Universally Human May 12

Lucky's Washateria Wednesday TOMORROW!

If you are looking for nostalgic items with a kitschy, modern twist, look no further than our new neighbors at Lucky’s. We are proud to have such a hip and energetic duo in the neighborhood!

Come to Lucky’s this Wednesday, April 18, for Washateria Wednesday. Just what is Washateria Wednesday? Could it have something to do with the first Laundromat opening on this day in history? You must come to 2215 S. 13^th Street (next to Sokol Auditorium’s parking lot) from noon – 9 p.m.

I'm positive you will find something great you didn't even know you were looking for!

Women Who Weld at Bancroft Street Market

Don't miss out on the Women Who Weld at the Bancroft Street Market's opening reception tomorrow, April 13, from 7- 10 p.m.!

Deer Park Recognized During Community Development Week

The Deer Park Neighborhood Association was recognized by Governor Dave Heineman during a special awards ceremony at the state capital on Monday, April 9.

Governor Heineman proclaimed April 8-14 as Community Development Week. Community Development Week was started in 1986 to remind Congress of the value of the Community Development Block Grant.

During the past five years, $62.7 million in CDBG funding has been invested in 374 projects throughout Nebraska, leveraging an additional $151 million in state, local and private investments. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development administers CDBG funding for all communities outside the cities of Lincoln and Omaha.

The Deer Park Neighborhood Association was one of three recipients of the award celebrating outstanding efforts by communities in the areas of economic development and community revitalization.

DPNA was recognized for the five year rehabilitation of Deer Hollow Park. The Association raised $125,000-$40,400 through their own fundraising efforts and $84,600 through 13 local and national grants, all matched by a $125,000 City of Omaha commitment to upgrade the park DPNA’s most successful fundraiser was parking cars during a six-year run of the College World Series that netted $159,100 and went toward a number of neighborhood initiatives…one being beautifying the Vinton Street Business District.

Because the association committed $75,000 of its own money in new planters, benches, trash receptacles, trees and plants, the City of Omaha included Vinton Street in the City’s Capital Improvement Program. This resulted in more than $175,000 by the end of 2010.

Steve Vokal, Oscar Duran, Katie Duran and Councilman Garry Gernandt accepted the award on behalf of the Deer Park Neighborhood Association.

Thank you everyone who has helped Deer Park celebrate its rich past and exciting future.

Please join DPNA at the Tip Top Building (1502 Cumming) on Wednesday, April 11 at 5:30 for drinks and appetizers followed by an award ceremony. We hope to see you there!

April 2012 Issue of the Deer Park News

Hey Neighbors,

Though we mailed this month's Deer Park newsletter you can also view, download, and print it from online  here.

Enjoy and see you at our next neighborhood gathering ...

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Tip Top Building

1502 Cuming

Food and Drink Provided!

DPNA Member, Arch Icon, In The World Herald

Hey Everyone,
If by chance you missed the article, fellow Deer Park Neighborhood Association member Arch Icon Development had a wonderful article written about them and their 24th and Vinton project in The Omaha World Herald.

Article Highlights Below, 

Renovation of the Ak-Sar-Ben Beef building — built as the H. Thiessen Pickle Co. in 1933 — is estimated to cost $3.8 million. The project by Arch Icon Development of Woodbine, Iowa, if approved, would create homes for 20 low-income families and revamp a neighborhood eyesore.

"We're excited to take part in the historic preservation projects in Omaha," said Mindy Crook, an Arch Icon co-owner.

As envisioned by the company, the Ak-Sar-Ben building, bought for about $300,000, would be converted to two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments for families who meet federal income guidelines.

A freezer addition would be transformed into a two-story loft-style floor plan. The basement would house a community room, computer learning center and office.

A north dock would become a patio deck for the tenants.

The building in December won a listing on the National Register of Historic Places, Smith said, for its significance in industrial history and association with the H. Thiessen Pickle Co. and the truck farming industry.

"They'd bring pickles here from other states and package them or process them into relish," said Smith. "It was a big deal in the day."

Please, read the full article by clicking here.

Thanks to Cindy Gonzales of the Word Herald for writing about one of the great things going on  in our neighborhood,and thank you to Arch Icon, Deer Park is proud to have you as a neighbor and so grateful you are working with us to make this neighborhood even better.