OMAHA — Omaha’s Creighton University campus is soon to start building “one of the most sweeping projects” in its nearly 150-year history: a 251,500-square-foot gathering space with a stage, amphitheater and price tag of up to $25 million.

The private university in the city’s urban core announced Friday that it plans to use philanthropic donations for the so-called “quadrangle” — which will become its epicenter of activity, hosting events such as graduation and alumni reunions, in addition to broader community activities.

Construction is to start in July near 22nd and Burt Streets, with a projected opening in fall of 2026.

Calling the project among the largest physical reshapes of the campus, Creighton officials say it will include 5.7 acres of natural grass, an amphitheater, pavilion, stage, fountain plaza and an ellipse with an art installation.

 “The quadrangle will be Creighton’s own Central Park, a reimagining of campus green space that will live at the intersection of academic and residential life,” said Creighton president, the Rev. Daniel Hendrickson.

Designed by OJB Landscape Architecture and constructed by Kiewit Corp., the new feature is to be created on the site of what now are Creighton’s baseball practice and softball fields. Those are to be removed after the College World Series in June.

New softball competition fields and a baseball practice area are under construction now in a community athletic complex near 17th and Cuming Streets, according to a media statement.

The quadrangle green space will be surrounded by four residence halls, one set for completion this fall, as well as the School of Dentistry building, the Ahmanson Law Center and the Harper Center, which is home to the Heider College of Business.

“This transformation will forever change how our students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests experience campus,” Hendrickson said. “The quadrangle not only gives Creighton a prominent gathering space; it creates a crown jewel at the heart of the city’s urban core, where the University has invested more than $500 million since 2015.”

 The project comes as student surveys in recent years have pointed to additional natural green space as a way the campus could be improved.

 “We are always aiming to meet the needs of the thousands of students who attend Creighton, and who live and learn on this campus,” said Diane Duren, chair of the Creighton University Board of Trustees. “Campus-redefining projects such as the quadrangle will ensure that future Bluejays know when they choose Creighton, they are choosing an educational experience like no other, on one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.”

The project is part of recent construction momentum that includes the freshman residence Graves Hall, the CL and Rachel Werner Center for Health Sciences Education, the Jérôme Nadal, SJ, Jesuit Residence.

Other major improvements include renovations to the St. John’s Fountain and Plaza, the Skutt Student Center and, currently, Creighton Hall.

Creighton said the activity coincides with “record enrollment,” noting that over the past 25 years, the university has enrolled 22 of the 23 largest freshman classes in its history. This year’s enrollment reached 8,580 students, about half of them undergraduates.

 “These students are coming to Creighton from all over the nation,” Hendrickson said. “Approximately 80% of our students come from out of state, and 50% of all graduates stay in Nebraska.”

This story was published by Nebraska Examiner, an editorially independent newsroom providing a hard-hitting, daily flow of news. Read the original article: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/05/09/creighton-university-embarks-on-...