OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A group led by the Peter Kiewit Foundation has been purchasing properties in downtown Omaha where it will create an “arts and trades” district.

Future Forward LLC is investing about $7 million to buy buildings.

They hope to offer affordable leases to entrepreneurs, artisans, techies and other creative tenants. The group has assembled more than 25 acres with buildings containing 175,000 square feet of space in an area north of TD Ameritrade Park.

A spokeswoman for Future Forward says the investors don’t intend to develop the land. But they plan to clean up and make structural improvements to the neighborhood.

The investors hope the district will revitalize the area formerly dominated by heavy industry and commerce.