Lincoln officials hope new plan will reinvigorate University Place

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Lincoln officials intend to revitalize one neighborhood by improving traffic and walkability in hopes of spurring economic development and reinvestment in the area.

University Place mixes a commercial corridor along 48th Street with historic homes and two colleges, Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus.

One goal is to reconfigure lanes on 48th to make travel safer for drivers and pedestrians, a common concern among locals.

But as the area changes, officials want to preserve the eclectic nature of the neighborhood, which is the only designated “creative district” in Lincoln.

“We’ve applied for some grants to do some what we think will be near-term improvements for Saint Paul Avenue to kind of do some street art,” Lincoln Planning Director David Cary. “We think that’s going to be a lot of fun, and it goes with the theme of this creative district here.”

University Place street art in Lincoln

Dozens showed up at a public meeting Thursday, including local business owners who praised the neighborhood’s friendly vibe.

“Real diverse area, and a lot of opportunities for people to come to University Place and enjoy,” said business owner Cristy Joy of Archi. + Ect.

Planning officials will take their findings, plus the public input, to the county board and city council in the near future, asking them to approve the project.

In the meantime, the locals encourage visiting.

“People can come and celebrate and be a part of the businesses we have here,” Joy said.