Old Market Placemaking Initiative

Projects

Some of this we do now; the rest we'd like to see.

Maintenance

Keeping everything in tip-top shape and making sure our public spaces are safe and functional.

A push sweeper at work on an Old Market sidewalk.

  • Sweeping

    We do this

    Manual and motorized sidewalk sweeping

  • Sidewalk, Alley & Building Cleaning

    We do this

    Cleaning and washing sidewalks, alleys, and buildings

  • Graffiti Removal

    We do this

    Removing graffiti from walls and buildings

    • Before: green and black graffiti spray-painted on a brick wall on an Old Market rooftop.
    • After: the same brick wall with the graffiti removed; faint traces remain.

  • Cigarette Disposal

    We do this

    Picking up cigarette butts as we sweep, and ideas for bins that fit in, like gameday "who'll win?" voting bins at bars

  • Rust Treatment

    Nearly there

    Rust removal, priming, and painting of metal surfaces

Streets for people

Making our streets calmer, quieter, and friendlier to people on foot – think trees, planters, and seating!

A planter of pansies being carried across the Old Market's brick street.

  • Flowers

    We do this

    Filling empty pots with flowers, wherever they're missing

  • Planters

    Looking into it

    Modular and permanent planters for flowers and trees

  • Seating

    Looking into it

    Public benches, seating areas

  • Bollards!

    Rooting for it

    Protective and decorative bollards

  • Traffic Monitoring

    Traffic cameras and audio decibel meters, to measure noise and traffic toward quieter, more walkable streets

Places to be

Turning sidewalks, alleys, and doorways into places to relax, connect, and have fun!

  • Shade & Comfort

    Rooting for it

    Shady areas, micro-parks, hangout spaces, fans, misters

  • Pop-Up Spaces

    Rooting for it

    Temporary seating/gathering areas (e.g., in parking spaces)

  • Decorative Lighting

    Small-scale decorative lighting projects, including alley lighting

  • Sidewalk Art

    Public art installations on sidewalks

  • Public Wi-Fi

    Free internet access

  • Solar Power

    Solar power and battery systems for lighting and other applications

History & wayfinding

Uncovering hidden histories, sharing fascinating facts, and guiding our way with helpful signs.

  • Informational Signage

    Looking into it

    Tree and plant identification signs

  • Historical Markers

    Historical plaques and signage for buildings and places

  • Historical Street Signs

    Restoration or installation of historical street signs

  • Alley Naming

    Formal naming of alleys

  • Wayfinding

    Directional signage for pedestrians

  • Digital Kiosks

    Public digital information kiosks

Help take care of the Old Market.

Your tax-deductible donation goes towards making Omaha's Old Market Historic District a better place for the people who love visiting, shopping, living, and just hanging out there.

Secure checkout through PayPal. No account needed.

Have services, materials, tools or supplies to give? Email donate@oldmarketplacemaking.org.