Benson

Omaha's dining, arts and music scene

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Finn
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Benson

Post by Finn »

More activity thanks to Omaha By Design.

I always thought Benson was eclectic but needed work on its building facades.
Destination Benson is their goal

BY JEFFREY ROBB
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

Spring brings a sense of new life to Janet Wetovick-Bily's downtown Benson flower shop.

An open front door recently breathed fresh air into Petals by Janet. Easter lilies were starting to bloom inside, and faux flowers provided a splash of color outside until the real thing could grow.

Wetovick-Bily and other community leaders hope to see a similar sense of new life blooming in their neighborhood.

Benson merchants have been envisioning ways to make over their business district. That desire for improvement persuaded the City of Omaha and the influential Omaha By Design effort to work with Benson leaders on a broader neighborhood revitalization plan.

Omaha By Design is turning to Benson for one of its first demonstration projects since the city approved a plan in December to improve city neighborhoods, dress up businesses and develop green space.

The neighborhood is following the example set by Destination Midtown - but Benson is no midtown, which created a neighborhood plan with support and money from major community institutions and Fortune 500 companies.

Benson, by contrast, must rely on small businesses and working-class families.

"It's a very different set of dynamics," said Bob Blair, a University of Nebraska at Omaha urban studies professor who grew up in Benson and who is working on the initiative. "You don't have the big institutional anchors. That's going to be a challenge."

But it's a challenge Benson wants to take on.

"It's a rebirth," Wetovick-Bily said. "There are many good things happening here."

Local leaders say the community has a lot to build on.

Its main street has staples that any small town chamber of commerce would envy: a library; a post office; businesses selling hardware, shoes, musical instruments and health food; plus several taverns and restaurants.

Benson also maintains a strong community identity, a surviving trait from its days as an independent city. The schools, primarily Benson High, also have unified the community over the years.

Bridget Howell, president of the Benson Neighborhood Association, said the community has a growing group of involved residents and young families moving in. Plus, she said, the neighborhood association and Benson Business Association are working together more closely.

"It's just starting to really blossom and take hold," she said.

Benson has struggled over the years to revitalize, and local leaders are excited about the makeover possibilities.

The Benson study will cover broad topics, from business and homes to parks and streets. Using Destination Midtown's model, the study will call together neighborhood groups, businesses and organizations with a stake in the area's success.

Benson, which has a community makeup much like the city as a whole, is expected to become a model for other parts of Omaha.

The issues facing Benson vary across the Benson Neighborhood Alliance territory, whose boundaries will run from Sorensen Parkway to Western Avenue, between 72nd Street and Fontenelle Boulevard.

In one spot, the Benson Park Plaza shopping center at 72nd Street and Ames Avenue is succeeding. Farther east, Ames Avenue is struggling.

While Benson has wonderful homes and strong neighborhoods in places, it also has some substandard housing, said Doug Bisson, a community planner with HDR Inc. engineering and design company and manager on the midtown project.

Those areas, Bisson said, provide a challenge in building home ownership and offering help for housing rehabilitation.

"That's what makes Benson Benson," he said. "You've got that diversity of the residential base."

Along Maple Street, the business district has some empty storefronts. Downtown Benson's success has been mixed.

Rae Suverkrubbe, manager of Sprigs, a former Benson restaurant, said the area "just needs a little bit more spotlight."

Though Sprigs thrived in Benson, it eventually relocated to a stand-alone building. Suverkrubbe, daughter of one of the owners, said the lack of convenient parking discouraged people from coming to Benson.

But the Sprigs owners later filled the gap they left with another restaurant, Hot Tamales.

"We love the area," Suverkrubbe said. "We really think it's got potential to take off."

Friday and Saturday, a group of local leaders, architects and urban planners will draft a vision to improve and unify downtown Benson's appearance. That could be as simple as adding historic street lights or as complex as dropping out the middle lane of Maple Street and expanding sidewalks.

Bisson said merchants need to go beyond physical improvements to find a niche that draws in shoppers and foot traffic.

"It's one of those strips you just wish would explode," he said. "You just see the potential there."
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Brad
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Post by Brad »

Benson needs to get rid of the 30 traffic lights in that 10 block strip. and none of the traffic lights are timed right, like in DTO.
Finn
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Post by Finn »

They definitely need an aesthetic upgrade. Maybe make the street parking diagonal, put in historic lampposts, brick sidewalks, planters, more trees, etc.
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Post by omahastylee459 »

none of the traffic lights are timed right, like in DTO.
Seriously? In my experiences, if you go the speed limit down most streets like harney, leavenworth or farnam, the lights are timed perfectly.
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Brad
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Post by Brad »

Drive 35 in dto you will hit every light perfectly.

Drive andy speed in benson you will always hit some red lights.
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Post by Coyote »

OWH wrote: Some have designs on Benson improvements

Wider sidewalks, 1940s-style streetlights, uniform signs and gateway entry points were some of the ideas discussed Saturday as Omaha By Design unveiled plans to make the Benson neighborhood a destination point.

"This was our first real neighborhood partnership, and it was encouraging to see so many people come to see the designs," said Connie Spellman, director of Omaha By Design.

The downtown Benson neighborhood and business leaders, architects, landscape architects, urban planners and architecture and planning students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln met Friday and Saturday for a "design charrette," or intense planning session.

By 3 p.m. Saturday, five design groups presented their plans at American Legion Post 112, 2737 N. 62nd St. Each group concentrated on a specific area of the neighborhood.

All of the groups agreed that eliminating the center turn lane on Maple Street would be a simple solution for widening the sidewalks from their current 7 feet to 14 or 15 feet. That width would match the sidewalk size in the Old Market and allow, for example, for sidewalk cafe dining.

The change would facilitate diagonal parking and slow down traffic that normally speeds through Benson, organizers said. Wider sidewalks also would make for a more pedestrian-friendly business district.

Mike Thompson, an architect with Alley Poyner Architecture, said his group would like to put "a landmark column" at the eastern end of Benson to mark the start of the neighborhood.

Thompson's group also hit upon "social notes" such as restoring brick facades on the businesses lining Maple, old-style street lights and signs that incorporate the Benson name.

Another group suggested more trees along the broader sidewalks for shade, converting some housing within the business district into townhomes and developing storefronts along the Northwest Radial Highway.

Other ideas included adding markers to note four key entry points to Benson, replacing traffic lights with four-way stop signs to slow traffic and re-routing the state highway that runs through Benson to the Northwest Radial Highway.

"There were really a lot of good ideas," Spellman said. "This was the greatest number of planners and largest number of residents to have participated yet, so maybe we're catching on."

The session was sponsored by the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
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Post by Coyote »

Has this taken a whole 2 years to get here?

Benson beautification takes first step
Omaha World Herald wrote:Omaha By Design and the City Planning Department are launching a study of the Maple Street corridor that will look at traffic patterns, parking and sidewalks. Once that information is collected, planners will develop conceptual ideas for improving the area, although the study will not have any detailed designs.

"This is the first stage of a streetscape project, similar to what was done on North and South 24th Streets," said Omaha Planning Director Steve Jensen. The study, conducted by RDG Planning and Design, will cost about $128,000. The Omaha City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a $50,000 grant for the project, and Omaha By Design is raising funds for the remainder of the cost, said Director Connie Spellman.
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Fnord Explorer
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Post by Fnord Explorer »

Benson does need a makeover.  I recently bought a house here and I love it, but it's got some rough spots.

Having all the music venues here is great though.  But they need a diner or something that's open late.  The Benson Grind seems to have "we'll be open when we feel like it" hours.  Boo.
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Brad
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Post by Brad »

Benson targeted for revitalization

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2 ... d=10406304
CAROL BICAK WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER wrote:The beat goes on in Benson.

Mayor Mike Fahey, City Councilman Jim Suttle, State Sen. Lowen Kruse and about 50 others were on hand this morning for the unveiling of the city's newest redevelopment effort: the Maple Street Corridor project.
May be the can build the Royal's  a ballpark there.... :evil:
CAROL BICAK WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER wrote:The goal is to revitalize Maple Street from the Northwest Radial to 64th Street, and Military Avenue from Maple to the Northwest Radial.

Fahey said the Benson project is important to Omaha because "these kinds of destinations can be developed across the city."

Along with the revitalization effort, a new community "brand" is being coined: the Benson Beat. The slogan represents three ideas: Benson has a "main street," it has a cool and emerging culture of music and art; and the area will be a thriving, eclectic and vibrant self-sustaining destination. Benson businesses have latched on to the idea and have put up signs with several variations on the theme, said Connie Spellman of Omaha By Design.

Omaha By Design is a partner in the Maple Street project along with the Benson Business Association, the Benson Neighborhood Association, the Omaha Departments of Planning and Public Works, and the Benson-Ames Alliance.

Work to transform Maple Street has been going on for the last couple of years, with new tenants filling in empty stores and efforts to promote Benson's reputation as a music district.

IMAGE FROM THE OWH:
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StreetsOfOmaha
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Post by StreetsOfOmaha »

This sounds good, but I need to see more details and renderings.  I'm not totally sure how I feel about this yet.
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Post by Coyote »

Fnord Explorer wrote:But they need a diner or something that's open late.  The Benson Grind seems to have "we'll be open when we feel like it" hours.  Boo.
MIDNIGHT BREAKFASTS FOR THE AFTER-BAR BUNCH
Nichole Aksamit - Omaha World-Herald wrote:The Benson Grind is adding night-owl hours. Starting tonight, folks on the town Friday and Saturday nights can get breakfast at the coffeehouse from midnight to 3 a.m.

“In light of the bars closing at 2 in the morning, I think Benson stands a good opportunity to have a late-night cafe,” Grind owner Allan Zeeck said this week.
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Post by Stargazer »

I have to say, it's funny seeing a bunch of cars parked outside of bars after 1am... almost seems like it has succeeded in bringing out more bar patrons.
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Post by iamjacobm »

http://www.omaha.com/article/20110405/N ... ot-forward
The main drag into Benson soon will be getting a makeover.  New sidewalks, landscaping and public green space will spruce up the turn into the historic district from the Northwest Radial onto Maple Street.
Allan Zeeck, owner of the Benson Grind coffeehouse at 6107 Maple St., said he’s eager to see the changes. However, he said, Benson also needs more stores to support a daytime crowd who would enjoy the new green space.  Right now, he said, the area is hopping only at night, when it draws diners, bar patrons and lovers of live music.  “Anything is an improvement,” Zeeck said.  “But we need the shopping. Otherwise, it’s a gateway to nothing.”
I agree with that 2nd quote a lot.  That block is all nightlife right now.  A day time presence would do wonders for the area.
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Post by riceweb »

I'll probably get slammed for this, but Wal-Mart's new mini store concept would be perfect for this area.
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Post by almighty_tuna »

riceweb wrote:I'll probably get slammed for this, but Wal-Mart's new mini store concept would be perfect for this area.
Hy-Vee is testing a neighborhood market concept at 48th & Leighton in Lincoln. It's a better alternative to Wally-World, especially given the stigma, and rightly given, that Walmart drives out the "little guy" who owns the grocery store just down NW Radial.
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Post by iamjacobm »

riceweb wrote:I'll probably get slammed for this, but Wal-Mart's new mini store concept would be perfect for this area.
Maybe a Trader Joes to appease the dissenters?  :;):

I think the 6 single family houses that face Binney could go for a development that fits the rest of the area better.  I haven't read up much on those Mini Wal-Marts.  Do they still stand alone or include apartments above it?  I would think apartments in that area would be pretty popular.
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Post by Brad »

Wal-mart SUCKS!  You go there and spend 5 min shopping then wait in line for an additional 30+ min to pay for what you are buying.  Time is Money so if you think about it, you are actually paying more when you shop there!

May be Wholner's needs a third location? :;):  What if someone bought Louie's and cleaned it up... Wouldn't that work for a grocery store?
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Post by iamjacobm »

I think Louie's uses the same supplier as Wholner's.  That would be a pretty easy transition I would think!
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Post by riceweb »

iamjacobm wrote:
riceweb wrote:I'll probably get slammed for this, but Wal-Mart's new mini store concept would be perfect for this area.
Maybe a Trader Joes to appease the dissenters?  :;):

I think the 6 single family houses that face Binney could go for a development that fits the rest of the area better.  I haven't read up much on those Mini Wal-Marts.  Do they still stand alone or include apartments above it?  I would think apartments in that area would be pretty popular.
Wal-Mart is going to test the waters in Arkansas with locations that look like your typical CVS, with a couple rows of parking around two sides and the store coming up fairly close to the intersection. But in more urban areas, I believe they may opt for mixed-use approaches. Probably just depends on civic leadership. They have tons of cash to float.... it'd be great if we as a city could partner with them and direct how they build, hopefully in a more mixed-use manner.
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Post by riceweb »

iamjacobm wrote:I think Louie's uses the same supplier as Wholner's.  That would be a pretty easy transition I would think!
It's my understanding that Wohlner's is SuperValu-supplied. I'm guessing they provide much of the infrastructure needed to get a grocery store off the ground, like not worrying about a bajillion different suppliers; everything just comes from SuperValu.
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Post by riceweb »

almighty_tuna wrote:
riceweb wrote:I'll probably get slammed for this, but Wal-Mart's new mini store concept would be perfect for this area.
Hy-Vee is testing a neighborhood market concept at 48th & Leighton in Lincoln. It's a better alternative to Wally-World, especially given the stigma, and rightly given, that Walmart drives out the "little guy" who owns the grocery store just down NW Radial.
Is that open yet? I'd love to check it out.
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Post by Coyote »

riceweb wrote:Is that open yet? I'd love to check it out.
I believe it has been open for a while now:

http://eomahaforums.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=8360
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Post by StreetsOfOmaha »

Looks like a huge improvement! I love that the Sinclair gas station is virtually obscured from view. :)
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Post by ThatGuy »

I was talking to one of the owners of the Waiting Room this weekend. Apparently they purchased a building across the street and just a bit west. They are planning 7 apartments on the second level. On the main level there will be a bar and some type of burger place. They have talked to Stella's about opening there.
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Post by iamjacobm »

STELLAS!
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Post by iamjacobm »

Image

This building is my guess.
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Post by ThatGuy »

Yes, that's the one.
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Post by StreetsOfOmaha »

The apartments I love, but I think there are enough bars in Benson for now...
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Post by Seth »

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:...I think there are enough bars in Benson for now...
Sadly, they are one of the few highly-viable businesses for downtown redevelopment.
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Post by Brad »

ThatGuy wrote:New bar from the owner of Jake's.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beercade ... 05?sk=info
That was on one of the local stations the other night.  I will look and see if I can find the story.
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Post by ThatGuy »

Missed that. Here are some pics of their awesome mural.

http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Edco/b ... 6393.phtml
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Post by StreetsOfOmaha »

Wow, that mural is obnoxious. I'm surprised they got away with it. I wonder if there will be complaints or even law suits.

So, including Krug Park, there are or will be 3 new bars in Benson? And a few apartments on Maple to boot.
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Post by laserdisque »

I think that the mural is great. While I don't think that it is some sort of amazing piece, I do believe that more murals make for a more interesting street-scape. Law suits? Really? I think that this is the fourth interesting mural in Benson. More art please!
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Post by Garrett »

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:Wow, that mural is obnoxious. I'm surprised they got away with it. I wonder if there will be complaints or even law suits.

So, including Krug Park, there are or will be 3 new bars in Benson? And a few apartments on Maple to boot.
Seriously? That mural is sooooo creative. And how the heck could there be lawsuits over it? That makes no legal or even logical sense what so ever. It's their property and that mural is breaking no laws whatsoever. Let's think for a minute streets. Just because you don't like something doesn't mean its breaking any laws.
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Post by Linkin5 »

That mural is extremely ugly.
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Post by Brad »

Linkin5 wrote:That mural is extremely ugly.
So are 1/2 the buildings in Benson.  Way too many of those buildings up there have their brick all covered up.  They really need to start removing all the coverings and get the historic brick exposed again.
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Post by Big E »

The fine folks at Nintendo et al might dispute it isn't breaking any laws, assuming they didn't give permission for use of copyrighted and/or trademarked materials in advance.

And yes, it's |expletive| ugly.
Stable genius.
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