A Shared Vision for Housing in Tekamah, Neb.
Tigertown Plaza, previously named Carson Place, is a 28,400-square-foot, mixed-use development bringing new energy to downtown Tekamah, Neb. The ground floor includes 9,662 square feet of commercial space, now home to Anytime Fitness and an open space designed for a café or brunch restaurant. The second and third floors offer a mix of 16 thoughtfully designed apartments one-, two- and three- bedroom floorplans. The building also features access to a rooftop patio that’s connected to a shared second-floor common area.
From conception to reality, Tigertown Plaza had one goal: add value for the community and expand housing in Tekamah.
Commitment to the Community
The project team soaked in what it means to be part of such a small, tight-knit community. From getting to know Jane and the Carson family to becoming regulars at the local lunch spots, every interaction added a layer of meaning to the work. Focus was made to build relationships with residents and honor the town’s character. Because it was more than just another project — it’s was building something meaningful alongside the people who call the town home.
“This project was a chance to invest in a community that values its roots and its future. We’re proud to support the Carson family’s mission and contribute to the ongoing beautification of historic Tekamah,” says John Culver, Ronco’s project director.
Bringing the community together was the guiding force from the beginning of the project. And owner of Tigertown Plaza Omani Carson shared why the project got its start.
“Both my wife, Jeanie, and I grew up in small towns, and there’s truly no place like them. We’re committed to reinvesting in these communities, ensuring they remain strong and vibrant for future generations. This project is our way of contributing to the magic of small towns.”
Push for Progress in Tekamah
When Mayor Jane Walford first started serving her community six years ago, one issue quickly rose to the top: housing.
“We determined in 2019 that Tekamah had a housing shortage — and that if we didn’t act, it would only get worse,” she said.
Since then, the city council prioritized housing, launching efforts like the LD8 Initiative to develop housing and revitalize underused lots. Tigertown Plaza is the latest project to help move that vision forward.
“With 16 new apartments, Tigertown Plaza directly addresses our housing goals and shows we’re serious about solutions,” Jane shared. “It’s not just about adding units — it’s about creating more opportunities for people to live and work right here in Tekamah.”
She sees the project as more than construction — it’s community-building. “This is a step toward fulfilling what we set out to do. We’re not just talking about housing — we’re doing something about it.”
With a year and a half left in her term as mayor, Jane is proud to see these long-standing goals becoming reality. Tigertown Plaza isn’t just filling a need, it’s building a future.
Honoring the Past, Enhancing the Future
While Tigertown Plaza introduces something new to Tekamah, it doesn’t forget where it stands. Long before this development took shape, the site held a building that wore many hats: it was once a thrift store, later used as storage by the previous owner, and even survived a fire. Though the original structure is gone, its story isn’t.
Throughout construction, care was taken to preserve the spirit of the site and honor the town’s history — including the reuse of original brick, now outside of the elevator lobbies on every floor. It’s a small detail with a big story, connecting past to present in a meaningful way.
Every material, layout and design choice were made with intention: to elevate the experience without erasing the charm that makes Tekamah unique. The result is a modern space that fits seamlessly into its historic surroundings — a development that respects its roots while helping write the next chapter.
Tigertown Plaza doesn’t just fit into Tekamah — it builds on everything that already makes it special.
