Omaha Exploration

Three historic homes in the Gold Coast Historic District were demolished recently in order to make way for a new seven story, $22M apartment complex. In an area that is being targeted for added density, the one-time single-family homes were divided into 21 units over time. Despite the historic nature of the residences at 101, 115 and 117 S 38th Ave, it was reported that they had fallen into disrepair on the inside. All three were certified historic structures. In addition, a building at 3811 Dodge Street that had been a chiropractic office since it was built in 1954 was also razed.

Preserve Omaha along with residents fought the project and called it another step in chipping away at the feel of the historic neighborhood which, in recent years, has seen loads of development along Farnam Street to the south in the Blackstone neighborhood and more recently along Dodge Street. Among these are the construction of two large apartments complexes: 37 West Farnam and The Artisan at 39th.

10 of the 130 units will be reserved at a rate less than market rate which at the time of the TIF application was between $825 for studios and up to $1,700 per month for two bedrooms. Rates for the more affordable units have not been published as far as I could find. 

When Skylark Development originally bought the property in 2019, they were drawn to the site due to the proximity to the Med Center, Blackstone and the Old Market. Sitting along the Dodge Street corridor, it is located along the ORBT bus line as well as one block north of the future streetcar line. 

They went on to say that the original intent was to keep the building it “as is” but it seems the condition of the buildings and likely the increased profits that come with a 130-units rather than 21 made it cost prohibitive. It is worth noting that the company worked with Johnson Deconstruct to salvage fixtures that were sent to Habitat for Humanity and that reclaimed wood would be reused in future home building projects. 

The new complex will include a ground level coffee shop, office space, workout facilities and two levels of underground parking with an equal number of parking stalls. Plans also call for a pedestrian-friendly sidewalk along Dodge Street with landscaping and planters.

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