Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by **Coyote** » Wed Dec 16, 2015 10:26 pm

Is anyone besides myself just totally surprised that HDR is willing to take a major PR bombshell in regards to their non-existent response to this negativity? There isn't even a Spin-Control campaign by any of the majors here. Again, I may be missing some press releases or something, but, do they think this is just going to blow over?

And now it appears that the City Council already has their plans, and will rubber stamp anything that crosses their desk?

bmt · Post by **bmt** » Wed Dec 16, 2015 11:06 pm

GetUrban wrote:
bmt wrote:
RNcyanide wrote:Blend in well. That's not what I was hoping to hear.
So the HDR building will be a scaled up version of the Specht building?
Specht building? What makes you think that will still be there?

I am just being facetious. If the hq is supposed to blend in with the area, it doesn't look too good for the Specht building's future in that location.

swgiust · Post by **swgiust** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 9:24 am

I don't see how HDR can be blamed for what OPA wants to do. HDR is building and new building on an empty lot.

That being said, the combination of the new HDR building, expanded Holland, and the new Capitol District will change this area of Downtown for the better. 900 jobs at HDR, countless other jobs at area businesses, 400 +- apartments, Retail(?), Grocery store(?), Diner(?).

These benefits far outweigh the removal of one old building.

Now before you all start calling me some sort of old building friend, lets look at 2 things. The math and current events. 900 jobs is over $ 40 million
per year in payroll, and that makes a huge difference in a city like Omaha. upset HDR off and they will follow ConAgra right out of town. Big companies have very little patience for bullsh*t.

I really like these buildings. I have wanted to buy the coffee shop for years. (make it into a family compound!) I would not support removal of any of them for a stupid reason. But it seems to me that if you look at the overall big picture, what is being proposed is pretty amazing. That is what justifies it.

MTO · Post by **MTO** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 10:54 am

swgiust wrote:I don't see how HDR can be blamed for what OPA wants to do. HDR is building and new building on an empty lot.

That being said, the combination of the new HDR building, expanded Holland, and the new Capitol District will change this area of Downtown for the better. 900 jobs at HDR, countless other jobs at area businesses, 400 +- apartments, Retail(?), Grocery store(?), Diner(?).

These benefits far outweigh the removal of one old building.

Now before you all start calling me some sort of old building friend, lets look at 2 things. The math and current events. 900 jobs is over $ 40 million
per year in payroll, and that makes a huge difference in a city like Omaha. upset HDR off and they will follow ConAgra right out of town. Big companies have very little patience for bullsh*t.

I really like these buildings. I have wanted to buy the coffee shop for years. (make it into a family compound!) I would not support removal of any of them for a stupid reason. But it seems to me that if you look at the overall big picture, what is being proposed is pretty amazing. That is what justifies it.

My sentiments exactly.

Joe_Sovereign · Post by **Joe_Sovereign** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 10:57 am

swgiust wrote:I don't see how HDR can be blamed for what OPA wants to do. HDR is building and new building on an empty lot.

That being said, the combination of the new HDR building, expanded Holland, and the new Capitol District will change this area of Downtown for the better. 900 jobs at HDR, countless other jobs at area businesses, 400 +- apartments, Retail(?), Grocery store(?), Diner(?).

These benefits far outweigh the removal of one old building.

Now before you all start calling me some sort of old building friend, lets look at 2 things. The math and current events. 900 jobs is over $ 40 million
per year in payroll, and that makes a huge difference in a city like Omaha. upset HDR off and they will follow ConAgra right out of town. Big companies have very little patience for bullsh*t.

I really like these buildings. I have wanted to buy the coffee shop for years. (make it into a family compound!) I would not support removal of any of them for a stupid reason. But it seems to me that if you look at the overall big picture, what is being proposed is pretty amazing. That is what justifies it.

HDR is not leaving Omaha it has never been considered that is a scare tactic.

The impact of moving jobs from one part of town to another is not some gigantic positive for the city. There are chief people at HDR on the OPA board and HDR will get the contract for what ever is built in that space after the Historic building is torn down.

Ramlco · Post by **Ramlco** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 11:19 am

Joe_Sovereign wrote:
The impact of moving jobs from one part of town to another is not some gigantic positive for the city. There are chief people at HDR on the OPA board and HDR will get the contract for what ever is built in that space after the Historic building is torn down.

Bringing more people into downtown and revitalizing an area is absolutely a positive. If you create an exciting area by bringing in jobs, people, entertainment, etc., it becomes an attraction for tourists and locals.

If you took all the businesses downtown and spread them out across the suburbs, Omaha wouldn't be a very fun place to visit.

Omafan15 · Post by **Omafan15** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 11:39 am

The former HDR CEO and current HDR board of directors member Richard R Bell is also on the board of directors for the Omaha Performing Arts. HDR and OPA's interests are one in the same...

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 12:49 pm

Plus, OPA hired HDR as the architect/engineer for the Holland expansion. As the architect, part of HDR's duties include creative problem solving to formulate and bring their client's program to fruition. OPA expects HDR to provide leadership in creating the actual physical design. As professionals, HDR also has a responsibility to consider the impact of their design choices on the community as a whole, and how well the design fits into the context of the downtown site. The most creative solution would find a way to satisfy all parties affected. I'm not saying they won't succeed even if the existing buildings aren't saved, just that it will be a bigger trade-off if they're not.

Joe_Sovereign · Post by **Joe_Sovereign** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 2:33 pm

GetUrban wrote:Plus, OPA hired HDR as the architect/engineer for the Holland expansion. As the architect, part of HDR's duties include creative problem solving to formulate and bring their client's program to fruition. OPA expects HDR to provide leadership in creating the actual physical design. As professionals, HDR also has a responsibility to consider the impact of their design choices on the community as a whole, and how well the design fits into the context of the downtown site. The most creative solution would find a way to satisfy all parties affected. I'm not saying they won't succeed even if the existing buildings aren't saved, just that it will be a bigger trade-off if they're not.

This response scares the heck out of me. What if HDR's creative problem solving is to fake a Headquarters move in order to facilitate this City financed land grab and destruction of these buildings in order to secure their contract for the design and construction of the new Holland parking garage.

PotatoeEatsFish · Post by **PotatoeEatsFish** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 4:15 pm

Joe_Sovereign wrote:
GetUrban wrote:Plus, OPA hired HDR as the architect/engineer for the Holland expansion. As the architect, part of HDR's duties include creative problem solving to formulate and bring their client's program to fruition. OPA expects HDR to provide leadership in creating the actual physical design. As professionals, HDR also has a responsibility to consider the impact of their design choices on the community as a whole, and how well the design fits into the context of the downtown site. The most creative solution would find a way to satisfy all parties affected. I'm not saying they won't succeed even if the existing buildings aren't saved, just that it will be a bigger trade-off if they're not.
This response scares the heck out of me. What if HDR's creative problem solving is to fake a Headquarters move in order to facilitate this City financed land grab and destruction of these buildings in order to secure their contract for the design and construction of the new Holland parking garage.

Then we burn them.

iamjacobm · Post by **iamjacobm** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 4:21 pm

Joe_Sovereign wrote:
GetUrban wrote:Plus, OPA hired HDR as the architect/engineer for the Holland expansion. As the architect, part of HDR's duties include creative problem solving to formulate and bring their client's program to fruition. OPA expects HDR to provide leadership in creating the actual physical design. As professionals, HDR also has a responsibility to consider the impact of their design choices on the community as a whole, and how well the design fits into the context of the downtown site. The most creative solution would find a way to satisfy all parties affected. I'm not saying they won't succeed even if the existing buildings aren't saved, just that it will be a bigger trade-off if they're not.
This response scares the heck out of me. What if HDR's creative problem solving is to fake a Headquarters move in order to facilitate this City financed land grab and destruction of these buildings in order to secure their contract for the design and construction of the new Holland parking garage.

HDR isn't hurting for work. Whatever money they make off of a Holland expansion is pennies compared to the infrastructure/federal contracts they get.

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 5:06 pm

Joe_Sovereign wrote:
GetUrban wrote:Plus, OPA hired HDR as the architect/engineer for the Holland expansion. As the architect, part of HDR's duties include creative problem solving to formulate and bring their client's program to fruition. OPA expects HDR to provide leadership in creating the actual physical design. As professionals, HDR also has a responsibility to consider the impact of their design choices on the community as a whole, and how well the design fits into the context of the downtown site. The most creative solution would find a way to satisfy all parties affected. I'm not saying they won't succeed even if the existing buildings aren't saved, just that it will be a bigger trade-off if they're not.
This response scares the heck out of me. What if HDR's creative problem solving is to fake a Headquarters move in order to facilitate this City financed land grab and destruction of these buildings in order to secure their contract for the design and construction of the new Holland parking garage.

Hmm.... being factious?

RNcyanide · Post by **RNcyanide** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 6:03 pm

Joe_Sovereign wrote:
GetUrban wrote:Plus, OPA hired HDR as the architect/engineer for the Holland expansion. As the architect, part of HDR's duties include creative problem solving to formulate and bring their client's program to fruition. OPA expects HDR to provide leadership in creating the actual physical design. As professionals, HDR also has a responsibility to consider the impact of their design choices on the community as a whole, and how well the design fits into the context of the downtown site. The most creative solution would find a way to satisfy all parties affected. I'm not saying they won't succeed even if the existing buildings aren't saved, just that it will be a bigger trade-off if they're not.
This response scares the heck out of me. What if HDR's creative problem solving is to fake a Headquarters move in order to facilitate this City financed land grab and destruction of these buildings in order to secure their contract for the design and construction of the new Holland parking garage.

If that's the case, which I am 99.99% sure it won't, they would be better off moving their HQ elsewhere. They'd have no respect left in this city. We wouldn't have need to burn a witch, the Witch would have burnt itself.

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 8:17 pm

Joe_Sovereign wrote:
GetUrban wrote:Plus, OPA hired HDR as the architect/engineer for the Holland expansion. As the architect, part of HDR's duties include creative problem solving to formulate and bring their client's program to fruition. OPA expects HDR to provide leadership in creating the actual physical design. As professionals, HDR also has a responsibility to consider the impact of their design choices on the community as a whole, and how well the design fits into the context of the downtown site. The most creative solution would find a way to satisfy all parties affected. I'm not saying they won't succeed even if the existing buildings aren't saved, just that it will be a bigger trade-off if they're not.
This response scares the heck out of me. What if HDR's creative problem solving is to fake a Headquarters move in order to facilitate this City financed land grab and destruction of these buildings in order to secure their contract for the design and construction of the new Holland parking garage.

You can't be serious. I'm sure their intentions are honest and based on what they feel is best for the overall success of their company, their clients, and the health of downtown Omaha. I'm extremely excited they decided to move downtown, but at the same time disappointed at the possibility of losing more of our remaining pre-1900 buildings as the result of properties changing hands. Best case scenario is they find a way to save the buildings, increase the livelihood at street level, add a signature building to the skyline, and expand the Holland. Worst case is the buildings are gone, street level is DOA, their building is boring, and the Holland has a new garage fronting the GLM. I'm hopeful for the best case. HDR has been doing great work lately and winning recognition from their peers in the form of AIA Honor & Merit awards.

PotatoeEatsFish · Post by **PotatoeEatsFish** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 10:09 pm

I remember someone saying the design will come out in December. Since they already showed the base of it does that mean that their done and are just waiting?

S33 · Post by **S33** » Sat Dec 19, 2015 3:12 pm

PotatoeEatsFish wrote:I remember someone saying the design will come out in December. Since they already showed the base of it does that mean that their done and are just waiting?

interesting. Normally they show the tip before the base.

MTO · Post by **MTO** » Sat Dec 19, 2015 5:35 pm

S33 wrote:
PotatoeEatsFish wrote:I remember someone saying the design will come out in December. Since they already showed the base of it does that mean that their done and are just waiting?
interesting. Normally they show the tip before the base.

Nothing more, just the tip?

RNcyanide · Post by **RNcyanide** » Thu Dec 24, 2015 2:10 am

All I want for Christmas is to see the friggin' renderings... If there's any architectural Christmas miracle to be had, I hope it would be a reconfiguration of the parking garage to increase the height.

PotatoeEatsFish · Post by **PotatoeEatsFish** » Fri Dec 25, 2015 4:44 pm

RNcyanide wrote:All I want for Christmas is to see the friggin' renderings... If there's any architectural Christmas miracle to be had, I hope it would be a reconfiguration of the parking garage to increase the height.

Maybe New Year's?

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Sun Dec 27, 2015 1:07 am

I doubt New Years or before. What corporate person is in the office this time of year?

Maybe Jan 1. But with the new Holland stuff we might be a few months away.

RNcyanide · Post by **RNcyanide** » Sun Dec 27, 2015 1:17 am

No. Now please.

RNcyanide · Post by **RNcyanide** » Mon Jan 04, 2016 1:43 am

I'm getting blue balls waiting for this.

MTO · Post by **MTO** » Mon Jan 04, 2016 8:18 am

I'm not old and wise like other formers (coyote* cough) but I've been around long enough to not expect a reveal anytime we expect it.

Post by **Coyote** » Mon Jan 04, 2016 8:37 am

MTO wrote:I'm not old and wise like other formers (coyote* cough) but I've been around long enough to not expect a reveal anytime we expect it.

*cough*

Post by **BRoss** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 8:13 pm

HDR selects Kiewit to develop plan for new downtown Omaha headquarters

Cole Epley / World-Herald staff writer wrote:Kiewit Corp. last week began piecing together preconstruction plans for HDR Inc.’s 16-story headquarters facility to be built in downtown Omaha, HDR officials said Monday.

Mike Moran, director of operations for HDR’s architecture business, expects that it will take Kiewit about four to six months to develop plans for the project.
The next step will include issuing packages, after which contractors will submit bids for early site work. That should happen around May or June, Moran said, and early expectations are for HDR’s Omaha workforce to move into the new headquarters’ offices in December 2018.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 8:27 pm

Still no renderings though...?

RNcyanide · Post by **RNcyanide** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 8:53 pm

Athomsfere wrote:Still no renderings though...?

I have a feeling it's going to be a while yet...

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 9:05 pm

Strange wording...saying that Kiewit will take 4-6 months to develop plans for the project. Usually the Architect and Engineers develop the plans and put drawings out for bids. It is common for contractors to put together bid packages though. Maybe that's what they mean, unless HDR is going to let Kiewit design their new HQ building.

They probably want to have firm cost estimates or bids from Kiewit before they go public with any renderings.

MTO · Post by **MTO** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 10:04 pm

Well they better hurry 2018 will come fast.

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 10:14 pm

I'd almost rather they not release any renderings and just make people wait to see it as it's built. They are their own client, so it's not like they will seek any general public approval.

although they better practice what they preach if they want to keep getting new clients.

Post by **Brad** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 11:42 pm

GetUrban wrote:I'd almost rather they not release any renderings and just make people wait to see it as it's built. They are their own client, so it's not like they will seek any general public approval. although they better practice what they preach if they want to keep getting new clients.

LOL, That would be awesome!

The best thing would be is the Jr High boys, RNcyanide and MTO, who are waiting for this rendering like they are waiting for their JR High crush to call them back would loos their frickin minds! Lol! Grow Up Boys!

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 11:44 pm

GetUrban wrote:I'd almost rather they not release any renderings and just make people wait to see it as it's built. They are their own client, so it's not like they will seek any general public approval. although they better practice what they preach if they want to keep getting new clients.

I keep hoping they are trying to really blow our collective minds by sneaking a few extra floors in... "Introducing the HDR / Kiewitt headquarters, 32 floors!"

Post by **Brad** » Mon Jan 11, 2016 11:57 pm

Did you mean to put that on the wrong lot?

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:20 am

Not a bad design! Talk about poetic justice!

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 6:34 am

Brad wrote:Did you mean to put that on the wrong lot?

I remember one of the OWH stories saying that lot, and I like that lot...

That lot where the structure is going to the north can now go to a low rise set of condos

RNcyanide · Post by **RNcyanide** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 6:48 am

Brad wrote:
GetUrban wrote:I'd almost rather they not release any renderings and just make people wait to see it as it's built. They are their own client, so it's not like they will seek any general public approval. although they better practice what they preach if they want to keep getting new clients.
LOL, That would be awesome!

The best thing would be is the Jr High boys, RNcyanide and MTO, who are waiting for this rendering like they are waiting for their JR High crush to call them back would loos their frickin minds! Lol! Grow Up Boys!

I like pretty buildings!! Leave me alone!!

Post by **Coyote** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 7:35 am

Brad wrote:LOL, That would be awesome!

The best thing would be is the Jr High boys, RNcyanide and MTO, who are waiting for this rendering like they are waiting for their JR High crush to call them back would loos their frickin minds! Lol! Grow Up Boys!

Are we there yet?
No.
Are we there yet?
No.
Are we there yet?
No!
Are we there yet?
NO!
Are we there yet?
Shut up.

MTO · Post by **MTO** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 1:31 pm

Forever young.

Joe_Sovereign · Post by **Joe_Sovereign** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 3:44 pm

Athomsfere wrote:
GetUrban wrote:I'd almost rather they not release any renderings and just make people wait to see it as it's built. They are their own client, so it's not like they will seek any general public approval. although they better practice what they preach if they want to keep getting new clients.
I keep hoping they are trying to really blow our collective minds by sneaking a few extra floors in... "Introducing the HDR / Kiewitt headquarters, 32 floors!"

The only problem with this plan is we are going to have to turn Gene Leahy Mall into surface parking for the towers employees.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Jan 12, 2016 7:57 pm

Nein, the round thing with the stone entrance is a ~70 ft parking garage