OMAHA – Construction on the new La Plaza de la Raza, which many consider to be the heartbeat of South Omaha’s historic commercial district, is expected to begin this fall.
However, that is only the beginning of a $25 million-plus public investment in the main business corridor of a community known historically as a landing spot for the state’s immigrant population.
Leaders of the Adelante II initiative gathered Friday at the 24th and N Streets plaza to present a progress report, this time sharing the stage with a slew of elected officials and business representatives and emphasizing the theme of collaboration.
“Together, we are bringing the heart of our community forward—adelante,” said Itzel Lopez, CEO of the Latino Economic Development Council, a project partner.
The plaza, which is currently a paved parking lot that transforms into fiesta grounds on occasion, is set to be transformed thanks to a $25 million state grant from the North and South Omaha Recovery Grant Program. Its expected opening date is 2027.
Douglas County and the City of Omaha contributed $500,000 from pandemic funds to the effort as well.
The amphitheater, stage, playground areas, open lawn, shaded family gathering area, and signature art are all important features.
The plaza redesign is the centerpiece of the Adelante initiative, which includes other components:
- Before the end of the year, project leaders hope to have secured a location in the district for a multi-tier parking garage with ground floor retailers, which will more than replace parking at the plaza lot.
- Following that, Lopez said, new sidewalk, streetscape, and wayfinding improvements will be made along the main 24th Street corridor to help create a consistent vibe from Q to F streets.
Lopez stated that her organization hopes to raise additional funds for corridor improvements such as a building to house the LEDC, employment, and other programming.
Canopy South, a nonprofit that describes itself as a “community quarterback,” is overseeing the Adelante II redevelopment.
In addition to the 24th Street improvements, Canopy South is leading the Q Street Collaborative initiative, which received a separate $39 million grant from the North and South Omaha Recovery Grant Program for a variety of South Omaha projects.
In January 2024, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development awarded nearly $235 million to 130 groups and businesses through the North and South Omaha grant program.
Cesar Garcia, CEO of Canopy South, stated that the City of Omaha is handling the acquisition of Adelante’s new garage site, which will provide parking for area shoppers and workers. He stated that options have been narrowed down to a few, and that negotiations are currently underway.
He stated that the plaza is a city-owned public space and will remain so once it is renovated. Garcia stated that programming at the plaza will most likely be a collaboration between the city and community organizations, though specifics are still being worked out.
La Plaza de la Raza’s site plan as of May 2025. Partners include Kiewit and Omaha Urban Thinkscapes. (Courtesy of Canopy South, Latino Economic Development Council, and RDG Planning and Design)
Speakers at the Friday event included Douglas County Board Chair Roger Garcia, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Omaha Public Power District CEO Javier Fernandez, South Omaha Business Improvement District President Ross Pesek, Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Javier Saldaña, and LEDC President Armando Salgado.
Several dozen people, including Nebraska State Senator Dunixi Guereca, former State Senator Tony Vargas, and Mexican Consul Jorge Ernesto Espejel Montes, gathered at the plaza to enjoy Mariachi music and dancers.
Among the attendees were City Councilmen Pete Festersen and Ron Hug, U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb.; Denise Powell, a Democrat running for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District; and merchants and community members.
“The Latino community is at the heart of South Omaha’s story, and today we celebrate that legacy,” said Canopy South’s Garcia, emphasizing that the improvements benefit all of Omaha and visitors alike.
“This is about investing in places that create the future we want for generations to come.”