Omaha
Council Bluffs
Lincoln
- The Holiday Inn Omaha Central Hotel and Convention Center (402.393.3950; www.ichotelsgroup.com) is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation that will also include the addition of an indoor water park, lazy river and multiple water slides.
- The Sheraton Omaha Hotel was reflagged the Magnolia Hotel (402.342.2222; www.magnoliahotelomaha.com), considered Omaha’s first boutique hotel. The property will undergo a renovation in which its tiled courtyard will be redesigned to include a large fountain, a hip bar, a fireplace, a patio, and a library, which will be available for small meetings.
- The Joslyn Art Museum (402.342.3300; www.joslyn.org) is in the midst of a $10 million renovation that includes six major new features: the Sculpture Garden, Grand Plaza, Discovery Garden, Fountain Wall, Reflecting Pool, and Parking Garden. The Sculpture Garden, the focal point of the project, will include a variety of important 19th and 20th century sculptures, as well as contemporary works, water features and granite pathways.
- The Henry Doorly Zoo (402.733.8401; www.omahazoo.com) recently completed a $6 million expansion of its Center for Conservation and Research. The project boosted the facility to 175 percent of its original size, doubling the research area and providing additional medical facilities to enhance the zoo’s ability to respond to conservation needs. The zoo is also in the process of renovating its Wild Kingdom Pavilion.
Council Bluffs
- In 2006, Bluffs Run Casino underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation and was rebranded Horseshoe Council Bluffs (712.329.6000; www.harrahs.com), a Harrah’s property featuring more than 68,000 square feet of gaming space.
- Bayliss Park (712.328.4650; www.cbparksandrec.org/bayliss.asp), the centerpiece of the historic downtown area since the mid-1800s, is on track to reopen this spring following a multimillion-dollar renovation, which will include a new state-of-the-art fountain and plaza.
Lincoln
- The 252-room Embassy Suites Hotel Lincoln (402.474.1111; www.embassysuiteslincoln.com) recently completed a $2.1 million upgrade that included enhancements to its conference center, new guest suite bedding, furniture and carpets, and new fitness center equipment.
- The Holiday Inn Lincoln–Downtown (402.475.4011; www.ichotelsgroup.com) is undergoing a renovation that includes enhancements to banquet rooms and guest rooms.