Omaha Exploration

NuStyle Development has worked on a number of Omaha’s most ambitious apartment projects in the last decade or so. They include the transformation of the Creighton Medical Center to The Atlas; the old downtown power plant to The Breakers; the ongoing Central Park Plaza to The Duo and soon, the construction of The Beam which will be located across from Heartland of America Park and next door to the new children’s museum.

It looks like they’re at it again with an upcoming conversion of the First National Bank high-rise that is connected to the Doubletree Hotel. Located at 1620 Dodge Street, the 22-story building was constructed in 1971 and currently ranks as Omaha’s sixth tallest at 295 feet. It was replaced by the First National Tower, soon-to-be Omaha’s second tallest building, in 2002. The transition to a hybrid work environment for its employees made the older building expendable.

The plan is turn it into 300 apartments and commercial space on the bottom floors. The plan is for the Omaha Press Club to remain on the top floor. This is an excellent opportunity for me to mention that I will be exploring the press club in the future.

While lots of residential housing units have been added to downtown in recent years, this will be the tallest yet. By comparison, Central Park Plaza is 213 feet. The project is expected to further enhance the 16th Street corridor. Close proximity to the streetcar which will run two blocks to the south along Farnam Street was said to be a factor in NuStyle taking on this project.

The market rate apartments will have rents starting around $925. It is expected to open by the fall of 2026.

What are your thoughts on this latest redevelopment project downtown? My hope is that this is finally the catalyst to get a full-service grocery store in the area.

Until next time, keep exploring!

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