The Omaha World Herald reports that the 500-acre mixed-use development known as the Heartwood Preserve that was kicked off in 2016 is now in full production. “Welcome to Omaha’s big new family room,” said Steve Menzies, founder of the California-based Applied Underwriters. Menzies describes the project as a place where people “will work, play, relax, study and communicate with each other.” The first phase of move-in will start in 2022 when more than 500 local Applied employees will occupy the new office campus.
Tuesday’s gathering also featured speakers, including landscape architect David Meyer. He talked about the mindful way developers set out to dot the area with natural prairie grasses, trees, trails, parks, water features — places to contemplate and celebrate. “There will be wonderful places to experience the seasons,” Meyer said.
Menzies said his aim, while transforming the site into an urban residential and commercial hub, was to try to conserve the beauty and respect the land. Thus the name: Heartwood Preserve.
Early on, the overall redevelopment was referred to as West Farm, a nod to Boys Town’s former use of the land. The project, stretching from Dodge south past Pacific Street and from 144th Street to 153rd Street, will have about 80 acres of green space, eight miles of bike paths and open trails, and more than 10,000 newly planted trees, company officials said. In addition, the project is to include hotel rooms, retailers, houses, apartments, senior living and H&H Automotive dealerships.
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