First part of the project worth $500 to start by next month: new offices, apartments, urban park to be built in downtown Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska – An approximately 12-block development may bring additional office space, housing, an urban park, and a small grocery store to downtown Omaha.
The developers are striving to begin building on the first portion of the project within the next month. Once finished, the project would represent an investment of around $500 million, according to Noddle Cos. developer Jay Noddle.
From Cuming Street in the north to Cass Street in the south, the Builder’s District will be developed. The western boundary is 17th Street and the eastern boundary is 14th Street.
“It’s another one of the next round of projects in the urban core, which we all know is really important,” Noddle said.
The development is making its way through the approval process, with one building having already received the city’s first permission. The entire work might be completed within the next seven to eight years, according to the developers.
The project’s initial structure will be located around 15th and Mike Fahey Streets. The building contains around 120,000 square feet of commercial and office space, as well as eateries and a fitness facility on the ground level.
The $57 million project is anticipated to begin construction in September and be completed by the end of 2023. Although no tenants have yet been secured, Noddle reported that the office market is robust, giving them the confidence to begin building.
The structure at the intersection of 15th and Mike Fahey Streets is distinctive and ecologically friendly. The exposed building structure, such as columns and ceilings, will be composed of mass wood. Steel will continue to be utilized in sections with drywall, such as corridors, elevator lobbies, and restrooms.
“It’s a little more responsible,” Noddle said. “You can grow more trees. It’s less of a carbon footprint, and aesthetically, it’s really interesting.”
Employees will be allowed to open windows for ventilation. Since the beginning of the epidemic, a greater emphasis has been placed on fresh air than in the past.
In addition, the structure will include two rooftop decks and a pedestrian plaza. On the south side of the building, there will be a pocket park for civic or community activities and outdoor enjoyment.
Between 16th and 17th Streets, next to Burt Street, will be a larger park and leisure space. Noddle stated that the urban park is not intended to compete with the larger riverside park initiatives. Instead, it is designed to feel like a neighborhood
“It’s really important for the neighborhood to have its own outdoor space,” Noddle said. “A place to walk the dog, grab a cup of coffee, hang out.”
The park will be enclosed by a shipping container fence. Pipes and other surplus building materials will be recycled and incorporated into the park’s design.
The illustrations depict green space and sitting possibilities.
The park will also include a projection screen so visitors can enjoy movies and sporting events. And, at least temporarily, the two-way screen will enable drive-in theaters.
Later, a property to the north of the park will be developed. However, until parking structures are completed, it will function as a parking lot, allowing for the possibility of drive-in movie screenings.
“Let’s not put a lot of stuff in the ground that we’re just going to tear out and not be able to repurpose when future development takes place,” Noddle said.
There are also proposals for more office buildings and residences in the development. A location in the designs also depicts a small grocery shop with full service, something the downtown area lacks.
Noddle stated that portions of the project are in different phases of design, but that they should come into place sequentially.
Noddle Cos. is also responsible for Aksarben Village, and the design, especially of the park, incorporates features from that project.
“We’re going to be able to take the lessons we learned at Aksarben Village and apply them and improve things in the Builder’s District,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to it.”
