Market Square design called 'potentially exceptional'

[OhioStreetKid]

In the afternoon OWH an article was written about the Market Square development in Irvington. I hope someone posts it when it is on the website. I think this development might actually get the Streets & Swift seal of approval .

[OhioStreetKid]

Ok here is the article...

Published Tuesday
March 8, 2005

Market Square design called 'potentially exceptional'

BY JEFFREY ROBB



WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

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Goals spelled out for Omaha's design effort


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Omaha By Design

A new Irvington-area development is being called a major step forward in Omaha's effort to dress up its commercial centers.


Trees that provide shade, sidewalks that encourage walking and parking lots tucked behind the buildings are hallmarks of the proposed Market Square off Interstate 680 along Blair High Road.

The proposed Market Square project, off Interstate 680 along Blair High Road, would look like west Omaha's new Village Pointe mall. But instead of upscale shops, Market Square would cater more to people's day-to-day needs.

The project would be next to an existing Wal-Mart and could have two large retail stores of its own, perhaps including a major home improvement store.

The project is one of the first to emerge since the Omaha By Design initiative led to new design rules for business centers. A Planning Department report says the development is "potentially exceptional."

"This is very much the kind of thing envisioned in Omaha By Design," said Steve Jensen, Omaha's assistant planning director.

Market Square's developer, West Bay Inc., has yet to announce any tenants. It submitted plans to the Planning Department and needs to go before the Planning Board and City Council.

Before that happens, planning officials want further study of potential traffic problems, a statement that the development can't just look good - it has to function properly.

Larry Jobeun, a lawyer representing the project, said the developer, retailers and shoppers want that, too.

"The last thing you want are bottlenecks and traffic jams," he said.

West Bay's proposal is a major revision of plans presented last summer for a more standard shopping center. Neighbors opposed those plans, saying Wal-Mart posed enough problems from trash, lighting and traffic.

Since then, West Bay has expanded its development from 37 acres to 66.

A site plan suggests these types of tenants: a home improvement store, restaurants, ice cream and coffee shops, convenience store, sports bar, laundry, electronics, book and video rental stores, spa and bank. Offices and a multifamily housing area also are included.

As Omaha was creating new development rules, Market Square went back to the drawing board, Jobeun said. The new proposal incorporates many of the design concepts now in favor.

Buildings, which sit close to the street and are not fronted by a parking lot, are laid out along a main street. Parking is diagonal in front of stores or placed behind them.

Store facades are more articulated and varied. Offices are established on a second floor above retail stores, generating additional foot traffic. The development is heavily landscaped, has plazas and is lined with sidewalks to encourage walking.

"From a pure planning standpoint," Jobeun said, "it's a great development."

[OhioStreetKid]

[Swift]

Hrmmm.....I'll allow it.


Where exatly is this to be located?

[the1wags]

I'm guessing they mean the empty lot to the east of the Walmart at 680 and Blair High Rd. Straight south from the Burger King. Sounds interesting, I will look over there next time I go to the money eating Supercenter.

[Coyote]

[Greg S]

It will be interesting to see how the neighbors react. I used to live between this development and the one they are trying to put at the old Vickers plant. The neighbors of each are fighting them. I would have loved to have both of them when I was there. This looks great. I wonder what the housing component is that they are talking about? It's too bad they aren't putting apartments or condos on the 2nd floors like they have done at Zona Rosa in north KC.

Greg

[Finn]

This is great as this is on the edge of development . It would have been a prime contender for more strip center retail. This is not the place I would have anticipated good design taking place - but we'll gladly accept it. I think it is also great because it is not an upscale development.

But instead of upscale shops, Market Square would cater more to people's day-to-day needs.

It may not have residential above retail but it does place offices on the second floor.

Buildings, which sit close to the street and are not fronted by a parking lot, are laid out along a main street. Parking is diagonal in front of stores or placed behind them.

Store facades are more articulated and varied. Offices are established on a second floor above retail stores, generating additional foot traffic. The development is heavily landscaped, has plazas and is lined with sidewalks to encourage walking.

It is encouraging to see Omaha By Design ideas taking shape this quickly!

[StreetsOfOmaha]

I like that we're finally seeing development standards as a result of Omaha By Design, however this is the quality of suburban development Omaha should have demanded all along.

And I'm also glad to see more development attention in the northwest suburbs.

[nativeomahan]

Gosh, an attractive, multi story, mixed use retail/commercial development, right here in River City! Seems I was told just a few days ago this wasn't possible in little ol' Omaha. As Edna Turnbladd used to say..."The times, they are a changing."