A New Mixed-Use Destination at NOVA
At the corner of 11th and Nicholas Streets, NOVA introduces a new kind of living experience to Omaha’s NoDo district. One that blends residential comfort with the energy of a growing urban neighborhood.
The five-story, 85,000 SF mixed-use development brings together 69,000 SF of multi-family housing and 16,000 SF of street-level commercial space. Inside, the building offers a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments designed to meet the needs of a diverse downtown population. The exterior is a mixture of brick, composite, metal and glass which reflect the character and evolution of the surrounding district.
But NOVA is more than just another apartment building. The project adds much needed residential units, activates street level space and creates opportunities for connection in one of Omaha’s fast-growing districts. Bringing a project like this to life demanded constant coordination, communication and adaptability throughout construction.
With multiple active construction projects happening nearby, limited site space and ongoing infrastructure improvements were the norm. That meant the Ronco project team had to carefully navigate logistics while keeping work progressing safely and efficiently.
Collaboration Through Complexity
“Being a stone’s throw away from three other active jobsites came with more logistical challenges than you typically see for a multi-family project,” said Nate Bledsoe, Senior Project Manager at Ronco. “It forces you to turn the level of communication up to 11.”
The challenges extended beyond surrounding construction activity. Existing utilities, nearby buildings and ongoing district improvements required detailed planning and close coordination between trade partners, designers and the City of Omaha throughout the project.
The utility conflicts were the result of several infrastructure improvements that occurred in the NoDo district between the project’s design phase and the start of construction. As work progressed, the team encountered challenges involving underground utilities, low power lines and an existing gas main that required careful planning and coordination to navigate safely.
Resolving those issues required a collaborative approach between project partners, designers and city officials.
“These issues were resolved with the tried-and-true method of communication,” Bledsoe said. “Whether it was ideas from our partners at TSI Mechanical, design assistance from Ehrhart Griffin or some tips and tricks from our friends at Omaha Public Works, everyone worked together to find solutions and keep the project moving forward.”
Despite the complexity, the project team worked collaboratively to safely maintain progress while minimizing the disruption within the area.
Contributing to the Growth of NoDo
NoDo is becoming one of Omaha’s most active urban districts, fueled by its proximity to Charles Schwab Field, CHI Health Center and a growing lineup of restaurants, bars and entertainment destinations. With that momentum comes an increasing demand for housing that puts people in the center of it all. NOVA helps meet the demand by bringing additional multi-family housing to a highly walkable downtown location.
For White Lotus Group, the vision was always about contributing to something bigger than a single project.
“We hope NOVA adds lasting energy and momentum to NoDo as the neighborhood continues to grow,” White Lotus Group shared. “Our goal is to contribute to a district that feels connected, vibrant and built for the long term.”
That long-term perspective is key in a district that continues to evolve year after year.
Designed for Everyday Living and Big Moments
Few locations in Omaha experience the kind of seasonal energy that NoDo does during the Men’s College World Series. NOVA sits directly in the heart of it all.
That proximity isn’t just a selling point — it influences how people will experience the building.
“With the ball fields so close, I think it adds a luxury perk for the residents,” said Ricky Henry, Superintendent at Ronco. “Having the bars and restaurants on the first-floor retail will be a great congregating spot.”
The project was designed to support both everyday living and the larger moments that define the district. Whether it’s gathering before a game, meeting friends after an event or simply enjoying a night downtown. NOVA creates opportunities for people to engage with the neighborhood around them. Which is exactly how White Lotus Group pictured it.
“NOVA fits naturally into the College World Series each summer. But it goes beyond that — it creates more opportunities for people to gather, while also supporting the nightlife, bar and food experience that helps make the district.”
Strengthening Omaha’s Urban Living Experience
At its core, NOVA reflects the continued evolution of Omaha’s downtown — a place where living, entertainment and community intersect.
At street level, NOVA adds 16,000 SF of commercial space that helps extend beyond the multi-family portion. Future tenants, including Rally Cap Brewing and The Academy bar, turn the ground floor into a destination for the community.
That mix of residential living and commercial space plays directly into what younger renters are looking for in a home. According to Multifamily Dive, Gen Z renters prioritize experience-driven living, favoring walkability, convenience and access to entertainment, and dining or social spaces over traditional suburban amenities.
Mixed-use developments like NOVA support that shift by creating environments where residents can live near the energy of the city and engage with the surrounding neighborhood daily.
“By bringing multiple uses together in one place, they create more consistency, more energy and a stronger sense of community,” White Lotus Group shared.
As NoDo continues to evolve, project like Nova help shape what downtown living looks like. Connected, walkable and centered around community.
