Shovels hit the dirt inside a former bank building on South 24th Street Tuesday as one of the community’s largest nonprofits embarked on a $10 million expansion project.
For decades, the Latino Center of the Midlands has brought educational support, workforce development and leadership opportunities to families in South Omaha. The group’s planned expansion will grow its facility by 50%, bringing multiple programs under one roof.
Albert Varas, president of Latino Center of the Midland, called the occasion “monumental.”
“Today we celebrate more than bricks and mortar,” Varas said. “We celebrate a renewed commitment to expand the horizon for the Latino Center of and what it will be.”
The new headquarters at 4821 S. 24th St. will include modernized classrooms designed to enhance GED, ELL, citizenship and literacy programs; dedicated youth areas; a fully equipped teaching kitchen; and community spaces.
During construction, the nonprofit’s services will continue without interruption at a temporary location one block away at 4937 S. 24th St. The project is expected to be completed by January 2027.
Funding for the renovation began with a $2.8 million grant from the State of Nebraska’s North and South Omaha Recovery Grant Program. Philanthropic and private donors met the additional costs.
Omaha Mayor John Ewing called the groundbreaking “a celebration of South Omaha’s promise.”
“The Latino Center has long been a cornerstone in our community, and this expansion ensures its impact will only grow stronger for generations to come,” Ewing said.