Midtown Crossing

Post by **Brad** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:53 pm

Turner Park is OPEN!!!

I hope I find time to shoot photos tonight!

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 4:13 pm

After work I'm biking to pick up a prescription at Walgreen's. I think I'll have to check it out!!! Excited!

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 6:25 pm

Turner Park is a GEM!

Seriously, finally riding and walking in the park was like a surreal dream, surreal because, save a few watchful security guards, I was the only soul in the park.

The park, including bordering streets, is an Eden for pedestrians and cyclists with wide promenades, abundant benches, ample bike racks, and stunning landscape design. And the view from the top of the "Egg" is better than I could have imagined. Seriously, this is Omaha's new urban gem; a [not-so-]little corner of Washington, D.C. or Chicago.

The sun had just set, illuminating all the buildings in orange against a dark gray sky. The view from the park makes all the neighboring buildings, the Clarinda and Page, Twin Towers, Park Plaza, seem somehow... cosmopolitan, and the traffic on the Dodge-to-Douglas switch made for an unlikely ambiance.

I was completely enthralled for the 20 minutes or so that I toured about. I can't wait to just chill in the park and read a book, or have a picnic with my girlfriend, or play frisbee with friends.

Unfortunately, I did not have my camera.

delinea design · Post by **delinea design** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:42 am

Moved into the Midtown Crossing Apartments yesterday. I took a hardhat tour early on, so I had never seen the apartment completed; I must say, they really out did themselves with attention to detail. Everything appears to be (for an apartment) top of the line and well designed. The lobby feels like an expensive hotel. The view from the balcony, looking down Farnam, is incredible. The whole complex looks beautiful at night with the Prairie Life and Cinema lights on inside. The whole area really has the feeling of someplace far more cosmopolitan than I thought possible in Omaha, with the downtown skyline in the distance. And like Streets said, the park is far better than I thought it was going to be. Again, they really payed attention to detail here, as well. If you have not visited Turner Park, it really is worth it. If you are considering a move, (thus far) I highly recommend Midtown Crossing.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:35 am

What are the rental rates like?

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 12:03 pm

See their website. I think the smaller 1-bedrooms start at about $650.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 1:46 pm

Omaha's new neighborhood won't have bus service.

I guess the new lanes and planters on Farnam aren't big enough for bus traffic and the 15/55 route has been moved to Dodge St.

Lovely planning.

Midtown Gal · Post by **Midtown Gal** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 1:53 pm

The Sunday OWH had a story about that. According to MTC this design problem should be fixed by Nov. 30th. Also, they tweeted saying that they're installing custom-built bus shelters. I highly doubt they'd be moving forward with that if the route was going to be permanently rerouted. Just sayin.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:16 pm

One of my friends that works at Mutual and rides that bus emailed me this morning about it. At least it's getting fixed.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:35 pm

Yeah, a pretty big snafu on the part of the developer and MAT. I'm glad they're fixing the situation.

In the mean time, I don't see why buses couldn't run east on Farnam and then just jog south one block to Harney at 33rd... ???

I'm excited to see these custom bus shelters. If done right, they will REALLY set a great standard for MAT to follow.

Considering its prime location, Midtown Crossing may become an unsuspecting, accidental transit hub.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 4:20 pm

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:Considering its prime location, Midtown Crossing may become an unsuspecting, accidental transit hub.

Yay! Move the bums out west! Next step: Village Pointe.

barattataxicab · Post by **barattataxicab** » Wed Nov 04, 2009 1:52 am

I know it means more tax dollars, but we really need heated shelters at major bus stops. It's way too cold during winters here and it would probably pay off some with increased revenue for the city as more people will ride. I hope the custom shelters provide good shelter from the wind and cold. A little off topic, but my 2 cents.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Wed Nov 04, 2009 11:41 am

The cold probably wouldn't make as much of a difference if the buses ran on time, or if they had the GPS systems with displays at the bus stops telling you how many minutes away they are.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:14 pm

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:The cold probably wouldn't make as much of a difference if the buses ran on time, or if they had the GPS systems with displays at the bus stops telling you how many minutes away they are.

They have that in San Francisco and it works wonderfully. Of course there buses run about every 10-15 minutes. Such a system would be even more helpful in Omaha.

RegisResident · Post by **RegisResident** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:22 pm

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:Yeah, a pretty big snafu on the part of the developer and MAT. I'm glad they're fixing the situation.

In the mean time, I don't see why buses couldn't run east on Farnam and then just jog south one block to Harney at 33rd... ???

I'm excited to see these custom bus shelters. If done right, they will REALLY set a great standard for MAT to follow.

Considering its prime location, Midtown Crossing may become an unsuspecting, accidental transit hub.

For those who have not looked closely at the bus shelters on 16th... they must have been nice at one point (long before I moved to Omaha)- They have radiant heaters in the top, lights in the top, and they used to have outlets (maybe to plug in a laptop?)- but as long as I have been in Omaha (and probably much longer) the shelters have not had power and were not maintained. Now we have dilapidated structures that the city can't maintain and that MAT won't let the city tear down.

Part of the problem is that nobody knows who's responsibility it is to maintain the shelters- it took the DID digging around to find out that the city technically owns the shelters and has a contract with MAT to use them. Hopefully if MAT/Midtown Crossing create custom shelters, they will have a very clear (written) agreement with who will maintain the shelters, who has the authority to remove them (if they become dilapidated), and who will patrol them to make sure the homeless don't turn them into their new homes. Hopefully the city/MAT can learn from the problems they've had on 16th St. with the bus shelters.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:08 am

so did anyone check out the theater last night? I think my wife and i are going to check out "A Christmas Carol" tonight.

Melissa · Post by **Melissa** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 8:56 am

I caught a late showing last night. We sat in the VIP area which contained the largest seats of any theater in town. Some of the earlier shows appeared to be nearly sold out, so I suggest purchasing tickets in advance. Midtown Crossing really makes you proud of Omaha.

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 9:32 am

RegisResident wrote:
StreetsOfOmaha wrote:Yeah, a pretty big snafu on the part of the developer and MAT. I'm glad they're fixing the situation.

In the mean time, I don't see why buses couldn't run east on Farnam and then just jog south one block to Harney at 33rd... ???

I'm excited to see these custom bus shelters. If done right, they will REALLY set a great standard for MAT to follow.

Considering its prime location, Midtown Crossing may become an unsuspecting, accidental transit hub.
For those who have not looked closely at the bus shelters on 16th... they must have been nice at one point (long before I moved to Omaha)- They have radiant heaters in the top, lights in the top, and they used to have outlets (maybe to plug in a laptop?)- but as long as I have been in Omaha (and probably much longer) the shelters have not had power and were not maintained. Now we have dilapidated structures that the city can't maintain and that MAT won't let the city tear down.

Part of the problem is that nobody knows who's responsibility it is to maintain the shelters- it took the DID digging around to find out that the city technically owns the shelters and has a contract with MAT to use them. Hopefully if MAT/Midtown Crossing create custom shelters, they will have a very clear (written) agreement with who will maintain the shelters, who has the authority to remove them (if they become dilapidated), and who will patrol them to make sure the homeless don't turn them into their new homes. Hopefully the city/MAT can learn from the problems they've had on 16th St. with the bus shelters.

Good points........the management of the 16th street bus shelters should serve as a "lessons learned" on how NOT to manage city property. No doubt the shelters were very nice when they first opened.

Personally, I don't think they should bother heating the shelters or make them too comfortable, or they will simply end up being used by transients. Once that happens, people will perceive the area as being unsafe. One would hope that MAT would schedule their routes so that people don't have to spend much time waiting for a bus.

Midtown crossing is a large enough development that I wouldn't be surprised if it contracted with a private security firm to patrol the properties.

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 1:37 pm

Just turn the heat off once the buses start running. Pretty simple solution to me. Plus it would be a service for the paying customers, not the freeloading homeless.

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:15 pm

....except there's nothing to stop non-riders from occupying the shelters while the buses are running.....unless you require a ticket to enter the shelter.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 2:56 pm

Sidenote: If any of you have the opportunity, GO SEE LOVELY, STILL! It was wonderful and touching. It's at Midtown Cinema for just a week as a special engagement. It's actually not officially released until spring.

WARNING: DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT buy general seating tickets. In our theater (and I assume the other four), the only general seating was the front three rows. My girlfriend and I were in the front-most row, and I would say the screen was only 10 feet away. It was like watching a movie on the CEILING from a seated position. We were very upset by this. It was really absurd. Worse than any other theater that I have had to sit in the front row of.

My recommendation is just to go with the dine-in seating. It's $15, but that includes a $5 voucher for food and drink. So, if you're going to get any refreshments or eat, it pays for itself, and is WELL worth not having to sit in the general seats (A marketing strategy...???). Although, drinks purchased in the lounges or from the concessions (alcoholic or otherwise) can be brought in to the theater, even in the general seating.

Aside from the HORRIBLE general seating, the theater is amazing, and we loved our movie IN SPITE of that. The vertical integration is marvelous, and the way the lounges are set up really give the theater complex an ambiance and sophistication.

CHECK IT OUT.

As far as the bus shelters, I'm SURE they will be owned by MTC and surveyed by their security. Mat will merely have permission to use them.

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 3:06 pm

How much does the VIP section cost?

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:12 pm

If you have to ask you can't afford it.

How many screens is this place?

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:48 pm

i'm thinkin only 5. I looked on their website and only 5 movies were available. But then again, they could have 4 and just alternate.

Edit: I found it online and it is 5.

Midtown Gal · Post by **Midtown Gal** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 12:04 pm

Has anyone seen the benches in the park? Apparently they were designed so they can't be slept on.

Very nice move by MTC.

2Adam29 · Post by **2Adam29** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 8:00 am

I did notice that they seemed oddly proud of the benches. lol

here's a cellphone picture I took of the lobby in the theater. directly behind me in this shot were huge windows facing Farnam. It already looks incredible at night. I can't wait to see more tenants start to move on in...

OmahaJaysCU · Post by **OmahaJaysCU** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 11:09 am

I went through on the website today and counted 67 of the apartments as leased. Those things are leasing fast!

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 2:47 pm

Maybe I missed it in the thread, but has anyone gotten any good night shots yet? I noticed over the weekend(no camera) how great this development looks at dusk looking west with the lovely park framed by the semi-circle blue light scheme and the Mutual Tower sticking up in the middle. Its creates a nice midtown skyline unto itself.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 2:54 pm

nebport5 wrote:Maybe I missed it in the thread, but has anyone gotten any good night shots yet? I noticed over the weekend(no camera) how great this development looks at dusk looking west with the lovely park framed by the semi-circle blue light scheme and the Mutual Tower sticking up in the middle. Its creates a nice midtown skyline unto itself.

Not yet, but I did notice all the lights were on on Sunday night so may be tonight. The work load is looking good to get out early today so I can be there at sunset!

DTO Luv · Post by **DTO Luv** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 4:24 pm

New restaurant for MTC.

I found this over on Grow Omaha.

Grow Omaha wrote:A popular, Kansas City-area restaurant chain known as “Ingredient” plans to open its first Nebraska location in a 4,000 sq. ft. space at Omaha's Midtown Crossing at Turner Park.

Ingredient serves salads, sandwiches, soups, wraps and gourmet pizzas in addition to a breakfast menu. It’s called “Ingredient”, because customers can customize their salads and pizzas by choosing from a very long list of possible ingredients. Among the many things that make Ingredient is unique is its no-tipping policy. Menu language expressly prohibits it.

Based in Lawrence, Kansas, Ingredient currently has five locations – two in Kansas and three in Missouri.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:29 pm

Photo Update 11/10/2009
1.

2.

3.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:42 pm

Sweet!

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:38 pm

Brad wrote:Photo Update 11/10/2009
1.

2.

3.

Brilliant!! Thanks Brad!

Post by **Brad** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:56 pm

Your welcome. I wanted to do more, but that sun set so fast!

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 1:18 am

Well done, Brad!

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 2:05 pm

I like #2 the best, that's an awesome, inviting picture. I think my wife and i are going to head over there this weekend (hopefully) to take in a movie. I love the whole area, and i'm envious of anyone who gets to be a resident.

Here's the map of the development, just so everyone can get a perspective of where stuff will be (and to save time looking!). This is from midtown crossing's website
( http://www.midtowncrossing.com/site-map )

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:56 pm

Made it in to the theater tonight. Cool place.

Didn't see a movie, but had drinks and ate at the Glo lounge on the second floor. Good, solid-but-not-great food. In fairness, much better than what I was expecting. VERY good beer selection, quality liquors, average wine. Prices were very reasonable as well, with $2 pints after 8 PM on domestics. Compare that to the $15 for two sodas and a popcorn at the concession stand. You can take anything you buy at either lounge with you throughout the whole building. Pretty cool, but I have no idea how they're going to control minors getting alcohol or people just walking out the front door with a drink.

Pricing is as follows (and don't quote me exactly on this, but I'm pretty close):

Regular, non-dining seating is $8. Dining area - bar stools at tiered bars - is $9. I'm told if you're on one level of this area, the wait staff is not in your way when they are on the next level down. It might be $9 and $10, but I know there was just a dollar difference.

VIP seating (which is only in one theater) is $15, but you get a $5 voucher good for food in any theater or drinks at either lounge. And the seats are beyond comfy, even for my big fat |expletive|.

Concessions are what you'd expect: $15 for two sodas and popcorn. How that makes sense in light of how reasonable the booze is confuses me.

I'll be honest: I was expecting some seriously over-priced junk. This place is cool, and I'm looking forward to seeing a movie there. The Glo lounge is also going to be a cool place to just chill if you live in the area, regardless of whether you're seeing a movie. Sitting on the second-floor looking out to other dense, multi-story buildings right across the street felt like being in Minneapolis.

They've got some kinks to work out, and I suspect they'll be worked out quickly, but overall I give it a thumbs up.

Admin: Time for a theater-centric thread since the place is open for business?

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:50 pm

Wohlner's confirms they are opening their second store at Midtown Crossing in summer 2010. A 16,200 sq foot grocery in the Westin Element building.

http://wohlners.com/news/2009/11/wohlne ... and-dodge/

“An urban grocery market was a key part of our plans from the very beginning. When we articulated our grocery vision – an upscale, service-oriented market with the best meat and produce, a robust deli and great selection of wine, beer and spirits – we were essentially describing Wohlner’s. They were our first choice from the beginning and are a terrific addition to Midtown Crossing and a great resource for the entire Midtown community. We are gratified that Mike shares our vision and commitment to Midtown Omaha,” Cook said.

Schwartz said the Midtown location will be true to the reputation Wohlner’s has earned over decades of serving Omaha consumers. It will feature the finest meat cut and wrapped by onsite butchers, a full-service take-out deli with hot prepared foods, an upscale wine/beer/spirits department, fresh produce and a full selection of groceries and sundries.

“This will be a real grocery store with a focus on the butcher counter and the top-quality meats that we are best known for,” Schwartz said.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:57 pm

GREAT announcement!

Wohlner's does an amazing small, full service, urban grocery. It's perfectly in line with the vision for MC.

With all respect the owner of Wohner's, Aksarben Village is not in Midtown. Way to go nonetheless!

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Mon Nov 16, 2009 8:26 am

So I was perusing the MAT bus schedule to/from downtown to Midtown, as I am certain to be leaving said area, from time to time, in no condition to operate machinery. Since the MAT schedule obviously blows donkeyballs, I asked the general mailbox at MTC's website if there were plans for a shuttle. Here's the response from Jason Fisher, VP of Sales and Leasing @ the Lund Co:

Indeed there is going to be shuttle service available to and from downtown. I don't believe the provider has officially been engaged, the plan is to proved shuttle service to UNMC, Creighton and the Old Market on a regular basis. In addition and when appropriate the plan would expand to the Qwest Center, the new CWS Stadium, etc.