UNMC is among a unique group of governmental, business, education, healthcare and neighborhood leaders who Tuesday announced plans to fund a planning effort that will define future development and growth for the Midtown Omaha area. Building upon the area’s historic strengths the group wants to raise the profile of the area within the greater Omaha metro to create a new point of destination, similar to the Old Market for instance.
Destination Midtown
Named “Destination Midtown” and bordered by Cuming on the north, Center Street on the south, 24th Street on the east and Saddle Creek Road on the west, the study will assess the community’s strengths and weaknesses to help define steps for creating a new, vibrant destination for the Omaha area. Partners envision a unified commercial and residential community that attracts more people to the area to live, raise families, shop, work and play.
Unprecedented plan
“The Destination Midtown plan is unprecedented and will provide business, neighborhood and city leaders a tremendous new vision for the area,” said John McClelland, chairman of the Midtown Community Partnership Steering Committee. “For years to come the fruits of this unique and critical partnership will define important growth and create a new destination spot for Omaha.” 
Dr. Maurer: “Will provide a major boost
“We’re excited to be a partner in the Destination Midtown project,” said UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D. “We are confident this project will provide a major boost to what is already a very viable part of the Omaha community. We have been at our present site for 90 years, so it’s especially exciting to see the entire Midtown community come together behind a project of this magnitude. The potential of this project is incredible. We know it will make a huge difference in attracting more people to our area and making it a better place for people to work, play and live in a quality environment.”
Success relies on input
Representatives on hand for the announcement included many from the business community who joined neighborhood leaders, Mayor Mike Fahey and Jim Vokal, district councilman to show support for the study and share details and timelines. All emphasized the key to success relies heavily on input from those who live and work in the Midtown area.
Community members will have multiple opportunities for involvement as the plan progresses over the coming year. Details and timelines of the plan were announced and a series of visioning and master planning workshops will make sure the plan has the input of those who live and work in Midtown.
For more information
HDR will conduct the plan which, once complete, will serve as a guide for the community and for city government as ongoing planning, growth and capital improvements are contemplated.
For more information including timelines and a Q&A, visit www.omahachamber.org/DestinationMidtown.