by Bacon touts Economic Opportunity Zone impact; Cavanaugh announces ARPA Funds for the Project
Ralston, NE—The Venues at the Granary and the Granary Green, part of the $30 million project in the heart of Ralston’s’ Granary District, was officially unveiled today.
“The Granary District was founded on a vision of entrepreneurism that creates jobs and growth in Ralston and the Omaha metro while respecting the small-town values of the Ralston community,” I See It Ventures Founder and CEO Gordon Whitten said at today’s press conference and ribbon cutting.
“Ralston is a place that celebrates the occasions that bring people together. The District’s Venues event space was designed for wedding receptions, graduations, and business gatherings. The Granary Green will host outdoor concerts and community events, and function as public park when it’s not hosting events, making it the perfect civic gathering spot that everyone can enjoy.
“Together, the Venues and the Granary Green comprise a unique, versatile three-season outdoor venue and indoor event space that is already being touted as the Metro’s premier wedding and event space.
“We have always envisioned the Granary District as a place where long-time and new Ralston residents and emerging entrepreneurs and business owners come together. Today, our vision is coming to fruition,” Whitten said.
“It’s a unique project for everyone to enjoy, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of Congressman Bacon, Commissioner Cavanaugh, and Mayor Groesser,” Whitten concluded.
“This is exactly the type of project I envisioned when I supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017,” said Congressman Don Bacon. “In that legislation, we passed Economic Opportunity Zones, which has given communities across our state and country the tools necessary to revitalize neighborhoods and create jobs. I am glad to highlight the success of that legislation to my friends at the US Chamber of Commerce with us today.”
“The Granary District project is a huge economic stimulus for the City of Ralston and the surrounding area to speed the recovery of our community coming out of the COVID pandemic,” said Douglas County Commissioner Jim Cavanaugh.
“Creating jobs, building entrepreneurism, helping local businesses recover and restoring Main Street Ralston with new infrastructure, refurbished buildings and much needed housing is a great use of our County’s American Rescue Plan Act(ARPA) resources.
“That’s why I will ask the County Board to dedicate $500,000 in ARPA funds to the Ralston project as part of a larger plan to help the Metro’s local folks and businesses impacted by COVID.”
Tim Rexius, Board Chair of the Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the project’s impact on the City of Ralston and the surrounding area. “In today’s America, it’s great to see people coming uniting behind economic growth. It is great to see people from all political leanings working together to create jobs and opportunities for people.”
Several events were announced as part of the press conference. A May 12th Open House will introduce the Venues and the Granary Green spaces to the Metro’s event planners and the entire community.
The Granary Green will host a Summer Kickoff concert on May 27th with Judd Hoos, a Sturgis based rock band. Country music legends Little Texas will perform on June 25th, and several other upcoming events.
