New businesses, housing opportunities and everyday people stepping up to help their community have come to Wakefield in full force, explained Megan Weaver, board chair of the Community Redevelopment Association (CRA).The community has truly seen a resurgence.
Much of this redevelopment comes from around $1 million of Affordable Housing Trust Funds from the state.
To celebrate this, the city of Wakefield recently held three ribbon cuttings with a special guest. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen attended each grand opening and gave speeches at each.
"We wanted to show the governor that good things are happening in rural Nebraska," Weaver said. "And to show the money we received from the government was used responsibly and truly made a difference in Wakefield."
When the CRA sent out a survey, asking what changes community members wanted to see in Wakefield, many jumped on the opportunity to make a difference.
Eric and Traci Riewer lived in Omaha for 15 years, but the pair always talked about raising their four young children in a smaller, more rural town. Traci, being a Wakefield alum, suggested they come back home.
When the Riewers heard of the work the CRA had begun, they knew they wanted to be part of that work.
"We always had an interest in real estate and clung to the idea of a downtown resurgence," Eric Riewer said. "The CRA shared their vision and immediately we were interested."
The Riewers went through a lengthy process to purchase, plan and remodel what they now call "The Exchange." Work began in 2021 to transform the rundown building with boarded up windows at 301 Main Street.
Weaver and the CRA helped the family apply for Affordable Housing Trust Funds to transform the upper level into four living units.
The main level was constructed for commercial use with spaces for Vinnie's Cafe, Wakefield Home and Closet, a seamstress and an office space for Eric.
Vinnie's Cafe, operated by Crystal Clarke, had a soft opening earlier this month, but will officially open on Nov. 16.
"We wanted to create a space for the community, not only for affordable housing, but also for commercial spaces to thrive," Riewer said.
Another family who aided in the process included Chad and Darcie Mackling. Chad was also a Wakefield alum and moved his family back to the community after living in Gretna for a number of years.
The city owned empty lots on East 7th Street, according to Weaver, and the Macklings brought their vision to the CRA.
The triplex townhouse features units with two bedrooms, two baths and zero entry, Weaver said.
"When we heard their proposal, we knew we wanted to move forward as this was what the community was asking for," Weaver said.
The final ribbon cutting took place at the Logan Creek Apartments. Roy Perry and Daniel Pick from R. Perry Construction out of Sioux City worked as the developers for the project.
Weaver collaborated with R. Perry for a few years before construction began, hitting a few roadblocks along the way.
"We originally had the lot zoned for industrial uses instead of residential," Weaver said. "But that was designated 15 years ago and the community has certainly changed. With all the new businesses in town, apartments fit the trajectory of Wakefield."
The first apartment opened for residents in July, with the second having a hopeful open on Nov. 1. Weaver said they plan on constructing a third unit starting next year.
Each building has 30 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments.
"Since we are a small community between Sioux City and Wayne with the college, we often get overlooked," Weaver said. "But Wakefield is definitely growing and all these projects have reflected that growth."
The CRA has other projects in the works through this resurgence including applying for a grant to install new lighting downtown.
