Riverfront: The Big Pictore

[AZCorey]

Okay, although I see the outline as to what's happening on the riverfront development, what I'm wondering is, what is the big picture for it?? Back when I lived in Omaha I heard mention that eventually 'they' were going for a San Antonio Riverwalk type of idea....is that still an accurate comparison?? If so, I would think there would be lots of restaurant, retail and nightclub opportunities ahead as well....

I'm also curious about the rumors of a new Royals stadium downtown?? Is that a likelihood??? What would they do with Rosenblatt?? They've tanked a lot of money into that in recent years....although I'm sure the zoo would love to have more space!!! Are there any links to the discussion of the new Royals stadium??

[Coyote]

I don't think a comparison to the riverwalk in San Antonio is possible for Omaha. Tha San Antonio river is a small stream which easily accomodates sidewalks and commercial properties, while the Big MO is a major thoroughfare. Much has been done to connect walking paths along the river as can be seen here:
http://www.backtotheriver.org/default.htm

As for the Blatt, the PCL wants attendance to increase and is asking Omaha to look into plans to renovate or relocate:
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=38&u_sid=814441
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=38&u_sid=950724
What comes out of this is anybody's guess.

[AZCorey]

thanks, Coyote! good stuff....

[heineken]

I have just recently become a member of this "eomaha" list and find the pictures and the discussion fascinating.

I wish our riverfront would become enhanced with more shops and restaurants, but it seems Rick's, the Parks service, the bridge, riverfront place, and gallup have taken up all the space. I have heard the idea of extending the west side of Carter lake to the river along an abandoned railroad track. This would create a nice avenue of shops and walkways as well as water access to and fro. I don't know if this thought holds much water (literally and figuratively). It might be pretty costly. Anybody heard anything similar???

As far as rosenblatt goes, I am guessing it might be replaced when it is time for the NCAA renew their contract- I think that happens around 2010. It might be smart for the city, the royals, and creighton to get together to plan something. I think CU is looking to make adjustments to their setup as well.

Does anybody know how the NCAA would react to keeping the CWS in Omaha if this Casino thing is passed in Nebraska??

[guy4omaha]

Then Omaha City Council member, Lormung Lo, brought up the idea about 3 to 5 years ago of a canal system of sorts to link the water on the Hearland of America Park and/or Gene Leahy Mall.

Unfortunately Lo was laughed at and publically ridiculed almost immediatlely. It appeared on the surface at least that his idea was not even evaluated.

Without getting into the engineering and financial constraints, I think this could have been the difference maker for the success of the Convention Center/Arena complex, the Old Market and the rest of the Riverfront/Downtown development. Maybe the financial and engineering constraints would prove to be too much but it appeared the idea didn't make it far enough to answer those questions.

We could have our own version of the Riverwalk. We often fail to dream big enough in Omaha it seems to me. To go a step further, you could also revive the Street Car idea and you could have a hub on the south with the zoo, Rosenblatt and Botanical Garden and then have the Old Market, Canal System Entertainment district and the Convention Center/Arena/Hotels/Pedestrian Bridge on the north.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

Any updates on this?

[Stan]

Any updates on this?

I think Rick's Boatyard might not last too long.

[nebport5]

Rick's is long gone. However, dba "Fig" has applied for a class C liquor license.

Edit: Didn't realize "Fig" is a part of the Luminarium. Set to open in April.

[skip]

Rick's is long gone. However, dba "Fig" has applied for a class C liquor license.

Edit: Didn't realize "Fig" is a part of the Luminarium. Set to open in April.

Same owners as Lola's in dundee. Which is, in my opinion, some of the best food in the metro.

[NEDodger]

Any updates on this?

I think Rick's Boatyard might not last too long.

Zing! They should try like a Storz Brewery restaurant.

[WorldStreet]

Any updates on this?

I think Rick's Boatyard might not last too long.

Zing! They should try like a Storz Brewery restaurant.

Thanks for the laugh.

[thenewguy]

Is it *supposed* to be called "pictore" in the title? Is it really a 19 year old misspelling that slipped? Lol

[NovakOmaha]

Is it *supposed* to be called "pictore" in the title? Is it really a 19 year old misspelling that slipped? Lol

No no. It's French. It's pronounced "pictware"