Nebraska Archives - REBusinessOnline

Omaha Industrial Market: When Limited Supply Meets High Demand

Kristin Harlow — Thu, 21 May 2026 12:42:00 +0000

By Kevin Stratman, Investors Realty The Omaha industrial market is essentially at full occupancy. Since 2016, the approximately 115 million-square-foot industrial market in Omaha has grown by an average of 3 to 4 million square feet per year. Yet, for a number of reasons, vacancy has consistently hovered around 3 percent. Activity to start 2026 has created a real problem. In just the first quarter of the year, the market transacted over 1.3 million square feet across six properties. As a result, an already constrained vacancy rate is now approaching a critical point. The roots of this issue trace back to 2024. That year, only four speculative construction projects over 100,000 square feet broke ground. For years, Omaha has faced ongoing sewer infrastructure challenges that have limited development in key areas. At the same time, construction costs approached peak levels, and land prices escalated rapidly. This was driven in part by major build-to-suit activity from users such as FedEx and Amazon, as well as large-scale data center developments from Meta and Google, which collectively absorbed thousands of acres of land. Given these conditions, developers made a logical decision to pause after what had been a historic run of construction. That…

The post Omaha Industrial Market: When Limited Supply Meets High Demand appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

New Development, Backfill Activity Fuel Omaha Retail Market Momentum

Kristin Harlow — Thu, 14 May 2026 12:33:00 +0000

By Mandi Backhaus-Barr, The Lerner Company As they say, when one door closes, another one opens, and the same is true in commercial real estate. In 2025, the Omaha market experienced a plethora of activity, from store closures to quick backfills, and numerous new developments either announced, commenced or completed. Omaha’s market continues to demonstrate strong momentum, showing little sign of slowing down. This strength was reinforced when the metro-area population recently surpassed the 1 million mark, a milestone that appears to carry more weight with retailers than slightly lower population figures. As a result, the market has responded positively, with year-over-year asking rents increasing by 5.4 percent. Despite rapid growth and development across the city, Omaha’s core market fundamentals remain solid. From a retail standpoint, we are seeing retailers continue to test new formats and refine their store footprints, while a recent wave of international brands has begun entering the U.S. market, signaling a new level of global interest and underscoring the growing appeal of well-positioned retail environments. Additionally, the consumer is still spending, just differently. Beauty, footwear and apparel are categories with strong momentum. The trend of mid-tier retailers being squeezed into an increasingly polarized market, where value-focused…

The post New Development, Backfill Activity Fuel Omaha Retail Market Momentum appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

How Is Music Helping Midwest Cities Find Their Rhythm?

Kristin Harlow — Thu, 07 May 2026 12:20:00 +0000

By Leirion Gaylor Baird, Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska All roads lead to Lincoln. Located midway between Chicago and Denver, our capital city has long served as a crossroads for touring legends, local artists and fans who pack historic music venues night after night. Our live music scene has grown organically in bars, theaters and alleyways, becoming a defining part of our civic DNA. Now, Lincoln is intentionally amplifying this authentic strength and sound. Through the creation of the Boehmer Street music district, the City of Lincoln, in partnership with the Downtown Lincoln Association and with support from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, is investing in assets that define our unique cultural landscape. This effort advances a longstanding plan to designate a music district as a downtown catalyst. Our vision is to convert underutilized downtown space into active, mixed-use momentum that grows economic opportunity, strengthens quality of life and brings renewed vitality to our urban core. Anchor culture, community The Boehmer Street music district links three major geographic anchors — the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus, the State Capitol and our iconic main street — to form a walkable corridor. Longstanding, thriving music venues, including the Zoo Bar, The Bourbon Theatre,…

The post How Is Music Helping Midwest Cities Find Their Rhythm? appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Lument Provides $21.2M HUD-Insured Loan for Refinancing of Nebraska Senior Living Community

Kristin Harlow — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:31:23 +0000

LINCOLN, NEB. — Lument has provided a $21.2 million HUD/FHA Section 232/223(f) Express Lane loan for the refinancing of Pemberly Place Senior Living, a seniors housing community in Lincoln with 120 units and a licensed capacity for 132. Quintin Harris and Patrick Roan of Lument originated the financing, which features a fixed interest rate and 35-year term. The refinance pays off existing bank debt from a construction loan originated by Lument several years ago. Lument also helped structure a shareholder note to reimburse the borrower for previous capital expenditures. Built in 2017, Pemberly Place Senior Living features assisted living, independent living and memory care options. Locally owned and operated, the community has a partnership with MJ Senior Living, a Nebraska-based management company.

The post Lument Provides $21.2M HUD-Insured Loan for Refinancing of Nebraska Senior Living Community appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Opus Breaks Ground on 168,486 SF Spec Industrial Project Near Omaha

Kristin Harlow — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:52:02 +0000

PAPILLION, NEB. — Opus has broken ground on Highway 370 Logistics, a 168,486-square-foot speculative industrial development located near the intersection of I-80 and Highway 370 in Papillion within metro Omaha. The 12-acre site is adjacent to an Amazon distribution hub. The project will feature a clear height of 32 feet, 10 dock doors, two drive-in doors, 115 vehicle parking stalls and 31 trailer parking stalls. Opus is the developer and design-builder, Raker Rhodes Engineering is the structural engineer and SVPA Architects is the architect. David Maenner and Sam Andres of CBRE are marketing the project for lease.

The post Opus Breaks Ground on 168,486 SF Spec Industrial Project Near Omaha appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Cavan to Develop 154-Unit Build-to-Rent Community in Papillion, Nebraska

Kristin Harlow — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:24:47 +0000

PAPILLION, NEB. — Cavan Cos. has closed on the land for the development of The Bungalows at Prairie Hills, a 154-unit build-to-rent community in Papillion. The project marks the company’s third development in metro Omaha. Horizontal construction is expected to begin in May. One-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans will range from 683 to 1,389 square feet. The development will feature 104 detached garages, a clubhouse, fitness center and other shared amenities.

The post Cavan to Develop 154-Unit Build-to-Rent Community in Papillion, Nebraska appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

CBL Properties Acquires Gateway Mall in Lincoln, Nebraska for $43.5M

Kristin Harlow — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:51:14 +0000

LINCOLN, NEB. — CBL Properties has acquired Gateway Mall in Lincoln for $43.5 million from Washington Prime Group. CBL financed the acquisition with a $21 million loan provided by Symetra Life Insurance Co. The five-year loan features a fixed interest rate of 6.46 percent. The property totals roughly 843,000 square feet. Anchor tenants include Dillard’s, JC Penney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Round 1, H&M, Ulta, Ross Dress for Less, Sierra, Tesla and Total Wine & More. In a separate transaction, CBL has entered into a contract for the sale of an open-air center at an approximately 8 percent capitalization rate. The transaction is expected to generate net proceeds after debt repayment of $25 million and is anticipated to close in April.

The post CBL Properties Acquires Gateway Mall in Lincoln, Nebraska for $43.5M appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Lied Center for Performing Arts Begins $35M Expansion Project in Lincoln, Nebraska

Kristin Harlow — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:01:00 +0000

LINCOLN, NEB. — The Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln has begun “Building the Future,” a $35 million privately funded addition and renovation to Nebraska’s Performing Arts Center, which is located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The project will include a new entrance along Q Street as well as enhanced lobbies, a new studio theater and numerous other enhancements. Construction site preparations began in early February following the project’s approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Lied Center performances and programs will continue throughout construction. The project is slated for completion in fall 2027. The Lied Center opened in 1990 and was created with support from the Lied Foundation Trust. The center serves over 200,000 people per year at performance events, conferences and conventions and through its partnership with Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra as the orchestra in residence. The Lied Center’s current venue spaces are dedicated to season performances, rental events and special programs. The new studio theater, totaling 11,150 square feet, will provide space for K-12 and Husker student performances. With space for performances, workshops, arts education classes and rehearsals, the new studio theater will enable independent activities to take place even when a national touring performance…

The post Lied Center for Performing Arts Begins $35M Expansion Project in Lincoln, Nebraska appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Investors Realty Arranges $9M Sale of Brentwood Square Shopping Center in Omaha

Kristin Harlow — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:02:11 +0000

OMAHA, NEB. — Investors Realty Inc. has arranged the sale of Brentwood Square Shopping Center in Omaha for $9 million. Brentwood Square Plaza LLC sold the 224,187-square-foot property to Brentwood I Acquisition LLC. Harbor Freight is the anchor tenant. Ember Grummons and Tim Kerrigan of Investors Realty represented the seller. The transaction also included an 89,359-square-foot land lease.

The post Investors Realty Arranges $9M Sale of Brentwood Square Shopping Center in Omaha appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Marcus & Millichap Brokers $41.6M Sale of Daycare Center Portfolio in Midwest

Kristin Harlow — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:56:04 +0000

IOWA, MINNESOTA AND NEBRASKA — Marcus & Millichap has brokered the $41.6 million sale of the Yellow Brick Road Portfolio, a collection of 18 triple-net-leased early childhood development centers in Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska. Spencer Berkley, Mark Ruble, Chris Lind, Zack House, Jon Ruzicka and Adam Lewis of Marcus & Millichap represented the sellers, Ben Ditzer and Bob Carlson of Triple Net Capital, and procured the buyer, a Florida-based real estate investment trust. The portfolio included a range of lease structures and ownership entities. Two additional assets were sold separately to private buyers prior to the sale of the remaining 18 properties.

The post Marcus & Millichap Brokers $41.6M Sale of Daycare Center Portfolio in Midwest appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Annex Group Breaks Ground on 156-Unit Affordable Housing Community in Omaha

Kristin Harlow — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:04:22 +0000

OMAHA, NEB. — The Annex Group has broken ground on Central at Columbus Park, a 156-unit affordable housing community in Omaha. The nearly $60 million property will feature one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units for households earning a range of income levels starting at 30 percent of the area median income. Amenities will include a parking garage, community room, computer room, fitness room, storm shelter and bike storage. Project partners include BVH Architecture, Lange Structural Group, Engineering Technologies Inc., REGA Engineering, Terracon, RMD Group, Wells Fargo, NP Dodge, Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA), Front Porch Investments and the City of Omaha. Wells Fargo provided more than $24 million in federal equity, and the bank’s debt team served as construction lender and senior permanent lender, contributing over $42 million and $24 million, respectively. NIFA allocated 4 percent tax credits and issued $28 million in tax-exempt bonds. The City of Omaha issued tax-exempt bonds and awarded a 20-year tax-increment financing package, which is intended to offset property taxes throughout the compliance period. Front Porch Investments and the State of Nebraska, Department of Economic Development Housing Trust Fund provided soft funding, contributing $3 million and $1.8 million in proceeds, respectively. The project marks…

The post Annex Group Breaks Ground on 156-Unit Affordable Housing Community in Omaha appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Investors Realty Brokers $8.3M Sale of Old Mill Business Campus in Omaha

Kristin Harlow — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:09:10 +0000

OMAHA, NEB. — Investors Realty Inc. has brokered the sale of Old Mill Business Campus in Omaha for $8.3 million. Located just off the West Dodge Road and I-680 interchange, the 66,273-square-foot, multi-tenant flex building was fully occupied at the time of sale. Ember Grummons and JP Raynor of Investors represented the seller, NewStreet Properties. Nick Suarez of Newmark Zimmer represented the buyer, K.C. Residence LLC.

The post Investors Realty Brokers $8.3M Sale of Old Mill Business Campus in Omaha appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Federal Realty Acquires Village Pointe Shopping Center in Omaha for $153.3M

John Nelson — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:01:00 +0000

OMAHA, NEB. — Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE: FRT) has acquired Village Pointe, a 453,000-square-foot, open-air shopping center in Omaha. The retail REIT purchased the property from the undisclosed seller for $153.3 million. “Village Pointe checks the key boxes for us: affluent demographics and growing population, clear unmet retail demand, proven retailer success in the location and a truly dominant asset,” says Don Wood, president and CEO of Federal Realty. Situated on Omaha’s west side on West Dodge Road, Village Pointe draws nearly 6 million annual visits and serves a trade area of over half a million people, with visits averaging one hour in duration. The center was 96 percent leased at the time of sale to national and premium lifestyle retailers — including Apple, lululemon, Sephora, Coach, Bentley, Nordstrom Rack, Madewell — many of which are exclusive to the market. Scheel’s, a large-scale sporting goods retailer, shadow-anchors Village Pointe. Other tenants include Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, North Italia, DSW, Best Buy, Old Navy, Warby Parker, Urban Outfitters and Marcus Village Pointe Cinema. Federal Realty has noted the value-add opportunity at Village Pointe via elevating the tenant mix and enhancing merchandising. Founded in 1962, Federal Realty Investment Trust is based in North…

The post Federal Realty Acquires Village Pointe Shopping Center in Omaha for $153.3M appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Mid-America Arranges Sale of 214,029 SF Shopping Center in Lincoln, Nebraska

Kristin Harlow — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:31:06 +0000

LINCOLN, NEB. — Mid-America Real Estate Corp. has arranged the sale of East Park Plaza, a 214,029-square-foot shopping center in Lincoln. Anchored by Russ’s Market, the property is also home to Marcus Theatres and Famous Footwear. Rick Drogosz and Patrick Corrigan of Mid-America represented the seller, Starwood Property Trust. Broad Reach Retail Partners was the buyer.

The post Mid-America Arranges Sale of 214,029 SF Shopping Center in Lincoln, Nebraska appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Omaha Population Growth Fuels Retail Market Interest

Kristin Harlow — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:30:00 +0000

By Sam Rolfe, The Lerner Company It seems Omaha’s retail market shows no signs of slowing down from a position of strength, which received a tangible boost when the metro-area population hit the magic 1 million mark. It’s funny that this population hurdle opens the eyes of retailers so much more than 970,000 would, but there’s no doubt that it does, and the market has reacted accordingly, with year-over-year asking rents up 5.4 percent. The seemingly rapid growth and development have not vastly affected the city’s historically strong fundamentals and high occupancy rates however, with the vacancy rate in the metro at 4.4 percent. This low vacancy is partially a byproduct of the historically low supply that has plagued the market in recent years. Over the last decade, we have seen vast westward growth and somewhat stagnant activity in the urban core and central region. Although the westward march continues, it is now coupled with large amounts of urban development, making the city’s retail market strong within eastern submarkets. The old adage “retail follows rooftops” has held true throughout this growth cycle, as retail developments follow the suburban growth of both homes and apartments. One example of this is at…

The post Omaha Population Growth Fuels Retail Market Interest appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Timpte Opens $28M Manufacturing Facility in Lincoln, Nebraska

Kristin Harlow — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 13:32:11 +0000

LINCOLN, NEB. — Timpte Inc., which designs and builds trailers, has launched operations at its new facility in Lincoln that will produce and ship agricultural equipment nationwide. The project represents a $28 million investment, bolstered by an additional $7 million allocated to manufacturing technologies and equipment. Timpte moved its Lincoln operations from 3400 W. O St. to the larger facility, which totals 190,000 square feet. The new location houses Thunderstone Manufacturing LLC operations, equipment trailer product lines and serves as the company’s national parts distribution center. The new facility will produce between 8,000 and 10,000 grain trailer tarps each year. Timpte has added about 20 employees at the Lincoln site and expects to employ more than 100 people there in the next few years. The project sits on more than 1 million square feet of land, allowing for future expansion.

The post Timpte Opens $28M Manufacturing Facility in Lincoln, Nebraska appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

WarHorse Gaming Receives $300M in Financing for Casino Construction Projects in Nebraska

Kristin Harlow — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:42:34 +0000

NEBRASKA — Casino operator WarHorse Gaming LLC has secured refinancing of $300 million in startup loans for a five-year deal that will launch the next phase of casino expansions and construction of a new casino in Nebraska. U.S. Bank organized the deal, which includes Capital One, KeyBank, The Huntington National Bank, BOK Financial and Comerica Bank. WarHorse is expanding its casinos at horse racetracks in Omaha and Lincoln. The $70 million expansion of the Lincoln casino will include larger gaming areas for machines, more table games, a new steakhouse and a high-end sports bar. The Omaha expansion was completed in April. New construction of a third casino in South Sioux City is scheduled to begin next summer.

The post WarHorse Gaming Receives $300M in Financing for Casino Construction Projects in Nebraska appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Equity Bancshares Enters Nebraska Market with Acquisition of Frontier Holdings

Kristin Harlow — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 13:46:27 +0000

OMAHA, NEB. — Equity Bancshares Inc. (NYSE: EQBK), the Wichita, Kan.-based holding company of Equity Bank, has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Frontier Holdings LLC, the parent company of Frontier Bank in Omaha. The transaction adds seven locations to Equity’s franchise and marks the company’s entrance into Nebraska. Under the terms of the merger agreement, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, Frontier will receive approximately 75 percent of its consideration in EQBK stock and the balance in cash. Subject to receipt of customary regulatory and member approvals and closing conditions, the merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter. Following completion, Frontier Bank will merge with and into Equity Bank. Established in 1937, Frontier Bank currently operates seven Nebraska locations, with two in Lincoln and one each in Falls City, Madison, Norfolk, Omaha and Pender. As of June 30, Frontier Bank had $1.4 billion in total assets, including $1.3 billion in loans and $1.1 billion in deposits. The combination with Frontier brings Equity’s total strategic transactions to 26 since the company’s founding in 2002, including 14 whole-bank acquisitions since the company’s initial public offering in 2015. Stephens Inc. advised Equity, which…

The post Equity Bancshares Enters Nebraska Market with Acquisition of Frontier Holdings appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Darland Delivers 60,000 SF Industrial Facility for Mid-States Utility in Papillion, Nebraska

Kristin Harlow — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:21:08 +0000

PAPILLION, NEB. — Darland Construction Co. has completed a nearly 60,000-square-foot industrial facility for Mid-States Utility Trailer Sales in Papillion. The project is located just off Highway 50 and I-80 and serves as a regional hub for the semi-trailer dealer. The development features a trailer shop, parts warehouse, driver’s lounge and administrative offices. A notable aspect of the project includes more than 11 acres of exterior paving designed to accommodate the extensive inventory and traffic flow of large semi-trailers. Mid-States Utility operates four locations across Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota.

The post Darland Delivers 60,000 SF Industrial Facility for Mid-States Utility in Papillion, Nebraska appeared first on REBusinessOnline.

Annex Group Opens $52.7M Affordable Housing Development in Lincoln, Nebraska

Kristin Harlow — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:42:16 +0000

LINCOLN, NEB. — The Annex Group has opened Union at Antelope Valley, a 187-unit affordable housing development in Lincoln. The $52.7 million community features one-, two- and three-bedroom units that are reserved for households whose income levels are at or below 60 percent of the area median income. The property features amenities such as a community center, fitness center, dog park and courtyard. The ground floor of the building houses a parking garage, and the residential levels are on the top four floors. Project partners included BVH Architecture, REGA Engineering Group, Summit LIHTC Consulting, NP Dodge, US Bancorp Impact Finance and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority also partnered with Annex Group on the project.

The post Annex Group Opens $52.7M Affordable Housing Development in Lincoln, Nebraska appeared first on REBusinessOnline.