OMAHA — The Malcolm X Cultural Center redevelopment project in North Omaha has taken a key step forward with the selection of a San Francisco-based architecture and design firm to lead planning and transformation of the 17-acre site that marks the birthplace of the slain human rights leader.

Gensler, a global company with about 6,000 professionals, developed its proposal in partnership with Omaha’s Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture and Practice of Democracy, based in Trenton, New Jersey, according to the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation, which announced the selection this week.

Buoyed by a $20 million state grant awarded in 2024, the redevelopment site is envisioned to be a national cultural and civic tourist destination.

JoAnna LeFlore-Ejike, executive director of the foundation, said the choice of the design team represents commitment to cultural preservation and an equity-focused process that honors the legacy of Earl and Louise Little and their son Malcolm X, a national human rights leader who in 2024 became the first African American inducted into Nebraska’s Hall of Fame.

“We are excited to move forward with a team that understands the importance of healing spaces, intergenerational exchange and long-term sustainability for our community,” LeFlore-Ejike said.

Influential Leader Of 20th Century

Andre Brumfield, principal and global cities sector leader at Gensler, said the firm, founded in 1965, was honored to work on a project that recognizes “one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century.”

“As we begin the design process, we are committed to building on the Foundation’s long-range vision and ensuring that Malcolm X’s life, legacy and this community’s voice guide our work,” Brumfield said.

Gensler’s approach to elevating underrepresented histories and voices focuses on “regenerative ecology, socio-spatial justice and co-authorship with community stakeholders,” according to a statement.

Previous museum and cultural projects designed by the firm include the Ford Foundation for Social Justice in New York, the Newark Community Museum in New Jersey, the Black Ensemble Theater in Chicago and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles.

The design team’s work in North Omaha will include a master site plan that integrates public spaces, gardens and new facilities, including an anchor museum and exhibition space component. Foundation representatives said the overall Cultural Center campus is to proceed in phases and will involve community engagement.

Listening Sessions

The foundation earlier this month held community listening sessions where local residents provided input. The design team will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the site’s existing conditions.

Originally, the foundation had requested state funding through the competitive process set up to dole out economic development grants to North and South Omaha from the state’s federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars. The Malcolm X memorial site was not recommended for funding by a consultant, however.

Amended legislation led by State Sen. Terrell McKinney and then-State Sen. Justin Wayne, both of North Omaha, carved out funds for the campus renovation project that marks Malcolm X’s early childhood home near 35th and Evans Streets. The public dollars are to help activate key parts of a grand plan that’s been in draft form for more than a decade.

Foundation officials said the final master plan led by the Gensler group will inform future fundraising efforts and programming. Houston-based MX Development Group, which has team members in Omaha, is serving as the foundation’s representative and general contractor, managing the overall project execution.

“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to design for cultural equity, civic healing and global impact,” said MX founder and Omaha native Jonathan Spellman.

This story was published by Nebraska Examiner, an editorially independent newsroom providing a hard-hitting, daily flow of news. Read the original article: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/malcolm-x-birthsite-transformation-m...