Harold M. Maurer, M.D., remembers well the meeting at the Omaha Chamber of Commerce.
Several presentations were taking place, all talking about renewal projects east of 24th Street and west of 72nd Street in Omaha. Dr. Maurer asked the question, “What about Midtown?”
“It became clear to me that if there was going to be renewal, those of us living and/or working in this area had to initiate it,” Dr. Maurer said. “We want to create an area that attracts more people to live, to work, to do business, to find entertainment, etc.
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Next week, UNMC will conduct “informational sessions” on Destination Midtown. Those sessions will begin at noon, and are scheduled for Monday, June 2, in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater and for Thursday, June 5, in the NHS University Amphitheater, Room 4208. UNMC, UMA and NHS employees are invited. The first opportunity for public participation and input into the overall Destination Midtown process will take place June 10-11. The SWOT (Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats) Analysis and Visioning Workshops will be divided geographically and functionally to better address the needs of each area of interest. A SWOT analysis and preliminary vision statement will be developed for each area. The meetings are: June 10: Area north of Dodge, 7-9 p.m., Duchesne Academy, 3601 Burt St. June 11: Area between Dodge and Leavenworth (includes UNMC), 10 a.m.-noon First Lutheran Church, 542 S. 31st St., enter using west alley door. June 11: Area south of Leavenworth, 7-9 p.m., Mercy High School, Franey Hall, 48th and Pine, extra parking at Holy Cross. |
“To do that is going to require a lot of input and ideas from the neighborhood associations and area residents, from small and large business owners and leaders, from employees who live and work in the area and from any others who are interested in its growth and development.”
A unique group formed a couple of years ago to look at future development and growth for the Midtown Omaha area. Last month, that group – comprising governmental, business, education, health care and neighborhood leaders — announced plans to fund a planning effort to define that growth. The “Destination Midtown” study and plan will build upon the area’s historic strengths to raise the profile of the area within the greater Omaha metro to create a new point of destination.
Next week, UNMC, UMA and NHS faculty, staff and students will have the opportunity to find out more about Destination Midtown during informational sessions. Those sessions will begin at noon, and are scheduled for Monday, June 2, in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater and for Thursday, June 5, in the NHS University Amphitheater, Room 4208.
“This is an effort to make the community more vibrant,” Dr. Maurer said. “There’s no under-current to expand our campus. We are trying to be a good neighbor, a good citizen, just as the other participants in this effort are.”
Businesses and groups that were represented on the Destination Midtown steering committee include Mutual of Omaha, the Gifford Park, Joslyn Castle and Leavenworth neighborhood associations; Creighton University; Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc.; Omaha Public Power District; Mayor Mike Fahey; and the Omaha City Council, among others.
The Destination Midtown project is bordered by Cuming Street on the north, Center Street on the south, 24th Street on the east and Saddle Creek Road on the west. The initial study will assess the community’s strengths and weaknesses to help define steps for creating a new, vibrant destination for the Omaha area. Partners envision a unified commercial and residential community that attracts more people to the area to live, raise families, shop, work and play.
“The Destination Midtown plan is unprecedented and will provide business, neighborhood and city leaders a tremendous new vision for the area,” said John McClelland, chairman of the Midtown Community Partnership Steering Committee. “For years to come the fruits of this unique and critical partnership will define important growth and create a new destination spot for Omaha.”
Community members will have multiple opportunities for involvement as the plan progresses over the coming year. Details and timelines of the plan were announced and a series of visioning and master planning workshops will make sure the plan has the input of those who live and work in Midtown.
HDR will conduct the plan, which will serve as a guide for the community and for city government as ongoing planning, growth and capital improvements are contemplated.
For more information including timelines and a Q&A, visit www.omahachamber.org/DestinationMidtown .