Omaha By Design - Ames Corridor Redevelopment

Published May 20, 2006

Ames corridor redevelopment effort's plan unveiled

BY MAHALIA ASANAENYI
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Part of Ames Avenue would be transformed from a mainly commercial area to a shopping and residential district if a north-central neighborhood alliance has its way.

Residents of the Benson-Ames Alliance got a first glimpse Thursday at the future of the Ames Avenue corridor from 48th to 60th Streets.

They also viewed plans for the entire alliance area bound by Western Avenue, 72nd Street, Fontenelle Boulevard and Sorensen Parkway.

"It would be cool to have a place where people can shop and stay in the neighborhood," said Deon Herron, who lives at 61st and Taylor Streets.

"We need nice, family-oriented places to go."

The alliance is a joint effort of the City of Omaha and Omaha By Design, a private group that promotes beautification efforts in the city. City officials say it is designed to give residents a vehicle to address larger neighborhood issues and give the neighborhood more clout with the city.

The long-term plan calls for complete restructuring of a one-mile stretch of Ames from a majority commercial district to a mixed residential and commercial area.

Several town houses, duplexes and multifamily residences would line the streets from Fontenelle Boulevard to the modest commercial district at 60th Street.

In addition, a neighborhood center with a grocery store, schools and civic institutions would be built near 52nd or 60th and Ames.

Local residents say they are excited about the first draft of the plan.

"This could be a beautiful, attractive destination that would bring families back to the area," said Lorraine Gardner, president of a north-central neighborhood association and alliance committee member.

Gardner said she hopes the development invites young people like 24-year-old Tina Sweet to the area.

"It would be lovely if there were town homes here or affordable housing here," said Sweet, who is currently looking for a new house.

The move would breathe new life into the district largely defined by vacant shopping complexes, several thriving hair salons, auto repair shops and older housing.

Recently, Super Saver at Baker's Place announced it would shut down after a little more than a year, leaving a hole at 50th and Ames and creating doubts about the viability of the area.

The lack of options drives people and businesses out of the area, said Blythe Kubovec, who lives near 52nd Street and Northwest Radial.

"The current development pattern is stretched out so much that it doesn't have the cohesiveness and energy to be more than a few struggling businesses," said City Planning Director Steve Jensen, who is also the alliance's co-chairman.

"This plan would build patrons around commercial centers and the area and create viable nodes where businesses (complement) each other," Jensen said.

The final draft of the plan will be presented in August.
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