OMAHA, NE — A nearly $300-million landscape overhaul in downtown Omaha is getting national recognition for its approach to environmental sustainability and resiliency. The Riverfront Revitalization Project has earned the Envision Platinum rating, the highest level possible from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. It is the first project in Nebraska to receive an Envision distinction.

The effort merges three downtown parks that span 90 acres. When completed in 2023, the area will include a lakeside amphitheater, an 82,000-square-foot science center, playground, urban beach, volleyball courts, dog park, and dozens of other amenities to connect the community.

HDR is one of more than 20 companies working on the development. It is the lead Envision firm and is providing architectural, structural design, permitting, and civil and environmental engineering services. HDR is also the lead architect and engineer for what will be the riverfront’s science center, officially known as the Kiewit Luminarium.

Several factors led ISI to bestow their highest rating on the massive undertaking:

• Having a best-in-class children’s environment and restoring community assets and local character
• Stimulating sustainable growth and development by employing a large percentage of local workers
• Preventing urban sprawl, adding bike lanes and bike-sharing facilities, and implementing pedestrian mobility areas
• Incorporating historic and cultural features
• Adding a significant amount of public space and amenities
• Preserving undeveloped land and remediating a brownfield