Riverfront Place Condominium Project
by Greg Eckstrom

The Encounter
Jan - Feb 2007

The first rays of sun fight to break over the tops of the trees and spill out over the slow-moving Missouri River. Soft hues of jade, pink and blue mix with the clouds to produce a sunrise that would rival a professional fireworks display. From inside their bedroom, Holly Hackwith and husband Phil Anania watch what they would consider one of the best perks of their new townhouse at Riverfront Place.

“We figure we’re probably the first two in Nebraska to see the sun every day,” says Anania.

New tenants have already begun moving in to the recently finished condominiums and townhouses overlooking the Missouri River on Riverfront Drive, ending the first phase of construction.

Located on six acres of land between Gallup University and the National Parks Service headquarters, Riverfront Place consists of two towers and a series of luxury townhouses. Tenants, such as Hackwith and Anania, who just moved in the second week of November, have already begun living in their new modern, stylish abodes.

Ben Proctor, Sales Manager for Riverfront Place, says that phase two of construction will take place next year when the second tower will be constructed.

According to Proctor, phase two will include fifty to fifty five homes in the second tower. “Right now we’re wrapping up the architectural design process,” says Proctor. “Our main focus right now is making sure we have fifty happy home owners.”

One major selling point for those happy homeowners was the opportunity to create a unique style for their new residence. Each buyer is given six hours with a professional designer to pick from a vast array of high-end luxury options, ranging from counter tops to flooring, Proctor says.

Hackwith and Anania took this a step further by decorating their townhouse with bright colors and beautiful art. The fact that Hackwith owns her own corporate art sales and consulting business, and that Anania is an art enthusiast who travels often, has helped make this feat possible.

“My husband is a serious collector,” says Hackwith. “I just look at it and say ‘Does it make me happy?’”

As the owner of Holly Hackwith Art, Hackwith says that problems can arise with having a serious art enthusiast as a husband.

“I will give him art, and then I’ll say ‘Do you mind if I sell this because I have somebody this would be perfect for,’” says Hackwith. “He made me promise not to sell some of this.”

In addition to displaying their art and decorating, Hackwith and Anania are using their new home to get more exercise as well.

Located at the base of the planned Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge, trails wind by the condominiums, giving tenants an ideal location for a scenic walk or jog.

“I used to come down to the Riverfront to walk every Wednesday and Saturday anyway,” says Hackwith. “Now my friends just show up at my door.”

Wanting a little more activity in their daily routine, Hackwith and Anania found the location to be ideal.

“It’s a whole change of lifestyle for us here,” says Anania.

A change of scenery is in the works for residents as well since Council Bluffs recently announced plans for green space and public trails on their end of the upcoming pedestrian bridge. Even now, the view is still amazing, Hackwith says.

“I would say it’s an almost panoramic view.”

Adjusting to their new home has not been a problem for Hackwith or Anania at all. After moving from midtown, they say that their new neighborhood already feels like home.

“I already feel like it’s a community,” Hackwith says.

As the sunrise turns in to mid-morning, the sun shines down upon the river and the trees beyond, accentuating the picturesque view. This is why Hackwith and Anania took a “leap of faith” and moved to the Riverfront.

Hackwith says, “It’s community, it’s quiet, it’s people enjoying themselves. We just think it’s the best thing.”

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