A 30-acre district that seeks to cultivate collaboration, innovation and economic development just west of the University of Nebraska Medical Center has a new name – EDGE District.
“EDGE District will become a dynamic hub for health-focused scientific discovery, entrepreneurship and commercialization, some of the key items needed to ensure the state of Nebraska remains competitive on the national stage,” said H. Dele Davies, interim chancellor at UNMC. “Not only that, the district will also become a premier destination within the city — a place where individuals want to work, live and experience vibrant entertainment. In essence, EDGE will not only elevate the university’s role as a leader in innovation and research but also strengthen the city’s economic vitality and enhance the state’s reputation as a center of excellence and opportunity.”
UNMC owns much of the property of the triangle-shaped district, which is bordered roughly by Saddle Creek Road on the east; 48th Street on the west; and Farnam Street on the north. Already, several structures that will buoy the research discovery within the neighborhood are in various stages of development. They include:
Catalyst, a building that will bring UNMC’s UNeMed and UNeTech branches closer, to facilitate the growth of research and innovation and allow entrepreneurs, investors and businesses to collaborate in the renovated 1906 Omaha Steel Castings industrial tract. The 170,000 sq. ft. structure is being developed by Koelbel & Co. and GreenSlate Development. Catalyst plans to begin hosting several events later this fall and open in early 2025. In addition to the UNMC Innovation Hub within the facility, it will include 130,000 sq. ft. for businesses, a food hall, beer taproom and restaurant.
The CORE (Campus Operations and Research Excellence) Building, which will support computer-based research and wet lab-based research for drug discovery, oncology and other strategic areas. The shelled research floors are designed to provide essential lab and office environments, promoting collaboration among startup founders, industry leaders, scientists and inventors. In addition, the incubator lab space – tailored for startups – is outfitted with features and shared equipment to facilitate safe experimentation and expedite research endeavors.
A 750-stall parking garage that will be owned by the city of Omaha. Several possibilities of how to “wrap” the parking structure with amenities such as dining, retail, residences and green spaces are under consideration, and details would need approval from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents before moving forward.
Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the University of Nebraska System, said the EDGE District will be a game-changer for the state of Nebraska.
“UNMC recognizes an opportunity to expand its entrepreneurial investments and develop new programs, addressing needs both within the community and the institution. The pressing needs of the evolving health care landscape, such as the health care workforce crisis and regulatory challenges, highlight the urgency for such initiatives,” said Gold, who served as chancellor at UNMC from 2014 until earlier this year. “EDGE District will not only be a place where innovation and discovery take place, it also will provide infrastructure so that we’re able to take those developments to market right here, instead of losing start-up companies to the coasts or other locations. EDGE is not just a local or regional asset but a significant player on the global stage, poised to lead in health care transformation.”
UNMC also revealed EDGE District’s logo on Thursday. The logo is a triangular shape that subtly nods to both the district and the “E” for EDGE. The kaleidoscope of colors represents the many perspectives within the district – community members, startup founders, corporate partners, district residents, faculty, students or others.
Anne Barnes, vice chancellor for business, finance and business development at UNMC, said the EDGE District strives to grow new businesses, incubate ideas and foster collaborations, advancing research, tech transfer partnerships and community development.
Barnes notes that UNMC has engaged several stakeholder groups over the past few years in developing the district. Those viewpoints have been synthesized into various plans to move the district forward for optimal benefit to the university, city, state and beyond.
