Midtown includes more than 28,000 residents and 11 neighborhood associations within the north-south boundaries of Cuming and Center streets and west to east from Saddle Creek Road to 24th Street.
Developed in the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century, Omaha's Midtown has been home to some of Omaha's most desirable neighborhoods and notable businesses. The area boasts bountiful parks and open spaces connected by an historic boulevard system. It features historic, landmark architecture such as St. Cecilia's Cathedral, Joslyn Castle, and the Blackstone building, to name only a few. A number of the city's major businesses and institutions are located in this area.
HDR analyzed current market, socio-political, regulatory, transportation and environmental conditions of Midtown. In addition, HDR compared case studies of similar plans throughout the country. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analyses and visioning sessions with area residents and business also contributed to the Destination Midtown Master Plan.
At the beginning of 2004 a series of workshops gathered input from various constituents in the Midtown area, including residents, business owners, employees and any other persons or groups interested in becoming involved. As the result of these workshops, residents developed visions for individual neighborhood business districts. Six groups of neighborhood residents worked with the HDR design team to create conceptual drawings of business districts that would promote active street life. "These drawings are only one of the many phases of the overall plan that will address both neighborhood issues as well as redevelopment opportunities," said Doug Bisson, community planning manager for HDR.
Destination Midtown's 101 recommendations come in four categories: neighborhoods, transportation, central corridor and parks and open space.
Destination Midtown Master Plan recommendations include:
- The creation of a development corporation and fund of $1.5 million over the next three years to jump-start business activity and improve code enforcement and security.
- Transform Dodge Street into an urban boulevard by expanding the right of way.
- Convert Farnam and Harney Streets to two-way traffic.
- Develop a bike mobility plan.
- Establish guidelines for redevelopment along Leavenworth Street between Saddle Creek Road and 24th Street.
- more transportation options
- Increase city maintenance.
- Identify locations where rezoning is necessary.
- Encourage entry-level and lower-wage workers to buy homes.
- Continue community policing efforts and increase foot and bike patrols.
Links
www.omahachamber.org/destinationmidtown
Vision for Midtown Evolves into a Plan (article)
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