Omaha Forums

That long vacant, granite cobblestone building adjacent to the Broadway Skate Park could have new life.

"We are having some discussions with some entities and individuals," Parks Director Ron Hopp told the city's Parks Board Tuesday.

According to the latest issue of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County newsletter that Hopp provided, the two-story building could become a dual purpose facility with a meeting room for community groups on one floor and a skateboard art shop and young people's museum on the other floor.

Outdoor art shows could be held during the warm weather and the area could be flooded in winter for ice-skating, the newsletter mentioned. Another use could be a concession stand for skateboarders with restroom facilities.

"It's not a big building," Hopp said.

Nevertheless, there could be historical renovation grant money available to renovate the structure built by the Omaha and Council Bluffs Streetcar railway System during World War I.

There's a Council Bluffs building that might get off "death row" and enjoy new life as an art gallery and a place where people could come to watch outdoor movies.

It's that rather square-looking structure next to the Broadway Skateboard Park just north of the Broadway viaduct.

At one time alive and working as the Omaha and Council Bluffs Street Railway Substation at 1311 Ave. A, it's the last remaining structure associated with the city's streetcar railway. . . .

The upper floor of the two-story building could be an art gallery to showcase local talent in the schools, as well as senior citizens. The main floor could provide the nearby skateboarders with a concession area focusing on health-based snacks and treats, Tait said. He also suggested a souvenir shop and a public meeting room could be built. . . .

Outside the building, there would be an amphitheater with grass seating where people could watch movies on a big screen. . . .

New life is coming to an historical structure that’s been vacant for years.
A recent $15,000 grant from the Iowa West Foundation, along with other funding sources, will create an open-air pavillion in the trolley building in Broadway Park. The space, near North 13th Street and Avenue A just north of the Broadway viaduct, is noted for its skate park.

The Council Bluffs City Council, on a 4-1 vote Monday evening, approved KAV Contracting of Council Bluffs to perform $191,923 worth of work, the lowest of three submitted, to build the new structure