Grow Omaha
Stories
Sponsored by:
Mutual of Omaha Tower Construction Progress Update
Crews have begun installing the steel structure that will support the Mutual of Omaha tower’s architectural crown. That means the region’s tallest building is getting closer to topping-out – the moment when the final piece of structural steel is welded into place. Lanoha Real Estate is developing the 677-foot-tall, 44-story tower on a city block bounded by 14th, 15th, Douglas and Farnam streets. Though it won’t be completed until the end of this year, it is already the tallest building in a multi-state region. It’s also one of the tallest office buildings currently under construction in the United States. Pickard Chilton is the lead architect, while JE Dunn is the general contractor. Multiple subcontractors are at work both inside and outside up and down the building’s many floors. While the skyscraper still has months to go before it opens, progress is clearly evident. The steel superstructure is complete for all the occupiable floors, and most of the exterior glass curtain wall is...
Mayor Ewing Meets with Streetcar Impact Alliance
Omaha Mayor John Ewing issued a statement today regarding the Streetcar Impact Alliance, a group of business owners and residents affected by Streetcar construction and related utility construction: Today I met with representatives of the Streetcar Impact Alliance. I included members from my office, our Public Works and Law Departments and two members of the Omaha City Council: President Danny Begley and Member LaVonya Goodwin. Our goal is to collaborate with this group of businesses along our streetcar route and advance our shared interest in driving traffic through their doors. We had a frank, robust discussion about their challenges and needs. I hope we keep this discussion ongoing while also coming together as a city to reach their front doors. It is possible to get anywhere in Omaha. We want these businesses to survive, and we need the people of Omaha to patronize them. We appreciate how impactful construction can be. Certainly, this massive project - the biggest Omaha has...
Omaha City Council Hears Testimony Regarding Streetcar Funding
The Omaha City Council heard lengthy testimony last week regarding an ordinance to approve a $70 million lease revenue bond issue to support the streetcar project. When the item appeared on a city council agenda earlier this month, there was some public backlash, particularly on social media, regarding the project’s financial situation. City council members used the public hearing to clarify what the $70 million represents in the overall project. In 2022, the city council approved up to $440 million in bonds to help finance the streetcar project. It was originally contemplated that $360 million would be from revenue bonds, while $80 million would come from lease revenue bonds. The primary difference between the two types of bonds is that the city backs lease revenue bonds while revenue bonds are only paid by the streetcar-related Tax Increment Financing revenue generated by new projects along the streetcar route. In 2022, the interest rates were fairly comparable, with revenue bonds...
Sponsored by:
Subscribe
To our newsletter
Woodbury Corp. Breaks Ground on Crossroads
Woodbury Corporation, a full-service real estate management and development company, along with development partner WRK Real Estate, broke ground this week on Gamescape by Cinemark at the Crossroads. The all-in-one immersive entertainment destination will be the first in the state, and one of the first in the country. Gamescape is the first announced tenant of the development. Gamescape by Cinemark is an all-in-one entertainment destination for all ages that includes movie auditoriums, a full-service restaurant and bar, bowling, an arcade, laser tag, and more. The $850 million crossroads project is northwest of 72nd & Dodge Street. "We are pleased to officially break ground on Gamescape by Cinemark, an exciting new venue that will bring the best in family entertainment to Omaha," said Jay Jostrand, Cinemark Executive Vice President of Real Estate and Construction. "This milestone reflects the collaboration with our partners and the city, as we work together to provide immersive,...
Creighton Breaks Ground on New Baseball Facility
Creighton University broke ground yesterday for its baseball practice field and celebrated construction progress on its softball stadium. The future baseball field — near Florence Boulevard & Cuming Street — will be completed by June 2026. In addition to being the home base for Creighton baseball practice, the all-turf field will serve as the principal location for teams preparing to compete in the NCAA Men’s College World Series. The 193,000 sq. ft. field’s design mimics that of Charles Schwab Field Omaha a few blocks east, to better orient visiting teams preparing to compete in the “Greatest Show on Dirt.” The new softball competition field — near 20th & Cuming Street — will be completed this fall. Like the baseball field, the 79,000 sq. ft. complex will feature state-of-the-art turf across the entire playing surface. The softball and baseball fields will also be available to students through Creighton intramural and club sports, as well as community baseball and softball...
Building the Omaha of the Future – Together
Guest Column by Heath MelloPresident & CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber On behalf of the Greater Omaha Chamber and the entire business community, we would like to extend our congratulations to Mayor John Ewing on his historic victory as Omaha’s new mayor. Your election marks an exciting chapter, filled with promise for stronger partnerships and collaborative action to build a more prosperous city. Mayor Ewing takes office at a pivotal moment as the Chamber and our partners advance our comprehensive economic development strategy, "A Greater Omaha." This strategy puts people at its center, recognizing that true economic success is measured in part by the quality of life for all residents. Omaha thrives when its people thrive, which is why the Chamber remains committed to an inclusive economic growth agenda. Our new approach is epitomized in our innovative "Scaling Homegrown Innovation" program, a key initiative within "A Greater Omaha." This economic gardening tactic prioritizes...
How Important Is Omaha Among the World’s Major Cities?
Omaha is the 54th “most important” city in North America and the 49th most important in the United States. That’s according to the mid-2025 report of the Global City Importance Model as reported by Justin O’Beirne. The model scores urban areas according to their relative importance globally. It uses 40 regularly updated data sources across four dimensions (economic, political, cultural, and demographic) to calculate importance, with economic output and international geopolitical influence comprising the largest scoring factors. The 10 most important cities in the world are 1. New York, 2. Washington, 3. Beijing, 4. London, 5. Tokyo, 6. Shanghai, 7. Paris, 8. Los Angeles, 9. San Francisco, 10. Shenzhen-Guangzhou-Dongg. The 10 most important cities in North America are 1. New York, 2. Washington, 3. Los Angeles, 4. San Francisco Bay Area, 5. Chicago, 6. Boston, 7. Toronto, 8. Houston, 9, Dallas-Fort Worth, 10. Atlanta. The model categorizes cities into several tiers. Omaha is in tier...
Latest Fortune 500 List Includes Four Omaha-Based Companies
Omaha continues to punch above its weight when it comes to corporate headquarters. The 2025 Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 lists have been released, and Omaha is the home to several of the nation’s biggest companies. The Fortune 500, in its 71st year, ranks the biggest U.S. companies by revenue. In total, Fortune 500 companies represent two-thirds of U.S. GDP with $19.9 trillion in revenues, and they employ 31 million people worldwide. Last year, they combined to earn $1.87 trillion in profits, up 10 percent from last year—and a record in dollar terms. Omaha hosts the headquarters of four companies in the Fortune 500 and an additional three in the Fortune 1000. That’s the same number of Fortune 500 companies as last year, but one less in the Fortune 1000 as Green Plains fell out of the rankings. Here’s the list of Omaha’s Fortune 500 and 1000 companies with rankings and 2024 revenue totals: #6 Berkshire Hathaway – $371.4 Billion#177 Union Pacific Railroad – $24.3 Billion#247 Kiewit –...
Report Lists Omaha as One of America’s Best Cities for Families
Extra Space Storage included Omaha as one of 14 cities on its “Best Cities for Families in 2025” report published on the company’s SpaceWise blog. In addition to Omaha, cities making the list included Ann Arbor, Mich.; Arlington, Va.; Columbia, Md.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Huntsville, Ala.; Madison, Wis.; Overland Park, Kan.; Plano, Tex.; Raleigh, N.C.; Round Rock, Tex.; San Jose, Calif.; Seattle, Wash.; Virginia Beach, Va. Extra Space Storage did not list a number-one city. To create the list, the report included factors like schools, affordability, safety and things to do, Here’s what the report had to say about Omaha: When looking for a family-friendly city to relocate to, put Omaha on your list! This Midwestern city is one of the most affordable U.S. cities, a great place for remote work, and the ideal area for veterans and retired military to settle down. Potential homeowners or renters can find homes that won’t break their budget in affordable neighborhoods in the Omaha Metro. The...
Early Bird Pricing for 36th Annual CRE Summit Ends June 11
The Commercial Real Estate Summit – which started 36 years ago with 150 attendees at Creighton Law School – returns to the CHI Health Center Friday, August 22. This year’s theme is “The Next Chapter: Growth, Change, and Opportunity.” The all-day summit now attracts upwards of 800 commercial real estate professionals each year. Early bird tickets are $325/person or $293.25/group of 20-plus and $310.50/group of 10-19 people until June 11. After that, tickets increase to $345 per person. Late conference tickets (after August 8) are $395/person. Hall of Fame Luncheon and students’ tickets are $75. “The event has grown each year, and we’re expecting upwards of 800 commercial real estate professionals this year,” said Jerry Slusky, who founded the event in 1990. “Not only have we experienced continued growth over the years, but our format has evolved to reflect what’s happeneing with commerical real estate each year. This year is no exception. “We’ve got a great lineup of speakers, and...
Terra Gaucha Opening Fifth U.S. Location Next Week in Omaha
Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse opens its doors to the public Friday, May 30th in the former Charleston’s building at 138th & West Dodge Road. It will be the Jacksonville, Florida-based restaurant’s fifth location nationwide and its second in the Midwest. Situated in First National Business Park, the newest Terra Gaucha brings an elevated steakhouse experience to the heart of steak country. The Omaha location boasts generous parking, a reimagined modern space and a fully remodeled interior built by Lockwood Development that includes expanded dining accommodations and an open bar concept. “Omaha is a thriving food city with a deep appreciation for great steak and vibrant culture,” said Rodolfo Melo, co-founder of Terra Gaucha. “Terra Gaucha is committed to pampering local residents and tourists with a ‘Gaúcho-style’ welcoming and engaging experience, where fire-roasted premium cuts are carved tableside. Guests can expect top-tier service from the Omaha wait staff led by Managing...
Hubbell Announces The Rye at Harrison Development
Hubbell Realty Company of West Des Moines, Iowa, has announced The Rye at Harrison, a $20 million apartment and townhome development planned for the northwest corner of 213th & Harrison Street near the Coventry Wood subdivision. The first phase, which will include 99 housing units, is slated to begin later this year and be completed in late 2026. This will include 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units. In total, the project will have two or three phases, and a total of 286 units, both market-rate rental apartments and townhomes, and over 550 parking spaces. The entire project is slated to be complete by 2027. “The Rye presents a unique opportunity to continue the expansion west along Harrison Street in a very desirable area. As we look ahead to the potential expansion at Nebraska Crossing, CONNECT Sarpy and a new children’s hospital and medical center, we believe rental housing of both types will be heavily desired for the workforce coming to this area,” said Matt Weller, vice president of...
Greater Omaha Chamber and Scott Data Partner to Promote AI
The Greater Omaha Chamber and Scott Data, a nonprofit AI solutions provider, announced a strategic new partnership to position Omaha as the premier destination for artificial intelligence innovation and adoption. The partnership is intended to accelerate the adoption of AI by Omaha-area businesses—particularly small and mid-sized companies and startups—through education, technical advising and affordable access to advanced AI computing. “This partnership is a bold step forward in making Omaha the premier destination in the Midwest – and the country – for AI innovation and adoption,” said Heath Mello, president & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “We are building Omaha into a city of the future where cutting-edge technology, strategic vision, and momentum blaze a trail for future generations. This announcement sets the tone for what is next for our city and is a clear signal to new-to-market companies and existing businesses alike: if you’re looking to lead in AI, Omaha is where...
Developer Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing Project Along Park Avenue
Rendering by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture inCOMMON Community Development celebrated the groundbreaking of The Poppleton Wednesday, an affordable housing development located in the heart of the Park Avenue neighborhood. The project marks the first phase of a 121-unit mixed-income, mixed-use development that will provide help a solution to Omaha’s housing shortage. Like many growing metro areas, Omaha is facing an affordable housing shortage that threatens the well-being of low-income residents. According to the 2021 Housing Affordability in the Omaha and Council Bluffs Area report, there is currently a shortage of 78,800 affordable housing units in the region, with the gap expected to grow to 104,000 units by 2040. Recent redevelopment in the Park Avenue area has led to improvements and attracted middle-income residents, but it has also displaced low-income families. Displacement means losing access to essential services such as transportation, healthcare, schools, and local...
Creighton University Breaks Ground on Campus Quadrangle
Creighton University will soon break ground on one of the most sweeping projects in its 147-year history. Starting in July, the university will begin work on a campus quadrangle, 251,500 sq. ft. of active green space near 22nd & Burt Street, to be completed in fall 2026. The 5.7-acre, natural-grass area will include an amphitheater, pavilion, stage, fountain plaza, and an ellipse with an art installation. The quadrangle’s construction, estimated to cost $22-to-25 million, will be entirely donor-supported. Designed by OJB Landscape Architecture and constructed by Kiewit Corporation, it will mark the largest physical reshaping of the campus in history. “The quadrangle will be Creighton’s own Central Park, a reimagining of campus green space that will live at the intersection of academic and residential life,” said University President Daniel S. Hendrickson. The quadrangle will be surrounded by four residence halls (Graves, McGloin, Davis and a future residence hall to be completed...
