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Eppley Airfield Lands $10 Million Federal Grant for Terminal Construction
Two members of Nebraska’s Congressional delegation, Rep. Don Bacon and Sen. Deb Fisher, helped Omaha’s Eppley Airfield secure a $10 million, fiscal-year 2026, Airport Infrastructure Grant for reconstructing 35,000 sq. ft. of the existing terminal, including the concourse and security checkpoint, arrival/departure gates and international gates that have reached the end of their useful lives. The grant funds the final phase, which consists of construction of the pedestrian walkway, according to a press release from Bacon’s office. Throughout his Congressional career, Bacon has made improvements to Eppley Airfield one of his top priorities, helping secure more than $94.1 million through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other funding sources. These investments expand flight capacity and inspection areas while streamlining the check-in and TSA processes for travelers and increasing possible international flights. “It has been thrilling to see the airport expansion...
Chamber Releases Plan to Strengthen Nebraska’s Economic Competitiveness
The Greater Omaha Chamber this week released “Omaha COMPETES,” a comprehensive, data-driven policy agenda designed to modernize Nebraska’s economic development tools, accelerate job creation, strengthen workforce competitiveness and ensure the state can compete and win in an increasingly aggressive national marketplace. Developed in collaboration with employers, economic developers, workforce leaders, educators, utilities and public officials, Omaha COMPETES recommends steps to restore Nebraska’s competitive edge vis-à-vis other states. “For generations, our strength has come from a simple truth: when we invest in growth, our communities have a better future,” said Heath Mello, president & CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber. “This work is about the Nebraska we aspire to build — one where young people choose to stay, where companies choose to expand, and where every region benefits from the growth generated in our economic engine.” Once a national leader in economic development,...
Developer Announces Upscale Retailers Coming to Avenue One
Arhaus, West Elm, Williams Sonoma and Pottery Barn plan to open stores in Avenue One, the mixed-use development southeast of 192nd & West Dodge Road, according to Poag Development Group. Memphis, Tennessee-based Poag is working with Omaha-based Jasper Partners and national real estate company JLL on the 200-acre development in west Omaha. Phase one of the development’s retail area is now 77 percent leased or under negotiation. Phase one includes 233,000 sq. ft. of specialty retail, grocery, dining and service businesses. Approximately 112,000 sq. ft. of that retail space is leased, with an additional 63,000 sq. ft. under negotiation. A yet-to-be-announced, specialty grocery store is believed to be coming to Avenue One as well. Site grading is currently underway. Grand opening anticipated in 2027. Arhaus is an upscale home furnishings retailer based in Ohio with 107 stores in 31 states. The closest existing locations are in Kansas City and Minneapolis. West Elm sells contemporary...
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Project Development Updates
Today we highlight two developments, one in Omaha and one in Council Bluffs, for this week’s Big Story. Children’s Nebraska Elected officials, local dignitaries and representatives from Children’s Nebraska held a topping-out ceremony today at the future Behavioral Health & Wellness Center at Children’s Nebraska. Topping-out occurs when the final steel beam is lifted into place. The $110 million, 4-story building is under construction on a 7-acre site south of 85th & West Dodge Road on the western edge of Children’s Nebraska’s campus. When it opens in early 2026, the 107,250 sq. ft. building will have 38 inpatient beds plus an experiential kitchen for youth and families dealing with eating disorders as well as 14,000 sq. ft. for general outpatient therapy and a crisis screening and stabilization assessment hub. The need for more mental health services for area youth is clear and sobering, according to Children’s Nebraska. Even before the onset of COVID-19, one in five children...
Mutual of Omaha Shares Construction Details About New Headquarters Tower
Visual construction progress is underway on Mutual of Omaha’s future headquarters – which will rise to 677 feet and 44 floors tall – as the building’s shear core, akin to a “spine,” takes shape. Construction of a skyscraper of this magnitude within a small footprint in a populated downtown area can present challenges. With the ingenuity of something called the DOKA Shear Core Climber, or self-climber, the project is making safe and efficient strides. “Mutual of Omaha currently has the second largest self-climber ever built in the U.S.,” said Brian Krouse, Director of Construction with Lanoha Real Estate Company, the developer for the project. “Not only does the formwork provide a mold for forming the shear core, it also creates a safe working environment, serving as a hive of activity with crews working at three levels within the core.” Over the next several months, the construction crew will engage in a repetitive cycle of preparing, pouring and erecting the shear core. The...
Nebraska Unicameral Paves the Way for Downtown Omaha Soccer Stadium
A professional soccer stadium planned for the North Downtown Riverfront area took a big step forward last week with the passage of LB1317 on the last day of the 2024 Unicameral session.
Changes to the Sports Arena Facility Financing Act, passed 49-0, will amend the act to support eligible sports arena facilities described, in part, as any large public stadium with a fixed seating count of less than 7,500 seats in which initial occupancy occurs on or after March 1, 2025.
According to the act, a portion of state sale taxes collected from ticket sales and nearby retailers, among other sources in the vicinity of the stadium, can be used to help pay for project costs.
Union Omaha’s $60 million stadium is poised to start construction in 2024, with doors opening to the public in 2026. The stadium will rise on an open grassy area between Gallup’s headquarters and Abbott Drive.
“With the passage of these changes to the Sports Arena Facility Financing Assistance Act, we’re not just investing in arenas; we’re investing in communities,” said Senator Mike McDonnell. “This legislation ensures that our sports infrastructure remains vibrant, supporting local economies and providing opportunities for athletes of all ages. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the power of sports to unite, inspire, and uplift.”
The state has authorized cumulative support of $25 Million over 20 years toward this project.
As the centerpiece of an extensive $300 million, 18-acre mixed-use project along Abbott Drive, the soccer stadium will serve as the new home for Union Omaha, Nebraska’s only professional soccer team, and seat up to 7,500 spectators with standing room and other accommodations for more fans.
This strategic initiative not only aims to invigorate economic growth but also
contributes to the dynamic evolution of downtown Omaha.
“The continuing private interest in developing downtown Omaha benefits the entire city,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “Union Omaha Soccer will join the long list of successful venues and attractions in our urban core. Our role is to be a good partner as this exciting sports development gets underway.”
Union Omaha president Martie Cordaro said the stadium will serve as a catalyst for the advancement of soccer at all levels, from a youth academy to high-school and college matches to professional matches, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents on a regional and national stage.
“The stadium will serve as a hub for community engagement, hosting many community events and programs every year,” Cordaro said.
Union Omaha is currently playing matches at Werner Park in Papillion, sharing the park with the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The new downtown stadium will allow expansion of the sport of soccer with the future addition of a women’s soccer team and a youth academy.
