Olde Towne Bellevue developer nearing deal with venture partner for project

BELLEVUE, Neb. (WOWT) - It’s been nearly two years since the groundbreaking of what’s supposed to be Olde Towne Bellevue’s new Frontier District.

Officials and developers hoped to turn the vacant lot into a multi-million dollar mixed-use building with apartments and retail space. The developer even claimed the entire project would be complete by the Spring of this year.

Many people had high hopes for the former city hall lot in Olde Towne Bellevue, including Mayor Rusty Hike who was part of the groundbreaking in August of 2022.

“The city can tee it up for them, but they have to hit the ball,” said Hike.

Since the groundbreaking, Hike and the city have been in constant conversation with the developer. But nothing new has come up since then besides a fence and some weeds.

“I can’t go in and tell you what to do with your house,” said Hike. “I can’t go in and tell him what to do with his place other than we can make sure he’s mowing the lot, keeping it orderly.”

The mayor told 6 News they are working with the developer to make sure there’s sufficient parking in the area as the project unfolds.

Street work is already budgeted for that area, but Hike said it isn’t ideal to do work and then possibly it get damaged from construction of the proposed project.

6 News spoke with the developer, Jeff Gehring, on the phone. He said high interest rates are a challenge and they’re “getting a lot closer” to securing a new venture partner to help finance the project.

The owner of Erwin’s Jewelers across the street from the proposed site is excitedly waiting.

“I’m still patient,” said Rebecca Zurcher. “I mean the nice thing is the success of our business does not depend on what’s going on across the street...I know if and when the development happens across the street, it’s going to be fruitful and everyone’s going to be happy and it’s going to enrich this area so much. That’s probably why it’s so frustrating, because there is so much opportunity.”

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