We love Ak-Sar-Ben!
Some fun facts from Wikipedia:
History
After the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben turned over the land to Douglas County in the 1990s, the county first tried to keep the horse track and coliseum open, but both failed. The land was then turned over to the Aksarben Future Trust who now owns the land. On June 26, 2005, plans were announced to turn the land into a pedestrian friendly mixed-use development combined with the south campus of University of Nebraska Omaha, Aksarben Campus, and the already built First Data Campus. Construction began in 2006 and the first businesses began to open in 2008 Aksarben is Nebraska spelled backwards.
Developments
Aksarben Village is home to some of Omaha’s major companies. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska has built and is occupying a 10-story building that opened in 2010 to house their headquarters. First Data built two office buildings there in the mid-2000s. Other business that have opened offices include DLR Group, Grubb & Ellis/Pacific Realty, and Olsson.
Additional developments in Aksarben Village.
Several restaurants such as Jones Bros. Cupcakes,Godfather’s Pizza and Juice Stop have opened, as well as a bank, a Voodoo Taco, a Spirit World wine and liquor seller, a hair salon, Roast Coffeehouse and multiple bars and lounges. Two apartment complexes have opened, Broadmoor and the Pinhook Flats, named in reference to the historic horse track which used to occupy the land. CUE apartments were added in 2016 together the apartments add over 662 housing units to the development.
A 135-room Marriott Hotel opened in 2008; Aksarben Cinema, a 10-screen movie theater debuted in 2010 and Genesis Club fitness center opened in the same complex. Beacon Hills a full-service restaurant and bar, joined the complex in the 2016.
The University of Nebraska Omaha has built their south campus, Aksarben Campus, at the north end of Aksarben Village. The university has added ten three-story dormitory buildings, Scott Village, which opened in 2003 and houses 480 units.e Scott Technology Center and the Peter Kiewit Institute are world class educational and research facilities that partner with UNO and are located on campus. The university has also built the new Baxter Arena at the south end of Aksarben Village.
Within Aksarben Village is Stinson Park, a multi-acre neighborhood and community park named after Kenneth E. Stinson, a former chairman of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben and Kiewit Corporation.
Noddle Companies developed The Inner Rail Food Hall, named as a nod to the location’s former identity, the Ak-sar-ben horse racing track, provides a one-of-a-kind experience for Omaha residents and travelers alike.
The food hall includes nine vendors featuring different styles of cuisine, all surrounding a central bar. Some vendors are extensions from local favorite shops, while other food vendors are new to Omaha.The thoughtful design and setup of the Inner Rail offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for dining and events.