Plan unveiled to revitalize Omaha’s midtown

Omaha business woman Donna Lee Collins studies a model of St. Cecilia Cathedral’s planned centennial project.

Just as city, business and neighborhood leaders gathered at Joslyn Castle Wednesday to celebrate the roll out of the final Destination Midtown plan, a crane toppled the sign of the notorious Travel Inn.

“As we mark a notable closing,” said Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, “we start a new and vibrant future for midtown Omaha.”

UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., said the Destination Midtown plan sets out a blueprint that can help improve the quality of life for UNMC students and employees who work on campus and live in the area.

“I’m very pleased with the final product,” he said. “It sets out a vision for development in the Destination Midtown area that can be used by business, political and neighborhood leaders for the next generation.”

Omaha Chamber of Commerce President David Brown, UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., and Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey.

Bob Bartee executive assistant to the chancellor called it “a remarkable process that included all of the key stakeholders.

“This effort will help the city and Chamber of Commerce promote the image of Omaha as a vibrant and inviting community for young professionals and empty nester families, as well as commercial and business developers.”

Destination Midtown is an active group of governmental, business, education, health care and neighborhood leaders who joined last year to fund the development planning effort. Building upon the area’s historic strengths, the group is working to raise its profile within the greater Omaha metro to create a new point of destination.

On Wednesday, Fahey pledged his support to implement the Destination Midtown plan and business owners and neighborhood leaders welcomed news that the Travel Inn at 39th and Dodge streets would finally be shut down.

High priorities for the group, which held extensive public meetings this past year, include:

• Strengthening neighborhood groups and enhancing code enforcement.
  
• Enhancing mixed-use business development and establishing corridor and district design guidelines.
  
• Exploring reconstruction or other improvements to Dodge Street and Saddle Creek Road.
  
• Exploring mass transit opportunities.

Omaha Chamber of Commerce President David Brown addresses the crowd gathered for Wednesday’s Destination Midtown announcement.

“Last year Destination Midtown was an unprecedented plan. Over the past year our unique blend of business, neighborhoods and government has set a new standard for working together,” said John McClelland, Chairman of the Destination Midtown Steering Committee and Senior Vice President at Mutual of Omaha. “The result is a far-reaching redevelopment plan that will ensure midtown Omaha’s future success.”

Representatives on hand for the announcement included many from the business community who joined neighborhood leaders, Fahey and Jim Vokal, president of the City Council, to show support for the new development plans. All emphasized that success will continue to rely heavily upon support and input from those who live and work in midtown Omaha.

The Destination Midtown Steering Committee will establish a Midtown Development Corporation to coordinate development within midtown and will work closely with the newly formed Midtown Neighborhood Alliance.

“We look forward to providing private sector leadership in the Midtown Development Corporation ensuring follow-through of this master plan,” said Omaha Chamber of Commerce President David Brown. “It will be great to see Midtown return to prominence and become a ‘destination of choice’ in our community.”

Jim Champion, director of the Midtown Business Association, said he looks forward to generating even more Midtown opportunities for small business.

Fahey said his next steps include presentations to the Omaha Planning Board and the rest of the City Council to add the plan as a non-binding amendment to the city’s Master Plan.

Elements of the plan also will be incorporated into the City’s future capital improvement plans.

“This development plan will be an important road map for the city as we continue to push the riverfront momentum into our smaller business districts and neighborhoods,” Fahey said. “It’s a good day for the city and for midtown Omaha.”

Cuming Street borders the Destination Midtown plan on the north, Center Street on the south, 24th Street on the east and Saddle Creek Road on the west. The study assessed the community’s strengths and weaknesses to help define steps for creating a new, vibrant destination for the Omaha area.

For more information go to: www.destinationmidtown.com.