Creative Collabs Collective did more than lease a new space in Lincoln, Nebraska, last year. It also expanded its first‑of‑its‑kind retail concept in the market with its 24/7, self‑service storefront that lets customers shop independently without onsite staff.
Creative Collabs Collective’s lease at 1601 Normandy Court underpins a retail model that supporters say fosters local entrepreneurship and contributes to the neighborhood's economy. They point out that the deal builds on the success of the Collective’s original storefront nearby, which opened in 2023 as Lincoln’s first self‑service retail store.
The positive effect on the community led a panel of outside judges, made up of local real estate professionals, to recognize the deal with the CoStar Impact Award for lease of the year for Lincoln.
Ruth Nwaturuocha of M3 Management and Consulting, an award judge, said: "This lease is impactful not just to the tenants and owner, but to the community."
The property lets customers access the store with a daily code sent by text, reducing overhead costs and keeping the store in operation at all times. The store houses 18 local businesses owned by women, providing small entrepreneurs with a physical presence without added leasing and staffing expenses.
Advocates of the business say it's been a “game changer” for participating vendors that wouldn't otherwise be able to operate a brick‑and‑mortar store on their own.
Supporters of the deal also point out that rather than relocating to a different trade area, the Collective’s decision to remain on Normandy Court reinforces the corridor’s role as a destination for local shoppers.
About the project: Creative Collabs Collective signed the lease for 2,040 square feet on Oct. 1, 2025, and moved in later that month, relocating from 1900 Normandy Ct.
What the judges said: Alan Beyke of Prism Commercial said the deal "provided key impacts to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship within our community."
James McCombs of Guiderock Commercial Realty LLC said "Creative Collabs Collective is a unique tenant and demonstrates Lincoln's ability to support unique business models."
They made it happen: Vice President of Sales Pat Heiser and Sales Associate Colin Crayne of Line Partners represented the landlord, Life Strokes, a locally based swimming school operator.