Habitat for Humanity of Omaha and its partners celebrated a major community milestone on Tuesday, Dec. 9, marking the completion of Phase I of Bluestem Prairie, the largest development in Habitat Omaha’s 40-year history, and believed to be the largest nonprofit affordable “homeownership” development, in Omaha.

Attendees, including Habitat Omaha CEO Amanda Brewer, Thomas Warren, Chief of Staff for Omaha Mayor John Ewing, community leaders, city and state officials, and residents of Bluestem Prairie, gathered in the neighborhood near 51st Street and Sorensen Parkway to commemorate the achievement. The celebration included home dedications, remarks from community leaders, and opportunities for residents to share their stories.

The Bluestem Prairie development, which has been in the making for more than five years, features over 80 newly constructed homes that have helped families achieve homeownership. The project revitalizes the former site of the abandoned Wintergreen Apartments, transforming it into a vibrant neighborhood and marking a significant step forward in expanding affordable housing in Omaha.

“We know homeownership makes a difference in quality of life, health and education,” Brewer said. “And these 80-plus homes represent significant investment in the future of Omaha families and the city itself with real economic impact.”

Site development and infrastructure for Bluestem Prairie Phase II is underway. Construction on the next 64 homes is expected to begin in 2026.

Thank you to these Omaha news outlets for covering this milestone!

Nebraska Examiner: Event marks ‘milestone’ in push for ‘affordable homeownership’ in Nebraska’s largest city • Nebraska Examiner

WOWT: Habitat Omaha completes first phase of largest development in organization’s history

KMTV: Habitat for Humanity completes first phase of Bluestem Prairie development

Grow Omaha: https://growomaha.com/project/habitat-humanity-completes-bluestem-prairie-i/