The Poppleton
Like many booming metros nationally, the Omaha community is facing an affordable housing crisis that threatens to curtail the wellbeing of low-income residents. According to the Housing Affordability in the Omaha and Council Bluffs Area report (2021), the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metro Area currently has a gap shortage of 78,800 affordable units, which is anticipated to grow to 104,000 units by 2040 (p. 47).
The Park Avenue neighborhood is on the front lines of the crisis. Over the past few years, this vibrant urban community has experienced an accelerated rate of redevelopment. While these changes have resulted in capital improvements of many older buildings and attracted middle-income residents to the area, low-income residents are regularly displaced from their homes, and are increasingly “priced out” of the area altogether. When a family is displaced, they lose much more than just housing. Displacement means a loss of access to transportation, support systems, schools, healthcare, work, local amenities, and all of the safety and stability we associate with the concept of “home.” Frequent moves, difficulty paying rent, and eviction have a devastating impact on mental and physical health. Children lose academic ground when forced to change schools.
The Poppleton will bring desperately needed affordable housing stock to the Park Avenue neighborhood. This project is strategically situated in an area of increasing opportunity for low-income residents as it sits in close proximity to the Omaha Rapid Bus Transit (ORBT) line, Interstates 80 and 480, an ethnic grocery story (4-blocks), and the downtown Omaha business district (1.5 miles).
This new housing community serves as a platform for a broader, comprehensive community development strategy set forth by local residents in the Park Avenue Neighborhood Plan. This property will be located only one block away from inCOMMON’s Park Avenue Neighborhood Resource Center and the programs currently available there, including workforce development, adult education, citizenship classes, financial education, and youth programming.
PHASE I
The Poppleton is a 2-Phase project, totaling 121-units of mixed-income housing and 4,000sf of commercial space. Phase I, scheduled to open fall of 2026, will add 51-units reserved for Area Median Incomes (AMI) ranging from 40%-60%. Unit mixes include studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units. Amenities include underground parking, on-site laundry, and a pickleball court.
SUPPORT
Thanks to the generosity of our community, Phase I has been fully funded. We are currently seeking financial support to complete Phase II. To contribute to this project, please click the link below or contact christian@inCOMMONcd.org. THANK YOU for ensuring our neighbors have access to affordable + dignified housing!