It's 1985. Ronald Reagan is president. The San Francisco 49ers win Super Bowl XIX. And the Metro Omaha Builders Association introduces a new concept to Omaha -- the Street of Dreams. Now Omahans can tour homes they only dreamt about before.

The first Street of Dreams was held at Applewood Heights near 108th and Harrison Streets, today a mature neighborhood, just like many of the other developments selected to host MOBA's Street of Dreams over the years -- Cambridge Oaks (1989), Mission Hills (1991), Huntington Park (1993).

Carloads and busloads of people will arrive as they have every year for 25 years to see the modern, new homes on display --- this year in Silverleaf Estates near 192nd and Blondo Streets -- during the Street of Dreams, Sept. 12-27.

Almost 30,000 people show up each year to see beautiful homes and state-of-the-art concepts.

"The builders always have the latest electronics, the latest decor and the latest trends," says Glenn Vieselmeyer, president of MOBA. "There are innovative ideas the public has not seen before. Two homes have fireplaces built in on the back deck, which are just beautiful. Homes are furnished right down to the window coverings."

Omaha will hold the only Street of Dreams in a five-state area, while many other areas are cancelling their events, he says.

"We don't have the terrible inflation or deflation in housing here," says Tom Falcone of Falcone Developers, developer of the Silverleaf neighborhood. "That's why we have more constant housing value."

"Our economy stays strong," adds Vieselmeyer, who also is president of Charter Homes. "I tell our members we need to be thankful that we're in Omaha, Nebraska."

People will arrive from a five-state area for Omaha's Street of Dreams in Silverleaf Estates. "People not only look forward to it, but sometimes set their vacation time around it," says Barbara Wickman-Byrd, executive vice president of MOBA. "This is the premier event for Omaha-area builders."

Also on hand will be exhibitors showcasing products such as decking, landscaping and children's playground equipment.

Falcone says people will appreciate the mature trees; walk-out, estate-size treed lots; landscaping; old-world street signs and carriage street lighting of the 125-lot subdivision. He is especially proud of the cobblestone bridge at the main entrance and gives credit to his wife, Juanda.

"My wife came up with the concept. It's never been done before and sets the tone for the subdivision," he says. "Every subdivision needs a woman's touch for a warm feeling."

Three of the six homes are sold. Lots are available through builders for those interested in building in Silverleaf Estates, which is an established subdivision.

"This is unique, because we don't sell lots to the general public, but to builders to protect the integrity of the neighborhood," Falcone says. "We try to control the aesthetics of the neighborhood. It's better value for you when you have a house and when you sell it."

"This is a rarity to be in a neighborhood already successful," he adds. "We're doing this to show product from professional builders and to show what they can expect in a subdivision and builder."

Prices of homes on display during the 2009 Street of Dreams range from $800,000 to $1.3 million.

"The homeowners in this development have a huge commitment to the overall look and feel of the development," says Wickman-Byrd.

"Every year, you think they can't top last year," she says. "It's amazing. They do."

And have for 25 years.

The Street of Dreams sponsored by MOBA will be held Sept. 12-27 at Silverleaf Estates, 192nd and Blondo Streets.
Monday and Tuesday, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Tickets $12 ($10 discount tickets available at Omaha and Council Bluffs Hy-Vee locations).
Children 6-12 are $6. Children 5 and under are free.

Participating builders are: Royal Homes, L&L Custom Builders Inc., Malibu Homes LLC, Quest Construction, Prairie Homes Inc., S&S Custom Homes.