DLA Announces 2009 Impact Awards

2009 DLA Impact Award

The 2009 Downtown Impact Awards were announced today at our annual meeting. DLA’s Impact Awards recognize businesses or individuals that have made a significant contribution to downtown Lincoln. The six Downtown Impact Awards were given to the following recipients:

Significant Development < $1 Million

Arbor Day Foundation | Panera Bread

When redeveloping Arbor Day Plaza at 211 North 12th Street, the Arbor Day Foundation wanted to create a space that was consistent with their mission, positive for their staff, and in line with the Downtown Master Plan vision.  Attracting Panera Bread Co. to the space was really a perfect fit. 

The Arbor Day Foundation also worked in cooperation with Downtown Civic Ventures, which is a 501(c)(3) organization formed to promote downtown business development. This relationship allowed for the Arbor Day Foundation to receive financing from Civic Ventures to help renovate the first floor for Panera Bread’s needs. 

The bakery-café officially opened on July 22nd and is the first Panera in Nebraska to serve in a downtown location.  This specific location is only the third Panera in the country to benefit from a new and enhanced building model.  This includes new colors, patterns, tile, seating arrangements and even a fireplace.

Panera Bread’s downtown location offers hand-crafted, artisan breads baked every morning from fresh dough, as well as an assortment of other menu options.

Panera’s commitment to helping the community is also encouraging.  This Panera location has taken advantage of Operation Dough-Nation, a commitment by Panera’s leaders to ensure that every purchase at Panera Bread feeds back into the community through programs that include the donation of unsold bread at the day’s end to local hunger relief agencies. In previous years, Panera has collectively donated a retail value of more than 40 million dollars worth of break and baked goods.

Downtown Lincoln has a bright future and efforts similar to the Arbor Day Foundation’s development of Panera Bread will continue to result in additional retail business growth for this area.

Significant Development > $1 Million

Downtown YMCA

For the past 138 consecutive years, there has been a Downtown YMCA facility in downtown Lincoln. The Downtown YMCA was the original branch of the YMCA in Lincoln and it continues to serve the downtown population. Though it has been located at a number of places in the core area over the decades, it is a mainstay of the culture of our downtown.  Since 1971, the branch has occupied its current location at 11th and P Streets.

Recently, the downtown location underwent a 1.25 million dollar renovation process, focused on bringing more visibility to the main level of the facility, so downtown residents, employees, and students could see that the YMCA is more than an office building.  The project also adhered to the Downtown Master Plan by having more visibility on the street level of buildings.  The renovation focused on increasing the size of some of the YMCA’s heavier used areas.  This includes a larger group exercise room, wellness area and an inviting entrance to the facility.  There were also significant mechanical upgrades to help the overall efficiency of the utilities in the facility.  The Downtown YMCA’s overall energy usage has declined greatly in 2009.

Over the last 10 years, the Lincoln YMCA has created, expanded and renewed many of their facilities.  Each of the facilities has been evaluated over that time, which has enabled patrons to maintain good health, socialize with neighbors and to just have fun.

Due to the recent renovation, the facility now offers a more pleasant, safe and efficient place for members to be.  The wonderful volunteers of the Downtown Committee of Management and the YMCA Board of Directors spent countless hours to determine the most effective use of this financial investment.

Residential Development

Lincoln Flats

For the last 5 to 6 years Concorde had been looking for the right opportunity to do a residential condo development in the downtown area.  They eventually found their building located at 13th and “O” Street, which also houses Bank of the West.  The opportunity to purchase the building from Bank of the West was one that simply presented itself at the right time.  From there, the development team of Concorde, BVH, Tallgrass Development and Blue Rock Construction began the redevelopment process.

The second through the fourth floors will have 24 units, many with custom designed fireplaces and large exposed brick walls.  Most units have been constructed using a “vanilla box” philosophy.  Only the kitchen and bathrooms are fixed spaces; everything else is customizable so the units can be designed to reflect the homeowners’ unique tastes.  A few apartments even offer a walk out balcony which opens to “O” Street.

It is also important to note that Lincoln Flats is more than just a residential development.  On the back side of the Lincoln Flats, Concorde has completely reconstructed the alley.  It was a long process for Concorde, but the finished product has proved to be worth it. The alley has been repaved and re-lighted and now offers a pedestrian friendly plaza.  On the main floor of the Lincoln Flats now includes two retail spaces, one being 1,800 square feet and the other 330 square feet. 

Currently Concorde manages and leases numerous buildings downtown;  The Grainger, Hardy and Creamery Buildings in the Haymarket, Century House on Lincoln Mall, and YWCA housing at 15th and “O” Street.  Concorde Management is also a partner in the Lincoln Commercial Club redevelopment.

Based on the consistent success Concorde Management has had with their past investments, the Lincoln Flats will surely be a great addition to the downtown Lincoln area.

Business Leadership

Downtown Performance Series

The Downtown Performance Series began 25 years ago and has been a downtown staple ever since, drawing large crowds from downtown businesses, daycares, retirement communities and schools. The free entertainment series is produced by Updowntowners, a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that enhances the social, cultural and economic vitality of Lincoln through special events and presented by Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.  This event is held at noon every Wednesday throughout the summer in the beautiful Lincoln Community Foundation Gardens behind Korn Popper. The Downtown Performance Series has a rich history of bringing free performances by local and international artists to downtown Lincoln.

The series captures the spirit and heart of downtown activity by providing a perfect location to enjoy performing arts and eat lunch on a sunny summer day. The event is a major asset to the downtown area, as it draws residents from all over the city.  The Downtown Performance Series has steadily gained momentum over the past 25 years. Spectators look forward to the weekly summer event and many community centers have implemented the series into their entertainment plans. As a result of strong community partnerships and support, Updowntowners’ Downtown Performance Series will continue to grow and bring great entertainers to downtown Lincoln.

Lynnette Nelson of Pinnacle Bank has been the primary volunteer organizer of the Downtown Performance Series for seven seasons. She assists in determining the performance schedule, coordinates with each group prior to their performance and spends her lunch breaks introducing the performers and ensuring the event runs smoothly. Lynnette’s dedication and positive attitude are a great asset to the Downtown Performance Series. Lynnette also serves as the secretary for the Updowntowners Board of Directors.

Downtown Champion

Larry Small

Larry Small has spent most of his life in Lincoln’s downtown.  After graduating from Lincoln High School he worked for downtown businesses including Ben Simons, Kings, Lincoln Telephone Company and presently as the Facilities and Service Manager at TierOne Bank.

Larry has volunteered countless hours of service to the community.  Larry served on the DLA board from 1992-2000 and has continued his 25 year tenure with the Lincoln Haymarket Development Corporation, which starting in 1984.  He served as president of LHDC from 1990 to 1992. 

In 1990 Larry also became involved in LHDC’s purchase, development and management of the Hardy and Grainger Buildings and is currently the president of the Hardy & Grainger Boards.  These buildings have been developed to accommodate visitors and residents who have disabilities and also have units available for low to moderate-income residents.  These buildings are always at full capacity with many long term residents.
 
Due to the years of effort by many, and Larry in particular, when you enter the Haymarket district you are met with aromas from the many restaurants and are visually overwhelmed by the beautiful restoration and artwork of the old warehouse district. 

Larry operates a small vintage toy business called Flat Water Toys in the Haymarket.  He is a loyal patron of The Mill Coffee Shop and enjoys dinning downtown with his wife Margaret.  Larry feels that being downtown is as much a part of his life as living in Lincoln.

Young Entrepreneur

Parrish Studios

The Parrish Project building on 14th and O Streets has always been a popular corner for downtown; however, the second floor had been relatively unscathed.  There are now dozens of young professionals involved with the building; although, it is important to highlight the work of Jim Stevens and his wife Carrie Masters. 

Jim and Carrie, former owners of O-Zone, felt that there needed to be a place for young and aspiring entrepreneurs to have their studio space downtown. In 2002, they participated in a multi-tenant purchase of the Parrish Project and after a couple of years and an incredible amount of hard work, they were able to piece together what is currently an eclectic, ever-expanding cultural hub of downtown Lincoln. 

Carrie spent 12 years managing O-Zone and serving as the in house designer. With that experience, it seemed only natural to have her become a catalyst to the Parrish Studios, where she started Robot Luv in 2006. 

Robut Luv, which designs popular brands of tees, totes, shoes and more, currently has a slew of emerging neighbors in the Parrish Studios. This includes businesses such as Tangerine Hair Studio, Roundus, Chocolate Cake design, Aorta, Bella skincare, Handmade Modern jewelry and many more.

The Parrish studios are also more than just a few second floor retail shops, it also serves as a prime art hub for locally and even nationally renowned artists.  This includes galleries like Tugboat, Project Room, Jose Caicedo, Studio 7, and many more.

The Parrish Studios heavily impact the First Friday art scene as well.  This is encouraging, knowing that art’s ability to connect a community is truly unmatched.