A long hoped for hot spot turned blank piece of land is ready for renovations.
The former Crossroads Mall has been set to receive a massive renovation for several years now yet has not had any advancements recently.
As of 10 years ago the property was put into local ownership. However there has been little progress with the property since the initial demolitions. Due to this, the city of Omaha was able to adopt a new redevelopment agreement and ultimately buy the property alongside Woodberry Corporation at the end of 2024.
The new redevelopment agreement has set up a plan to build accountability into the timeline. This will work to ensure that the new renovation and reconstruction plan will take place in a timely fashion and is delayed no longer than it already has been. The plan also includes the upkeep and maintenance of the property to ensure that the plot of land continues to stay in proper condition.
The city of Omaha hired the general contractor and construction company MCL to work on this project with the confidence that they will include local subcontractors on the project as well. MCL has implemented a timeline for the multi-phase project. Phase one is set to begin in June of this year, finishing the phase in 2027.
The first phase of this project will include a plaza or public green space area, multifamily apartments, ground floor retail, Newmarket entertainment opportunities, and underground parking.
The redevelopment as a whole will be “accomplishing a more pedestrian friendly experiment that is multiuse in nature,” said District 1 City councilmember Pete Festerson. Blueprints suggest the space will be comparable to the feel of the Nebraska Crossing outlets with the outdoor space and activity areas, only denser.
The redevelopment in its entirety will be set to finish in the year 2032, costing around $862 million. At its completion, the redevelopment will alter the plot of land spanning from 72nd and Cass Streets to 75th and Dodge Streets. The preexisting Target will remain, but all other buildings will undergo demolition and redevelopment, including the standing parking garage on 72nd and Cass.
The work on the redevelopment has already started taking shape and includes the relocation of soil to prep the area for new structures to be layed.
Once the site is complete the renovated area will serve as a place for shopping, entertainment, offices, hotels and housing for the neighborhoods surrounding the 72nd street area.
Specifics regarding retail fronts and entertainment spaces for the development have yet to be announced. They are projected to be announced in the coming months before the official groundbreaking later this spring
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