The April 16th Weekly Market Report

Nicole Buntgen, Contributing Writer

Beatniks, a bodega-style fresh-food market, plans to open at Countryside Village in the former Countryside Cones space. Beatniks shares ownership with the nearby Saddle Creek Breakfast Club but is considered a separate entity with additional partners. Beatniks will offer locally sourced, clean eats for takeout as well as grab-and-go retail. A soft opening will begin this weekend.

Fiiz Drinks plans to open its first Nebraska location early this summer at Tiburon Pointe in Gretna. The “dirty soda” concept will operate in a 2,400 sq. ft., former Tropical Smoothie Café space at 10215 South 168th Street, according to Hilke Meyer of NAI NP Dodge, who represented the tenant in lease negotiations. Fiiz is known for customizable dirty sodas, energy drinks and small snacks. The Salt Lake City-based chain has 75 locations with the closest existing ones in Oklahoma City and Denver. The local franchisee plans to open two additional locations shortly after the first store launches.

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream appears to be planning a third Omaha location near 180th & Q Street next to Hy-Vee. A building permit was filed to remodel the former Big Frog Custom T-Shirt retail space at 17676 Welch Plaza. Betty Rae’s is based in Kansas City and has existing Omaha locations in Aksarben Village and Pepperwood Village.

Flagship Restaurant Group is opening Anthem, a Tex-Asian pub, today in the former Plank Provisions restaurant at 1205 Howard Street in the Old Market. Anthem has one existing location in Austin, Tex., and is described as a “design-savvy eatery for Latin & Asian pub fare, plus tiki drinks & sake bombs.”

Sonny’s, the outdoor food, beverage and entertainment area at Aksarben Village, has opened for the season. Sonny’s is anchored by a vintage Airstream trailer just north of Inner Rail Food Hall.

Dairy Chef products are now available at additional Hy-Vee locations in Omaha, including stores near 180th & Q Street and 132nd & West Dodge Road. The local ice cream shop, located at Elkhorn, is offering quarts and rotating flavors at the new locations, while select stores continue to carry its cookie sandwiches.

Woodhouse Spa is coming to Heartwood Preserve. The resort-level, luxury spa plans to open in October in a 6,700 sq. ft. space in a 2-story building under construction at 14652 Canopy Avenue. Locally owned by Ashlyn and Clayton Becker, Woodhouse Spa is the only high-end spa with a franchise model, and is not affiliated with Omaha’s Woodhouse Auto Family. Founded in Victoria, Tex., in 2001, Woodhouse Spa has 91 locations in 25 states with the closest existing spas in Kansas City, St. Louis and Minneapolis.

Nebraska’s exclusive Arhaus location will be under construction soon in the Avenue One Goodlife District southeast of 192nd & West Dodge Road. According to recently filed building permit, Arhaus will build a free-standing, 15,000 sq. ft. store. The developer announced at the end of last year that Arhaus, along with Pottery Barn and William-Sonoma, would open in 2027. Arhaus is a premium home furniture and décor retailer with more than 100 locations. The nearest current store is in Kansas City.

A building permit was filed for Assemble, an adult-oriented arts and crafts business. The permit is for new tenant finish. Assemble will be in the Boho Flats building at 1440 South 13th Street in Little Bohemia. Customers will be able to paint, sculpt, crochet and more in an art-studio setting that also will have a bar.

Dolce, an upscale restaurant at 12317 West Maple Road, has been sold. Owner and chef Anthony Kueper purchased the restaurant in 2017. The sale was confirmed by a local business broker, and it is unclear what will occupy the space next. Dolce’s Facebook page lists the restaurant as “permanently closed.”

Toppers Pizza has closed its Miracle Hills location at 741 North 114th Street. A sign on the door says the business is closed “indefinitely.” Toppers Pizza continues to operate a restaurant at 7010 Dodge Street. Based in Wisconsin, Toppers Pizza has more than 70 locations primarily in the upper Midwest.

Learn more about Anderson Convenience market at www.Anderson1952.com

Metro Area Commercial Real Estate Market Performs Well in Q1

NAI NP Dodge, the commercial real estate division of N.P. Dodge, produces a report on Omaha’s commercial real estate market each quarter. Below are some highlights from the first quarter of 2026.

Office

The 48.5 million sq. ft. Omaha office market ended the 1st quarter of 2026 with a vacancy rate of 7.7 percent, which was up from last quarter. Absorption over the past 12 months was 79,00 sq. ft. Rental rates were down slightly to $25.76. Approximately 1.8 million sq. ft. of office space is under construction at this time, more than last quarter.

Retail

Approximately 65.3 million sq. ft. of retail space was considered for this report, which is based on CoStar data. At this time, 480,000 sq. ft. of retail space is under construction, which is about the same as last quarter. Vacancy went up to 4.6 percent. Rental rates were $18.72 per square foot. The 12-month net absorption was -66,800 sq. ft. at the end of the quarter, down from the previous period.

Industrial

Omaha’s industrial sector continues to be strong. The total market size is 115 million sq. ft. Approximately 3 million sq. ft. of industrial space is currently under construction, up from the previous quarter. Industrial vacancy is 2.8 percent, which is down from last quarter. Rental rates are $8.69, up a little from last quarter. The 12-month net absorption is -1.1 million sq. ft., which much worse than last quarter.

First Quarter Development Highlights

During the first quarter it was revealed that Buc-ee’s, the uber popular, Texas-based chain of mega gas stations, plans to open a 74,000 sq. ft. store southeast of Interstate 80 & Highway 31 in Gretna.

The Mutual of Omaha tower held a topping-out ceremony, marking the installation of the final piece of structural steel.

PENN Entertainment provided renderings of its new Hollywood Casino, which will replace Ameristar Casino in Council Bluffs. Plans call for a 2-story, 135,000 sq. ft. casino building to be constructed on the current Ameristar parking lot.

Some of the restaurant and retail announcements during the quarter included Meddy’s at One Pacific Place, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille at 192nd & West Dodge Road, Chipotle Mexican Grill along West Broadway in Council Bluffs, JD Sports at Nebraska Crossing, Peach Cobbler Factory at a yet-to-be-announced site and State & Liberty at Village Pointe.

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The Omaha City Council unanimously supported the Union Omaha stadium and mixed-use development plan at this week’s meeting. After agreeing to delay the vote to approve Tax Increment Financing last week, the city council voted 7-0 to approve the plan.

Some concerns voiced last week, including potential environmental remediation and the city’s purchase of the land before the State of Nebraska’s approval of the turnback tax package. were reiterated. But all members have indicated that they supported the project. Developers hope to start construction on the $125 million, 6,500-seat stadium this fall with an anticipated opening in 2028.

While the project hinges on the state’s approval of the $25 million turnback tax financing package, developers and city council members are confident the state will approve it. The property currently does not generate any sales tax for the state. If the turnback tax application is approved, up to 70 percent of the new sales tax generated at the stadium and the future mixed-use development can be used to pay costs or bonds for eligible expenses incurred for construction of the stadium. The remaining portion will go back to the state.

In addition to the stadium, developers plan to build $191 worth of mixed-use buildings. That future phase would be built on two parcels totaling 6 acres and would consist of nearly 500 residential units and 39,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail.

The Nebraska Legislature last week passed Legislative Bill 1165, the “Grow the Good Life Act,” one of the most significant economic development packages in recent years. The bill, which passed 42-7, modernizes the state’s economic development tools by enhancing performance-based incentives, strengthening employer retention strategies, expanding flexibility for childcare support and introducing new mechanisms to attract and retain workforce talent.

Construction has gone vertical on MAMMOTH, a roller coaster that will debut this summer at Fun-Plex, the amusement park at 7003 Q Street. MAMMOTH will be 2,000 feet long and will rise 70 feet in the air. Fun-Plex says the ride will be the biggest roller coaster ever in Nebraska. In addition to MAMMOTH, Fun-Plex is adding a photo-and-souvenir shop at the base of the roller coaster, a coffee-and-mini-donuts shop, an upgraded go-kart track and extended ride hours on Fridays.

City of Omaha Parks & Recreation will break ground April 29 on a major expansion at Cunningham Lake aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation. Plans include a nature-inspired playground, fishing piers, a bike park and trail system, along with a new gathering space.

Southwest Iowa Nonprofit for Collective Impact is wrapping up work on the MidAmerican Energy Adventure Tower and the Charles E. Lakin Pier, two major recreation-and-tourism projects on the Council Bluffs Riverfront. Both are expected to open in June. Read details HERE.

Cizek Construction is building a 4-story, class-A office building at 200 Applied Parkway in Heartwood Preserve, the mixed-use development west of Boys Town. Steel beams started going vertical last week. The area is already home to several upscale office buildings, including Valmont’s global headquarters. According to a City of Omaha building permit, the 166,050 sq. ft. “Heartwood Place” building will have underground parking, a fitness facility, locker rooms, patio, fire pit and balconies.

Omaha’s Central Library opens to the public Sunday, April 19 on the southwest corner of 72nd & Dodge Street. Mayor John Ewing will cut the ribbon at 12:30 p.m. This $158 million library marks the largest private investment in a public library system in the United States in many years. It is the first public library in the country to have an “Automated Storage and Retrieval System,” and it’s already helping to deliver requested books to library branches across the city.

The library combines traditional library services with state-of-the-art amenities, including the integration of the former Do Space into the Omaha Public Library system (with 3D printers, sewing and quilting machines, a video studio, podcast studio and more). The genealogy and local history sections are on the 3rd floor, offering a large space for anyone researching their family or community’s history.

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Eaton, a $2.4 billion, multi-national manufacturing company based in Ireland, will move its Omaha plant from 3900 Dahlman Avenue to a larger building in Bellevue. The company plans to invest more than $30 million in the Bellevue plant and add 200 jobs. Eaton will refurbish the former Blue Buffalo facility at 10601 South 15th Street, southeast of Kennedy Freeway & Cornhusker Road. The 370,000 sq. ft. plant will manufacture medium-voltage switchgear, the equipment used to protect, control and isolate electrical equipment in data center, utility and industrial power generation and distribution systems.

ICON Insurance, a commercial insurance brokerage serving the Omaha metro area, has opened at 20266 Patton Street, Suite 1, in Gretna. The firm focuses on property, liability, auto, work comp and umbrella insurance. Targeted client industries include contractors, retail, real estate, habitational, hospitality and manufacturers. ICON Insurance was founded by Tyler Thies and Brandon Reilly and launched on April 1st.

The Wolf Pack Sports Foundation board of directors earlier this year authorized the acquisition of AEF Basketball, Cheer Athletics, All Star Express and the Omaha Hype Squad (Omaha Supernovas cheerleading squad). As part of this transition, each organization will move from an LLC structure to operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit under the foundation.

The Wolf Pack Sports Foundation is dedicated to supporting youth through athletics, scholarships, transportation, life skill programming and guidance as students prepare for life beyond high school. Existing leadership within each organization will remain in place, ensuring continuity while expanding opportunities and resources under the foundation’s mission.

Union Pacific Railroad and Rocky Mountain Steel Mills announced this week that they have agreed to a seven-year contract for the domestic production of steel rails. Located in Pueblo, Colo., Rocky Mountain Steel is the only remaining dedicated rail production facility in the United States and one of the largest producers of steel products in North America.

Midwest Peterbilt Group opened another Peterbilt of Omaha truck facility at 11502 Wickersham Boulevard in Gretna. The 80,000 sq. ft., two-level building includes a full-service Peterbilt dealership, featuring parts, sales and service, including a drive-thru, complete lube bay, dyno service and a full body shop with a frame alignment rack, along with a full truckers’ lounge.

Sladek Psychotherapy will relocate from inside Mending Mindsets in Miracle Hills to 3915 Cuming Street in the next one to two months. Owner Asia Sladek will operate the new space as Sladek Psychotherapy Collective, offering mental health services, while also subleasing offices to other therapists. The practice launched in September 2023.

The American Council of Engineering Companies is recognizing 26 HDR projects this year. On May 5, three projects will receive Honor Awards at ACEC’s annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. Selected by a panel of nearly 30 judges from more than 240 entries, these projects represent the highest-caliber achievements in the profession — often likened to the Academy Awards of engineering. An Honor Award places a project among the competition’s top tier, exceeded only by the Grand Award and the ultimate Grand Conceptor Award.

Vida Bright Academy will open in May at 14345 Fort Street, according to Oak Investment Real Estate. The center will offer early childhood education with bilingual English and Spanish instruction, small group learning and daily meals.

Union Pacific Corporation will release first quarter 2026 financial and operating results on Thursday, April 23, at 6:45 a.m. CDT. The company’s management team will host a conference call and live webcast at 7:45 a.m.

Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index fell below growth neutral for the third consecutive month. Led by Dr. Ernie Goss, the index surveys bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and energy. The April reading improved to a weak 47.9 from March’s 40.9. It’s the 14th time since January 2025 that the index landed below growth neutral. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with 50.0 representing growth neutral.

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Hillside Solution’s curbside composting program launches on April 20. Curbside Compost Club will be the city’s first residential composting service. More than 350 residents across city council districts 1 and 3 have already expressed interest, with more than 75 households signed up ahead of launch. Hillside Fund, the organization’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm, supports the mission by expanding access through education and sponsored memberships.

HomeWoven will hold a groundbreaking ceremony April 23 for an affordable housing construction project in South Omaha. The project will provide three affordable homes at 5449 South 51st Street and a total of five in South Omaha for income-qualified, first-time buyers. HomeWoven is a local nonprofit that provides home repairs, accessibility modifications and affordable homeownership opportunities.

Omaha chefs are participating in a one-night competition on April 24 at Zenia in Elkhorn benefitting Collective for Hope and its annual Comfort Food Classic. Now in its 19th year, the Comfort Food Classic coincides with Collective for Hope’s 25th anniversary. Participating restaurants include Against the Current, Le Voltaire and 30hop, with additional featured offerings from local vendors like Rebel Rise Bakery, a 100-percent gluten-free bakery.

CenterPointe announced that it has reimagined its annual fundraiser, Centered Together, which will take place on Thursday, May 14 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the CenterPointe WellBeing Garden on 11th Street. The event will bring the community together for an evening of connection, joy and impact. A short program beginning at 6:30 p.m. will highlight CenterPointe’s programs and mission and recognize outstanding individuals and organizations making a difference in the community.

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Pets & Showings: Simple Tips for Stress-Free Home Tours

By Jill Anderson

When preparing your home for showings, it’s easy to focus on staging, lighting and curb appeal—but one important detail that often gets overlooked is what to do with pets. While your furry companions are part of your family, they can unintentionally make showings more challenging for potential buyers.

Being a pet fanatic, I will say first and foremost, it’s best to remove pets from the home during showings whenever possible. Even the most well-behaved animals can become anxious with unfamiliar visitors, and not all buyers are comfortable around pets. Dogs may bark, cats may hide and some visitors may have allergies, all of which can distract from the home itself.

Arranging for pets to stay with a friend, at daycare, or even taking them with you during showings can create a more welcoming environment.

In addition to removing pets, it’s important to eliminate any signs that they live in the home. This means putting away food and water bowls, litter boxes, toys, beds and crates. Buyers want to envision themselves in the space, and visible pet items can be distracting or raise concerns about cleanliness and odors.

Speaking of odors, addressing pet smells is essential. Even if you’re accustomed to them, buyers will notice. Deep cleaning carpets, upholstery and floors, as well as using neutral air fresheners, can make a big difference. The goal is to present a fresh, clean space that appeals to the widest range of buyers.

Finally, be mindful of safety. Leaving pets in the home during showings can pose risks—not just for the animals, but for visitors and agents as well. Open doors, unfamiliar people and unexpected interactions can lead to accidents or escapes.

Selling a home is about creating an environment where buyers feel comfortable and can focus on the property itself. By making thoughtful arrangements for your pets, you help ensure that your home shows at its very best—while keeping your animals safe and stress-free.

Do you have a real estate question? Let’s talk.

Grow Omaha Residential is developed and sponsored by Jill Anderson, President Residential Sales, NP Dodge Real Estate 402.255.5099 or jill.anderson@npdodge.com.

We’re not just real estate. We’re NP Dodge.

Cole Young, Contributing Writer

League One Volleyball announced its 2026 season awards last Friday, and Jordan Larson was named 2026 Outside Hitter of the Year, adding to her decorated career. Larson finished top 10 in the league in kills (234), points (267) and aces (15) in her final season.

Creighton baseball trio Ben North, Isaac Wachsmann and Jack Pineau each earned Big East weekly honors, announced Monday, after leading the Bluejays to a 4-0 record last week. The Bluejays dominated in a 16-4 midweek win over North Dakota State and swept Seton Hall in last weekend’s series.

Ben North was named Big East Player of the Week for paving the way offensively, going 7-for-13 at the plate (.538) with three doubles, one home run and six RBI. Jack Pineau and Isaac Wachsmann each earned a spot on the Big East Honor Roll, with Pineau throwing six scoreless innings to open the weekend series against Seton Hall and Wachsmann batting 6-for-13 (.462) with three home runs and seven RBI.

On Tuesday night, Creighton traveled to Haymarket Park for this season’s second edition of the battle for I-80. The Bluejays got out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning by way of a two-run homer by Nate McHugh and an RBI sacrifice fly from Teddy Deters. Creighton’s lead grew as large as 4-0 in the second inning, but Nebraska scored five straight runs in the second and third innings to take the lead, 5-4. After a fast start, neither team scored again, and Nebraska secured the season series with its second win ahead of the May 12 finale.

Creighton (18-16, 4-2) will travel to Villanova for a weekend series, beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday. Next Wednesday, April 22, the Bluejays will return to Omaha and make the short trip down Dodge Street for another in-state rivalry game against the Mavericks. Wednesday’s contest will begin at 6 p.m.

Omaha softball won its series at St. Thomas over the weekend, but dropped Sunday’s finale for its first conference loss of the season and first loss since March 14 against BYU. This weekend, Omaha hosts South Dakota State for a series at Connie Claussen Field, beginning Friday at 6 p.m. Next Tuesday, April 21, Omaha will host Nebraska for the season series finale, which the Mavericks are currently winless. Tuesday’s game is scheduled for 6 p.m. and will be televised on Nebraska Public Media.

Creighton volleyball newcomer Ayden Ames was selected to train for the 2026 NORCECA U21 Pan American Cup, USA Volleyball announced on Monday. Ames is one of 20 women selected to the team, and is the latest Bluejay to train with USA Volleyball. Last summer both Ava Martin and Norah Sis played for the 2025 Women’s U23 National Team at the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup, helping the American side win the gold medal.

In 2026, the U.S. Women’s U21 National Team athletes will have the opportunity to represent the United States at the U21 NORCECA Pan American Cup (July 5–13) in Columbus, Ohio. Of the 20 athletes that made the cut, 14 will be selected to compete at the 2026 NORCECA Women’s U21 Pan American Cup.

Creighton volleyball will host Nebraska Saturday for an exhibition at D.J. Sokol Arena. Both programs reached the Elite Eight last season, and their early season clash at the CHI Health Center drew a crowd of 17,675, the largest indoor volleyball-only regular-season crowd in NCAA history. Saturday’s match begins at 7 p.m. and will be televised statewide by Nebraska Public Media.

The Omaha Supernovas, fighting for one of Major League Volleyball’s four playoff spots, suffered two losses over the weekend to the Grand Rapids Rise and Dallas Pulse. Omaha now stands at 11-13 and is in fourth place in MLV standings, and with just four regular-season matches remaining, will hit the road for a crucial two-match trip.

The first match is tonight at 6 p.m. against the Orlando Valkyries, who are 10-12 and sit just three points behind Omaha in fifth place in league standings. The Supernovas will then face the Atlanta Vibe Sunday at 2 p.m. Both matches can be heard on the Supernovas Radio Network on KCRO 660 AM.

Union Omaha lost 1-0 to Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday. The U.S. Open Cup is the country’s oldest ongoing national soccer competition, and is a single-elimination tournament that pits teams from professional leagues like the MLS, USL Championship and League One divisions against each other, with the overall champion awarded $300,000 in prize money and a berth in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. This Saturday, Omaha will return to regular USL League One play, facing the Richmond Kickers on the road at 5 p.m.

The Omaha Kings professional arena soccer club has clinched a playoff spot, finishing second in the Midwest Division, and will face Mexico City’s Deportivo La Asuncion in Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday. Omaha will host the Major Arena Soccer League 2 Semifinals and National Championship on April 18 and 19, featuring top professional arena soccer talent from across the United States and Mexico. Should the Kings win on Friday, they would play the first-seeded Harrisburg Heat on Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Baxter Arena.

Omaha Storm Chasers outfielder John Rave was named the International League Player of the Week by Minor League Baseball for his performance the week of April 6 to 12. Rave went 9-for-19 (.474) at the plate during Omaha’s road series against the Iowa Cubs, tallying three doubles, two home runs and a league-leading 18 total bases and nine RBIs in five games played.

Omaha is currently hosting the Indianapolis Indians for a series, and tonight is $3 Thursday at Werner Park. Fans can enjoy Busch Light cans and select concessions and tickets for just $3 each. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.

Upcoming Events

• Omaha Supernovas at Orlando | Thursday, April 16 | 6 p.m.
• Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Indianapolis | April 14 – 19 | 6:35 p.m. Tonight
• Creighton softball at St. John’s | April 17 – 19 | 1 p.m. Friday
• Creighton baseball at Villanova | April 17 – 19 | 2 p.m. Friday
• Omaha Kings vs. Mexico City | Friday, April 17 | 7:30 p.m.
• Omaha softball vs. South Dakota State | April 17 – 19 | 6 p.m. Friday
• Omaha baseball at North Dakota State | April 17 – 19 | 6:30 p.m. Friday
• Union Omaha at Richmond | Saturday April 18 | 5 p.m.
• Omaha Supernovas at Atlanta | Sunday, April 19 | 2 p.m.
• Omaha softball vs. #5 Nebraska | Tuesday, April 21 | 6 p.m.
• Omaha baseball vs. Creighton | Wednesday, April 22 | 6 p.m.

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Burlington Place at Gene Leahy Mall

By Patrick Wyman

Just two buildings were saved when the city embarked on its plan to build Central Park Mall. The first is the former Nash Block at 9th & Farnam Street, a holdover from Jobbers Canyon. The second is the former Burlington Headquarters Building just one block west.

Located at 1004 Farnam Street, the Burlington building was built in 1879 as the new headquarters for the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad. Founded in Iowa in 1852, the railroad incorporated a Nebraska branch in 1869, at which point it began construction from Plattsmouth to Lincoln. It was acquired by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in 1872, and over the next 20 years, the CB&Q continued laying track across Nebraska, ultimately operating more track in the state than any other railroad with 2,870 miles.

The railroad hired architect Alfred R. Dufrene to design the building. His other work included Creighton College, and through his firm Dufrene and Mendelssohn, the Christian Specht Building on Douglas Street.

Originally designed in the Italianate style, the three-story brick structure had stone trimming, an ornamental cornice and a flat roof. The first floor held two storefronts outfitted with cast iron and plate-glass windows, while the upper floors served as railroad offices, finished in oiled southern pine, with fireplaces and fire- and burglar-proof vaults on each floor.

The storefronts were first occupied by Nave, McCord and Brady Wholesale Grocers before later being rented to other wholesale operators. The railroad ran out of office space by 1886, at which point they added a fourth floor and acquired an adjacent lot to expand the building to the west. Architect Thomas Rogers Kimball performed an extensive remodel in 1899, gutting the interior to add a skylight, galleries, open staircases of cast iron and oak and an elevator.

The railroad operated from the building for 87 years, though by 1966, it occupied only half before relocating to the new Capitol Plaza building at 19th & Capitol Avenue. Bernhardt Stahmer purchased it that same year intent on rehabilitating it, resisting calls to tear it down for a parking lot. Unable to find a buyer, he sold it six years later to Harry Weiner of Weiner International Tire and Rubber Company, who used the space for tire storage.

The city moved to condemn the building in 1973, but as plans for Central Park Mall (present day Gene Leahy Mall) took shape, its historical and architectural value became harder to dismiss. The city agreed it could serve as a link between the Old Market and the new park with a proposal to lease it for conversion into a restaurant, retail space and offices.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places the following year. By the time the city agreed to purchase the building in 1976, it was considered an integral part of the new park although none of the interested developers could secure the financing required to convert it due, in part, to high interest rates.

The city ultimately sold it to Ken Wagnon, a Wichita-based developer, in 1981. Wagnon had been involved in redeveloping other historic buildings in the Midwest, including the renovation of Omaha’s Historic Library at 1823 Harney Street.

The building had sat empty for a number of years and was badly in need of repair. Wagnon recalled that it was littered with dead pigeons and contained remnants of fires used by the homeless to keep warm. He told the Omaha World-Herald that despite the building’s awful smell, it was love at first sight and that he absolutely had to have it. Financing most of the project himself, Wagnon put Ameritas in charge of the renovation, having previously partnered with its president John McDonald on other projects. He hired Bahr, Vermeer and Haecker as the architects.

The renovation included replacing the skylight and windows, installing a glass elevator enclosed in an iron cage in the atrium, and repairing the walls, ceiling and floors. In cutting a shaft for a second elevator, crews uncovered a section of railroad track embedded in the concrete. Wagnon also installed a chandelier salvaged from a London building that was destroyed during a World War II air raid.

Michael and Gail Yanney and family donated the “End of Day Chandelier” created by renowned artist Dale Chihuly, which remains on display in the atrium where the skylight casts light upon it. The first tenant in the building, Yanney moved his investment firm in upon completion. He later founded Burlington Capital, which takes its name from the building, and went on to become one of Omaha’s most prominent philanthropists before passing away earlier this year.

While the plans for a restaurant and shops never came to fruition, the building, renamed Burlington Place, was successfully converted to an office complex in 1983. Among the first successful renovations of a 19th century building in Omaha, it was awarded a Landmarks Inc. Preservation Award.

To ensure that it would not meet the same fate as Frankie Pane’s, which was fatally damaged and ultimately razed when neighboring buildings were imploded in 2002 to make way for the Holland Performing Arts Center, the city took precautions including measuring the vibrations when the Gene Leahy Mall was renovated starting in 2019.

More than 140 years after the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad broke ground on its headquarters, the building they left behind remains one of downtown Omaha’s best preservation stories. Surrounded on three sides by Gene Leahy Mall, its bright white bricks now serve as a canvas for multimedia light shows as part of the three Riverfront parks that attracted more than two million visitors in 2025.

Given how close it came to becoming a parking lot, it is a remarkable turnaround.

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The Omaha Symphony, led by guest conductor Lina Gonzalez-Granados, will present Mozart & Dvořák on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. at the Joslyn Art Museum. Resident Conductor of the LA Opera, Gonzalez-Granados is an internationally talented young conductor, with her powerful interpretations earning her recognition. She will conduct the Omaha Symphony for the first time with Dvořák’s rare gem: his Symphony No. 5 in F Major. Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz opens the program with her ode to Clara Schumann, while the Principal Winds tackle Mozart’s phenomenal Sinfonia Concertante.

There will be pre-concert activities such as an art tour around the Josyln at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., Symphony staff members will share insights about the program from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m., and the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra ensemble will play music in the fountain court at Abbott Hall from 1:20 to 1:40 p.m. Visit their website for more information,

The Omaha Symphony and Opera Omaha will collaborate on stage with Applied Underwriters presents Beethoven’s Fifth & Bluebeard’s Castle on April 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Holland Performing Arts Center. The Omaha Symphony will open with one of the most famous works: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5., beginning with four of the most recognizable notes in history. Then Opera Omaha will join the symphony onstage for Bluebeard’s Castle, Béla Bartók’s psychological thriller. It follows Judith, newly wed to the enigmatic Duke Bluebeard, as she dares to open his castle’s forbidden doors, drawing her closer to a horrifying secret.

“From the compelling vocal performances to the immersive projections that transform the Holland Center stage, patrons will be swept into an evening that’s emotionally charged, visually stunning and musically electrifying,” according to Omaha Symphony president and CEO, Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud. Visit their website for tickets and more information.

The RITMO Music Fest 2026 will be at the Riverfront at Heartland of America Park on Saturday, May 9 from 2 to 10 p.m. This one-day event will transform the city in a vibrant celebration of Latino music and culture. Guests can expect a mainstage with live performances blending reggaeton, Latin pop and more, with a lineup including Banda Los Recoditos, 3BallMTY, Chimbala, Don Chezina, Maday, Adán Rodríguez, plus high-energy sets from DJ Jpeg and DJ Revo.

There will also be food trucks with bold, authentic Latino flavors, as well as a VIP section experience with elevated views and comfort – all with Omaha’s skyline as the backdrop. Visit HERE for tickets and more information.

The Maha Festival is coming back to Omaha at the Heartland of America Park this summer on August 8. The headliner is British Indie rock breakout Wet Leg, known for their 2021 viral hit “Chaise Longue” and a self-titled debut album that topped the U.K. charts. Other acclaimed and high-requested acts are Omaha’s own Bright Eyes, Grammy-winning rapper Killer Mike, rising alternative artist Blondshell. Omaha-based musician David Nance & Mowed Sound and emerging local artist Carver Jones. Tickets are now on sale HERE.

Would your business like to reach thousands of readers, who are interested in Omaha’s Arts & Culture scene? Then sponsor this section! To find out how, contact Grow Omaha’s sales coordinator, Karla Steele at karla@growomaha.com.

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

You will likely not be surprised by this, but people tend to have higher levels of respect for colleagues who do NOT use emojis in their business emails, according to an article by Jake Currie in Nautilus. If you insist on using emojis, positive ones were better received than frowning, angry or sad ones.

Sixty-five percent of employees say the quality of training and learning opportunities positively influences their engagement.

Interesting Business History – Advertising goes back at least 2,500 years according to the Wall Street Journal. An ancient vase in the Louvre carries a notice that reads, “Buy me and you’ll get a bargain.” The United States first broke into the ad business in 1704, with the birth of the Boston News-Letter. It is believed to be the first U.S. publication to run ads.

SALES

Once of the negotiating mistakes that sales pros tend to make is operating with a lack of confidence, according to sales expert Kelley Robertson. This often happens because the seller lacks negotiating skills, which is why it’s important to practice. It can also happen if you perceive the other person to be smarter, more powerful, more sophisticated or more experienced that you are.

The typical B2B buyer is 57 to 70 percent through the buying research process before contacting a sales rep, according to Spotio.

WISDOM

“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” – Samuel Johnson

Did you know Omaha was named as one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live” in 2026 by Livability.com? The ranking is based on a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of nearly 100 data points. Omaha ranked #54.

Did you know the University of Nebraska at Omaha employs more than 2,000 faculty and staff?

Did you know the SuperTarget at 132nd & West Maple Road was the very first SuperTarget in the world?

This section is sponsored by Lockbox Storage, an affiliate of Omaha-based McGregor Interests Inc. We provide storage solutions for all of your storage needs. Our facilities have full-time managers and bright lighting to provide superior security for your belongings. In addition to space for rent, we also provide packing supplies, protection plans and locks along with complimentary handcarts and dollies. Visit LockBox Storage and let us help you with all your storage needs.

NAI NP Dodge has appointed Kristi Andersen as president effective April 20. Andersen has a diverse background, having served as a top-producing commercial real estate agent, communications consultant and active community leader. Prior to joining NAI NP Dodge, Andersen served as a vice president at both CBRE and Colliers in Omaha. She focuses on leasing and selling office, industrial and retail properties.

Beyond her work in real estate, Andersen has 25 years of experience in public relations and owns a consultancy, Kristi Andersen Communications. Previously, she worked for Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority, as Nebraska press secretary for U.S. Senator Mike Johanns and as on-air journalist for KETV.

Bankers Trust has announced that Kyle Miles has joined the Omaha team as a vice president, senior private wealth & fiduciary services advisor, effective March 30. Miles is a seasoned legal and fiduciary professional with a strong background in estate planning, trust administration and corporate fiduciary services. He has worked in both law firm and banking environments.

TD2, an Omaha civil engineering and surveying firm, has expanded services to include landscape architecture as a fully integrated, in-house offering. As part of that move, the firm has welcomed John Sharon as a landscape architect. He holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of North Carolina–Charlotte. John is a licensed Professional Landscape Architect in Nebraska, Illinois, and Florida, and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Valmont has appointed John L. Schwietz as Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Thomas Liguori, effective April 8. Schwietz, who has been with Valmont since 2009, most recently served as president of international agriculture and previously held finance and commercial roles across Valmont’s utility and agriculture segments, including vice president of finance for the utility business. He holds an Master of Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree from Creighton University.

Ron Rowe announced his retirement from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, where he serves as executive vice president and Chief Revenue Officer, effective April 30, He will join WellGuard Assurance as Chief Executive Officer effective May 1.

In Memoriam – Brian K. Magee, who founded Upstream Brewing Company, passed away last Saturday at age 69 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. When he opened his Old Market brewery and restaurant in 1996, he helped introduce the craft beer movement to the Omaha metro area.

The Greater Omaha Chamber is a catalyst and connector, advocating for businesses small and large. Learn, share and grow with more than 12,000 professionals from 3,000 member businesses across Greater Omaha. Click HERE to see our latest events.

Back in the day, when Warren Buffett finished his opening remarks at the Berkshire annual meeting, he would open the floor to questions from the audience, and inevitably, somebody would say, “My broker said I should do this. What do you think?”

Without hesitation Buffett would reply, “Never ask your barber if you need a haircut.” English translation; Your broker is telling you, do something – anything – because doing nothing doesn’t generate a commission.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that this is illegal or immoral, but people are programed to do things that are in their best interest.

During the days following the U.S. Iranian incursion, the financial media was filled with suggestions on how investors could profit from this event. The initial recommendations involved buying the stocks of companies that provided direct war materials such as planes, munitions and logistic services. Swiftly on the heels of this initial barrage of stock-buy recommendations, came a second wave of buy recommendations of any ETF that could be remotely related to a war situation.

But, by the time these recommendations had reached the investing public, the traders from the of Wall Street legacy firms had driven these stocks to new highs and already taken their profits.

The financial media was also kind enough to advise those who, rather than profit from the Middle East kerfuffle, wanted to defend themselves from any negative impact it may have on their investment portfolio. To this group, the media recommended reducing their stock exposure and increasing their bond exposure.

These recommendations involved the purchase of bond funds or ETFs, all of which pay commissions or maintenance fees. None of the finance mavens suggested cash or money market funds, which are commission and maintenance fee free. Also of note is that during the early days of the incursion, interest rates rose slightly more than 100 basis points, decreasing the principal value of bond funds.

While we have no definitive data on how each 401k group responded to the financial media’s call to respond to the Iranian event, we do have circumstantial evidence that is convincing. Ninety percent of the nation’s 401k dollars are held in one of the three major discount brokerage firms. Immediately following the news release that military activity had begun in the Middle east, there was a spike in trading activity on all the major exchanges. However, the activity in the major discount firms remained consistent at its pre-event levels and is less than 1 percent of the total daily volume.

All of which leads me to conclude that the 401k Newbies followed Buffett’s advice and ignored their barber. They remained steadfast in their conviction, that in the long run, the massive American economic engine would prevail, allowing their 401k to be the gift that keeps on giving.

Grow Omaha’s Wall Street section is now available for sponsorship. Nearly 25,000 people subscribe to this newsletter, and as a group, they are influential, affluent and highly educated. That makes this section particularly popular! For advertising information, contact Karla Steele, Sales Coordinator, at karla@growomaha.com

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The Grow Omaha radio show broadcasts live every Saturday morning at 9:00, but now you can watch videos of each episode instead of just listening.

Grow Omaha’s brand-new website features video footage shot inside the radio studio during each week’s show!

Videos include News of the Week, Lightning Round, guest interviews, and “Grow Omaha Uncut,” a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during commercial breaks.

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