Development activity continues to accelerate at Millwork Commons, the rapidly evolving neighborhood just north of Charles Schwab Field.
According to Jeff Slobotski, director of business and ecosystem development for PGSA, several new projects now underway will further expand the area’s residential, hospitality and retail offerings.
“There’s a lot of activity going on,” Slobotski said. “The neighborhood itself is built as an area for entrepreneurs, creatives, artists and nonprofits. It’s a community of innovative people and organizations.”
One of the most visible projects currently moving forward is a city-owned parking structure planned just east of the Ashton Building. The garage will include approximately 650 parking stalls and about 10,000 sq. ft. of ground-floor retail space.
At the same time, an apartment building called The Frame will rise just west of the Ashton Building. The project will add approximately 150 residential units along with another 10,000 sq. ft. of street-level retail space.
“That will be the third apartment building in Millwork Commons,” Slobotski said. “That will put us at about 700 units in our development.”
The additional housing is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the neighborhood as a true live-work district rather than simply a collection of office buildings.
“I think the apartments in our development, as well as the adjacent developments, really make Millwork Commons a true community, a true home, a true neighborhood,” Slobotski said. “It’s a really vibrant, high-energy neighborhood where there’s something going on virtually every night.”
One of the most anticipated projects in the district is the new Millwork Hotel, a boutique hotel planned just south of the Ashton Building. Slobotski said construction is expected to begin soon.
“We’ll get started on the hotel here virtually in a matter of days,” he said. “This month is what we’re hoping for. We’ll start in March, if not the beginning of April. Everything is full steam ahead.”
Developers are targeting an opening in October 2027.
The hotel is designed to offer something distinct from traditional chain properties. Plans include a rooftop bar and a signature restaurant along with design elements meant to highlight Omaha’s creative culture.
“A lot of the art and different things you’ll see in the hotel are unique to Omaha itself,” Slobotski said. “It’s not a chain where you’re not sure which city you’re in.”
Beyond new construction, Millwork Commons is also seeing growth from companies already located in the district. Slobotski pointed to two technology startups in particular.
One is Workshop, which he described as “probably Nebraska’s fastest-growing startup.” The company is preparing to expand its space in the Ashton Building.
Another company, Marble Technologies, is relocating from Lincoln to Millwork Commons. The startup focuses on artificial intelligence solutions for the meatpacking industry.
Those types of companies fit squarely within the district’s vision.
“Those two startups we’re excited to have in the neighborhood and continue to grow,” Slobotski said. “It puts Millwork on the map for companies like that — high-growth, high-technology startups.”
Looking ahead, another project that could significantly impact the area is the proposed soccer stadium for Union Omaha.
Slobotski said they’re enthusiastic about the project and the potential energy it could bring to the neighborhood.
“There’s a number of different ways that will bring additional energy and foot traffic,” he said. “We’re thrilled to have that project. It sounds like everything is moving in the right direction.”
He said the stadium could also create synergy with nearby businesses.
“That will mean folks staying in the Millwork Hotel, visiting the restaurants before or after the match,” Slobotski said. “I think it will bring a lot more families and kids down to the neighborhood as well.”
As development continues, the district remains focused on local businesses rather than national chains.
“The retail and food and beverage that we have today are all local, unique to Omaha,” Slobotski said. “You won’t necessarily find a Starbucks, but you’ll find Archetype Coffee.”
For Slobotski, that local focus is central to the neighborhood’s identity.
“When people come into the city and say they want the best of local or they want to get a taste of Omaha’s food scene,” he said, “ideally Millwork Commons is top of the list.”
