The proposed Central at South Haymarket. (Courtesy of the Annex Group/City of Lincoln)LINCOLN–(News Release Jan. 23)–Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, housing officials, and representatives of The Annex Group today said plans to develop a 175-unit affordable housing complex in downtown Lincoln support the vibrancy of downtown, strengthen local businesses and make smart use of existing public infrastructure. Located at 933 “N” St., “Central at South Haymarket” will occupy the north half of the block bounded by Ninth, 10th, “M” and “N” streets. “The new Central at South Haymarket project that the City is helping to finance will create 175 new units of affordable housing downtown,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird. “By supporting this development, we’re investing in the people of Lincoln – helping them live closer to jobs, schools, and services while offering housing prices that are within reach.” The new complex, through a partnership with The Annex Group of Indiana, moves the City closer to its goal to develop 5,000 new or rehabilitated affordable housing units by 2030, Mayor Gaylor Baird said. Central at South Haymarket is the third affordable housing complex developed by The Annex Group in Lincoln. The five-story complex will offer one, two, three and four bedroom units for households whose income level is at 50%, 60% and 70% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Groundbreaking is scheduled for March with an expected opening in late 2026. Amenities include a community room, fitness center, business center, playground, community gardens, outdoor pet area, grilling area and reserved parking at Center Park Garage. The project will cost nearly $55 million. The City will contribute $5.6 million in tax-increment financing. Rental rates will range from approximately $1,079 for a one-bedroom unit to $1,672 for a four-bedroom unit. Rental rates are tied to the Area Median Income levels for Lancaster County. This level of rental rate is fixed for 30 years and there are no limits on how long residents may live in the complex, as long as they meet their initial AMI level to qualify. Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird at the news conference were: Brodey Weber, City Council member Tom Tomaszewski, Annex Group President Peter Hind, Urban Development Director Evan Gunn, Bahr, Vermeer and Haecker Architecture Project Manager Shannon Harner, Nebraska Investment Finance Authority Executive Director Director Hind said Central at South Haymarket is a thoughtful and resilient solution to developing a downtown site that has remained undeveloped for years. He added that the City’s support of the project with TIF financing is great example of how the City incentivizes new development that expands the tax base and reinvests those new tax dollars into community improvements. “Infill development such as this creates vitality, activity, and energy in our urban core. This investment improves the quality of life for Lincoln residents and creates vital work-force housing as we grow our community and economy,” Hind said. Tomaszewski said the success of projects like Central at South Haymarket depend on community partnerships and praised City and housing officials for their collaborative efforts to increase affordable housing. “We are so proud to be a part of Lincoln,” Tomaszewski said. Gunn said the housing complex upholds his firm’s commitment to foster belonging, strengthen neighborhoods, and enrich the dynamic character of downtown. “This project represents a meaningful opportunity to reimagine an underutilized block of the city, bringing renewed energy and purpose to the area,” Gunn said. “We look forward to witnessing its impact – not just on the physical landscape but on the lives of the people who will soon call this place home.” Harner thanked all project partners for their work on what she called a “transformative development” in Lincoln. “Together, we are building a brighter future for the people of this community and our state,” Harner said. Council member Weber said affordable housing is fundamental to attracting and retaining Lincoln’s workforce, supporting business expansion and growing the local economy. “Access to affordable and attainable housing isn’t just about providing a place to live—it’s about creating a foundation for success,” Weber said. “A stable home opens doors to employment, education, and a better quality of life, and this project ensures that more Lincolnites have that opportunity.”