OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Clarity Development, the group behind some of Omaha's hottest projects in the Blackstone District, has plans to build apartments in Little Bohemia, a business-residential district just south of downtown.
“It still has that character that you can sense and see, it has a history to it,” said Tom McLeay, President of Clarity Development Company.
The Czech community originally developed this area off of 13th Street. Recently, several new businesses have reopened. McLeay said he is seeing a strong demand right now for residential housing near historic business districts like Little Bohemia.
“Thirteenth Street is growing and expanding,” McLeay said. “With the new businesses that continue to open and make it a vibrant area that people want to live and have proximity to coffee places and restaurants, and bars and some entertainment options."
Clarity believes their plans blend the $17 million apartment complex into what's already here at 12th and William Street.
“With the building going right to the street line and creating a street wall along here to give that commercial nature; but then at the same time 12th Street which is very residential,” McLeay said.
Marcia is worried the 107 unit complex will destroy the atmosphere she and her neighbors of 25 years have grown to love.
“We’re all pretty much like family and we look out for one another,” Marcia said. “If somebody goes on vacation, somebody watches the houses. It’s like our own little family here.”
She’s also worried about losing her favorite part of her house.
“My main concern is my sunset view,” Marcia said. “You guys are going to take away my view? No! I’m staying put.”
McLeay sees this as an opportunity to help bring life back into an area that's already seeing new local businesses thrive.
“I think there is an excitement in this neighborhood is continuing to evolve,” McLeay said. “Prior to the coronavirus pandemic this was really gaining a lot of momentum.”
Clarity is hoping to begin construction spring 2021 and welcome new residents into the apartments spring of 2022.
They've already received approval from the planning for Tax Increment Financing; they await approval from city council for a $2 million TIF.
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