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Lincoln Breaks Decade-Long Dormancy with New 34-Story Mixed-Use Tower

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/1 .. -dormancy-with-new-34-story-mixed-use-tower.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 7:10 GMT by Lincoln Journal Star

Lincoln’s Housing Market Gets a New High‑Rise on the Horizon

Lincoln, Neb. – A new mixed‑use tower that will soon rise over the city’s downtown core is poised to reshape the local real‑estate landscape. The project, which was approved by the Lincoln City Council last month, is the first major high‑rise in the city in more than two decades, and it brings a host of new residential, retail, and office space to a neighborhood that has been quietly undergoing a renaissance.

1. The Project at a Glance

The developer behind the venture, Heartland Development Group, is turning a 1.5‑acre parcel of vacant industrial land into a 34‑story, 500‑unit mixed‑use tower. The plans call for:

The developers estimate a total cost of $110 million, with a projected sale price of $140 million for the finished property. The project will also include a 30‑acre green‑roofed rooftop terrace that will be accessible to the public, offering panoramic views of the Platte River and surrounding farmland.

2. A Market Response

The Lincoln real‑estate market has been in a state of flux over the past few years. According to the Nebraska Association of Realtors (NAR)—which the article links to for deeper context—average home prices in the city’s core rose by 12.5 % from 2022 to 2023, while the average days on market dropped from 45 to 28 days. The high‑rise, according to the developers, will further accelerate demand for centrally located housing and provide an affordable option for the city’s growing workforce.

“The downtown area is where the job market is booming,” says Jordan Kim, a senior analyst at NAR. “A high‑rise like this will not only keep up with demand but also make living in Lincoln more sustainable by reducing the need for commuters to travel to Omaha.”

3. Community and Political Perspectives

The Lincoln City Council’s April 12 meeting—linked to the council’s minutes—was the venue where the final zoning amendment and the building’s height approval were secured. City Councilor Lisa Hernandez praised the project for its “mixed‑use design that aligns with our downtown revitalization plan and preserves the historic character of the surrounding streets.”

However, the project has its detractors. Local community groups, including the Lincoln Urban Development Coalition, expressed concerns about traffic congestion, parking availability, and the potential impact on the city’s historic skyline. They cited a study published by the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), which projected a 10% increase in peak‑hour traffic on Oak Street, the primary thoroughfare adjacent to the site.

To mitigate these concerns, the developer has agreed to fund $2 million of downtown infrastructure improvements, including new crosswalks, traffic signals, and a dedicated bike lane, as well as an equitable public plaza that will host farmers’ markets and community events.

4. Economic and Employment Impact

Economic estimates predict that the new tower will create over 1,000 construction jobs in the first two years of development, with 350 permanent jobs in retail, office, and property management upon completion. A report from the Lincoln Economic Development Office (LEDO)—another link referenced in the article—indicates that the project will inject $60 million in new economic activity into the local economy, while boosting property values in the surrounding blocks.

“High‑rise developments bring a ripple effect,” notes Michael Tan, director of LEDO. “From increased sales tax revenue to the influx of higher‑earning professionals, we anticipate a positive multiplier effect that will benefit the entire city.”

5. Design and Sustainability

The tower’s architects, GreenSpace Architects, have incorporated a number of sustainability features that align with the city’s “Green City” initiative. The building will be LEED‑Gold certified, featuring:

• Solar panels on the rooftop that supply up to 20 % of the building’s energy needs
• Green walls on the façade to improve air quality
• Rainwater harvesting systems to irrigate the plaza gardens
• High‑efficiency HVAC units and smart building controls

These elements are in line with Nebraska’s state‑wide sustainability standards, as highlighted in the linked Nebraska Sustainable Buildings Code.

6. What’s Next

The developers are targeting a construction start in June 2025 and aim for a soft opening by October 2026. The first floor retail tenants are already lined up, with a locally beloved grocery chain and a boutique coffee shop slated to open in the inaugural phase. Meanwhile, the residential units are being marketed to a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees, with a price range that begins at $185,000 for a studio apartment.

The article concludes by noting that the high‑rise is expected to set a new precedent for downtown Lincoln, signaling a shift toward denser, more sustainable urban living. The city’s leadership, developers, and community stakeholders have all pledged to work collaboratively to ensure that the project meets the needs of both residents and businesses alike.

7. Key Takeaways

• First major high‑rise in Lincoln in 20+ years; 34 stories, 500 units.
• Mixed‑use design includes residential, office, retail, and public space.
• Economic boost: 1,000 construction jobs, 350 permanent jobs, $60 million in new economic activity.
• Sustainability: LEED‑Gold certification, solar panels, green walls, rainwater harvesting.
• Community impact: Traffic studies and mitigation plans; public plaza; local business opportunities.

The article paints a vivid picture of a city on the cusp of a new era, where higher density, sustainability, and community engagement converge to redefine the heart of Lincoln. Whether this high‑rise will be a catalyst for further development or a cautionary tale will unfold in the coming years, but its impact on the local real‑estate market is already being felt.