Much Enthusiasm To Reenergize Midtown Area

In the 40th and Farnam area of Omaha, businesses and developers are beginning to start reclaiming the former glory of the surrounding business district that was a thriving place of entertainment, commerce, and residences years ago. It all started when Brad Iwen and his wife Joey bought an old building and transformed it into a beautiful site for his photography shop. Other projects that have been started are shops, apartments, and eateries. JMJ Partners have the Blackstone Place project underway. This project will redevelop four commercial bays and will be ready for renters in the summer. Ryan Miller and Andy Willey, both from Omaha, bought a condemned property with plans to turn it into a microbrewery and pub, selling craft beer, panini, and salad. They also bought four occupied homes and have started updating them. Jay Lund of Lund Co. says "We're not inventing anything here. It was once a great district and it will be a great district again." Iwen says that now there is more energy and life on Farnam between 36th and 40th Streets since he first looked at that area when he was building his business five years ago. He says that “It always felt like a neighborhood where something awesome was going to happen."
      I am excited that people are beginning to take an interest in this area of town. Redeveloping such an old and dilapidated area is such a big undertaking. Hopefully as the businesses increase, so will the life down there. Being an older part of town, I believe it will look quaint and old-fashioned at night.I think that it is such a great idea to do this to our already beautiful, diverse city. It will add more flavor and more "must-see" places to Omaha. I am excited to visit this area!

http://www.omaha.com/article/20130321/MONEY/703219947/1101#couple-s-enthusiasm-to-reclaim-40th-and-farnam-area-energizes-others