Downtown Lincoln: Everybody’s Neighborhood

by Molly Nance 

Downtown Lincoln is the envy of many cities across the nation. The Star City consistently ranks in the Top 100 Most Livable Cities in the U.S. And, it’s easy to see why: the heart of Lincoln is home to charming retail shops, a delicious variety of restaurants, movies and music venues, bars and coffee shops, art galleries, museums and lots of events and spaces for business networking and social gatherings.

According to Todd Ogden, president and CEO of the Downtown Lincoln Association, the downtown core of Lincoln has grown, both in new businesses and population, over the past decade.

“Downtown is transforming into an urban neighborhood,” said Ogden. “The residential population has grown from 3,000 to 13,000 since the early 2000s and we’ve seen more businesses catering to the needs of residents. Especially since COVID, many cities across the U.S. have struggled to keep their downtowns viable. Lincoln has thrived. We’re
not too big or too small, so it’s easy for people to build community.”

Residents and visitors alike enjoy Downtown Lincoln’s “vibe.” It’s easy to walk from place to place. You can grab an iced coffee on your way to a meeting, or pick-up a burger to enjoy at an outdoor concert or buy a rare used book and trendsetting shoes before you catch the latest blockbuster movie. There’s easy parking, too, with metered spots along most streets or in any of the parking garages throughout the downtown blocks.

Downtown Lincoln is family friendly. Children can play and learn for hours at the Lincoln Children’s Museum, or discover Nebraska’s fascinating pioneer past at the Nebraska History Museum, or wander over to Morrill Hall on the University of Nebraska campus to see towering woolly mammoths and other amazing prehistoric creatures that once roamed our state.

Looking to take care of business? Downtown Lincoln is built for commerce with co-working offices, meeting rooms and event spaces, along with resources for printing, mailing and presentations. Union Bank Place on the corner of 13th and O streets includes a coffee shop, banking services, a free conference room and a pop-up shop for new entrepreneurs. They also offer market events during the year where vendors can showcase their wares in the Lincoln landmark building designed in 1976 by renowned architect I.M. Pei. 

“Our space is so much more than a bank,” said Stephanie Dinger, vice president of small business banking. “It’s all about people and helping new business owners. We can get them connected with legal resources, accounting and marketing. We’re problem solvers.” 

Downtown draws remote workers, as well. “Many people are moving here from other states because they can work from home and downtown Lincoln offers an outstanding quality of life at a lower cost than major metro cities,” said Ogden. “Everything you need for business is right here, plus all the entertainment and shopping options.”

There are several projects on the horizon in Downtown Lincoln, including a Music Corridor along 14th Street. “We’re developing a ‘Music Box’ space in the Eagle Garage (14th and N streets) where musicians can learn from each other, jam and practice,” Ogden explained. “We are working on plans for more music events, especially along the music corridor.”

Live music is a big part of downtown Lincoln’s bar scene. Lincoln’s Zoo Bar is renowned as one of the oldest, and best, blues bars in the country. But, there are a variety of places to enjoy a craft beer, handmade cocktail, wine or non-alcoholic drink in Lincoln’s entertainment hub. On Husker football game days, downtown Lincoln is buzzing with red and white-clad fans yelling “Go… Big… Red” as they celebrate before and after the games. If a quiet drink is more your style, you’ll find a dark corner and delicious sips at Jake’s or Barrymore’s. See the article on Lincoln’s bars for more on where to grab a cold one in the Capital City! 

Green space is also growing downtown. Capital fundraising is underway for a new South Haymarket Park, which will cover 8.5 acres with outdoor opportunities: open lawns, a skate park, covered sitting with tables, a splash park, a dog run and inclusive playground with unique zones offering different experiences for all ages and abilities.

Come join the downtown neighborhood, where everyone is welcome!