‘Dramatically better fir the neighborhood’: Housing project at south Omaha grain silos site nears approval

A developer plans to transform the empty grain silos at 35th and Vinton streets in Omaha into 223 market-rate apartments, with demolition expected to begin by the end of the year, pending city council approval.

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Housing project at south Omaha grain silos site nears approval

OMAHA, Neb. —

The silos, which have been vacant for years, are familiar to many who drive along Interstate 80 or use the South Omaha Trail. But they’re especially familiar to people who live in the area.

“I think it would be nice to see something else there that somebody is using, and living there,” Jim Yourkoski, a nearby resident, said.

Developer Patrick Mason acknowledged the silos have been problematic for the neighborhood at a town hall on Thursday evening. He said he’s needed to kick people off the property.

The town hall was organized by Omaha City Councilmember Ron Hug.

The site has also proved hazardous for curious trespassers. In 2017, a man in his 50s fell about 30 feet, lying hurt until he was discovered injured at sunrise. In 2024, a teenage girl fell 20 feet, and another teen was rescued after getting stuck.

“What we’re going to be putting there is going to be dramatically better for the neighborhood,” Mason said.

The about $56 million project includes 223 apartments, mostly one-bedroom units and studios, with studio rents starting at $1,150. Most of the silos will be demolished, but the middle section will be cut down to about 15 feet tall, partially because of the history.

Mason said the cut-down silos will “allow it to serve as a retaining wall, and to still maintain a level of separation between the trail and the neighborhood.”

Neighbors raised questions about parking at the town hall. It would include nearly 300 parking stalls, including about 35 additional street parking spots.

Mason was asked about stormwater drainage in the area, which he said would be significantly improved.

Demolition interruptions will be noisy but limited, Mason said. He hopes it will begin by the end of the year.

“You’re going to see me down there, and so you’re going to have an ear to always talk to and address concerns,” he told the residents gathered at the town hall.

Developers seek up to roughly $10.5 million in tax increment financing support. A public hearing is scheduled for the Omaha City Council meeting on June 30.

Omaha officials hope to introduce an ordinance to incentivize developers of TIF-backed projects to include affordable housing by September.

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