A district that seeks to cultivate collaboration, innovation and economic development just west of the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha has a new name – EDGE District.
“EDGE District will become a dynamic hub for health-focused scientific discovery, entrepreneurship and commercialization, some of the key items needed to ensure the state of Nebraska remains competitive on the national stage,” said H. Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor at UNMC. “Not only that, the district will also become a premier destination within the city — a place where individuals want to work, live and experience vibrant entertainment. In essence, EDGE will not only elevate the university’s role as a leader in innovation and research but also strengthen the city’s economic vitality and enhance the state’s reputation as a center of excellence and opportunity.”
UNMC owns much of the property of the triangle-shaped district, which is bordered roughly by Saddle Creek Road on the east; 48th Street on the west; and Farnam/Douglas Street on the north. Already, several structures that will buoy the research discovery within the neighborhood are in various stages of development. They include:
- Catalyst, a building that will bring UNMC’s UNeMed and UNeTech branches closer, to facilitate the growth of research and innovation and allow entrepreneurs, investors and businesses to collaborate in the renovated 1906 Omaha Steel Castings industrial tract. The 170,000-square-foot structure is being developed by Koelbel & Co. and GreenSlate Development. Catalyst plans to begin hosting several events later this fall and open in early 2025. In addition to the UNMC Innovation Hub within the facility, it will include 130,000 square feet for businesses, a food hall, beer taproom, restaurant and more. More information, including leasing opportunities, can be found here.
- The CORE (Campus Operations and Research Excellence) Building, which will support computer-based research and wet lab-based research for drug discovery, oncology and other strategic areas. The shelled research floors are designed to provide essential lab and office environments, promoting collaboration among startup founders, industry leaders, scientists and inventors. In addition, the incubator lab space – tailored for startups – is outfitted with features and shared equipment to facilitate safe experimentation and expedite research endeavors.
- A 750-stall parking garage that will be owned by the city of Omaha. Several possibilities of how to “wrap” the parking structure with amenities such as dining, retail, residences and green spaces are under consideration, and details would need approval from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents before moving forward.
Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, president of the University of Nebraska System, said the EDGE District will be a game-changer for the state of Nebraska.
“UNMC recognizes an opportunity to expand its entrepreneurial investments and develop new programs, addressing needs both within the community and the institution. The pressing needs of the evolving health care landscape, such as the health care workforce crisis and regulatory challenges, highlight the urgency for such initiatives,” said Dr. Gold, who served as chancellor at UNMC from 2014 until earlier this year. “EDGE District will not only be a place where innovation and discovery take place, it also will provide infrastructure so that we’re able to take those developments to market right here, instead of losing start-up companies to the coasts or other locations. EDGE is not just a local or regional asset but a significant player on the global stage, poised to lead in health care transformation.”
UNMC also revealed EDGE District’s logo on Thursday. The logo is a triangular shape that subtly nods to both the district and the “E” for EDGE. The kaleidoscope of colors represents the many perspectives within the district – community members, startup founders, corporate partners, district residents, faculty, students or others.
Anne Barnes, vice chancellor for business, finance and business development at UNMC, said the EDGE District strives to grow new businesses, incubate ideas and foster collaborations, advancing research, tech transfer partnerships and community development.
“While EDGE aligns with UNMC strategies and efforts, it also provides unique value through complementary initiatives and opportunities,” said Barnes, who also serves as the interim CFO for the NU System. “Through these efforts, EDGE District will foster an independent yet synergistic relationship that will enhance the district and ultimately, complement UNMC’s work in improving people’s lives through better research, education, clinical care and outreach.”
Barnes notes that UNMC has engaged several stakeholder groups over the past few years in developing the district. Those viewpoints have been synthesized into various plans to move the district forward for optimal benefit to the university, city, state and beyond.
More about EDGE District:
- Not only does the EDGE name provide a nod to the western edge of the UNMC campus in Omaha, but it also stands for the following:
- Explore: Encourages curiosity and the pursuit of new ideas. Provides a platform for professionals to explore cutting-edge technology and methodologies
- Develop: Facilitates the development of groundbreaking solutions. Connects researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to foster innovation.
- Grow: Supports the growth of businesses and individuals. Offers resources, mentorship and opportunities for scaling up.
- Engage: Promotes active participation and collaboration. Provides a space for meaningful interaction and shared learning experiences.
- EDGE District is more than 30 acres in size.
- The website for the EDGE District is now live.
- UNMC is the developer of the overall district and will work with multiple developers on various projects throughout EDGE. Questions regarding leasing opportunities or potential development within EDGE District should be directed to Ryan Lawson.
Renderings: Download renderings of the EDGE District.
Rendering captions:
Image Part 1: Overhead shot of the EDGE District from the west.
Image Part 2: View from the southern edge of EDGE District looking north up 46th Street.
Image Part 3: East side of Saddle Creek Road to EDGE District.
Image Part 4: View from the northeast corner of Saddle Creek Road and Farnam Street looking south/southwest into EDGE District.
Image Part 5: View north of Farnam Street looking south into EDGE District and main UNMC campus.
Video: Download the video played at the Oct. 10 event.
Follow EDGE District on X (formerly Twitter) at @EDGEDistrictOMA.