The Flats on Howard
Developer/Contractor: Arch Icon; Owner: NuStyle
Arch Icon realized that the success of this project relied on recreating the cohesive historic neighborhood that once thrived in this space. By acquiring six multi-family structures and the adjacent duplexes in this two-block area, they were ensured success. Round planters at the east and west ends of the two blocks along Howard Street serve as “echos” of the round planters in the center of the Old Market at the intersection of 11th and Howard Street, less than a mile to the east.
This project utilized Historic Tax Credit funding, being first to be awarded State of Nebraska Historic Tax Credits. Even though Arch-Icon had the vision to return each of the structures to their original “vibe”, using the tax credits assured everything would meet the standards set forth by the Department of the Interior as directed by the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office.
For branding purposes, each building was given a name, sometimes utilizing the historic names, while also using assumed names to ensure the overall story of this new neighborhood had cohesion.
Working parking in and around the historic structure while making it a minor player in the overall development was a primary goal. The success of the original project enabled the renovation of the historic Ponderosa apartment building on the southwest corner, the design and creation of a six-story community / storm shelter / new market-rate multi-family complex at the southeast corner of 24th and Howard, and the construction of Garage Lofts, an affordable housing project for growing families, capping the western side of the development off at the intersection of 24th and Howard Streets.
With the trolley line soon to be built and in use just a couple of blocks to the north, this housing will maintain its main purpose: to provide historic, economic housing “just off the beaten path” with a continued expansion to keep pace with the continued need for affordable housing near the Central Business District of downtown, Omaha.