Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Proposed Development Projects that got Minarded.

Moderators: Coyote, nebugeater, Brad, Omaha Cowboy, BRoss

User avatar
Stargazer
County Board
Posts: 4106
Joined: Sat Dec 09, 2006 11:06 am
Location: Bennington

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Stargazer »

Ha, I noticed that too (misidentifying the Ford Lofts building that is).
Shoot for the Moon... if you miss, you'll land among the stars.
User avatar
GetUrban
Planning Board
Posts: 2634
Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2008 3:07 pm
Location: Omaha

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by GetUrban »

iamjacobm wrote:Haha, for all the height obsessed. I present WOWT's image of the rendering.

Image
Hahaha! That reminds of the squatty image the City of Omaha uses on the official web page. So embarrassing. :banghead:
http://www.cityofomaha.org/
I've complained to the mayor several times to no avail. :cry:
He said "They are some big, ugly red brick buildings"
...and then they were gone.
User avatar
Brad
City Council
Posts: 1033312
Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2004 6:03 pm
Location: Omaha, NE
Contact:

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Brad »

bmt wrote: Sure thing.
Awesome, Thanks!
GetUrban wrote: Hahaha! That reminds of the squatty image the City of Omaha uses on the official web page. So embarrassing. :banghead:

I've complained to the mayor several times to no avail. :cry:
As far as the Squatty WOWT rendering. If I was HDR I would be bent out of shape and they would hear about it. I flat out tell clients when they buy my stock images that they are allowed to crop and re-size my images as needed, but under no circumstances are they allowed distort the proportions of the photo in any way. If they can't do it correctly, I can and will help them.

I just don't understand how so many people in this world can be so blind to quality craftsmanship... HDR spent hours designing the building they like it and then some kid in the news room just pi$$es all over it!
User avatar
Coyote
City Council
Posts: 32940
Joined: Tue Nov 18, 2003 11:18 am
Location: Aksarben Village
Contact:

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Coyote »

OmahaJaysCU wrote:Ketv highlighted the ford lofts to the right and pointed out that since these historic structures are still in the rendering, they might be saying. Except it's the wrong historic structure.
I saw that too, how ill informed some people are, and they are Omaha news reporters...
User avatar
jessep28
Planning Board
Posts: 2755
Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2008 4:10 pm
Location: Omaha Metro Area

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by jessep28 »

Edit; I'm an idiot
Last edited by jessep28 on Mon Jan 25, 2016 10:59 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum
daveoma
Parks & Recreation
Posts: 1211
Joined: Thu Nov 06, 2014 7:18 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by daveoma »

RNcyanide wrote:Also, according to the news release on their website, HDR said the 16 floor count includes basement and roof, if that changes anything...
That's kind of a lie, is it not?
Athomsfere
Planning Board
Posts: 2030
Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2015 10:03 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Athomsfere »

S33 wrote: Omaha's problem is that they just don't have the economy/local corporations to build an impressive skyline. It would seem that Omaha would have to rely on private developers who want to invest in the residential market downtown, if anything substantial will ever be built. Also, we're resting on a ledge of another recession, so I wouldn't expect much for for some time in future.
IDK about this.

Des Moines seems to have a better skyline, A lot of other towns of about the same size do, but:

1) Omaha has mid rises for miles. Most cities don't. (at this size). Omaha could have a couple more 500+ ft buildings but all the infill would probably be dead, no MTC, Aksarben, TDA, West Dodge...

On the recession: Other than the stocks being oddly low, oil and train freight down... Any indicators? Jobs are still growing, most retailers are doing pretty well, companies are hiring and investing. All seems pretty good?
ricko
Parks & Recreation
Posts: 1345
Joined: Mon Dec 11, 2006 9:54 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by ricko »

Athomsfere wrote:
S33 wrote: Omaha's problem is that they just don't have the economy/local corporations to build an impressive skyline. It would seem that Omaha would have to rely on private developers who want to invest in the residential market downtown, if anything substantial will ever be built. Also, we're resting on a ledge of another recession, so I wouldn't expect much for for some time in future.
IDK about this.

Des Moines seems to have a better skyline, A lot of other towns of about the same size do, but:

1) Omaha has mid rises for miles. Most cities don't. (at this size). Omaha could have a couple more 500+ ft buildings but all the infill would probably be dead, no MTC, Aksarben, TDA, West Dodge...

On the recession: Other than the stocks being oddly low, oil and train freight down... Any indicators? Jobs are still growing, most retailers are doing pretty well, companies are hiring and investing. All seems pretty good?
It's not us---the Chinese economy is leveraged up to its eyeballs---they are expecting an economic downturn the likes of which they haven't experienced in the modern era. A major recession there would have a domino effect worldwide.
User avatar
Busguy2010
County Board
Posts: 5296
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2011 7:32 pm
Location: North Central Omaha

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Busguy2010 »

Bet it doesn't get built! :lol:
User avatar
S33
County Board
Posts: 4441
Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 12:15 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by S33 »

Athomsfere wrote:
S33 wrote: Omaha's problem is that they just don't have the economy/local corporations to build an impressive skyline. It would seem that Omaha would have to rely on private developers who want to invest in the residential market downtown, if anything substantial will ever be built. Also, we're resting on a ledge of another recession, so I wouldn't expect much for for some time in future.
IDK about this.

Des Moines seems to have a better skyline, A lot of other towns of about the same size do, but:

1) Omaha has mid rises for miles. Most cities don't. (at this size). Omaha could have a couple more 500+ ft buildings but all the infill would probably be dead, no MTC, Aksarben, TDA, West Dodge...

On the recession: Other than the stocks being oddly low, oil and train freight down... Any indicators? Jobs are still growing, most retailers are doing pretty well, companies are hiring and investing. All seems pretty good?
China's deflation is going to have a very real impact on American stocks, and already is. As China tries to transition from a investment based econoMy to a consumer economy, there's going to be a lot of casualties along the way.

I can also tell you that it is a terrible indicator to have oil trading below 30 dollars a barrel, and even worse to see a heavy machinery stock like Catapillar sliding.

A recession isn't a bad bet, at this point, as much as everyone is trying to avoid using the word.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. - Winston Churchill
User avatar
Omababe
Planning Board
Posts: 2470
Joined: Thu Jul 05, 2007 9:47 am
Contact:

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Omababe »

mr. omaha wrote:TD Ameritrade Part Deux.
Au contraire!

Looks much better than that mint monstrosity I have to pass by most every morning.
User avatar
thenewguy
County Board
Posts: 3729
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2007 9:50 pm
Location: Council Bluffs

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by thenewguy »

I think its a nice design. Clean, good lines, nice profile....but indeed, i wish it were taller.
Go Cubs Go
MTO
City Council
Posts: 7806
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:49 am
Location: Dundee

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by MTO »

Well we still have a strand of hope in the height arena, Lanoha.
15-17, 26, 32
omahahawk
Parks & Recreation
Posts: 1091
Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2004 5:16 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by omahahawk »

For what it's worth I really do think this building will be amazing and something we will all ultimately like. So many times elegance lies in simplicity. Joe is 100 per cent right in that with right materials and the right lighting scheme this building will be beautiful. I would take a beautiful infill building like this over a lesser designed taller building any day.
Last edited by omahahawk on Tue Jan 26, 2016 7:34 am, edited 2 times in total.
User avatar
PotatoeEatsFish
Human Relations
Posts: 747
Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2015 11:59 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by PotatoeEatsFish »

MTO wrote:Well we still have a strand of hope in the height arena, Lanoha.
I thought that project was pretty much dead, is it not?
#SaveTheUglyGrainSilos2024
MTO
City Council
Posts: 7806
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:49 am
Location: Dundee

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by MTO »

PotatoeEatsFish wrote:
MTO wrote:Well we still have a strand of hope in the height arena, Lanoha.
I thought that project was pretty much dead, is it not?
Yeah we haven't heard anything for years so maybe so but that lot is still prime.
15-17, 26, 32
Joe_Sovereign
Library Board
Posts: 433
Joined: Thu Sep 06, 2012 3:57 pm
Location: Omaha Metro Area

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Joe_Sovereign »

MTO wrote:
PotatoeEatsFish wrote:
MTO wrote:Well we still have a strand of hope in the height arena, Lanoha.
I thought that project was pretty much dead, is it not?
Yeah we haven't heard anything for years so maybe so but that lot is still prime.
Lanoha is just a vision at this point. They bought the lot as a long term investment. They know the best use of the lot is a mixed use high rise. The know that there is very little Class A office space available in downtown Omaha, and almost none in very large chunks.

However they are not building until they get a client to commitment to a long term lease on a large chuck of the office space. It doesn't make sense to do anything until they have a office client. At that point they will get some initially designs and start trying to get commitments for condos for the residential portion. If demand is high they will build more floors of residential if it is low they will build fewer. The size of the building is totally dependent on the office and residential demand. The could find an office client tomorrow or 10 years from now.

Honestly I am surprised that they haven't turned it into a surface parking lot yet. At least they could cover a portion of the taxes they are paying each year on the property.
User avatar
GetUrban
Planning Board
Posts: 2634
Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2008 3:07 pm
Location: Omaha

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by GetUrban »

Lanoha was most likely counting on UP to fill a good portion of the office space, but UP's business has been slower lately and they've been more in a down-sizing mode, rather than expansion.

I think there is more of a pent-up demand for new downtown residential than people realize, but I'm sure Lanoha has a good pulse on the demand. But it may still be hinging on potential office tenants, as others have said. They should consider retail on the first two levels (urban Target) with residential above that. ..and 2-3 basement levels of parking below.

Back on-topic....It will be interesting to see how HDR plans to provide mixed-use/retail space at street level around their garage. Details are still very scarce on that very important piece.
He said "They are some big, ugly red brick buildings"
...and then they were gone.
User avatar
Seth
Parks & Recreation
Posts: 1437
Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2010 4:59 pm
Location: Ford Birthsite Neighborhood

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Seth »

[quote="Athomsfere"1) Omaha has mid rises for miles. Most cities don't. (at this size). Omaha could have a couple more 500+ ft buildings but all the infill would probably be dead, no MTC, Aksarben, TDA, West Dodge...[/quote]

I agree. Skylines may be sexy, but a dense, solid core from Saddle Creek to downtown (and others farther west) create a much more livable and urban fabric than a couple more "towers in a parking lot" downtown.
User avatar
Seth
Parks & Recreation
Posts: 1437
Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2010 4:59 pm
Location: Ford Birthsite Neighborhood

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Seth »

GetUrban wrote:That reminds of the squatty image the City of Omaha uses on the official web page. So embarrassing. :banghead:
http://www.cityofomaha.org/
I've complained to the mayor several times to no avail. :cry:
Haha, that is terrible! First National looks like a tater-tot!
EastCB
Library Board
Posts: 365
Joined: Thu Oct 05, 2006 11:30 am
Location: Council Bluffs

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by EastCB »

World Herald today said the parking garage will be 7 floors and the retail will be on the north side.
MTO
City Council
Posts: 7806
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:49 am
Location: Dundee

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by MTO »

Seth wrote:
GetUrban wrote:That reminds of the squatty image the City of Omaha uses on the official web page. So embarrassing. :banghead:
http://www.cityofomaha.org/
I've complained to the mayor several times to no avail. :cry:
Haha, that is terrible! First National looks like a tater-tot!
Reminds me of Lincoln's skyline.
15-17, 26, 32
User avatar
GetUrban
Planning Board
Posts: 2634
Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2008 3:07 pm
Location: Omaha

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by GetUrban »

MTO wrote:
Seth wrote:
GetUrban wrote:That reminds of the squatty image the City of Omaha uses on the official web page. So embarrassing. :banghead:
http://www.cityofomaha.org/
I've complained to the mayor several times to no avail. :cry:
Haha, that is terrible! First National looks like a tater-tot!
Reminds me of Lincoln's skyline.
Pooooooor Lincoln. That squatty WOWT image of HDR's HQ reminds me of their old FNB building (now US Bank) Lincoln used to have strict height limits to protect the view of the Capitol Building....dunno if they still do. I have to agree with that goal...the Capitol is a great building. It would be a shame to not see it, not that the chances of that happening are high.
He said "They are some big, ugly red brick buildings"
...and then they were gone.
User avatar
BRoss
IT Director
Posts: 10002763
Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 7:39 pm
Location: West Central Omaha

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by BRoss »

New HDR complex will include retail shops and services, and a public plaza
Cindy Gonzalez / World-Herald staff writer wrote:HDR’s new downtown Omaha global headquarters is to be lined on its northern edge by street-level retail shops and services — a move that aligns with the city’s goal to turn Capitol Avenue into a lively pedestrian-friendly corridor.

In addition, a public plaza with outdoor seating is to be created on 11th Street, HDR Chairman and CEO George Little said today.
User avatar
RNcyanide
Planning Board
Posts: 2780
Joined: Thu Mar 28, 2013 10:37 am
Location: Boston

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by RNcyanide »

The phrase 'glass shingles' makes me think the south end will have a shell rather than a bare face like UP and 1200 Landmark. Also, what the hęll are 'vision panels'? Is it like calling a stairwell a 'vertical access shaft'?

I'm also disappointed with the parking. There better be some good facade work on the garage part, it's going to look awful with that much of the north end eaten up by a parking garage.

I'm taking solace I'm the fact they are making the 11th Street side pedestrian friendly and putting stuff on the street.
When fortune smiles on something as violent and ugly as revenge, it seems proof like no other that not only does God exist, you're doing his will.

The Bride
User avatar
Coyote
City Council
Posts: 32940
Joined: Tue Nov 18, 2003 11:18 am
Location: Aksarben Village
Contact:

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Coyote »

As implied, there will be street level retail under the parking garage along Capitol Ave. only.
MTO
City Council
Posts: 7806
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:49 am
Location: Dundee

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by MTO »

Coyote wrote:As implied, there will be street level retail under the parking garage along Capitol Ave. only.
I'm cool with that.
15-17, 26, 32
User avatar
mcarch
Library Board
Posts: 362
Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 1:44 pm
Location: Elkhorn

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by mcarch »

Angled glass... nice place for freezing rain to accumulate and create ice sickles! Anyone remember Z. Fed. Building?

Also, 16 floors? HDR will be leasing space as soon as they move into this thing - the same as they did when the built the "Green Building" that is insider talk for the addition. Gold, Green, and Blue (the one that sits in front). I know for a fact that HDR allowed their leases to expire before the Green Building was done, to only figure out the day of moving that they didn't have enough space. I believe HDR is on this same path yet again. I guess you can't learn from history!

Also, style, while I like it, except for the angles in the windows (I have a funny feeling they'll cause some unintended consequence) does not look any taller than the old Qwest building. I know that HDR can do MUCH better, just look at their clients' buildings. As far as I am concerned, this is a flop.
User avatar
Coyote
City Council
Posts: 32940
Joined: Tue Nov 18, 2003 11:18 am
Location: Aksarben Village
Contact:

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Coyote »

mcarch wrote:Angled glass... nice place for freezing rain to accumulate and create ice sickles!.
I was told; the angled windows will allow a reflection of the sky and not other buildings, and that it would actually reduce the threat of falling icicles...
User avatar
S33
County Board
Posts: 4441
Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 12:15 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by S33 »

jessep28 wrote:Edit; I'm an idiot
Well, we weren't going to come out and say it...
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. - Winston Churchill
User avatar
S33
County Board
Posts: 4441
Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 12:15 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by S33 »

mcarch wrote:Angled glass... nice place for freezing rain to accumulate and create ice sickles! Anyone remember Z. Fed. Building?

Also, 16 floors? HDR will be leasing space as soon as they move into this thing - the same as they did when the built the "Green Building" that is insider talk for the addition. Gold, Green, and Blue (the one that sits in front). I know for a fact that HDR allowed their leases to expire before the Green Building was done, to only figure out the day of moving that they didn't have enough space. I believe HDR is on this same path yet again. I guess you can't learn from history!

Also, style, while I like it, except for the angles in the windows (I have a funny feeling they'll cause some unintended consequence) does not look any taller than the old Qwest building. I know that HDR can do MUCH better, just look at their clients' buildings. As far as I am concerned, this is a flop.
no, this building is 14 floors. It's like lying to your girlfriend about the size of your jimmy, she's gonna find out.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. - Winston Churchill
User avatar
jessep28
Planning Board
Posts: 2755
Joined: Wed Sep 03, 2008 4:10 pm
Location: Omaha Metro Area

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by jessep28 »

S33 wrote:
jessep28 wrote:Edit; I'm an idiot
Well, we weren't going to come out and say it...
Lol, I thought the tower was only going to be 13-14 stories, so I attempted a stupid joke.
Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum
Joe_Sovereign
Library Board
Posts: 433
Joined: Thu Sep 06, 2012 3:57 pm
Location: Omaha Metro Area

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Joe_Sovereign »

What could possibly be HDR's reasoning behind such a conservative design?

Are they afraid that something more innovative is going to age poorly and then their Headquarters looks old and dated when the bring in clients 20 years from now? I mean simple things like a plaza or green roof on the parking garage. Some kind of innovation in integrating the parking garage into the building. I am sure their teams have a ton of innovative ideas and designs. You think they would take some risk that would get the rest of their industry talking about their building. It would be a great way to get some publicity.
User avatar
S33
County Board
Posts: 4441
Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 12:15 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by S33 »

jessep28 wrote:
S33 wrote:
jessep28 wrote:Edit; I'm an idiot
Well, we weren't going to come out and say it...
Lol, I thought the tower was only going to be 13-14 stories, so I attempted a stupid joke.
It's 14 stories. Commence with the jokes, please.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. - Winston Churchill
User avatar
S33
County Board
Posts: 4441
Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 12:15 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by S33 »

Joe_Sovereign wrote:What could possibly be HDR's reasoning behind such a conservative design?

Are they afraid that something more innovative is going to age poorly and then their Headquarters looks old and dated when the bring in clients 20 years from now? I mean simple things like a plaza or green roof on the parking garage. Some kind of innovation in integrating the parking garage into the building. I am sure their teams have a ton of innovative ideas and designs. You think they would take some risk that would get the rest of their industry talking about their building. It would be a great way to get some publicity.
Maybe someone told them computers would soon do all their jobs? The design is a long term plan to convert to condos, once that happens.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. - Winston Churchill
MTO
City Council
Posts: 7806
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:49 am
Location: Dundee

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by MTO »

They just may be content with a simple esthetic.
15-17, 26, 32
nebport5
Planning Board
Posts: 2011
Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 3:13 pm
Location: 5280

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by nebport5 »

Well it's not hideous. Understated in the Omaha tradition...why should we come to expect anything else? Grateful for the infill? Of course. It seems to reference the Woodmen, TD headquarters as well as TD Stadium.

I'm sure it'll look great on tv two weeks out of the year. Shall we rename this stretch of Dodge to First National "Wall Street"?
User avatar
GetUrban
Planning Board
Posts: 2634
Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2008 3:07 pm
Location: Omaha

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by GetUrban »

They've always been pretty conservative in their designs, and haven't really received a lot of recognition for high design from their peers until the last 10-15 years. But I agree they're following a "less is more" philosophy, rather than trying to boldly break new ground appearance-wise. Technologically, the building will be cutting edge for things like energy efficiency, natural day-lighting, etc.
He said "They are some big, ugly red brick buildings"
...and then they were gone.
MTO
City Council
Posts: 7806
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:49 am
Location: Dundee

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by MTO »

I've noticed there's different quality to the details of new buildings my bet is they'll use high quality glass and other materials with attention to detail.
15-17, 26, 32
mr. omaha
Home Owners Association
Posts: 245
Joined: Sat Apr 16, 2005 4:38 am

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by mr. omaha »

nebport5 wrote:Shall we rename this stretch of Dodge to First National "Wall Street"?
This almost justifies the name of Townsend's failed condo tower.
Post Reply