Construction at 72nd & Farnam Signals Major Changes for Omaha Neighborhood
– Omaha residents may have noticed new construction fencing going up at the intersection of 72nd Street and Farnam Street. The project, announced by Schemmer, will bring a five-story mixed-use building to the southwest corner of the intersection, replacing older retail and restaurant spaces.
The development is slated for completion in late 2026 and will include 176 apartments – a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Approximately 5,000 square feet of street-level commercial space will also be incorporated into the building. Parking will be available on the first two levels, and residents will have access to a clubhouse and other amenities. Upper-floor apartments will offer views of the Omaha skyline.
The location is considered prime real estate, situated next to the recently constructed Omaha Public Library and across from the Crossroads redevelopment project. Michael Sinclair, Project Manager at Schemmer, highlighted the transformative nature of the area, stating, “With the new library next door and the Crossroads project across the street, this whole area is changing. We’re glad to be part of that momentum.”
Schemmer is collaborating with Lockwood Development on the project, providing a comprehensive range of services including architecture, interior design, civil, geotechnical, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering, as well as surveying. The company emphasized that a single team is handling the entire scope of work to ensure seamless design and construction alignment.
The project aims to revitalize the corner, shifting it from aging storefronts to a vibrant hub where people can live, shop, and connect. Developers believe that adding housing and small-format retail to a busy intersection will help stabilize the area and support the growing activity surrounding the library and Crossroads.
Streetcar Construction Adds to Road Closures
Elsewhere in Omaha, construction related to the city’s streetcar project is causing several road closures. As of , six new work zones were active, impacting traffic flow across the city.
Significant closures include sections of Capitol Avenue, 8th Street, 12th Street, and Farnam Street. Specifically, 28th Street between Farnam and Douglas is closed for water main work and reconstruction of the Farnam Street bridge. Eastbound Capitol Avenue from 10th to 8th Street is also closed for mainline track work, with a detour recommended via Riverfront Drive to Abbott Drive. 8th Street is closed in both directions from Douglas to Farnam, and 12th Street just south of Harney is closed for water main construction.
Construction on the stretch of Farnam Street at 37th Street is expected to take approximately nine months to complete. Omaha Public Works stated that the streetcar track work is “scaling up,” and these closures are necessary for both utility work and track installation.
Other Development Projects Underway
Beyond the 72nd & Farnam and streetcar projects, other developments are progressing across Omaha. Construction is currently underway on The Frame apartments in the Millwork Commons district, a $44 million project that will add 146 units to the area. The building will feature a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with retail space and covered parking.
Plans are also being considered for the redevelopment of the abandoned Salvation Army property near 26th & Center Street. The proposed plan involves demolishing existing structures and constructing two four-story apartment buildings with a total of 160 units, as well as 18 townhome-style apartments. All units would be designated as income-restricted, affordable housing. Concerns regarding truck traffic were raised during a planning board meeting by representatives of Concrete Supply, Inc., an industrial user near the site.
Finally, construction continues inside the central pavilion at Eppley Airfield as part of the airport’s $1 billion terminal expansion and modernization project.
