OMAHA — Nebraska’s largest annual conference of real estate and development experts, now in its 37th year, is poised to recognize Omaha’s new $158 million public library as its pick for a project with extraordinary rippling impact.
Omaha Central Library, which saw roughly 145,000 visitors in its first two months after opening in April, is to receive the top “Summit Award” at the CRE Summit to be held Aug. 21 at CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha.
The 102,000-square-foot structure is said to be one of the largest philanthropic investments in a public library system in recent history — built with private dollars plus $20 million from the City of Omaha. The city is to cover costs of ongoing operations.
Architecturally distinct and with a “book robot” officials said is the first of its kind for a U.S. library, the project hit a “home run” in meeting criteria that includes size, innovation, economic growth and regional impact, said Chris Mensinger, summit co-chair. She said the new library serves as a “connector” for residents of the state’s largest city…