Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

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iamjacobm
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by iamjacobm »

A few hundred employees downtown is great no matter how the divvy up their workforce in town.

It is kind of boring, but this development might be the place for a few chains to finally break into DT. The location near Creighton and close the the FNB towers and potentially a good chunk of FirstData employees this would be a good spot for things like Panera, Chipotle etc.

Not every development on the east end of town needs to be destination retail and dining. Just give us some staples to round out the offerings in the neighborhood.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by skinzfan23 »

I agree, it would be nice to have some chains downtown. Right now there are only a few (Jimmy Johns, Subway, Starbucks)
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

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Developer working to bring Hy-Vee to former Civic Auditorium site, Stothert says

http://www.omaha.com/news/metro/develop ... c5fcc.html
Emily Nohr / World-Herald staff writer wrote:“I know they’ve been in active conversations,” she told reporters following her annual State of the City address.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Omaha Cowboy »

Also from the W-H piece (communication of what the Mayor stated in her state of the city address this afternoon)-


"She said that Tetrad is also working with a “major tenant” for the Civic area, from 17th to 19th Streets and Chicago Street to Capitol Avenue.
The tenant, Stothert said, would “probably be a relocation of another company” already in Omaha, but she later said it could be a new business, too.“They are working with a major tenant that wants to, perhaps, we hope, will build an office building there with a lot of employees,” she said."..

And BOOM goes the dynamite...

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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by jjjjhskr »

Omaha Cowboy wrote:Also from the W-H piece (communication of what the Mayor stated in her state of the city address this afternoon)-


"She said that Tetrad is also working with a “major tenant” for the Civic area, from 17th to 19th Streets and Chicago Street to Capitol Avenue.
The tenant, Stothert said, would “probably be a relocation of another company” already in Omaha, but she later said it could be a new business, too.“They are working with a major tenant that wants to, perhaps, we hope, will build an office building there with a lot of employees,” she said."..

And BOOM goes the dynamite...

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NovakOmaha
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by NovakOmaha »

She's been teasing that for years. Yawn
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Omaha Cowboy »

jjjjhskr wrote:
Omaha Cowboy wrote:Also from the W-H piece (communication of what the Mayor stated in her state of the city address this afternoon)-


"She said that Tetrad is also working with a “major tenant” for the Civic area, from 17th to 19th Streets and Chicago Street to Capitol Avenue.
The tenant, Stothert said, would “probably be a relocation of another company” already in Omaha, but she later said it could be a new business, too.“They are working with a major tenant that wants to, perhaps, we hope, will build an office building there with a lot of employees,” she said."..

And BOOM goes the dynamite...

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First Data is the latest flavor of the month...

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Catherine33
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Catherine33 »

The out-of-town mention is interesting and maybe she said that to motivate the Omaha company? Like when the realtor says you gotta move fast on this and make an offer, lots of people interested! Be great if there is a non-Omaha business looking to relocate, but I think our best bet is First Data.
Talks have been happening for awhile, heard maybe the city is offering up the parking lot for free and that FD is ready to bring everyone under one roof now that their main campus has been purchased. They have 5k employees in Omaha and would be moving everyone downtown who does not work in the mailing facilities. How many people work in the mailing facilities, I don't know but you would think we are talking about a couple thousand people moving to Civic site. That is a big deal.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by MadMartin8 »

Catherine33 wrote:The out-of-town mention is interesting and maybe she said that to motivate the Omaha company? Like when the realtor says you gotta move fast on this and make an offer, lots of people interested! Be great if there is a non-Omaha business looking to relocate, but I think our best bet is First Data.
Talks have been happening for awhile, heard maybe the city is offering up the parking lot for free and that FD is ready to bring everyone under one roof now that their main campus has been purchased. They have 5k employees in Omaha and would be moving everyone downtown who does not work in the mailing facilities. How many people work in the mailing facilities, I don't know but you would think we are talking about a couple thousand people moving to Civic site. That is a big deal.
How would they move the card production folks? Those have strong regulations (from VISA, etc.), and would likely cost a huge sum to move. Plus, the server farm? Have you heard anything about specifics of this?

I've been surprised before, but I don't think anyone but the office and call centers are moving...which is still many hundreds of folks, so this would be a good tenant.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Omaha Cowboy »

This is one of the most hush-hush potential moves..as I've stated before. No one, unless they are a local high up who has direct communication to the top (First Data CEO Frank Bisignano), is really in the know. My guess would be any department currently occupying the 6855 building will move downtown..

Regarding the Production and mail room components, anyone's guess is as good as mine.. But I will say this, if FD does move to the Civic site, I'd be shocked if less than 2000 of their 5000 Omaha employees moved downtown..

If First Data moves downtown, it will be a big time move...

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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by jessep28 »

I highly doubt that FDR would move Starwood where they print payment cards. Office consolidation from Aksarben would be more likely if they are relocating.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Omaha Cowboy »

jessep28 wrote:I highly doubt that FDR would move Starwood where they print payment cards. Office consolidation from Aksarben would be more likely if they are relocating.
.
Agreed...

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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Doctor Fate »

First time poster, long time reader.

What do you think are the odds that Hy-Vee agrees to build here? I've heard that their in-store restaurant concept has been losing them major money and that they have been looking to expand more in Iowa and Minnesota. I think if they do build here, it would be a huge hit.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by GrandpaaSmucker »

CyborgKen wrote:First time poster, long time reader.

What do you think are the odds that Hy-Vee agrees to build here? I've heard that their in-store restaurant concept has been losing them major money and that they have been looking to expand more in Iowa and Minnesota. I think if they do build here, it would be a huge hit.
i'll say the obvious........They are going to need 24/7 security at that site. They better figure that in their budget.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Louie »

GrandpaaSmucker wrote:
CyborgKen wrote:First time poster, long time reader.

What do you think are the odds that Hy-Vee agrees to build here? I've heard that their in-store restaurant concept has been losing them major money and that they have been looking to expand more in Iowa and Minnesota. I think if they do build here, it would be a huge hit.
i'll say the obvious........They are going to need 24/7 security at that site. They better figure that in their budget.
Thats really not that heavy of an expense if you figure one security guard hourly. They already implement security cameras and the like in their other stores.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by TheSeventhBrat »

Louie wrote:
GrandpaaSmucker wrote:
CyborgKen wrote:First time poster, long time reader.

What do you think are the odds that Hy-Vee agrees to build here? I've heard that their in-store restaurant concept has been losing them major money and that they have been looking to expand more in Iowa and Minnesota. I think if they do build here, it would be a huge hit.
i'll say the obvious........They are going to need 24/7 security at that site. They better figure that in their budget.
Thats really not that heavy of an expense if you figure one security guard hourly. They already implement security cameras and the like in their other stores.
And several of their stores employ off duty OPD already...
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by GetUrban »

TheSeventhBrat wrote:
Louie wrote:
GrandpaaSmucker wrote:
CyborgKen wrote:First time poster, long time reader.

What do you think are the odds that Hy-Vee agrees to build here? I've heard that their in-store restaurant concept has been losing them major money and that they have been looking to expand more in Iowa and Minnesota. I think if they do build here, it would be a huge hit.
i'll say the obvious........They are going to need 24/7 security at that site. They better figure that in their budget.
Thats really not that heavy of an expense if you figure one security guard hourly. They already implement security cameras and the like in their other stores.
And several of their stores employ off duty OPD already...
Most grocery stores, wherever their location, already have undercover people walking around looking for shop lifters, in addition to security cameras in the store and parking lot.
He said "They are some big, ugly red brick buildings"
...and then they were gone.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by asherballa »

Kind of a blip in this story, but Mayor Stothert stated her preference against a relocation of the W. Dale Clark Library to the Civic Square site and for it to stay put (albeit demoed and replaced) to aid in the Gene Leahy/Riverfront redevelopment.

http://www.omaha.com/news/plus/omaha-li ... 8a24a.html

"There had been talk of the downtown library moving to the former Civic Auditorium site. But Mayor Jean Stothert last week said she thinks the branch should remain in its current location as part of an effort to revitalize the Gene Leahy Mall and the riverfront."
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Louie »

asherballa wrote:Kind of a blip in this story, but Mayor Stothert stated her preference against a relocation of the W. Dale Clark Library to the Civic Square site and for it to stay put (albeit demoed and replaced) to aid in the Gene Leahy/Riverfront redevelopment.

http://www.omaha.com/news/plus/omaha-li ... 8a24a.html

"There had been talk of the downtown library moving to the former Civic Auditorium site. But Mayor Jean Stothert last week said she thinks the branch should remain in its current location as part of an effort to revitalize the Gene Leahy Mall and the riverfront."
How is keeping the library there a part of 'revitalizing'?
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by GrandpaaSmucker »

Louie wrote: How is keeping the library there a part of 'revitalizing'?
Its revitalizing the wheeler dealers and their politician buddies pockets with more cash. Thats the only revitalizing they really care about. Ask Hal Daub how that works he wrote a book on it. If they can tear the current library down and build another one right there thats cool beans because then they can make millions off rebuilding the new one even though the current building should be left alone.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by GetUrban »

The current Public Dale Clark library location is the most appropriate location, right across the street from the public GLM Park.
There’s nothing to say the whole block would have to be used for a new library. Build a 1/2 or 1/4 block high-rise on that block and fit the new library in with some other amenities. If it must be redeveloped, the city needs to maximize the use of the block for efficiency and higher density.
He said "They are some big, ugly red brick buildings"
...and then they were gone.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by NEDodger »

Fine with the library where it is, but my god lets hope the Nebraska State Offices get moved to the Civic site.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by tpaine »

Louie wrote:
asherballa wrote:Kind of a blip in this story, but Mayor Stothert stated her preference against a relocation of the W. Dale Clark Library to the Civic Square site and for it to stay put (albeit demoed and replaced) to aid in the Gene Leahy/Riverfront redevelopment.

http://www.omaha.com/news/plus/omaha-li ... 8a24a.html

"There had been talk of the downtown library moving to the former Civic Auditorium site. But Mayor Jean Stothert last week said she thinks the branch should remain in its current location as part of an effort to revitalize the Gene Leahy Mall and the riverfront."
How is keeping the library there a part of 'revitalizing'?
I agree, keeping the library there is a dumb idea. This is too valuable a location for a downtown library that no one visits except the homeless. Des Moines has the same library concept adjacent their downtown "mall." Omaha can surely do better.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Garrett »

tpaine wrote:
Louie wrote:
asherballa wrote:Kind of a blip in this story, but Mayor Stothert stated her preference against a relocation of the W. Dale Clark Library to the Civic Square site and for it to stay put (albeit demoed and replaced) to aid in the Gene Leahy/Riverfront redevelopment.

http://www.omaha.com/news/plus/omaha-li ... 8a24a.html

"There had been talk of the downtown library moving to the former Civic Auditorium site. But Mayor Jean Stothert last week said she thinks the branch should remain in its current location as part of an effort to revitalize the Gene Leahy Mall and the riverfront."
How is keeping the library there a part of 'revitalizing'?
I agree, keeping the library there is a dumb idea. This is too valuable a location for a downtown library that no one visits except the homeless. Des Moines has the same library concept adjacent their downtown "mall." Omaha can surely do better.
Well, ideally the new library would be something like the Do Space with elements of an Omaha History museum incorporated into it as well. After visiting the FDR Presidential Library a month back, I'd like to see that sort of model as opposed to the traditional books and computers only model.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by GrandpaaSmucker »

tpaine wrote:I agree, keeping the library there is a dumb idea. This is too valuable a location for a downtown library that no one visits except the homeless. Des Moines has the same library concept adjacent their downtown "mall." Omaha can surely do better.
I have went to the downtown Library dozens of times and I live in Millard. I have received 2 parking tickets there as well. The little parking lot only has about 20 spots and wouldn't you know it if your meter runs 10 minutes over they are on you quick. I bet that is one of the reason many people don't like that library. How many thousands of people like me have the cops swooped through that little lot and jacked for parking tickets over the years? Tearing down that library is a crime in my eyes.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Dundeemaha »

Put the $50-$100 million you would spend on a new library in to a trust and add the interest to the annual OPL budget.

Maybe the library needs maintenance, definitely it needs funding (we're as bad as Appalachia in that regard). But that building is just fine.

(3% interest compounded monthly on $50 million is $1.5 million to add to the budget)
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by OmahaJaysCU »

Rumor that West Farm is also in the mix for FDR.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by OmahaOmaha »

OmahaJaysCU wrote:Rumor that West Farm is also in the mix for FDR.
I heard from a pretty reliable source at FDR that the company may be moving a large amount of their jobs to Atlanta when their current lease is up.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Brad »

Tetrad tells the mayor it will no longer redevelop the Civic Auditorium site
OWH on Twitter wrote:Tetrad Development says it will no longer redevelop the Civic Auditorium site.
“The decision was made following several obstacles that impacted the practicality of moving forward with the project,” said a letter to Mayor Jean Stothert.
Story:
http://www.omaha.com/news/metro/tetrad- ... a0d3e.html
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

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Brad wrote:Tetrad tells the mayor it will no longer redevelop the Civic Auditorium site
OWH on Twitter wrote:Tetrad Development says it will no longer redevelop the Civic Auditorium site.
“The decision was made following several obstacles that impacted the practicality of moving forward with the project,” said a letter to Mayor Jean Stothert.
Story:
http://www.omaha.com/news/metro/tetrad- ... a0d3e.html
Disappointing.

Do you think this will be better in the long run in any way?
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Brad »

More info was added to the story, the mayor is now holding a 3pm Press Conference.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Omaha Cowboy »

CyborgKen wrote:
Brad wrote:Tetrad tells the mayor it will no longer redevelop the Civic Auditorium site
OWH on Twitter wrote:Tetrad Development says it will no longer redevelop the Civic Auditorium site.
“The decision was made following several obstacles that impacted the practicality of moving forward with the project,” said a letter to Mayor Jean Stothert.
Story:
http://www.omaha.com/news/metro/tetrad- ... a0d3e.html
Disappointing.

Do you think this will be better in the long run in any way?
Yes. I get the sense that Tetrad checked out of developing this site awhile ago..

I look at this as more of a “get out of the way” move by Tetrad and that the city has other plans to hand off the mantle..

Perhaps we’ll see at the 3pm presser...

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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Garrett »

Extremely disappointing, though not too surprising given all of the other developments being pushed along. This to me is the least exciting one compared to Lot B and Conagra.

I also wonder if First Data and Tetrad were negotiating over the office space and couldn't come to an agreement, so that's why this finally fell through.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Coyote »

First Data, but maybe also not getting the library and then maybe not getting Hy-Vee...
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Omaha Cowboy »

Maybe we’ll get an insider city hall scoop from our friend Catherine33 before Jean’s 3pm presser :;): ...

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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by NovakOmaha »

Tetrad pulled out of the development. It will make a nice green space.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by TitosBuritoBarn »

I'm sure someone else will come along eventually. Sometimes urban development is a waiting game.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by GetUrban »

I predict Noddle will end up developing the Civic site, or it won't happen because of the competition with Lot B and the usual players calling the shots.
He said "They are some big, ugly red brick buildings"
...and then they were gone.
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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Omaha Cowboy »

NovakOmaha wrote:Tetrad pulled out of the development. It will make a nice green space.
Doubtful..

But I get the Smucker-esqe “glass half empty” sarcasm :;): ...

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Re: Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

Post by Omaha Cowboy »

GetUrban wrote:I predict Noddle will end up developing the Civic site, or it won't happen because of the competition with Lot B and the usual players calling the shots.
Nice call on Noddle..

With Jay’s track record of completions, I’d be very excited if that became reality...

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