UNMC will receive $1 million in federal funds to conduct a feasibility study regarding the relocation of Saddle Creek Road on the campus’s western boundary. U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson was instrumental in acquiring the funds that will be designated for this use.
“We are grateful to Sen. Nelson for his critical role in securing this funding,” UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., said. “It will help us to access a much-needed avenue of growth, as we continue our march toward becoming a world-class academic health sciences center. Our research enterprise is burgeoning, and we need room to provide world-class facilities to accommodate this growth.”
“UNMC has had great success in developing public/private partnerships that develop projects that enhance the campus and the Omaha community,” Sen. Nelson said. “This project is the latest example of that partnership coming together to improve our community.”
Bob Bartee, UNMC’s executive assistant to the chancellor, said the Saddle Creek project was identified in the Destination Midtown Master Plan, which was incorporated into the city’s master plan. The feasibility study, Bartee said, will be expansive in its approach.
“Certainly, the study will address transportation issues,” Bartee said. “But we want the study to also examine the impact of this relocation on UNMC’s future growth, as well as neighborhood development opportunities such as housing, hiking and biking trails, water ways and green space. We also will have to identify the economic development possibilities in the area and any water and sewer issues that arise.”
Ron Schaefer, director of UNMC Facilities Planning & Construction, said that UNMC is currently in the process of revising its long-term master plan, and that the western portion of campus is among the possibilities for potential growth.
“Our researchers have had record success in attracting research grants, and the campus has been successful in recruiting many top scientists. Future additional growth of our research enterprise will require research space beyond what is already planned,” Schaefer said. “A location to the west of the Durham Research Center and the planned adjacent tower appears to be suitable and convenient for additional construction. Still, we need to know if this site is feasible, from many perspectives. This study will help to provide some answers.”
Schaefer said that UNMC will work with state, city and other local officials to determine the nature and exact scope of the study. The campus will coordinate with city officials so that the study complements the city’s current studies regarding transportation and water/sewer issues.
Bartee said he expects broad input from various stakeholders, such as the Destination Midtown Board, the Midtown Neighborhood Alliance, the Midtown Business Association and Omaha by Design. He said that it is premature to place a timeline on the process.