Picture yourself living, working, walking, shopping and dining in an attractive public space where you are welcomed and encouraged to spend time and enjoy yourself. That's what the Millard Town Center Community Foundation has in mind for a new main street district in downtown Millard.

The Foundation's President, Ken Rietz said of the project "It will really change the face of southwest Omaha. Entrances into the area will present clear visual signs that you've arrived someplace special and unique, someplace inviting, someplace you'll want to be."

The group solicited community input in a town-hall meeting during three days of planning. More than 200 people participated in the design process for the 15 acre site.

Their ideas and suggestions were pulled together with help of Omaha planning consultant Marty Shukert, Principal RDG Crose Gardner Shukert. The plan includes:

• An arts center for dramatic and musical events.
  
• Two blocks of row houses lining a decorative canal
  
• A town square featuring a bandstand and a gateway arch
  
• Shops, offices and apartments in a mixed use district
  
• A pond with a sit-down restaurant

Private donations covered the cost of the plan's development. The actual project will be funded by public, private and non-profit sources.

To read more about the Millard Town Center Project visit their website at www.millardtowncenter.org