The relocation of Assurity Life Insurance contributed to an increase in office vacancy in central business district, said Diana Schilf, business development manager with NAIFMA Realty.

Lincoln is experiencing a resurgence of activity downtown, said George Schuler, assistant vice president of Boyd Jones Construction.

Companies that have had offices outside the downtown area are increasingly willing to move to downtown, said Kathy Foster, vice president at Colliers International.

Lincoln has moved ahead in the last few years in terms of it being a center for business thanks to Vision 2015, a group of business leaders working for the advancement of the city, Thompson said. “It’s a testament to the Vision 2015 people who got people moving forward,” he said. “Once the process started the ball was rolling.”

Assurity Life Insurance moved into its new headquarters at 2000 Q St. last December, Schilf said. The company’s former building at 16^th and K streets was sold to the state of Nebraska at the end of 2011.

Boyd Jones Construction, which has an office downtown, benefits from the diversity and proximity of businesses that operate in the area, Schuler said. “While other cities are struggling with the demise of their downtowns, Lincoln is experiencing a renaissance,” he said. “We’re very fortunate to be in this position and need to continue to work hard and plan well to maintain the positive momentum.

The company is working on several renovation projects downtown for government entities, private business and nonprofit owners, Schuler said. The downtown is seeing a diverse mix of construction activity, including large civic projects, new mixed use developments, hotels, retail and renovation of existing buildings to accommodate multifamily and office space demand.

Lincoln outperforms national economic trends.

“Our strong and healthy downtown and business friendly community help to create and excellent environment for commerce,” Schuler said.

Source: Lincoln Business Journal