Old Union Pacific Headquarters Lot

[RNcyanide]

Look I hope more than anything this actually happens, I just have my doubts.  

Is there really a demand for high end office space?  Especially for that kind of square footage?
I think it's going to be really difficult to find retailers capable of paying the rent necessary to make the numbers work.
I DO think there is a starving demand for some very nice condos w/ a concierge type service.
That would be one LARGE building to go 25 stories in the air on a lot that covers an entire square block.

I actually was thinking a very high end/boutique style hotel on that lot would be spectacular given its location and the fact that we have 0 high end hotels in downtown Omaha.

It would be really nice if they split the use of the block. Basically the exact opposite Gavilon and UP did with their buildings. Leave some space for either public use or for another structure.

[ad2330]

Look I hope more than anything this actually happens, I just have my doubts.  

Is there really a demand for high end office space?  Especially for that kind of square footage?
I think it's going to be really difficult to find retailers capable of paying the rent necessary to make the numbers work.
I DO think there is a starving demand for some very nice condos w/ a concierge type service.
That would be one LARGE building to go 25 stories in the air on a lot that covers an entire square block.

I actually was thinking a very high end/boutique style hotel on that lot would be spectacular given its location and the fact that we have 0 high end hotels in downtown Omaha.

It would be really nice if they split the use of the block. Basically the exact opposite Gavilon and UP did with their buildings. Leave some space for either public use or for another structure.

I agree.  More economical and would allow for taller buildings to expand our skyline.

Gavilon for instance is beautiful, but it's really too bad you won't even notice its presence in our skyline.  Obviously, Gavilon isn't concerned with that and I wouldn't expect them to be, but it's frustrating from a resident's perspective.

Don't get me started on TD building out west...

[RNcyanide]

Oh god, if we could have got TD downtown, it could have potentially been absolutely stunning. Even if they kept the divisive seafoam color (which I don't really mind), it would have been fantastic.

I love the design of Gavilon, but I think it would have done more justice with the space and the building if they had constructed it in the Old Mill area. Imagine it perched atop the hill where Old Mill Toyota is vacating.

[BRoss]

Oh god, if we could have got TD downtown, it could have potentially been absolutely stunning. Even if they kept the divisive seafoam color (which I don't really mind), it would have been fantastic.

And just think how tall it would have been. The one in Old Mill is 11 stories, but there is also three additional buildings on our campus here. If all those were combined into something downtown, it would have been another 5 or 6 stories!

[Linkin5]

Hotel Deco? It's a 4 star hotel and is working to become a 5 star hotel.

Yeah, isn't Magnolia Hotel pretty high end as well?

[Brad]

Nebraska only has 2, AAA - 4 Diamond Hotels.  The Hilton and Hotel Deco.

http://ww1.aaa.com/AAA/AAADiamonds/Awar ... 012012.pdf

[iamjacobm]

Look I hope more than anything this actually happens, I just have my doubts.  

Is there really a demand for high end office space?  Especially for that kind of square footage?
I think it's going to be really difficult to find retailers capable of paying the rent necessary to make the numbers work.
I DO think there is a starving demand for some very nice condos w/ a concierge type service.
That would be one LARGE building to go 25 stories in the air on a lot that covers an entire square block.

I actually was thinking a very high end/boutique style hotel on that lot would be spectacular given its location and the fact that we have 0 high end hotels in downtown Omaha.

It would be really nice if they split the use of the block. Basically the exact opposite Gavilon and UP did with their buildings. Leave some space for either public use or for another structure.

Just a guess, but considering the Lanoha connection I would expect a well landscaped plaza on this lot along with the building.

[skinzfan23]

Nebraska only has 2, AAA - 4 Diamond Hotels.  The Hilton and Hotel Deco.

http://ww1.aaa.com/AAA/AAADiamonds/Awar ... 012012.pdf

Just thought I would point out, the only other 4 Diamond metro hotel is Ameristar in Council Bluffs.

[S33]

I don't think this would have anything to do with PacLife, the timeframe wouldn't make sense.

Who knows, cool (potential) project, though.

[iamjacobm]

Nebraska only has 2, AAA - 4 Diamond Hotels.  The Hilton and Hotel Deco.

http://ww1.aaa.com/AAA/AAADiamonds/Awar ... 012012.pdf

Just thought I would point out, the only other 4 Diamond metro hotel is Ameristar in Council Bluffs.

I had no idea that was a 4 Diamond, wow.

[S33]

Also of note: it would appear as though the city did give away the former UP site without recourse, should the project fail, as Lanoha would have to purchase that plot of land from the Townsend backers.

Unless...

Townsend foot the bill for the demolition of the old UP building, and, in that case, I would have to assume the demo costs far outweighed the land?

The city either really f'ed up, or made a very smart move. (I don't know enough to speculate)

[icejammer]

Townsend footed the bill on the demo in exchange for the sale price of $1.

[S33]

Townsend footed the bill on the demo in exchange for the sale price of $1.

Would anyone care to guestimate the cost of demo and disposal, and then an estimate of that plot of land?

[iamjacobm]

Townsend footed the bill on the demo in exchange for the sale price of $1.

Would anyone care to guestimate the cost of demo and disposal, and then an estimate of that plot of land?

Don't quote me, but $4 million sounds awfully familiar.

[S33]

Townsend footed the bill on the demo in exchange for the sale price of $1.

Would anyone care to guestimate the cost of demo and disposal, and then an estimate of that plot of land?

Don't quote me, but $4 million sounds awfully familiar.

Land or demo?

[iamjacobm]

Townsend footed the bill on the demo in exchange for the sale price of $1.

Would anyone care to guestimate the cost of demo and disposal, and then an estimate of that plot of land?

Don't quote me, but $4 million sounds awfully familiar.

Land or demo?

Sorry for demo costs.

[S33]

Townsend footed the bill on the demo in exchange for the sale price of $1.

Would anyone care to guestimate the cost of demo and disposal, and then an estimate of that plot of land?

Don't quote me, but $4 million sounds awfully familiar.

Land or demo?

Sorry for demo costs.

Minus the lot being empty for the better part of 5 years, the city probably did alright.

[byrdrules]

I actually was thinking a very high end/boutique style hotel on that lot would be spectacular given its location and the fact that we have 0 high end hotels in downtown Omaha.

There's actually a very nice hotel right across the street...

[psl25201]

Did you all know that the reason UP didn't build a taller building was because of 9/11?  They originally planned for a taller building, but after 9/11, decided that it proposed a significant enough safety risk to alter their plans.

Maybe y'all knew this, but I had no idea.

[RNcyanide]

Did you all know that the reason UP didn't build a taller building was because of 9/11?  They originally planned for a taller building, but after 9/11, decided that it proposed a significant enough safety risk to alter their plans.

Maybe y'all knew this, but I had no idea.

It's funny and sad at the same time. Besides, 19 stories is enough stories for a plane to hit.

[GetUrban]

Did you all know that the reason UP didn't build a taller building was because of 9/11?  They originally planned for a taller building, but after 9/11, decided that it proposed a significant enough safety risk to alter their plans.

Maybe y'all knew this, but I had no idea.

I have heard they simply wanted more square footage per floor to serve the needs of larger departments, which was more important than building higher. The Atrium eats up some significant square footage though. But the building still has more than 1,000,000 square feet. I know a guy who works there...I'll see if he knows why they didn't build higher. How reliable  is your source?

[S33]

Did you all know that the reason UP didn't build a taller building was because of 9/11?  They originally planned for a taller building, but after 9/11, decided that it proposed a significant enough safety risk to alter their plans.

Maybe y'all knew this, but I had no idea.

IF that is true, it's one of the dumber things I've heard in a long time.

[Joe_Sovereign]

Did you all know that the reason UP didn't build a taller building was because of 9/11?  They originally planned for a taller building, but after 9/11, decided that it proposed a significant enough safety risk to alter their plans.

Maybe y'all knew this, but I had no idea.

IF that is true, it's one of the dumber things I've heard in a long time.

Both are true.  They did want as much square footage as possible per floor but also I think any ideas of trying to make some kind of skyline impact was negated by concerns after 9/11.  Interestingly both FNB and UP have publicly stated the wish they had built bigger because the have since needed more space.

[iamjacobm]

Did you all know that the reason UP didn't build a taller building was because of 9/11?  They originally planned for a taller building, but after 9/11, decided that it proposed a significant enough safety risk to alter their plans.

Maybe y'all knew this, but I had no idea.

IF that is true, it's one of the dumber things I've heard in a long time.

Both are true.  They did want as much square footage as possible per floor but also I think any ideas of trying to make some kind of skyline impact was negated by concerns after 9/11.  Interestingly both FNB and UP have publicly stated the wish they had built bigger because the have since needed more space.

This is why I actually think a real possibility for the office portion of this building is FNB.  There have been mentions that they are adding jobs to downtown and that their current two buildings are practically full.  This location would be close to their current complex and could help quell some of their parking needs if this building does indeed have a 5 floor parking deck in the structure.  It would also allow FNB to put a physical sign on a building in the skyline, something they don't have right now.

[RNcyanide]

Did you all know that the reason UP didn't build a taller building was because of 9/11?  They originally planned for a taller building, but after 9/11, decided that it proposed a significant enough safety risk to alter their plans.

Maybe y'all knew this, but I had no idea.

IF that is true, it's one of the dumber things I've heard in a long time.

Both are true.  They did want as much square footage as possible per floor but also I think any ideas of trying to make some kind of skyline impact was negated by concerns after 9/11.  Interestingly both FNB and UP have publicly stated the wish they had built bigger because the have since needed more space.

Well, here's to hoping for a 'Two First National Center' and 'Two Union Pacific Center.'

[Ben]

I highly doubt First National would take any space in this building, as they have the flexibility of not renewing tenants that they currently have both in the tower, as well as the old bank building across the street.  They could grow rather significantly without expanding their footprint, just by not renewing leases that other companies have in their buildings.

UP, on the other hand, would be a very likely partial tenant in this Lanoha building.  They've recently started leasing space once again in Central Park Plaza due to lack of additional office space in their building.  Plus, these CPP based employes aren't happy as they don't have easy access to UP amenties (like the fitness center and subsidized cafeteria).  This could easily be accomplished at Lanoha via either an underground tunnel or elevated walkway between the buildings, as they're across the street from each other.

[GetUrban]

My friend at UP just said he had heard nothing of either reason for not building higher. He did say they were concerned about building too flashy of a building and wanted to keep a lower profile to appease stockholders who would rather they spend more on their rail infrastructure, engines, IT, etc. He also said they are short of space in the new building and are renting office space nearby. They have departments which take up several floors already, even with the large floor plates.

[Brad]

He did say they were concerned about building too flashy of a building and wanted to keep a lower profile to appease stockholders who would rather they spend more on their rail infrastructure, engines, IT, etc.

I can see that because they don't spend once cent washing their locomotives...

[S33]

Did you all know that the reason UP didn't build a taller building was because of 9/11?  They originally planned for a taller building, but after 9/11, decided that it proposed a significant enough safety risk to alter their plans.

Maybe y'all knew this, but I had no idea.

IF that is true, it's one of the dumber things I've heard in a long time.

Both are true.  They did want as much square footage as possible per floor but also I think any ideas of trying to make some kind of skyline impact was negated by concerns after 9/11.  Interestingly both FNB and UP have publicly stated the wish they had built bigger because the have since needed more space.

Boy, that 9/11 paranoia sure ran thick

[thenewguy]

If they could squuze out 25 or so stories and anchor it with UP and/or FNB (and use the rest for residential, etc), there would likely still be a need for additional downtown commercial space, yes?  it would be somethin special if the civic parcel was also developed into something tower related.

[iamjacobm]

If they could squuze out 25 or so stories and anchor it with UP and/or FNB (and use the rest for residential, etc), there would likely still be a need for additional downtown commercial space, yes?  it would be somethin special if the civic parcel was also developed into something tower related.

PacLife and FirstComp have been mention as possible downtown departures in the Rumors section.  If one or both leave that will be quite a big chunk of office space to hit the market in the Landmark and CPP.  No doubt that would change any spec office projects over the next few years.

[RNcyanide]

Speaking of firstcomp, has anyone heard of where they plan on going?

[matthewgoett]

Has anyone heard anything else for this plot. Just wondering if Lanaha was serious or not.

[OmahaJaysCU]

Has anyone heard anything else for this plot. Just wondering if Lanaha was serious or not.

He's serious....once he finds some tenants, which could take several months/years.

[iamjacobm]

Has anyone heard anything else for this plot. Just wondering if Lanaha was serious or not.

There is a mention in next week's agenda. Says that they will dissolve the former TIF agreement for the WST and make a new one with Lanoha for a project between $50-100 million and up to $17 million in TIF funds. Project is for sure progressing.

[Varsity]

Has anyone heard anything else for this plot. Just wondering if Lanaha was serious or not.

There is a mention in next week's agenda.  Says that they will dissolve the former TIF agreement for the WST and make a new one with Lanoha for a project between $50-100 million and up to $17 million in TIF funds.  Project is for sure progressing.

Does anyone know how much TIF funds were granted for WST? Or what the WST cost was? I know the scale of the Lanoha project has had a lot of variability where it has been mentioned (Between 10 and 25 floors I think?). Maybe it could give us a better idea of how much interest they are getting and what scale they are currently looking at if we compare? Not really sure how all that works to be honest!

[iamjacobm]

Has anyone heard anything else for this plot. Just wondering if Lanaha was serious or not.

There is a mention in next week's agenda.  Says that they will dissolve the former TIF agreement for the WST and make a new one with Lanoha for a project between $50-100 million and up to $17 million in TIF funds.  Project is for sure progressing.

Does anyone know how much TIF funds were granted for WST? Or what the WST cost was? I know the scale of the Lanoha project has had a lot of variability where it has been mentioned (Between 10 and 25 floors I think?). Maybe it could give us a better idea of how much interest they are getting and what scale they are currently looking at if we compare? Not really sure how all that works to be honest!

That project got $15.6 million. This current proposal is starting off the request at $5.5 million but there is a possibility that they could raise it up to $17 million if the project needs to be bigger. Basically the move right now is so the developer can restart the 15 year development clock that exists on TIF agreements.

There is still a lot up in the air on this project. I would be really surprised if they get to break ground here before 2015 honestly.

[Collin]

New high-rise planned for downtown Omaha

On Tuesday, the City Council will consider an updated tax increment finance plan to help Omaha’s Lanoha Development build the project.

Read more: http://www.ketv.com/news/local-news/new ... z2qKl6tpCa" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[guitarguy]

KETV is airing a special on this at 10 tonight.

[Coyote]

Just saw the 30 second article. They didn't say much that isn't already posted, but there are drawings out by TACK Architects.