The University of Nebraska Omaha’s Pacific Street campus is growing again.
UNO announced Thursday it plans to buy First Data’s building at 69th and Pacific streets, while the company says it plans to move operations at that office to other space in the Omaha area.
“This transaction will allow us to consolidate this office with our other Omaha locations, and will further our efforts to modernize our facilities, improve communication and collaboration, while deepening our commitment to the region,” said First Data Senior V.P and Omaha Business Operations Head George Wehbe.
First Data has a long history of supporting UNO through its internship program and initiatives to hire UNO graduates.
It also donated the land where the Peter Kiewit Institute, Mammel Hall and Scott Village now stand.
UNO says the First Data building, which will be bought using private funds from the University of Nebraska Foundation, will be used for programs like applied information technology, national security, IT innovation and more. The UN Foundation will later transfer the building to UNO.
“The state budget package approved by the Legislature and signed Wednesday by Gov. Pete Ricketts includes funding for university maintenance projects, including renovation of the Pine Street building, “ the university said in a prepared statement.
“This is a win for UNO, First Data and the state. The building is a tremendous resource for our campus that will set the stage for the next phase of growth at UNO,” said Chancellor John Christensen.
University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds called the purchase an “example of the tremendous momentum and energy I experience every time I’m at UNO.”
