Hoppe Development Breaks Ground on Stoddard Place and The Paddock in Beatrice, Nebraska

Hoppe Development celebrated a joint groundbreaking ceremony for two transformative projects in Beatrice, Nebraska—Stoddard Place and The Paddock.

The event brought together community leaders, the Beatrice Chamber of Commerce, and project partners to mark the start of construction and highlight the collaboration behind these efforts.

Stoddard Place will breathe new life into the historic Stoddard School. Hoppe Development has purchased the school building and the north half of the property, with plans to remove existing interior finishes and non-load-bearing walls to create 25 senior apartments within the historic structure. Meanwhile, the City of Beatrice is working with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to use a Rural Community Recovery Program Grant to replace the playground on the south half of the property, which the City has retained for future development.

The Paddock involves the redevelopment of the historic Paddock Hotel into a mixed-use anchor for downtown Beatrice. Formerly a senior living facility that closed in 2021, the property will soon feature 36 affordable rental apartments and 8,100 square feet of commercial space. The project is supported by historic tax credits, Rural Workforce Housing funds, tax increment financing, and a USDA grant secured by NGAGE. The innovative project will provide both workforce housing and a new commercial hub for the community.

Together, these projects showcase Hoppe Development’s commitment to revitalizing historic properties, expanding affordable housing, and supporting long-term community growth. The groundbreaking was more than a ceremonial start—it was a celebration of partnerships working to build stronger, more inclusive neighborhoods.