Omaha's Cultural Renaissance
As the Nancy Heim-Berg Team leader, I've watched Omaha's cultural districts transform while helping countless families find their perfect homes in these vibrant neighborhoods. Right now, it’s like “Back to the Future,” as history meets 2025! Let me take you on a journey through Omaha's most dynamic areas - the Old Market, Blackstone District, and Benson. Our team has watched these neighborhoods evolve from historic districts into thriving cultural hubs, and we know every corner, every upcoming project, and every hidden gem in these remarkable areas.
The Old Market: Preserving Our Past, Embracing Our Future
The Old Market remains Omaha's crown jewel of historic preservation, and the developments we see are stunning. Just last month, I toured the renovation of the 1880s Pickens Building, where developers create luxury lofts while preserving the original timber beams and brick walls. The landmark Burlington Building at 10th and Howard is undergoing a similar transformation - we're particularly excited about the rooftop garden and community space being added.
Speaking of exciting developments, have you heard about the new boutique hotel coming to the corner of 11th and Jackson? The developers incorporate the original 1900s facade while creating a modern 42-room hotel with a spectacular ground-floor restaurant. We're also seeing the completion of the Howard Street Taphouse, housed in what was once a 19th-century hardware store. They've kept the original tin ceiling and even discovered some fantastic architectural details during renovation.
Blackstone District: The Evolution Continues
The transformation of Blackstone continues to amaze me. Remember the old service station at 40th and Farnam? It's now being converted into a two-story food hall featuring local vendors, with the garage doors preserved to create indoor-outdoor dining spaces. The Blackstone Depot project is another game-changer - this mixed-use development will bring 78 luxury apartments and 12,000 square feet of retail space while incorporating elements from the area's streetcar era.
One of our team's recent listings, a 1920s apartment building on 39th Street, sold within days of hitting the market. The new owners plan a thoughtful renovation to preserve the gorgeous Art Deco details while adding modern amenities. And wait until you see what's happening with the old Blackstone Hotel's west wing - the renovation plans include a rooftop bar with stunning downtown views and a speakeasy-style jazz club in the basement.
Benson: Omaha's Creative Heart
Benson keeps improving, and we're seeing some incredibly creative development projects. The former Benson Theater is nearly complete with its $4.5 million renovation - we can't wait for the grand opening next month. The space will host everything from local theater productions to independent film screenings.
The new Benson Lights project at 60th and Maple is a perfect example of thoughtful development. The developers worked with local artists to incorporate public art installations throughout the property, and the ground-floor retail spaces are already attracting exciting local businesses. Just last week, I toured the nearly completed artist lofts on the upper floors—the studios feature incredible natural light and flexible floor plans that our creative clients are going to love.
Let me share some insider knowledge about what's coming next. Benson is about to see the start of its most ambitious project yet—transforming the former industrial space north of Maple Street into a maker's campus. The campus will include artist studios, craft workshops, and incubator spaces for creative businesses, all housed in renovated industrial buildings.
The Old Market is preparing for its most significant development in years—a full-block mixed-use project between Jackson and Jones Streets. The project will include ground-floor retail, office space, and luxury condos designed to complement the historic warehouse district aesthetic.
Watch for the announcement of a significant tech company taking over the renovated Commercial Building in Blackstone. The development will include a public plaza and innovation center, bringing even more energy to the district.
Living in Cultural Districts: An Insider's View
When clients ask about living in these vibrant areas, we love sharing the real scoop. Take parking, for instance - while everyone knows about the public lots in the Old Market, we know which buildings have reserved spaces and which upcoming developments include resident parking. The Blackstone District has some hidden gems, too - there's a newly renovated parking structure behind the Blackstone Hotel that most people don't even know about.
We're experts at helping our clients navigate historic properties' unique challenges and joys. We recently helped a family find a gorgeous 1900s row house in the Old Market. We connected them with contractors specializing in historic renovations and helped them understand the tax incentives available for landmark property maintenance.
Our Team's Commitment
Sure, the Nancy Heim-Berg Team sells properties in these neighborhoods, but more importantly, we're part of their story. You'll often find one of us grabbing coffee at Archetype in Blackstone, checking out the latest gallery opening in Benson, or showing clients my favorite hidden courtyards in the Old Market. We live here and offer unparalleled insights to anyone interested in these areas.
The Nancy Heim-Berg Team offers knowledge, expertise, and a genuine love for these historic districts and their ongoing evolution. It would be our pleasure to share our knowledge and to help you become part of these vibrant communities. If you'd like to learn more about opportunities in these exciting neighborhoods, specific properties or upcoming developments?
Let's grab a coffee at one of our local spots and discuss your Omaha Dreams. Contact The Heim-Berg Team at 402-677-9024 or visit www.omahaarealiving.com We'll help you find the ideal balance of amenities, lifestyle, and value.
