Happy Friday Ledgers,

Construction on the former Pershing Auditorium's lot is underway. The new five-story building—aptly named MURAL—honors the iconic murals that once adorned the space.

The ground floor will house commercial spaces, while the upper levels will offer rent-restricted apartments, breaking the mold of typical downtown developments. This project, which is expected to be completed in 2025, aims to bring more affordable housing to the heart of the city.

In this week’s issue:

• Pumping: The City of Lincoln to offer a second round of its heat pump incentive program.

• What To Do: School pride and vintage vibes.

• Sportz: “I hit bombs”

• Neighborhood Watch: She’s a brick… house.

Have a great weekend.

- Landon

Last Week’s Poll Results:
Are new jobs and the arrival of large tech companies like Google, worth the potential of higher electricity rates?
 
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🤔 Not sure, I guess we'll wait and see. (51.20%)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 👍 Yes, worth it to bring in notable companies. (30.20%)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🙅‍♀️ No way, pal! (18.60%)

PUMPING

Lincoln offers incentives for heat pumps 💡

Have an AC unit on its last leg? Or a furnace that seems as likely to burn your home down as it would to produce warm air? You may be in luck.

The City of Lincoln has announced a second round of its heat pump incentive program. Beginning on October 1st, the program, in partnership with Lincoln Electric System (LES), offers incentives of up to $3,800 for residential air source heat pumps. Here’s a breakdown of the incentive options:

• $500 to replace an existing heat pump with a new one ($1,300 total with LES incentive)

• $1,500 to replace an air conditioner with a heat pump ($2,300 total with LES incentive)

• $3,000 to replace a heat pump and/or air conditioner ($3,800 total for qualifying low-income homeowners with LES incentive)

Why Heat Pumps?.. Heat pumps are more efficient than traditional systems like furnaces and air conditioners, working effectively in all climates to provide both heating and cooling. Unlike traditional heating systems that rely on natural gas, heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat, making them an environmentally friendly and economical choice. Here’s how they work.

📌 Why It Matters
Heat pumps are not only an energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home, but they also contribute to reducing Lincoln’s overall carbon footprint. By offering these incentives, the City of Lincoln and LES are encouraging residents to switch to cleaner, more efficient heating and cooling solutions.

WHAT TO DO

School pride and vintage vibes. 🪑

From parades to outdoor fun, there’s plenty in store for you.

🏀 Opening Night at the Railyard
Tonight, get ready to welcome back basketball season with a celebration at Canopy Street (next to the Railyard). The Nebraska Men’s and Women’s basketball teams are kicking things off with Opening Night, a free event from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Hear from the coaches, watch the three-point contest, and start building the excitement for the season ahead.

Not in the basketball mood but still want to show your Husker pride? Swing by the UNL Homecoming Parade at 14th & R Street, starting at 6:00 PM, for some classic school spirit.

🪞 Junkstock
Are you a vintage treasure hunter? Head to Junkstock this weekend and enjoy one of the best vintage festivals in the country. Whether you're searching for that perfect retro outfit, antique furniture, or quirky home decor, Junkstock has it all. Located in Waterloo, NE, we recommend getting an early start to the day. Be sure to bring a pickup truck, ratchet straps, and a few strong friends to help haul home your new (old) finds.

🌳 Sunday Hike
Cap off your weekend with a little fresh air on the Jamaica North Trail . This scenic, 13-mile out-and-back trail is perfect for a leisurely Sunday hike or bike ride. It’s an easy route that takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete, and your dog is welcome too—just make sure they’re comfortable on a leash.

SPORTZ

Sporting headlines from around the capital.

• 🏐 Volleyball: Husker Volleyball continues to dominate Big Ten play with a sweep over Illinois last night.

• 🏈 Football: Nebraska takes on 4-0 Rutgers tomorrow at 3:00 PM.

• 🥹 Alum: Ndamukong Suh will attend this weekend's football game.

• 🏟️ QB1: Dylan Raiola leads all D1 freshmen in passing yards this season.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

2425 Ridge Rd, Lincoln, NE 68512

She’s a brick…house. 🧱

At first glance, 2425 Ridge Rd may seem understated.

Designed by Albert Hamersky of Clark Enerson Partners, this home’s all-brick exterior could easily be overlooked. But step inside, and you’ll discover the real heart of this house—a light-filled space that beautifully blends classic design with modern touches. For those with an appreciation for art, the interiors have been thoughtfully crafted to showcase your collection. Expansive walls and an abundance of natural light create the perfect gallery atmosphere.

This home is ideal for gatherings, big or small. Whether it’s a summer barbecue by the pool under your private cabana or a cozy winter evening around the fireplace, you can entertain here all year long. Picture long chats with friends as snow gently falls over your private backyard, or laughter-filled days by the pool as the sun sets over your tiered garden. From fundraisers to family reunions or just a casual dinner party, this home is ready for any occasion.

The Details:

• 5 beds, 7 baths

• 8,751 sq/ft of living space

• Built in 1991

• More bricks than my rec league basketball team

❤️ KEEP: The warm wood tones that flow throughout the home, the stair-stepped trim in the living room that adds the right touch of sophistication, and the skylight with its exposed trusses—it’s a showstopper.

🗑️ TOSS: The landscaping that could use a refresh (some upgraded beds and fresh mulch would go a long way), the tile in the kitchen that feels a bit dated, and the metallic wallpaper in the bathroom.

CHECKLIST

An over-ambitious weekend to-do list.

• Clean up the pumpkin shreds on your front porch left by vicious squirrels.

• Adjust your thermostat settings to reflect the cooling weather.

• Take your doggie for a long morning walk.

• Watch a fall movie. Here are a few top options.

• Purchase a leaf blower (battery-powered is the only way to go here).

HEADLINES

More news from around the capital.

• Hudl: John Wirtz, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Lincoln-based Hudl, is stepping into a different role.

• OSHA: A Nebraska Cooperative faces $500,000 in fines for unsafe working conditions.

• Alcohol: NU regents approved alcohol sales at Nebraska athletic events.

🐯 Weekly Wildcard:
One headline (or post) we never saw coming.

• Explorers: Lewis and Clark re-enactors will return to Omaha with a replica keelboat.