OMAHA — Signage went up last week, heralding progress on a signature project of the Omaha Inland Port Authority.
The first phase of the port authority’s “innovation district” — an initiative seeded with a $30 million state grant — now has a home. It’s poised to sprout within a roughly 12-block area southeast of 30th Street and Ames Avenue, near one of the busiest intersections of one of Nebraska’s most disinvested communities.
“This time it’s different,” reads a two-sided sign about 10 feet tall along Ames Avenue just west of North Freeway on and off ramps. “OIPA Innovation District, Building Economic Liberation Together.”
The goal is to develop a job-producing, economy-revving hub that supports entrepreneurship and innovative industries, all in an environment that reflects community culture and art.
‘Creative construction’ component
As envisioned, a focal point will be a “creative construction campus” that houses businesses, researchers and training programs specializing in 3-D print, modular and other cutting-edge homebuilding and construction techniques…