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Tree of Life to Grow
in South Omaha
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Sometimes we are more alike than we know. Marty Shukert, of RDG Planning and Design plays a colorful tune based our cultural similarities with his design La Plaza De La Raza on South 24th from L to Q Streets. The common element is a "tree of life" motif that is shared by both the European and Latin American cultures that have made south Omaha their home.
The design jumps with colors. Pillars of light wrapped in patterned metal, benches, floral patterns at streetlights' feet, and a gazebo and fountain within a plaza designed for family fun.
SEE
3D ANIMATION
OF THE PLAN
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The streetscape acts as a canvas, itself a work of art, attracting people to a historic and re-awakening business district. All the elements will be tied together by colored concrete winding down sidewalks
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The designs have come to fruition through a two-plus year process, begun when the South Omaha Business Association joined forces with Mayor Mike Fahey to create a plan to remake the South 24th Street district.
They wanted to emphasize the current Latino flavor, but also to recognize such European groups as Poles, Czechs and Croatians. The light pillars and decorative tiles or masonry below will fly colors evocative of nations whose immigrants built and sustained South Omaha.
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After some infrastructure improvements, work will begin on the decorative elements in the sidewalks, and is expected to be completed over the next two years. Benches, light fixtures and sculptures would be phased in as funding is available. The plaza would be the last piece in about 2007.
The city allotted $800,000 in federal grants to the project in 2004. Fahey has another $1.2 million earmarked for it this year. The South Omaha Business Association is raising private money, as well.
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