Downtown Lincoln Braces for Transformation with $35 Million Project O Street
Anticipation is building in downtown Lincoln as business owners and community members gear up for a major overhaul of the area. The $35 million “Project O Street” is set to enhance sidewalks, water mains, and landscaping, with completion targeted for fall 2027.
The Union Bank Place played host to the first of five open houses, where project team members fielded questions about the improvements, project phases, and construction timeline.
Liz Elliott, the City of Lincoln’s Director of Transportation and Utilities, emphasized early engagement with local businesses and residents to prepare for the construction phase.
“We know no matter what we do, it is still construction, and that still causes challenges. So we’re just trying to minimize that as much as possible,” Elliott explained.
Among the business owners adapting to the upcoming changes is Cinnamon Dokken, celebrating her 35th year at A Novel Idea. Dokken has experienced similar projects before and is tackling this one with creative promotional strategies. She noted a shift in the city’s approach this time around.
“The city has done a great job this time around. I think just meeting with business owners far in advance, both individually, hosting meetings, hosting open houses like this, I think they’ve developed a good model this time around,” Dokken said.
As co-owner and property manager of the Parrish Project at 14th and O streets, Dokken and her associates have crafted the “Wizard of O Street” promotion, ensuring the construction period remains engaging for patrons.
“It may be more of an adventure to get to us, but at Parrish Project, we’re making it worth your while. So we’re doing a promotion for the entire length of time that our building is in the active zone,” Dokken remarked.
While Dokken sees potential in the future, she appreciates the present collaboration with businesses and the city.
“This is the first time that we’ve really had so much participation and so much cooperation, collaboration, both with the businesses in our building and our neighborhood and with the city and Downtown Lincoln Association,” Dokken added.
Meanwhile, Aaron Tomasek, manager at Cberrys Barbecue, is strategizing to attract customers during peak hours amid construction challenges. He is enhancing online ordering and offering specials, while cautiously optimistic about the project’s timeline.
“You hear the horror stories about Omaha, like their street car projects, and just like other things. Like, how the 48th Street (project) took long, too,” Tomasek commented.
Elliott is committed to transparency, ensuring all stakeholders are informed about the project’s schedule and impacts.
“We really want to make sure that people have the information they want, whether they’re living in the area, whether they’re doing business in the area, and we learn from every project,” Elliott stated. “So we’ve taken all of those lessons and continue to apply them here with Project O Street, and we’ll continue to apply with other projects.”
The construction kicks off on April 13, beginning with phase 1 between 14th and 16th streets, progressing east to west, and concluding at Ninth Street.
“To actually see the work starting to take place is super exciting. And our hope and our motto on this is, let’s get in, get it done, and get out as fast as possible,” concluded Elliott.
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