Omaha Exploration

In previous posts, we explored two projects in the 50-acre Millwork Commons District: The Ashton Building and Hello Apartments. Today we explore a few other projects taking place in this long forgotten industrial district which started in the 1880s and would develop into a bustling economic hub that served as the home to millworkers and furniture makers.

The first is the transformation of the Disbrow building located at 1218 Izard Street. Built in 1886, it housed the M. A. Disbrow company for nearly 100 years before being sold to the Radford Company in 1982. The new structure is named Dizzy Mule for the mules that once lived in a barn on the property. The five-story building will contain a 172-unit apartment complex, office space, retail, restaurants and green space. Two new buildings have been constructed and attached to the historic Radford building. One of its key features will be an alleyway that provides space to dine and socialize similar to Inner Rail at Aksarben Village. Amenities of the apartment include conference rooms, gym, art studio bays and a rooftop deck. It should open in late 2024.

The second is the 135-room boutique hotel with rooftop bar called Millwork Hotel. This will be housed in another Disbrow building located at 12th and Nicholas Streets. Chicago-based Aparium Hotel Group is redeveloping the hotel. The company has extensive experience developing hotels in historic districts and has recently worked on the Crossroads Hotel in Kansas City and Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis. The hotel is targetin spring 2027 for opening.

Third is a new apartment building called Frame that is being constructed on the northwest corner of 13th and Nicholas. Fourth is NOVA, another new apartment building being constructed at 11th and Nicholas just east of the hotel.

While the current streetcar line will stop short of North Downtown, a future expansion near Charles Schwab Field at 10th and Cuming is under consideration. That would place the line within a couple blocks of Millwork Commons. In the meantime, the city is planning to construct a 600-stall parking garage with ground level retail just east of The Ashton.

Please feel free to comment to share your thoughts and memories.

Until next time, keep exploring!

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