Dodge
When: In the planning process
A world-class public library is being dreamed up to transform the Omaha community! Plans for a new Omaha Central Library are underway, and the Southwest corner of 72nd and Dodge is the location the planning committee is focusing on. The site is currently home to Do Space, Omaha’s technology library. The intersection is centrally located and one of the most accessible spots to reach by public transit.
The proposed plans feature a 21st-century look, four floors, aisles of books, a café, areas for kids, public meeting rooms, and creative spaces, as well as incorporating Do Space into the space. The side of the building facing Davenport Street would also feature a public, quieter space with an outdoor play area and outdoor seating in a green oasis.
The design team has been pulling inspiration from libraries around the world visiting Raleigh, North Carolina, Calgary, Alberta, and Oslo, Norway, envisioning how they can create an innovative and inclusive design for our community and the planning. If the project moves forward the new library could open by 2025!
La Vista City Centre Entertainment District
Location: 84th Street Corridor
When: Coming in 2023
Construction is still underway for the new downtown being developed in La Vista! La Vista City Centre and the City of La Vista are working together to create a space that will serve as the entertainment hub of Sarpy County featuring office space opportunities, hotel accommodations, neighborhood services, restaurants as well as luxury apartment living. This district is also focusing on genuine self-expression by giving retailers the opportunity to extend their brand by having a unique storefront and creating an authentic downtown feel. When completed, the developers expect to spend about $250 million by the end of the decade.
The new city development will also feature an arena, The Astro Theater, connected to an outdoor grass amphitheater. Omaha has a great music scene and some amazing venues; however, this will be the first medium size space to accommodate our music scene! The indoor theater holds 2,500 attendees, and the outdoor amphitheater can accommodate 5,000 attendees, overlooking a 34-acre public park.
Heartwood Preserve
Location: Southwest of 144th Street and West Dodge Road
When: In progress
Live, work, shop, and play at Heartwood, formally Boys Town’s farm at the Southwest corner of 144th and West Dodge. Carson Group and Valmont have already wrapped up the construction of their corporate offices. This development is working with nearly 500 acres of mixed-use space to create an area focused on bringing the community together and being a new city hub.
A highlight feature for the public will be a downtown-inspired district called “The Row” with the inspiration to bring the Old Market to West Omaha. This project is also expected to include 80 acres of green space, eight miles of bike paths and open trails, and a variety of retail, commercial, residential and recreation facilities.
Want to know more about the local real estate market? Check out our Neighborhood Residential Report and Commercial Market Report. And remember, we do All Things Real Estate, so reach out and see how we can help you reach your real estate goals in 2023!
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