MW Climbing
The Situation
Following the closure of Westwood Cinemas 8, ownership was faced with a 24,220-square-foot vacancy at Westwood Plaza. The former theater had served the Omaha community for more than 20 years, but its specialized layout, sloped floors, and aging infrastructure created significant challenges for future occupancy. Ownership wanted more than simply filling a vacancy. The goal was to identify a use that would continue the property’s role as a community destination while creating long-term value for the asset.
At the same time, MW Climbing was exploring opportunities to expand its successful climbing gym concept into the Omaha market. The vision was to transform the former cinema into a premier climbing and fitness facility offering recreational opportunities for climbers of all ages and skill levels.
The Strategy
OMNE Brokerage worked alongside ownership to evaluate redevelopment opportunities and identify the highest and best use for the former theater space. After reviewing multiple concepts and potential users, MW Climbing emerged as the ideal fit. The concept aligned with ownership’s vision of maintaining a community-focused destination while introducing a unique recreational amenity to the West Omaha market.
To bring the project to life, OMNE Brokerage, OMNE Property Management, and USG Construction worked together throughout the planning and redevelopment process. USG Construction assisted with conceptual budgeting, design coordination, feasibility analysis, permitting requirements, and construction planning, helping ownership and the tenant move confidently from vision to execution. The team also coordinated the approvals necessary to complete the adaptive reuse of the former theater and transform the space into a modern recreational destination.
The Result
The former Westwood Cinemas 8 was successfully transformed into a state-of-the-art climbing and fitness facility featuring climbing areas for all skill levels, training and workout spaces, a yoga studio, café, retail area, offices, locker rooms, and community gathering spaces. The project also included exterior improvements that enhanced the building’s visibility and presence within Westwood Plaza.
Completed on time and within budget, the redevelopment converted a challenging large-format vacancy into one of the region’s largest indoor climbing facilities while providing a long-term occupancy solution for ownership. Through the combined efforts of OMNE Brokerage, OMNE Property Management, and USG Construction, the project transformed a former movie theater into a thriving community destination that continues to attract visitors from across the Omaha metro.
A Successful Partnership from Start to Finish
“OMNE helped our small business grow in the Omaha community through a quality management and construction team, allowing us to build the climbing gym of our dreams.”
