Coventry will support an integrated blend of corporate office, mixed-use retail, high-density and single-family residential areas, along with civic, religious and public areas, and more than 76 acres of mature woodlands and other natural features.

Mixed Use in Southwest O
The principles of the Urban Design Element are alive and at work in the city’s southwestern sector.

Coventry, a vast new master-planned development in southwestern Omaha, was unveiled recently at a press event featuring Gov. Dave Heineman, Mayor Mike Fahey and Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce President David G. Brown.

Located in Douglas County between Q to Harrison and 204th to 216th streets, the Coventry site totals 383 acres. It will support an integrated blend of corporate office, mixed-use retail, high-density and single-family residential areas, along with civic, religious and public areas, and more than 76 acres of mature woodlands and other natural features.

“The Coventry project is a prime example of how the Urban Design Element can be used to improve the city’s physical environment for the benefit of its residents,” said Connie Spellman, director of Omaha by Design. “The development community plays a key role in shaping Omaha’s future, and their commitment to sound urban design principles will ensure that this future is a bright one.”

In November, ACI Worldwide announced plans to build a 19.2-acre campus at Coventry for its new corporate headquarters. A proposed new Millard Public Schools high school and church project are also committed for the site. This success underscores the advantages of the site’s location, said project developers.

Gov. Dave Heineman was on hand for the unveiling of the Coventry project

J.F. Carter, partner at CFM Realty and lead developer on the project, said the decision to build at 204th and Q was only a question of timing. “We’re not all that far ahead of the curve with Coventry. When you look at the population growth in that part the city, it’s not hard to see this is where Omaha is going.” 

The project represents a collaborative effort of Omaha companies. Though owned by local commercial real-estate developer CFM Realty, Coventry will involve key partners in architectural, construction, lending and real-estate leasing, including Kiewit Construction, Union Bank and Trust, Omaha State Bank, Purdy and Slack Architects, E&A Consulting Group, Jeff Rensch Group and NP Dodge Real Estate, CB Richard Ellis, Holland Basham Architects and Prudential Ambassador.

Carter stressed Omaha’s positive role in bringing the project online. “The city has made a big commitment to opening up west Omaha - the West Dodge Expressway, the expansion of Highway 6 and the improvements done to Q Street up to 204th St. Obviously, the city is seeing what we are,” Carter noted. “The infrastructure is pretty much already there. The growth is there. We believe Coventry will be a major hub for southwestern Omaha within the next two years.”

Grading on the Coventry site began in November, with site construction and groundbreaking for single family homes set to begin this spring. The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2012.

For more information about the Coventry project, visit http://www.seecoventry.com.