Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Proposed Development Projects that got Minarded.

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

User avatar
skinzfan23
City Council
Posts: 9089
Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:26 am
Location: Omaha/Bellevue

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by skinzfan23 »

Wow I thought that was a joke at first. Wonder why they would scrap the plans this late in the process. Maybe they will build on the old UP property or on the land where the Civic is. I thought their lease was ending at their current building, you would think either way they have to move quickly.
User avatar
skinzfan23
City Council
Posts: 9089
Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:26 am
Location: Omaha/Bellevue

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by skinzfan23 »

Actually according to the article, they aren't interested in downtown anymore. Hopefully we don't end up with some crappy 5 story suburban office building.
User avatar
Linkin5
County Board
Posts: 4532
Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2004 7:59 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Linkin5 »

Man, HDR you look like a f*cking joke right now.
User avatar
skinzfan23
City Council
Posts: 9089
Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:26 am
Location: Omaha/Bellevue

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by skinzfan23 »

Linkin5 wrote:Man, HDR you look like a f*cking joke right now.
that's what I was thinking. gotta believe they spent quite a bit of time money and other resources to get as far as they did, only to turn away. I wonder if the Holland Center had anything to do with this.
User avatar
Linkin5
County Board
Posts: 4532
Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2004 7:59 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Linkin5 »

skinzfan23 wrote:
Linkin5 wrote:Man, HDR you look like a f*cking joke right now.
that's what I was thinking. gotta believe they spent quite a bit of time money and other resources to get as far as they did, only to turn away. I wonder if the Holland Center had anything to do with this.
It's exactly what had to do with this, these snakes are all connected and when they didn't get what they wanted they dropped all plans.
MTO
City Council
Posts: 7806
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:49 am
Location: Dundee

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by MTO »

Well at least you guys still have your precious iron facade.
15-17, 26, 32
User avatar
skinzfan23
City Council
Posts: 9089
Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:26 am
Location: Omaha/Bellevue

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by skinzfan23 »

Maybe they could build on Zone 6 in Aksarben Village.
User avatar
Coyote
City Council
Posts: 32804
Joined: Tue Nov 18, 2003 11:18 am
Location: Aksarben Village
Contact:

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Coyote »

skinzfan23 wrote:Maybe they could build on Zone 6 in Aksarben Village.
The person who predicted this in the rumor thread says Boystown
User avatar
Omaha Cowboy
The Don
Posts: 1013156
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2004 5:31 am
Location: West Omaha

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Omaha Cowboy »

The annonymous poster who predicted this in the Rumors Section is a real Nostradomous.. HDR- Boys Town here we come..

What a corporate d!ck move :sly: ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
Go Cowboys!
User avatar
skinzfan23
City Council
Posts: 9089
Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:26 am
Location: Omaha/Bellevue

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by skinzfan23 »

Wow, so we probably will end up with a bunch of 5-6 story buildings then.
User avatar
Greg S
City Council
Posts: 7398
Joined: Thu Aug 26, 2004 10:46 am

Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Greg S »

Is Lonegran (not sure on spelling) Lake still available? I remember that was Con Agra's other option when the built downtown.

Greg
frankt
New to the Neighborhood
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Nov 24, 2013 11:14 am

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by frankt »

This entire process from start to finish was gross.
MadMartin8
Planning Board
Posts: 2959
Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2012 12:48 pm
Location: Beyond Thunderdome

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by MadMartin8 »

Well, at least we still have some old 1 storey brick buildings.
No posts exist for this topic
Spatial77
Home Owners Association
Posts: 167
Joined: Mon Dec 07, 2015 11:41 am

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Spatial77 »

My prediction - Rosemary's Baby! Would be ironic if they build their HQ on Leo Daly's home site. This move really makes HDR look incompetent. The planning firm couldn't even handle their own world headquarters. :what:
"Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future." -- Niels Bohr
MadMartin8
Planning Board
Posts: 2959
Joined: Sun Mar 11, 2012 12:48 pm
Location: Beyond Thunderdome

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by MadMartin8 »

skinzfan23 wrote:Wow I thought that was a joke at first. Wonder why they would scrap the plans this late in the process. Maybe they will build on the old UP property or on the land where the Civic is. I thought their lease was ending at their current building, you would think either way they have to move quickly.

They're not going to build downtown. The last real shot of a corporate high rise in Downtown Omaha is gone.
No posts exist for this topic
User avatar
Omaha Cowboy
The Don
Posts: 1013156
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2004 5:31 am
Location: West Omaha

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Omaha Cowboy »

skinzfan23 wrote:Wow, so we probably will end up with a bunch of 5-6 story buildings then.
I think you're correct. All along the rolling countryside of Boys Town :roll: ..

It's hard to even remain positive about them announcing they plan to stay in the Omaha metro.. Decommitting from Downtown Omaha in the way a sophomoric, 5 star football recruit AFTER announcing to everyone he'll play for the Huskers (or whoever) changes his mind on signing day is bad form...Very BAD form..

In this case, I'd say with pretty solid accuracy- children will be children..

Oh well, at least the Capitol District project is off the ground...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
Go Cowboys!
User avatar
GetUrban
Planning Board
Posts: 2634
Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2008 3:07 pm
Location: Omaha

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by GetUrban »

Wow, what a shock! Wimps! HDR is supposed to be full of cutting-edge, innovative, problem-solving, design geniuses. So much for that. Done-in by parking again. I'm sure cost was a factor too.

Unfortunately, this will set another bad precedent and give credence to those who say you have to cave into any and all corporate demands, no matter what.
He said "They are some big, ugly red brick buildings"
...and then they were gone.
User avatar
iamjacobm
City Council
Posts: 10374
Joined: Sat Apr 10, 2010 6:52 am
Location: Chicago

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by iamjacobm »

I think the thing to follow here is if the city blights another area for HDR like they did for TDA. $21 million is a lot of cheddar to leave on the table for HDR if they don't go into a current TIF zone.
User avatar
bmt
Home Owners Association
Posts: 95
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 9:46 pm
Location: Hastings

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by bmt »

Well this is very disappointing, but not really that surprising. I hope we learn the truth behind everything that has happened, but I have a feeling we will never know. :roll: HDR must not really care about being close to the airport if they plan to move further west. :shrug:
Tornado
Home Owners Association
Posts: 190
Joined: Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:52 am
Location: West Omaha

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Tornado »

Wow, I guess this just proves nothing in the downtown Omaha development world is a for sure bet. We just can't catch a break when it comes to any height downtown. Union Pacific builds shorter than they needed in response to a terrorist attack in New York, TD Ameritrade builds out West along a creek, Pacific Life builds a new suburban style low rise in midtown, Bluecross Blueshield builds a low-mid rise in midtown, Wallstreet tower doesn't even come close to breaking ground, and the city can't even f*cking figure out how to tear the civic down. Maybe we'll get the surprise of our lives and the Lanoha development will actually get built, but i doubt it. This was our last chance for a high rise and now all we're going to get is a 4 story Pacific Life building with an HDR sign on the top out on West Dodge. For all the flack Gavilon received about their building, at least they actually built the dang thing and brought jobs downtown in an attractive building. I can't see myself ever stepping foot into the Holland Center again.
This has been the biggest cluster f*ck i have ever witnessed from the beginning all the way to the final middle finger salute given to all of us. PARKING..PARKING..PARKING..
User avatar
S33
County Board
Posts: 4441
Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 12:15 pm

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by S33 »

MadMartin8 wrote:
skinzfan23 wrote:Wow I thought that was a joke at first. Wonder why they would scrap the plans this late in the process. Maybe they will build on the old UP property or on the land where the Civic is. I thought their lease was ending at their current building, you would think either way they have to move quickly.

They're not going to build downtown. The last real shot of a corporate high rise in Downtown Omaha is gone.
They already proposed their uninspiring, squatty mid-rise building, so downtown was never going to get a high rise from them at all.
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
choke
Human Relations
Posts: 696
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 8:46 am
Location: North Omaha

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by choke »

Omaha Cowboy wrote:
skinzfan23 wrote:Wow, so we probably will end up with a bunch of 5-6 story buildings then.
I think you're correct. All along the rolling countryside of Boys Town :roll: ..

It's hard to even remain positive about them announcing they plan to stay in the Omaha metro.. Decommitting from Downtown Omaha in the way a sophomoric, 5 star football recruit AFTER announcing to everyone he'll play for the Huskers (or whoever) changes his mind on signing day is bad form...Very BAD form..

In this case, I'd say with pretty solid accuracy- children will be children..

Oh well, at least the Capitol District project is off the ground...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
I bet Shamrock dropped a load in their pants when they heard this. They were pretty excited about HDR downtown. That would have been a lot of people looking for lunch and out-of-town HDR employees staying at the Marriott. BTW, I say it ends up being Sterling Ridge. Also, Hal Daub would have gotten this done.
Last edited by choke on Thu Apr 07, 2016 8:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Tornado
Home Owners Association
Posts: 190
Joined: Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:52 am
Location: West Omaha

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Tornado »

So true!!
User avatar
RockHarbor
Planning Board
Posts: 2093
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2005 7:42 am
Location: Silver State

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by RockHarbor »

Wow...change of plans. As much as I'm surprised and a bit disappointed maybe, I feel things can happen for a reason. As much as I liked the new modern & high-tech & sleek-looking building that was revealed (as HDR does great work), I still don't want Omaha to settle for anything that may be "mediocre" in downtown -- or let our limited downtown slots fill-in with shorter buildings the size & shape of the DoubleTree (or Ameritrade). Let our suburbs have more mediocre (although I have to say, the FNB Business Park has some great suburban buildings). Are we going to become a Phoenix, or Salt Lake, or Portland, where the rule is always "short?" Those towns' skylines look good that way, because there are prolific low hills & mountain chains nearby. But, not here...on the plains. I want people to look at our new buildings and say "Wow...that's gorgeous." I think that in Minneapolis. I think our buildings need to be more thoughtful. That's the word I'm thinking of.
I can get pushed out because I'm "too much" for some. Then, an observer of me comes suddenly swooping in to "fill my shoes." People are always more accepting of the new one, because their feathers aren't truly ruffled by them. (Yawn) I can count on it every time.
Hawkeye
Home Owners Association
Posts: 240
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 1:58 pm
Location: Minneapolis/St. Paul

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Hawkeye »

Are you mutha effin' kidding me?!?!?

Right after I FINALLY get on the positivity train THIS happens?!? S'rsly!!??!!

HDR is now LOL.
Last edited by Hawkeye on Fri Apr 08, 2016 10:05 am, edited 1 time in total.
"In Heaven there is no beer. That's why we drink it here." -Plato (Probably. No one is really sure.)
Tornado
Home Owners Association
Posts: 190
Joined: Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:52 am
Location: West Omaha

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Tornado »

I disagree with the limited downtown slots. Omaha has open lots all over the place downtown. Also, Ameritrade and Double Tree buildings would both be taller than anything we could possibly dream of building right now downtown. I'd be ecstatic to have something like the Ameritrade building downtown. Do we want to have every lot filled with 4 story buildings. NO, but we shouldn't be willing to just blow off losing 200ft buildings because something better might come along. Newsflash, there not coming....
choke
Human Relations
Posts: 696
Joined: Sun Nov 01, 2015 8:46 am
Location: North Omaha

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by choke »

Tornado wrote:I disagree with the limited downtown slots. Omaha has open lots all over the place downtown. Also, Ameritrade and Double Tree buildings would both be taller than anything we could possibly dream of building right now downtown. I'd be ecstatic to have something like the Ameritrade building downtown. Do we want to have every lot filled with 4 story buildings. NO, but we shouldn't be willing to just blow off losing 200ft buildings because something better might come along. Newsflash, there not coming....
No, they are not coming. The old UP site has been empty for years (where HDR should've built instead of trying to take land that OPA did not want to get rid of in the first place). And TD Ameritrade would have been right up there with the FNB building if it was built straight up and not sprawling. That's the building that should have went downtown right by the ballpark.
User avatar
bmt
Home Owners Association
Posts: 95
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2011 9:46 pm
Location: Hastings

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by bmt »

If HDR, which has ties to OPA, can't make it work on that lot, I really do not think we will see anything substantial there. I hope OPA does not decide to build a parking garage there.

As for where HDR ends up, I wonder if there is any chance they end up in the Waitt Plaza since it is designed by them.
User avatar
Busguy2010
County Board
Posts: 5266
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2011 7:32 pm
Location: North Central Omaha

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Busguy2010 »

I really shutter at all these missed opportunities. Just think if you take all these recent mid-rises and put them on downtown blocks WITH their Parking garages and boom, Omaha's skyline is thriving and full.

Stand next to TD Ameritrade or BCBS and consider cramming all that on two downtown blocks right next to each other :shock:

All the other smaller mid-rises are a little less substantial, but now, with HDR out, that's another coulda, woulda, shoulda.
Spatial77
Home Owners Association
Posts: 167
Joined: Mon Dec 07, 2015 11:41 am

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Spatial77 »

We have two simultaneous discussions going on here and in Rumors... Soon we will have three with one going on in Suburban Omaha Development. On the public relations end this fiasco is a major FAIL :koko:
"Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future." -- Niels Bohr
User avatar
RockHarbor
Planning Board
Posts: 2093
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2005 7:42 am
Location: Silver State

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by RockHarbor »

Tornado wrote:I disagree with the limited downtown slots. Omaha has open lots all over the place downtown. Also, Ameritrade and Double Tree buildings would both be taller than anything we could possibly dream of building right now downtown. I'd be ecstatic to have something like the Ameritrade building downtown. Do we want to have every lot filled with 4 story buildings. NO, but we shouldn't be willing to just blow off losing 200ft buildings because something better might come along. Newsflash, there not coming....
I agree that 200 feet buildings are more exciting than nothing, and I was totally fine with HDR's proposed building being built down there (as it was sleek & modern and looked like it would fit well in an urban setting), but still, I don't want our whole downtown to have all these shorter buildings that could be built in more centralized urban villages (like Aksarben) or out in suburban office parks (like Ameritrade was).

I think that Ameritrade building design could fit downtown nicely in many ways, because there's something crisp & sharp & square & urban-looking about it, like it would fit just right onto a grid of streets downtown well. To me, it is a little too square & "urban looking" for Old Mill. The One Pacific Place buildings have more of a sleek, mirrored-glass, suburban "freeway architecture" appearance, imo, so I think those types of buildings suit that area better. Still, I do like seeing a big suburban building in central Omaha now, driving on I-680. I hope to see more go up.

I just don't want to see buildings that are "unworthy of downtown" put in Downtown Omaha. For example, Pacific Life's new building is very sharp, and I love it, but it is worthy of Aksarben or Old Mill, not quite worthy of Downtown Omaha, IMO. Same in Denver: Denver's Tech Center has a lot of beautiful buildings, but they aren't quite worthy of Downtown Denver, IMO.

I don't feel there are a ton of slots down there. To me, it is a tricky game of retaining the old (as much as we can), and welcoming the new. It's a delicate balance, IMO.
Last edited by RockHarbor on Thu Apr 07, 2016 10:59 pm, edited 2 times in total.
I can get pushed out because I'm "too much" for some. Then, an observer of me comes suddenly swooping in to "fill my shoes." People are always more accepting of the new one, because their feathers aren't truly ruffled by them. (Yawn) I can count on it every time.
MTO
City Council
Posts: 7806
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2005 11:49 am
Location: Dundee

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by MTO »

Well it's going to be a joy watching them scramble down the next paths they select.
15-17, 26, 32
User avatar
RockHarbor
Planning Board
Posts: 2093
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2005 7:42 am
Location: Silver State

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by RockHarbor »

.
Last edited by RockHarbor on Thu Apr 07, 2016 11:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I can get pushed out because I'm "too much" for some. Then, an observer of me comes suddenly swooping in to "fill my shoes." People are always more accepting of the new one, because their feathers aren't truly ruffled by them. (Yawn) I can count on it every time.
User avatar
BRoss
IT Director
Posts: 10002757
Joined: Fri Aug 04, 2006 7:39 pm
Location: West Central Omaha

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by BRoss »

I'm really disappointed about this. I really want to see downtown development boom. If only HDR and TDA built down there. I do like TDA being next to the trail/creek so I can take walks on it in the middle of the day. But being downtown would have been so much cooler.
User avatar
RockHarbor
Planning Board
Posts: 2093
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2005 7:42 am
Location: Silver State

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by RockHarbor »

HR Paperstacks wrote:I'm really disappointed about this. I really want to see downtown development boom. If only HDR and TDA built down there. I do like TDA being next to the trail/creek so I can take walks on it in the middle of the day. But being downtown would have been so much cooler.
I just think this: That lot right next to the new Capitol District is going to be ONE GREAT LOT to have a company's new building on, because of the easy access to that new downtown hot spot -- and not too far from the Gene Leahy Mall & Old Market. I would think a lot of companies would want to be specifically right there.
I can get pushed out because I'm "too much" for some. Then, an observer of me comes suddenly swooping in to "fill my shoes." People are always more accepting of the new one, because their feathers aren't truly ruffled by them. (Yawn) I can count on it every time.
Tornado
Home Owners Association
Posts: 190
Joined: Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:52 am
Location: West Omaha

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Tornado »

Yes, but nothing will ever get built on this (one great lot) because OPA will never, ever sell it. If they couldn't finalize a deal with HDR, who designed their own building, then i can't see them ever parting ways with their precious city block parking lot. This lot will continue to be a vast concrete lot for years to come.
User avatar
Busguy2010
County Board
Posts: 5266
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2011 7:32 pm
Location: North Central Omaha

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Busguy2010 »

Tornado wrote:Yes, but nothing will ever get built on this (one great lot) because OPA will never, ever sell it. If they couldn't finalize a deal with HDR, who designed their own building, then i can't see them ever parting ways with their precious city block parking lot. This lot will continue to be a vast concrete lot for years to come.
They must make a lot of money off that lot. They had to have been thinking "We can make more money selling parking spots in X amount of years than we can make permanently selling the lot for X amount of dollars". Can't blame em
User avatar
Omaha Cowboy
The Don
Posts: 1013156
Joined: Wed Jan 07, 2004 5:31 am
Location: West Omaha

Re: New HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Omaha Cowboy »

choke wrote:
Omaha Cowboy wrote:
skinzfan23 wrote:Wow, so we probably will end up with a bunch of 5-6 story buildings then.
I think you're correct. All along the rolling countryside of Boys Town :roll: ..

It's hard to even remain positive about them announcing they plan to stay in the Omaha metro.. Decommitting from Downtown Omaha in the way a sophomoric, 5 star football recruit AFTER announcing to everyone he'll play for the Huskers (or whoever) changes his mind on signing day is bad form...Very BAD form..

In this case, I'd say with pretty solid accuracy- children will be children..

Oh well, at least the Capitol District project is off the ground...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
I bet Shamrock dropped a load in their pants when they heard this. They were pretty excited about HDR downtown. That would have been a lot of people looking for lunch and out-of-town HDR employees staying at the Marriott. BTW, I say it ends up being Sterling Ridge. Also, Hal Daub would have gotten this done.
The thing about Hal is he was a visionary. Amongst his flaws (and who of us doesn't have them), Daub was exactly the mayor Omaha needed back in the mid 90's to early 2000's.. The only shame, is he lost his bid to Fahey for a 3rd term. Honestly, I'm still sick over the opportunities missed due to the Fahey victory in 2001.. But I digress.. I agree..under Daub's leadership, I doubt the sh!t HDR pulled yesterday would have happened. Who knows. But it's my gut feeling this building would have gotten done under a Daub administration at city hall..

What are we left with after this fresh HDR turd load? I dunno.. I'll say this- THANK GOODNESS the Capitol District project got off the ground with no turning back. If we can hang our hats on something, at least we have that..

And finally, I said this in the other thread..moving forward- I will not allow myself to be conned into believing ANY dt Omaha high rise/mid rise announcement released to the media, until I see tower cranes, concrete and steel at the site..PERIOD..

Oh and Finally, Finally-

Ride off to your suburban Omaha HQ sunset HDR.. And don't let the door hit you in the arse as you slither away from downtown Omaha...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
Go Cowboys!
edsas
Human Relations
Posts: 841
Joined: Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:47 pm
Location: La Vista

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by edsas »

I heard Stothert on KFAB this morning. It sounds like LOT B in downtown is very much in play for HDR. It was one of 12 sites the city initially proposed to HDR. The issue with the initial site appears to be that HDR doesn't want the city to acquire any property on its behalf through imminent domain.

Anyway, it blows that groundbreaking for this isn't going to happen this summer as discussed, but the HQ is not a dead project. I'm not sure why the hasty move to Projects Never Built. By all accounts, this project is going forward but at a different location. I say move it back to development until the new site is chosen. If it's downtown, great. The thread stays as is. If it's out by Old Mill or Boys Town, then move it to suburbs. But why put it here when "never built" is not an accurate reflection of the project's status?
User avatar
Omababe
Planning Board
Posts: 2470
Joined: Thu Jul 05, 2007 9:47 am
Contact:

Re: Downtown HDR Corporate Headquarters

Post by Omababe »

Another Mint Monstrosity in the flood plain, maybe?
Post Reply