A Community Landmark
Since 1960
Since the early 1960s, Bel Air Plaza has grown alongside west Omaha, always local, always welcoming, and built to serve the community.
"I owned other properties, but I settled in Bel Air because this is my favorite."
Bel Air Plaza began as part of Bel Air Village, a 160-acre subdivision developed by Madeline Jacobson, Dale's mother, an accomplished Omaha land developer who led seven subdivisions across the city. When Dale graduated from college in 1961, he joined Madeline Jacobson Properties to learn the business. At that time, only a few houses dotted the area.
A local grocer approached about opening a store, and Food City opened in 1962 (where Prehistoric Putt is now). The second building, which houses Dale's office, began construction in 1964. The bar location, now Report In, has been the same since the early days, originally home to the Seahorse Lounge.
The vision was simple: fill a shopping need. Crossroads Mall had just started, Westroads didn't exist yet, and 72nd & Dodge marked the edge of the city. When the interstate extended and Western Electric opened at 120th & L, west Omaha began growing rapidly, much like Elkhorn's growth today.
The plaza has weathered Omaha's changing seasons, including a tornado that struck out west, thanks to solid construction and strong community spirit. Neighbors, tenants, and partners all played a role in making Bel Air happen and fueling the area's growth.
"Time Well Spent Every Visit."
For Dale, the promise is simple: make sure you find what you're looking for and enjoy the experience while you're here.
He works to maintain a thoughtful mix of professional, services, and retail, ensuring there's always a reason to stop by. Bel Air Plaza's strength lies in its local-first mindset. All current tenants are local (though national tenants aren't excluded). Even Scooter's started in Omaha! Early anchors like Richman Gordman and Food City helped define the space.
Owned, managed, and built by neighbors
Actively curating tenants and spaces
Your go-to spot for everyday needs since the 1960s
Over the years, Bel Air Plaza has adapted to changing needs. When Richman Gordman closed, we saw an opportunity. The space became offices. Food City evolved into Nobbies, then Prehistoric Putt. Each change brought new reasons to visit.
Dale says he's most proud of serving Omaha's needs and recalls it was a great time to be a real estate broker. Competition has always been a factor, but his approach remains steady: rent to businesses that drive traffic and serve the community.
The future of Bel Air Plaza is grounded in the same principle that started it: serve your needs.
As Omaha grows, we'll keep adapting, welcoming businesses that give you more reasons to gather, more ways to connect, and more time well spent.
"What do we hope people say generations from now?"
That they came to shop and left with an experience.
A community hub where local businesses flourish and relationships grow.
Supporting local entrepreneurs and providing spaces where small businesses thrive.
A welcoming environment where families create lasting memories together.