Construction is underway for a youth development project promising to change the landscape of Omaha’s Benson neighborhood. The Bay, a 40,000-square-foot facility, represents a $20 million investment in creating what organizers call a “third space” where young people can find belonging, build skills and launch careers.
The project builds on a model first developed in Lincoln in 2010, where The Bay became a nationally recognized example of youth-centered programming that combines creativity with workforce education. After expanding to Omaha in 2021 with operations at the Benson Community Center, the organization is now scaling up with a permanent facility at 6120 Military Avenue.
“The Bay Omaha will be a space where young people can find belonging, build skills, and launch futures,” said Andrew Norman, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Bay. “It’s about connecting youth to mentors, opportunities, and experiences that help them see what’s possible — and giving them the tools to get there.”
What’s Inside
The three-story facility, expected to open in early 2027, will house multiple classrooms for year-round learning and mentoring, a music venue, creative labs for media, textiles and emerging technologies, an esports arena and an indoor skatepark designed for all skill levels.
The approach centers on meeting youth through their existing interests — fashion, gaming, skateboarding, music and content creation — rather than traditional educational frameworks.
“We know that young people who are connected and have purpose will drive our city’s future,” said Omaha Mayor John Ewing at the official groundbreaking ceremony. “It’s exciting to see a project like this scale up to grow impact for young people, and Omaha.”
Building on Existing Momentum
The Bay already serves Omaha youth six days a week through partnerships with Omaha Parks and Recreation at the Benson Community Center, along with programs in Omaha Public Schools and dozens of community organizations across the city.
This fall, the organization launched a pilot of its Gap Year workforce education program in Omaha, offering 18-to-24-year-olds a nine-month track to build creative, technical and professional skills in areas ranging from performance and production to design, storytelling and entrepreneurship.
A growing partnership with Metropolitan Community College is creating what organizers describe as a “skill-building continuum” where curiosity can turn into academic and career pathways.
Funding and Support
The project is backed by a public-private partnership including early investments from the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation, Dianne and John Scott, the Edward & Sally Malashock Family Foundation, The Sherwood Foundation, the Lozier Foundation, the Peter Kiewit Foundation and the Douglas County Visitor Improvement Fund.
The State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development is also supporting the project through its Shovel-Ready and North and South Omaha Recovery Grant programs.
Since 2010, The Bay has operated as what it describes as a “lifeline and launchpad” for youth ages 4 to 24, offering low- or no-cost access and flexible schedules designed around young people’s passions and needs.
