OMAHA — Roughly 100 people who turned out Tuesday to see the site of a future “innovation district” in North Omaha also got a peek at what could be the first major building to rise on the grounds southeast of 30th Street and Ames Avenue.
While still a concept, officials unveiled the image of a multistory mixed-use structure with a rooftop deck, art-filled lobby and a largely glass facade. Its design is deliberately “transparent” — the intended vibe of landlord Omaha Inland Port Authority, said Manne Cook, OIPA senior director of planning and innovation.
He and a lineup of speakers underscored an overarching goal for the innovation district boosted by a $30 million state grant: a welcoming environment that reflects the local community’s culture, job and commercial demands.
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“For too long people have invested in North Omaha without investing in the people of North Omaha,” said state Sen. Terrell McKinney, a North Omaha lawmaker who along with former state Sen. Justin Wayne championed legislation that pushed millions toward their historically disinvested community.
Mayor John Ewing Jr. told the group that perhaps more than any other part of Omaha, North Omaha has been challenged over decades by economic “zigzag — where there’s been too little zag and a lot of zig.”
He acknowledged “bright spots” in North Omaha development and commerce, but said dollars and tools available through the inland port authority provide opportunity for “lasting impact.”
“Now is the time to reclaim this area and inject real money,” said Ewing, a North Omaha native. “Now is the time to see transformation.”
Among featured elements expected at the innovation district: OIPA’s new headquarters; a “creative construction campus,” housing, entrepreneurial offices.
Other speakers included Garry Clark, OIPA executive director, LaVonya Goodwin, Omaha City Councilwoman, Willie Barney, president of the Empowerment Network, Carmen Tapio, OIPA board member and North Omaha entrepreneur. Kimara Snipes of the Omaha Public Schools Board was there.
Tony Goins, former director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, talked about $1 billion in federal funds Nebraska received for COVID-19 recovery efforts and how his team recognized that North Omaha should be a key beneficiary.
Robyn Boyland and Stephanie Telles-Vega, both 22, were among guests who came to hear about the project.
“I definitely felt inspired,” said Boyland. “It looks like the future is here.”
This story is provided by States Newsroom, a nonprofit state news network and Blox Digital content partner.
