Midtown 2050 Corporation, a new development corporation, has been formed to coordinate and accelerate the next phase of midtown Omaha’s revitalization and progression into a dynamic, transit-oriented urban community.
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“This is not just a Mutual of Omaha initiative or a UNMC initiative; it’s a midtown Omaha community initiative, the private and public sectors working together. We’re proud to be part of this broad coalition with a clear vision to build a truly remarkable vibrant community,” Dr. Gold said.
“What’s most exciting about this initiative to me is what it could do for the entire city in the future,” Dr. DeBehnke said. “It’s a vision to accelerate the progress we’ve seen in midtown and to do even more to bring young professionals and new growth to the area. Nebraska Medicine is very supportive, but this is truly a community effort and we are thrilled to be part of this community.”
Read the Omaha World-Herald’s coverage of the project here.
Ken Cook, president of East Campus Realty LLC, the Mutual of Omaha subsidiary behind Midtown Crossing, will serve as chairman of Midtown 2050 Corporation.
“Midtown Vision 2050 is a visionary plan that guides growth and redevelopment in midtown Omaha for the next several decades,” Cook said. “This plan provides the overarching vision to guide and maximize midtown’s potential.”
Former U.S. Congressman Brad Ashford has been appointed Midtown 2050 Corporation president and executive director.
“I know the midtown area block-by-block,” Ashford said. “I know many of the property owners and have worked with all of the neighborhood groups. I understand the future of the Midtown Vision 2050 depends on the connecting of the development that currently exists with the fabric of the existing neighborhoods and commercial areas.”
The Midtown Vision 2050 vision plan builds on and seeks to accelerate the momentum seeded by the Destination Midtown initiative, construction of Midtown Crossing, UNMC’s vertical growth, the re-emergence of the Blackstone District, and residential redevelopment spearheaded by companies such as Urban Village.
“All of the projects that have been happening in midtown are incredibly positive, but there was a feeling they were not being pursued as part of a larger, coherent, all-encompassing vision,” Ashford said.
I'm disappointed that there's nothing mentioned about bicycling and no bike lanes in the renderings. I hope that's part of the discussion!
Fran, the OWH article references plans to redesign the streets to be bicycle and pedestrian friendly.