Digest

This episode of the Built podcast delves into the Riverfront project in Omaha, Nebraska, a 72-acre public park that connects the historic Old Market district with downtown. The episode highlights the project's unique blend of nature and city life, showcasing how it revitalizes commercial real estate and enhances the community's energy. The episode features an interview with Katie Bassett, Vice President of Parks for the Riverfront, who discusses the project's development, its public-private partnerships, and its impact on the surrounding area. She explains how the project transformed three underutilized parks into a vibrant space, unifying a diverse history and creating a more cohesive environment. The episode also explores the project's funding sources, highlighting the significant contributions from both the city of Omaha and the private philanthropic community. The project's success is attributed to strong public-private partnerships, which allowed for the creation of a space that benefits both the city and its residents. The episode further discusses the project's commitment to sustainability, showcasing its use of native plants and trees, local materials, and sustainable infrastructure. The Riverfront project has achieved platinum verification from the Envision program, recognizing its commitment to resilient and equitable infrastructure. The episode concludes with a discussion about the Riverfront's future, highlighting its continued evolution and growth. The park is expected to see more development, increased visitor numbers, and expanded activities in the coming years.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Riverfront: A Vibrant Blend of Nature and City Life

This episode explores the Riverfront project in Omaha, Nebraska, a 72-acre public park that connects the historic Old Market district with downtown. The project revitalizes commercial real estate and enhances the community's energy by blending nature and city life.

00:00:28

Public-Private Partnerships and Funding

The episode discusses the funding sources for the Riverfront project, highlighting the significant contributions from both the city of Omaha and the private philanthropic community. The project's success is attributed to strong public-private partnerships.

00:19:25

Sustainability and Future Plans

The episode discusses the importance of sustainability in blending nature and city life. The Riverfront project utilized native plants and trees, local materials, and sustainable infrastructure to create a resilient and equitable park space. The episode concludes with a discussion about the Riverfront's future, highlighting its continued evolution and growth.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the Riverfront project and what is its significance to Omaha?

  The Riverfront is a 72-acre public park in Omaha, Nebraska, that connects the historic Old Market district with downtown. It's a revitalized space that blends nature and city life, enhancing the community's energy and serving as a bridge between the Missouri River and the urban core.

• How was the Riverfront project funded and what role did public-private partnerships play?

  The project was funded through a combination of public and private contributions. The city of Omaha contributed $57 million in lease-purchase bonds, while the private philanthropic community donated over $285 million. This public-private partnership was crucial to the project's success.

• What are some of the key features and amenities of the Riverfront park?

  The park features a variety of amenities, including walking trails, a sculpture garden, a performance pavilion, a skate ribbon, a children's playground, a beach, and a prefabricated truss bridge connecting to the Missouri River.

• How does the Riverfront project contribute to the sustainability of Omaha?

  The project prioritizes sustainability through the use of native plants and trees, local materials, and sustainable infrastructure. It has achieved platinum verification from the Envision program, recognizing its commitment to resilient and equitable infrastructure.

• What are some of the benefits of having the Riverfront project so close to the commercial center of Omaha?

  The park provides a green space for people to gather, enjoy lunch, and connect with their neighbors. It also serves as a destination for visitors and residents alike, attracting people to the downtown area for events, concerts, and other activities.

• What are some of the future plans for the Riverfront project?

  The park is expected to see continued development, increased visitor numbers, and expanded activities in the coming years. The project will continue to evolve, enhancing the community's energy and showcasing the vibrant spirit of Omaha.

Show Notes