The Little Bohemia area south of downtown Omaha is poised to get a $17.8 million apartment complex — a big infusion of new rental housing just steps from its growing commercial strip.
The 107-unit complex featuring a courtyard and a parking garage is to rise on the northwest corner of 12th and William Streets.
It would bring a fresh base of residents to the redeveloping enclave that historically was a Czech settlement and in recent years has added trendy commercial spots including a brewery, coffee shop, tiny house tavern and clothing stores.

A 107-unit apartment complex at 12th and William Streets would infuse new rental housing into the Little Bohemia neighborhood south of downtown Omaha.
The investment in the market-rate housing is a sign that Little Bohemia “has arrived as a really desirable neighborhood district,” says Tom McLeay, who along with Mike Peter, also of Clarity Development, is behind the project.
Spanning 1.3 acres, part of the complex would face William Street, which historically was a commercial artery. Other dwellings would line a residential stretch of 12th Street. The juxtaposition drove the developer to use a mix of designs intended to better match the respective surroundings.
Dwellings fronting the more traditional residential area, for instance, would be row house-style with roof pitches. Behind those would be a larger apartment structure; in between would be a private green space.
The development team is seeking $2 million in public tax-increment financing to cover eligible costs of the still-to-be-named apartments. The project would rise on a tract originally developed for single-family homes. Seven of the nine lots involved currently are vacant.
The site is adjacent to but just outside the newly designated Little Bohemia historic district. The neighborhood’s spot on the National Register of Historic Places recognizes its cultural and historic role and also opens the door to funding sources. Little Bohemia is centered around 13th and William Streets.
While the nearby Little Italy neighborhood to the east has had some new construction of apartment buildings, McLeay said, the 12th and William project would be the first in decades to be as close to the Little Bohemia business corridor.
A few blocks to the north near 13th and Pacific, a different developer plans to begin construction next year of Pacific Vue. Originally, Zach Atchley planned six apartments, but now says market demand has changed his plan to for-sale luxury condos.
McLeay said Little Bohemia’s historic charm, proximity to downtown and the growing commercial strip along 13th Street are elements that made it attractive to build the new apartment complex.
He expects residents to be drawn to the fact that trendy merchants and bars are within walking distance. The complex would be built on a slope that provides views of the riverfront.
COVID-19 has hampered some businesses in that area, McLeay said, but he added: “If we can get past this, they’ll really flourish.”
The Planning Department has recommended approval of TIF. It says new apartment dwellers could boost the earning potential of the area by more than $5 million, and should help grow neighborhood commercial activity and cultural events.
If all goes as planned, the developers hope to open the apartments in spring 2022. Rent of one- and two-bedroom apartments are estimated to range between $900 and $1,750.
Nonprofit kid-focused group adds to Little Bohemia mix
A tenant has moved into the renovated Maryland Theatre on Omaha’s 13th Street, filling a key piece of a reviving business strip south of downtown.
Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance, a nonprofit devoted to improving young lives through better housing conditions, is settling into the century-old movie hall that also once operated as the Berkley Theatre, and more recently housed a bumper and auto business.

Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance has moved into the former theater space on the South 13th Street corridor south of downtown in the Little Bohemia area.
PJ Morgan Real Estate’s investment arm bought the property about five years ago as part of an effort to redevelop the Little Bohemia commercial corridor.
Shelby Larson, manager of community engagement, said Healthy Kids Alliance wanted to move from its former Dundee digs into a larger headquarters closer to the nonprofit’s client base in eastern Omaha.
She said the old theater south of 13th and William Streets offers room to grow the staff that now numbers nine. It also has space for community training and events.
Our best staff images of October 2020
Turtle Voting Power

Rida Rahman, 4, waits in line with her parents, Hafiz Rahman, left, and Shamsun Ruby, right, at the Douglas County Election Commission on Saturday, October 31, 2020. Rida was dressed as Raphael, from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, while her parents were in line for early voting.
Early Vote

Douglas County residents wait in line to vote early outside the Douglas County Election Commissioner’s Office in Omaha on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020.
Flex

Omaha Westside's Koby Bretz tries to catch a pass in front of Grand Island's Alex Hinken in the end zone. It was ruled not a catch.
Pass

Gretna wide receiver Connor Edwards battles Kearney defensive back Kaden Miller for control of a pass.
Guard

Security personnel oversee a rally supporting President Donald Trump at Eppley Airfield in Omaha on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. President Trump spoke as part of a Make America Great Again! campaign rally later in the evening.
President Trump Visits

Supporters cheer as President Donald Trump speaks at Eppley Airfield in Omaha on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. President Trump spoke as part of a Make America Great Again! campaign rally.
Snow

Yemin Zeng, right, pushes Yechun Zeng, both 5, on a sled down a hill at Memorial Park early Monday afternoon. Overnight, snow fell in the Omaha area but had mostly melted by the afternoon.
Jump

Millard North’s Jimmy Quaintance, left, Charlie Quaintance, center, and Barrett Luce celebrate a first-quarter touchdown against Norfolk. Jimmy threw the scoring pass to his brother, Charlie.
Ready

Kearney Catholic's Gavin Drumheller (53), Kale Murphy (52) and Seth Moore (66) line up as their team is introduced before the start of the Cozad vs. Kearney Catholic football game at Kearney Catholic High School on Friday, October 23, 2020.
Cold

Kearney Catholic cheerleaders huddle for warmth in the fourth quarter of the Cozad vs. Kearney Catholic football game at Kearney Catholic High School on Friday, October 23, 2020. Kearney Catholic won the game 31-0.
Opposite Worlds

The Elkhorn student section storms the field as Omaha Skutt Catholic players walk off the field.
Eye on Ball

Elkhorn South's Katie Galligan (6) competes in the Elkhorn South vs. Papillion-La Vista South Metro Conference championship match at Papillion-La Vista South High School on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Elkhorn South won in five sets. Elkhorn South won in five sets.
Spooky Vote

A spooky reminder to vote in a home's yard near 72nd and Cass Street in Omaha on Thursday, October 22, 2020.
Colorful Run

Leaves start to change color on trees as a jogger runs down the south side of the Dodge Street Pedestrian bridge, as viewed from Memorial Park on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
High school first day

Students return to school for their first day of in person classes for the 2020-2021 school year at South High School in Omaha on Monday, October 19, 2020.
Cheer

Elkhorn South fans cheer from the stands during a timeout against Bellevue West.
Softball Champs 1

Papio pitcher Jordyn Bahl hugs head coach Todd Petersen after winning the Class A Championship over North Platte.
Softball Champs 2

Omaha Skutt Catholic second baseman Alexa Rose reacts after scoring against North Platte.
Drum

The Southern Boyz drum group strikes a drum during a memorial ceremony for Zachary Bear Heels at Schroeder Vogel Park in Omaha on Saturday, October 17, 2020.
Stiff Arm

Omaha Westside quarterback Cole Payton runs 60-yards as he stiff-arms Kansas City St. Thomas Aquinas’ Jacob Bittner in the first quarter for Westside’s third touchdown of the first quarter against at Omaha Westside on Friday, October 16, 2020.
Pumpkin Paint

Reagan Garvey, left, and Sarah Babe, both 19 and of Omaha, paint pumpkins at Elmwood Park in Omaha on Monday, October 12, 2020.
Renovate

Renovation work continues on the site of the historic former Logan Hotel, located at 1802 Dodge St.on Monday, October 12, 2020.
Nature Color

A tree changes colors at Elmwood Park in Omaha on Monday, October 12, 2020.
Build

Siblings Juan Jesus Alvarez, 10, and Shantaly Alvarez, 9, of Omaha build a structure modeled after a Native American tent with branches at Elmwood Park on Monday.
Enter

Millard West takes the field before the start of the Millard West vs. Bellevue West football game at Bellevue West High School on Friday, October 9, 2020. Bellevue West won the game 42-7.
Harvest

Zach Benes harvests soybeans on farm east North of Lincoln, just east of North 40th Street, north of Interstate 80 on Wednesday, September 30, 2020.
Jump

Elkhorn South's line backer Makhi Nelson-Douglas (2) and defensive lineman Maverick Noonan celebrate after sacking Gretna quarterback Zane Flores (not pictured).
Roses

People smell the flowers in the Memorial Park Rose Garden in Omaha on Tuesday, September 29, 2020.
Friday Night Lights

Omaha Skutt's Sam Scott scores a third-quarter touchdown against Gretna.
Vice President

Vice President Mike Pence arrives at Eppley Airfield in Omaha on Thursday, October 01, 2020. The vice president spoke at PVS Structures, a metal fabricator, in Carter Lake, Iowa as part of a Make America Great Again! campaign event.
Touchdown

Gretna quarterback Zane Flores lucks up after rushing for a third quarter touchdown against Omaha Skutt.
Pet Parade

Dawn Forney, left, and Jolynn Keplinger, both of Omaha, wear Tigger and Winnie the Pooh costumes as their dogs Bitsy, a 6-year-old Maltese poodle mix and Scarlet, a 3-year-old Great Dane, wear Piglet and Eeyore costumes for the pet parade during Farnam Fest along Farnam Street in Omaha on Saturday, October 3, 2020.
First Day Back

Students arrive for the first day of in-person class for OPS elementary schools at Springville Elementary School in Omaha on Monday, October 5, 2020. Families that have opted for in-person teaching will follow a 3-2 model, with students in the classroom every other day.
cindy.gonzalez@owh.com, 402-444-1224