Urban Land Institute and Fast Company Honor Omaha RiverFront Revitalization
A model of excellence in urban development, The RiverFront Revitalization in Omaha, Nebraska, has received over a dozen design and engineering awards for its exceptional qualities and transformative impact, including economic growth and improving residents’ quality of life.
Most recently, as an Award of Excellence winner in the Urban and Open Space category, the Urban Land Institute honored the RiverFront Revitalization with the highest level of achievement in the land use profession. Its recognition as the winner in the Urban Design category of Fast Company’s 2024 Innovation by Design awards commends the RiverFront Revitalization as a design that helps shape the world for the better.
The RiverFront Revitalization, which engaged the community through extensive public meetings and digital strategies, transformed three underutilized parks — Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis and Clark Landing — into a unified, amenity-rich open space anchored by the Missouri River.
A collaboration with OJB Landscape Architecture and many other partners, the parks have spurred over $500 million in development, enhancing the quality of life for residents and attracting new talent and businesses to Omaha with attractive and spacious public lawns, performance pavilions, play areas, a skating ribbon, an urban beach, public art and more.
“The RiverFront Revitalization exemplifies our commitment to creating spaces that enhance community life and promote sustainability,” said Doug Bisson, urban design and planning principal, HDR. “It’s empowering for us to see this 72-acre park in Omaha become a regional destination and model for the nation.”
Additionally, The RiverFront Revitalization is Nebraska’s first Envision project, verified Platinum, a testament to its dedication to resilient and equitable infrastructure, which uses easily disassembled and highly recyclable materials, ensuring that 82% of the park’s materials can be recycled and 95% are locally or regionally sourced.
