Proposal seeks 150-acres of land for development north of interstate 80

The area north of interstate 80 in Lincoln could be changing in a hurry.

A new proposal is seeking 150 acres of land to use for retail and residential living.

“The plan looks really good, it’s kind of a forward thinking design, with a mix of residential living and commercial space,” said Ryan Burger, Treasurer of Stone Bridge Creek Homeowner Association.

The proposal comes from Stone Bridge Creek LLC. They are seeking 700,000 square feet of space to build on.

Nothing has been set in stone, but some ideas of what could be built are retail stores, residential apartments, a hotel, or even restaurants.

“The potential for something to be large scale is there. For some auto dealerships, some other side retail businesses and of course, major apartment living complex as well,” said Burger.

Developers are requesting a comprehensive plan amendment, annexation and zoning change on the land.

A hearing before the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission is scheduled in March.

This is the first time that a commercial development has been proposed on the north side of the interstate.

“I think we’ve kind of been starving for  some retail in that area, so something of this massive scale, definitely the potential is there,” said Burger.

If approved, the development will be built in phases.

It could take years before it is completely finished.

The area of land, which sits between 14th and 27th streets and Arbor road, already has sewer and water infrastructure in place, which means the land is “shovel ready” for any potential tenant interested in locating there.

“Opportunity to have things on this end of town, north of the interstate, is kind of exciting. There are challenges that come with that plan but the design that developers laid forward looks pretty good to us at this point,” said Burger.

A couple of area homeowners have expressed concern with the increase in car traffic the development would bring.

Projections are calling for the project to bring 13,000 to 15,000 cars to the area daily.