FiftyOne Commons
Helping Families Thrive through the development of affordable housing, a STEAM Activity Center, community garden, and neighborhood support services in Northeast Lincoln.
About FiftyOne Commons
Family Service Lincoln is excited to introduce FiftyOne Commons – a mixed-use development in Northeast Lincoln that includes 8 affordable rowhouse rentals, a STEAM Activity Center, and a Community Crops garden!
FiftyOne Commons adds to existing Family Service Lincoln programming by providing affordable housing, recreation, and expanded learning opportunities in the STEAM areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
We are excited to partner with Lincoln area nonprofits, area schools, and the neighborhood to benefit Northeast Lincoln for generations.
Learn more about our project elements!
Affordable Housing
Lincoln is experiencing a critical housing shortage. FiftyOne Commons steps into this need by providing 8 units of high-quality, affordable row housing on the west-facing side of our development. According to the City Housing Plan, Lincoln will need nearly 5,000 rental units affordable to the lowest income households by 2030.
Rowhouses will be two and three-bedroom units, 60% of which will be dedicated to families with immigrant and refugee status. Currently 20% of our immigrant and refugee community report their housing conditions as unsafe. FiftyOne Commons is an answer to relieving these conditions for a vulnerable community.
Rental rates will ensure that residents never spend more than 30% of their income on housing.
Family Service Lincoln will own, maintain, and manage these units while providing case management and support services.
Community Garden
In 2023, Community Crops became a program of Family Service Lincoln, providing the resources and stability needed to ensure its mission and programs thrive for years to come. FiftyOne Commons’ 3000 sq. ft. garden, located to the west of the STEAM Activity Center, will provide occupants, neighborhood residents, and youth the space and resources to grow and harvest their own culturally specific food.
STEAM Activity Center
Family Service Lincoln provides out-of-school programming at 21 Lincoln Public School locations, offering care and learning opportunities to more than 3,000 elementary and middle school students each year. The STEAM Activity Center includes:
- A youth maker space
- A multimedia studio
- Computer learning lab
- Recreation area, gymnasium, and classroom
The STEAM Activity Center will allow us to offer weekend programs, supervised care on nonschool days, and STEAM-focused summer camps – expanding our capacity and impact.
Completed Milestones
Special Permit Acquired
Family Service Lincoln’s application unanimously passed the Planning Commission in June of 2023 and shortly after was approved by the Lincoln City Council.
Property Purchased
5144 Holdrege Street was purchased outright in July of 2023.
Property Demolition & Clearing
Existing structures and trees that could not be incorporated were removed from the property in October of 2023. The lot is now ready for site preparation.
Design & Planning
DeOld Andersen Architecture provided schematic designs, cost estimates were prepared by Cheever Construction, and civil engineering and site preparation were provided by Clark & Enersen.
Anticipated Timeline
Construction Starts
Fall 2024
Fundraising Campaign Completion
Summer 2025
Construction Completion
Winter 2025
Tenant Move-In & Program Launch
Early 2026
Donate to FiftyOne Commons
Help propel Lincoln forward by donating to FiftyOne Commons.