Work is underway to launch an indoor, nonprofit public market in Omaha.
Heritage Omaha is leading the project, which will be located at Eighth and Farnam streets.
A press release stated that Heritage Omaha has secured the necessary funding from philanthropic supporters to begin work on the site, which is adjacent to The RiverFront’s Heartland of America Park.
Heritage Omaha President Tina Cherica said the market will build on the momentum of the revitalized RiverFront parks.
“The nearly 3 million yearly visitors to The RiverFront provide clear proof that Omaha is hungry for places that allow people to gather in meaningful ways, and this market will deepen and expand that civic energy,” Cherica said in a press release. “It’s a place where people from neighborhoods across the Omaha metro area and visitors can build lasting connections and where growers and producers will come to share their goods.”
The three-story, 52,000-square-foot market is expected to open in 2028 and will be open year-round.
The public market aims to create a vibrant destination where people can shop from local small businesses selling a variety of fresh, prepared and specialty foods, as well as locally made goods.
In planning the public market, Heritage Omaha and Project for Public Spaces, its partner in the project, invited feedback through community meetings with metro-area residents and aspiring market vendors, including existing or future food entrepreneurs, farmers and artisans, in addition to collecting online surveys.
Potential vendors are encouraged to sign up to receive updates.
To date, Heritage Omaha has leveraged over $800 million in philanthropic support from companies, foundations and individuals to create $1.7 billion in civic projects.