TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2008

One-of-a-kind green project debuts in Omaha

by Mark Thomton
Omaha

Midtown Crossing at Turner Park in Omaha is an ambitious development, one that takes the LEED process beyond the single-building format. Its planners are doing this by incorporating the Neighborhood Development Pilot program. The $300 million project is so unique it is the only one of its kind in Nebraska.

The Neighborhood Development Pilot Program currently consists of 238 projects. The program's goal is to decrease urban sprawl and encourage smart growth through infill projects that will allow residents to enjoy shorter commute times to job centers.

The projects develop "walking communities" that place residents within strolling distances of shopping locations and would ideally allow them to rely on public transportation for commuter needs. These projects are also known as transit-oriented developments, and are growing in popularity.

Located in the Midtown area of Omaha, Midtown Crossing fits this description as it lies just on the edge of the Nebraska city's CBD. The hope is that the project will revitalize the city's Turner Park area and bolster the local commercial market with an influx of new residents.

"The neighborhood pattern is designed to benefit the community with more accessible walking paths," says Laura Houston, Midtown Crossing LEED for Neighborhood Development Project administrator with Omaha-based Holland Basham Architects. "The infill location reduces urban sprawl and decreases automobile dependence."

The project consists of seven buildings totaling more than 1 million square feet. The building mix includes 279 condominiums and 268 apartments, as well as 220,000 square feet of space designated for restaurants, retail shops and entertainment venues.
Houston says that the facilities themselves will incorporate some energy efficient design, such as abundant access to natural light. But it's the location itself that is the project's true LEED benefit.

"The project is perfectly located," says Houston. "It is within a half-mile radius of major employers and within a quarter mile of a grocery store. People can walk to these locations."

The owner of the project is East Campus Realty, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mutual of Omaha. ECI Investment Advisors, Inc. is the developer. The project is set to come on line in the fall of 2009.

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