Several south-side construction and development projects are making progress as part of a multi-organization redevelopment effort. Together the three projects comprise the South Omaha Multipronged Economic Development Project, managed by Midwest Businesses and Projects with support from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. The projects are all recipients of North & South Omaha Recovery Grants, which were designed to support public and private entities to respond to the negative impact of COVID-19 and to build resilient and innovative communities in North and South Omaha. Each project is being developed with private partner companies. Here’s a progress update: South Omaha Global Market – Phase I GPA Properties LLC is developing Phase I at 5125 South 24th Street. The project will create a mixed-use space for food, culture and entrepreneurship, incubate approximately 10 small businesses and generate about 150 construction jobs and 58 permanent jobs. Completion is...

The City of Omaha yesterday has taken ownership of “Home Plate,” a 25-acre property in North Downtown where Union Omaha’s planned professional soccer stadium and much more will sit. The city closed on the $18.6 million land purchase on Friday.   “Two words: Home run,” said Mayor John W. Ewing Jr. “This purchase puts us at the plate, pun most definitely intended, to swing for the fences on creating a more exciting Omaha.” Union Pacific called its North Downtown property “Home Plate” because of its proximity to Charles Schwab Field, home of NCAA Men’s College World Series. The railroad uses it to park historical passenger railcars for special events. Rail is also how baseball teams once traveled to games. Union Pacific retained access to six acres around its rails and to event space there through an easement as part of the property deal. “Union Pacific has proudly called Omaha home for more than 160 years, and we want to thank the City of Omaha for its partnership,” said Union Pacific...