KEARNEY, Neb. — What used to be a a cornfield on the west side of Kearney is now transformed into University Village.

The cornerstone of the urban village in a rural setting is now open.

Dignitaries from across the state dedicated UNK’s Regional Engagement Center on Thursday.

“You know, today’s one of those milestone days in the history of the campus,” former Chancellor Doug Kristensen said.

Kristensen spent years crystallizing the idea for the the Regional Engagement Center. Dr. Charlie Bicak was by his side for that process and is now interim chancellor for its grand opening.

“Frankly, it’s stunning and it’s also startling because there was a lag period in which we weren’t able to accomplish too much,” Bicak said. “But once the buildings began to take shape and we had rooftops — and importantly, people on this part of the campus — it simply took off like a rocket.”

The 52,000-square-foot facility is meant to host student and faculty meetings, continuing education courses and university events. It’s also the new office for Lucas Dart, who leads the UNK Alumni Association and NU Foundation.

“Well, the university now is about engagement," Dart said. "It’s about, what can we give the taxpayers of the state back for their investment in us and how can we pull other resources in to make it that much better?”

But the building isn’t just for university use. It’s home to private businesses like Olsson, Chief Industries, Allo Fiber and Wilkins Architecture.

It’s all part of the effort to make it a true hub for the community and region.

“It’s a place that welcomes students, welcomes faculty, welcomes staff, indeed welcomes the Kearney community," Bicak said. "It’s open to all.”

The $15.6 million structure includes ample conference rooms and event spaces. It features one room designed to host Board of Regents meetings and similar functions.

“Flexibility and technology," Kristensen said. "Those are going to be the things that, if we’re going to spur other development here, we need to have.”

UNK is welcoming requests from businesses to build and fill out the rest of University Village. But for now, they’re proud of the development’s new centerpiece.

“People walk in and the go, ‘wow.’ They’re impressed," Dart said. "I think that ups their investment in the university just right there. ‘I want to be a part of a winner and this is a winner.’ It really looks like a winner.”