The front door opens to stillness. Outside, a creek murmurs softly behind a screen of giant maple trees. Inside, late afternoon sun stretches across maple floors, warm as honey, rising to vaulted ceilings where exposed beams lend graceful definition. The space feels refined, intentional, and distinctly elevated. There’s no clutter, no filler, just smart design that reflects how people actually live. That’s exactly what Richie and Julie Pohlad with Pohlad Custom Homes had in mind when they built South Stream Residences: a pocket of calm in the middle of Omaha’s fast-growing western fringes.
Not far from the city’s pulse off 204th & Q Streets, the quiet is enough to make you forget you’re just minutes away from the best the area has to offer. Step outside the cul-de-sac and you’ll find restaurants, bars, walking trails, a movie theater, and the Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall all nearby. It’s a rare kind of place where you can enjoy a wine bar within five minutes yet feel sheltered from the urban hustle and bustle. “There’s a lot going on just beyond the trees,” Julie Pohlad said. “But here, it’s quiet. That contrast is part of the appeal.”
Only 20 homes make up the neighborhood, set back from 204th Street in a low-profile loop of prairie-style architecture and native landscaping. They are designed for a specific kind of homeowner—those who’ve done the big house, raised families, hosted holidays, and are ready for something different, not necessarily downsize, but right-size. These homes aren’t condos or minimalist cubes. They range from 2,600 to 3,000 square feet, with open floor plans, finished basements, and just enough separation to give guests and grandkids their own spaces.
“There’s a lot out there for young families,” Richie Pohlad said. “But we keep hearing from people who want something more tailored to their next chapter.” Think fewer stairs, less maintenance, and more thoughtful flow as well as space for the kids to visit and lock-and-leave peace of mind for winter escapes. Every lot backs onto green space, protected land that ensures no rear neighbors or fences, just interrupted views. Maintenance such as mowing and snow removal is managed, so seasonal transitions are seamless.
South Stream homes lean into modern prairie style: pitched roofs, clean lines, and no unnecessary fuss. But it’s the interiors that truly stand out—crafted with the kind of quality you’d expect in a sprawling estate, distilled into a more focused, liveable footprint. Think maple floors underfoot, hand-trowelled plaster fireplaces, matte black fixtures, and tailored lighting that sets the mood without demanding attention. Kitchens are built for both daily rhythm and spontaneous gatherings, with oversized islands, walk-in pantries, and high-performance appliances. Everything feels solid, nothing excessive. The details do their job without fanfare.
“It’s not about being trendy,” Richie Pohlad said. “It’s about building something timeless with just a little personality.” Buyers also have the flexibility to work directly with the Pohlads to tailor finishes, layouts, and special features. It’s a collaborative approach that reflects the understanding that lifestyle isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Team Pohlad, which includes Richie’s brother Jay Pohlad along with real estate agent Sara Pohlad, said they wanted the living spaces to feel effortlessly connected, without any wasted space. They designed the homes to be light-filled and spacious, with no dead zones or rooms that go unused. “Every part of the house should feel purposeful, ”Julie Pohlad added. “We wanted the homes to feel like a retreat: peaceful, private, and just enough space to relax without feeling overwhelmed. It’s perfect for people who want to downsize without losing the luxury and comfort they’re used to. It’s about creating a space that truly supports how people want to live in this next chapter.”
South Stream marks the start of a new chapter: less upkeep, more intention. Homes that support a lifestyle where ease and quality, not square footage, take the lead. Downsizing, after all, isn’t just a practical choice, it’s a psychological one. Letting go of space often means letting go of a former version of life: the second set of holiday dishes, the kids’ bedrooms turned storage overflow, or the treadmill that became a coat rack.
It’s not just a beautiful home. It’s a blueprint for how to live well with less. And maybe that’s the quiet thrill of downsizing done right—not what’s given up, but what finally has room to arrive. For more information, visit pohladcustomhomes.com.
