KEARNEY, Neb. — Right now, the ground at Talmadge St. and 11th Ave. in Kearney is just a snowy field, but city leaders view it as the new front door to the community.

Voters approved a proposal to build a $34 million youth sports complex in the area. Now, three local economic development groups are raising money to build a new office building and visitors center on the intersection’s southwest corner. 

“It’s just a great project for the future of Kearney and how Kearney has grown," Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Derek Rusher said. "Our community really deserves a space that can really advance that vision of economic development.”

The Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, the Development Council of Buffalo County and the Kearney Visitors Bureau joined together for the Forward Kearney project.

The organizations currently share space in a 6,000 square-foot building. Chamber President and CEO Derek Rusher says they’ve outgrown the 30-year-old space.

“We’re overrun by event material, education material and staff," Rusher said. "As Kearney as grown, the Chamber of Commerce has grown.”

The Chamber board identified a new building as a need in 2019. There’s no space to expand at the current property and no existing building met their wish list. The three groups selected the development site last year and finalized plans this year.

“When we have developed the floor plans for the new building, it’s definitely a collaborative space, more open. We’re going to be able to be a more efficient team,” Rusher said.

The new building will offer double the square footage and includes the city’s first, true visitors center. It comes with a $4.5 million price tag. The three groups have already secured $2.25 million, including a combined $1 million from the city and county, $500,000 contingent on the sale of the current building, and $750,000 from each organization.

A capital campaign starts soon.

“Things are thriving in Kearney, they continue to do really well," Rusher said. "I think that’s a testament to the past leadership in Kearney, but it’s also a testament to our three organizations, what we do with the city, with the county, and working together just to make Kearney a great place to work, play and live.”

The groups plan to start construction on the new building in October. If things go well, it could be ready to open in late 2024.