Omaha’s Billion Dollar Makeover
More than $8 billion in new development is reshaping Omaha and the convention attendee experience.
Mutual of Omaha Tower: The Fortune 300 insurance company is building a 44-story building in the heart of Omaha's downtown area. The stunning $433 million glass tower will provide a picturesque backdrop to the newly re-developed Gene Leahy Mall. Upon its completion, the 677 ft.-tall structure will be the tallest building in a multi-state region including Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Wyoming and the Dakotas. The expected completion date is in 2026.
Downtown Streetcar: Downtown Omaha is set to welcome a $306 million streetcar in 2027. The streetcar will run on a three-mile route from Cass to Farnam on South 10th Street, Farnam west to 42nd Street, and back to 10th Street on Harney.
The RiverFront: $325 million transformational development including three existing parks over 72 acres. Features include a Performance Pavilion, Sculpture Garden, interactive water features, Skate Ribbon, Event Lawns, Urban Beach, destination playgrounds, and Kiewit Luminarium, a multi-million dollar STEM discovery center. Open now.
Omaha Airport (OMA): A $950 million modernization, renovation, and expansion of Omaha's airport by 2028. In addition to the phased approach to improvements of its terminal facilities, projects include parking modernization, reconstruction of the terminal entrance, and a new roadway at the curbside of the terminal complete with a new glass canopy.
Omaha Children's Museum: The museum is planning to build a new home in downtown Omaha at 8th and Douglas Sts. along Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront. The goal of the new space is to create a purpose-built attraction full of fun spaces shaped by best practices in early childhood development. This new location will provide easy access for pedestrians and cyclists and will be on ORBT bus and Omaha Streetcar routes. The museum hopes to be in its new home in late 2027.
Market-to-Midtown Bikeway 2.0: The city's first two-way, protected bikeway is coming to Farnam and Harney streets. In coordination with the streetcar, the bikeway will create Omaha’s first multi-modal transit corridor that will include a protected bikeway, streetcar, buses, traffic lanes, sidewalks and parking. The $7.6 million project has an estimated completion date of 2028.
Avenue One: An upcoming $1.5 billion neighborhood dedicated to walkability and wellness. More than 200 acres of modern living and entertainment.
The Mercantile: This $500 million project will bring a 20-acre mixed-use development to downtown Omaha. It will add new residential, commercial, retail and green space to the area. Opening in phases now.
Civic Square: The 9-acre, stylishly modern downtown development will boast one-of-a-kind charm and convenience to include a grocery store, fitness center, retail stores, food and drink options, along with parking ease and easy interstate access.
The Crossroads: An $900 million entertainment district is coming to the site of the former Crossroads shopping mall. The new mixed-use development will transform the aging mall into a modern space with restaurants, shops, a hotel, and a pavilion for outdoor entertainment.
The Row at Heartwood Preserve: West Omaha will soon include a downtown-style district. The Row is a $500 million development including a hotel, restaurants, and shops.
MH Landing: A $90 million project in the central part of Omaha will be a mixed-use development including retail, restaurants, hotel accommodations and living space.
Tranquility Commons: An urban block including new hotels, restaurants and retail will emerge in northwest Omaha. Also part of the $54 million investment is upgrades to Tranquility Park next door, which is poised to become a premier multi-sport youth complex thanks to 16 synthetic turf multi-purpose flat fields and 11 synthetic turf baseball/softball fields; concessions, parking areas and lighting will also see improvements. Anticipated completion is 2027.
Alliance Sports Development: A $300 million, 18-acre mixed-use project in north downtown Omaha. Its centerpiece will be a new 7,000-seat soccer stadium for Union Omaha, Omaha's professional soccer team, along with retail space, residential units, and a new boutique hotel. Expected completion date is May 2026.
Joslyn Art Museum Expansion: The 42,000-square-foot Rhonda and Howard Hawks Pavilion has been added to Omaha's stunning, pink marble masterpiece. Light-filled galleries now assist in expanding the permanent collection. More updates included new community spaces and enhanced amenities that support increased public programs. The Joslyn reopened to the public in September 2024.
Kiewit Luminarium: Multi-million-dollar STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) discovery center with over 100 interactive exhibits in Lewis and Clark Landing with riverfront views. Open now.
Steelhouse Omaha: $109 million downtown music venue with capacity for 3,000 which opened in May 2023.
Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement: Omaha Performing Arts' $103 million arts venue will accommodate extra rehearsal, workroom and classroom space in order to expand current and new programming.
Millwork Commons: A new urban entertainment district is in the north downtown area. The $300 million mixed-use development includes restaurants, shops, and event space with music venues, a hotel, and more to come.
The Catalyst: Healthcare leader University of Nebraska Medical Center is transforming a historically industrial area into a $65 million facility designed to act as an incubator for startups. The 170,000 sq. ft. campus will include an Innovation Hub, food hall, other businesses, and community amenities.
UNMC's EDGE District: Just west of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), this 30-acre district will be a dynamic hub for health-focused scientific discovery. Catalyst and The CORE (Campus Operations and Research Excellence) Building will anchor the development surrounded by local restaurants, cafes and vibrant cultural spots.
UNMC's Project NExT: A multibillion-dollar federal disaster response and medical training center designed to enhance the nation’s ability to respond to hazards like natural disasters, environmental accidents and highly contagious diseases.
Google Data Center: Google is building a data center in northwest Omaha, part of the search giant's $750 million investment in the state. Construction will last an estimated 18-24 months. Upon completion, it will be the third major Google facility in the region.
Blackstone District: A new 205-room Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel. The $75 million property opened in November 2020. This historic area also includes restaurants, breweries, and sweet shops.
The Capitol District: Directly across from the downtown convention center, this new $200 million development includes a town square surrounded by pubs, restaurants, and a 333-room Marriott hotel.
