Historically, Lincoln, Nebraska, has been a resilient Midwestern city. Home to state and county governments and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, it has weathered past economic ups and downs and provided steady growth close to 2 percent each year. As COVID-19 restrictions ease, people are gradually returning to shop and find entertainment downtown, and new construction continues to rise above Lincoln’s skyline. Interestingly, the last time this many cranes were visible downtown was during the last economic downturn. It has been remarked that during that time, Lincoln “built its way out of the recession.” Now, many building projects are helping to maintain the resiliency of our economy during these challenging times. Prominent projects, proposed or initiated prior to the pandemic, continue to move forward. Examples include a proposed 15-story, 300,000-square-foot mixed-use building by Chicago-based Argent Group housing 200 residential units. Omaha-based White Lotus Development plans a $54 million redevelopment of the Pershing Auditorium block, a vacant city-owned venue. White Lotus would bring 100 affordable housing units with a wellness center, childcare center, retail, community green space and potentially a new city library. Other notable projects include a $21 million renovation of a 100-year-old, seven-story Atrium Building by new local owners. Pushing …
