Old Federal Building - Residence Inn (SWC 15th & Dodge)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 5:06 am

The old Federal Building on 15th and Dodge will be converted to a Residence Inn. I am only about 90% sure on the hotel flag but am 100% positive on the conversion.

cdub · Post by **cdub** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 1:54 pm

Marriott indeed. A great building to have rehabbed and put to use.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 3:25 pm

Awesome Rumor!!! Or Truth if cdub agrees?

Here is the Building:

byrdrules · Post by **byrdrules** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 3:33 pm

That would make for a gorgeous hotel.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 5:12 pm

Wow, that would give Omaha two impressive art deco hotels.

I wonder where the Feds will be moving those offices to. Zorinsky?

Post by **Brad** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 5:15 pm

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:I wonder where the Feds will be moving those offices to. Zorinsky?

Apparently you missed a lot being gone. They moved a whole back and the building sold over a year ago...

byrdrules · Post by **byrdrules** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 5:17 pm

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:Wow, that would give Omaha two impressive art deco hotels.

I wonder where the Feds will be moving those offices to. Zorinsky?

I wonder if it might look too similar to Hotel Deco XV? I wouldn't mind too much.

I know there are some federal offices at the building on 17th and Capitol, I wonder if they are moving everything over there.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 5:19 pm

I wouldn't mind too much, either. Besides, I'm sure the Marriott Residence Inn will be sufficiently soul-less and corporate enough as to distinguish it from the Hotel Deco.

byrdrules · Post by **byrdrules** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 5:31 pm

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:I wouldn't mind too much, either. Besides, I'm sure the Marriott Residence Inn will be sufficiently soul-less and corporate enough as to distinguish it from the Hotel Deco.

I fear that myself, I hadn't known Residence Inns to put themselves into that type of building unless they are doing a lot of exterior work or changing the whole look of the place, however the Courtyard downtown was a bit of an exception as well. Either way, I think it's a good spot for some more hotel rooms.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 5:37 pm

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:I wouldn't mind too much, either. Besides, I'm sure the Marriott Residence Inn will be sufficiently soul-less and corporate enough as to distinguish it from the Hotel Deco.

Speaking for us soul-less and corporate folks, I love Marriott. As with all soul-less and corporate hotels they have standards for beds, bedding, amenities, and they know how to treat people who travel a lot. They have wonderful training so us corporate types can always count on a meeting to be without problems and if there are problems its a phone call.

efilateg

ShawJ · Post by **ShawJ** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 8:40 pm

Second favorite building downtown. It'll be great to secure a tenant.

icejammer · Post by **icejammer** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 10:41 pm

byrdrules wrote:I know there are some federal offices at the building on 17th and Capitol, I wonder if they are moving everything over there.

This building has been vacant for 3 years now: http://eomahaforums.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=7690

byrdrules · Post by **byrdrules** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 1:11 am

icejammer wrote:This building has been vacant for 3 years now: http://eomahaforums.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=7690

I see, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 2:15 pm

Excellent rumor! That would be a great use for that building. Good location for business travelers with the proximity to FNB, UP, etc. Heres hoping this one becomes official soon.

cdub · Post by **cdub** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 2:52 pm

They are using historic tax credit so aren't allowed to change the outside basically at all. They can't even attach a canopy to it so they are trying to design something nice that stands free.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 3:56 pm

cdub wrote:They are using historic tax credit so aren't allowed to change the outside basically at all. They can't even attach a canopy to it so they are trying to design something nice that stands free.

Wow, that seems like sort of an overkill on the historic preservation side of things. A canopy usually does nothing but enhance a building's characteristics as long as it is done tastefully.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 5:47 pm

Is there any underground parking or are they going to relay on the city owned garage just to the south?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 6:33 pm

Boy, seems like that would be a really extreme renovation to convert to a hotel. Are there other examples of this kind of hotel conversion project?

ricko · Post by **ricko** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 8:31 pm

Weren't Hotel Deco and The Magnolia office buildings long ago? I'm pretty sure my uncle had his law office in the Magnolia when it was called the Aquila Court Building.

Post by **Brad** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 8:35 pm

ricko wrote:Weren't Hotel Deco and The Magnolia office buildings long ago? I'm pretty sure my uncle had his law office in the Magnolia when it was called the Aquila Court Building.

Omaha engineering firm Alvine and Associates had its office in the Aquila Court back in the day.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 9:16 pm

My dentists was in the Aquila in the 60's, it had a cool old elevator.

StreetsOfOmaha · Post by **StreetsOfOmaha** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 4:23 am

Brad wrote:
StreetsOfOmaha wrote:I wonder where the Feds will be moving those offices to. Zorinsky?
Apparently you missed a lot being gone. They moved a whole back and the building sold over a year ago...

I guess if you consider this one instance to be "a lot."

l-dude · Post by **l-dude** » Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:00 pm

My great-grandfather's bridge building company was located in the Redick Tower (now the Hotel Deco). This building was noteworthy, in its day-in Omaha, for it's design which included (still in use, I'm told) in-building auto parking..first five or six floors above street level. I have a priceless (in my estimation) photo, circa '52, of three generations of male l-dude family members, including me as a young'un, standing outside this building's SW corner, in front of a barbershop (I think) door...NW corner of Harney & 15th St.

Also, the Aquila Court building housed the Main offices of the Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Company (streetcars turned predecessor to current "Metro"...buses) when I was a kid. Interesting side note: I've been in both buildings since, as hotel guests, albeit 12 years ago. Sure was a far cry from their former selves.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 8:10 pm

l-dude wrote:My great-grandfather's bridge building company was located in the Redick Tower (now the Hotel Deco). This building was noteworthy, in its day-in Omaha, for it's design which included (still in use, I'm told) in-building auto parking..first five or six floors above street level. I have a priceless (in my estimation) photo, circa '52, of three generations of male l-dude family members, including me as a young'un, standing outside this building's SW corner, in front of a barbershop (I think) door...NW corner of Harney & 15th St.

Also, the Aquila Court building housed the Main offices of the Omaha & Council Bluffs Street Railway Company (streetcars turned predecessor to current "Metro"...buses) when I was a kid. Interesting side note: I've been in both buildings since, as hotel guests, albeit 12 years ago. Sure was a far cry from their former selves.

I'm sure many here would love to see it if you feel inclined to share.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 4:51 pm

Grow Omaha hinted about this announcement on Saturday's Show but the guest couldn't discuss anything yet...

ShawJ · Post by **ShawJ** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 9:52 pm

Brad wrote:Grow Omaha hinted about this announcement on Saturday's Show but the guest couldn't discuss anything yet...

"In the next 2 - 3 weeks you will hear another hotel announcement downtown."

Seth · Post by **Seth** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 12:46 am

This is exciting. I really love those Art Deco buildings downtown, and with this and the Barker building, that will be two more renovated and back in use. If the number of vacant buildings downtown is soon used up, maybe we'll see some new construction soon (and hopefully less Wallstreet lawns).

Post by **Brad** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 5:05 am

OFFICIAL 12:02 AM 3/17/2012 (And Not a second sooner!)

Former Omaha Federal Building to Undergo Adaptive Reuse
Historic Character to be Preserved as Residence Inn by Marriott

Greater Omaha Chamber wrote:Omaha, Neb., March 17, 2012 – First OFB, LLC today announced the purchase of the Omaha Federal Building at 15th and Dodge streets and their plans for adaptive reuse into a Residence Inn by Marriott. The repurposing will preserve the historic character of this early art deco structure. First OFB is a joint venture between Nelson Development of Des Moines, Iowa, and First Hospitality Group, Inc. of Rosemont, Ill., both experienced developers of historic structures.

The new $23 million, 12-story, 152-room, extended-stay hotel project is planned to open in the second quarter of 2013. The Residence Inn by Marriott will feature contemporary guest rooms tailored to the needs of today’s business traveler, including fully-equipped kitchens with full-size refrigerators, stoves and microwaves. A business center will include free access to computers, high-speed Internet, printers and fax machines.

Guests will also enjoy 1,700 square feet of meeting space, a complimentary state-of-the-art fitness center, Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and a relaxing outdoor patio overlooking a sculpture park.

The reuse of this building will give guests a unique opportunity to enjoy all of the amenities of a new hotel within a historic landmark.
The hotel will be designed by Alley Poyner Macchietto, constructed by Nelson Construction and managed by First Hospitality Group, Inc.

It is anticipated that 100 construction and 20 hospitality-industry jobs will be created. “We are excited to maintain this wonderful building, bring this outstanding brand to downtown Omaha and create a special hospitality experience for our guests,” said Stephen L. Schwartz, chairman and CEO, First Hospitality Group, Inc.

“Attracting a group of experienced developers such as First OFB, who have the vision to transform historic structures like our Omaha Federal Building is a testament to the strength of our economy,” said Mayor Suttle. “Turning the old Federal Building into a Residence Inn by Marriott will go a long way in revitalizing downtown Omaha

“The Greater Omaha Chamber welcomes this significant investment and the additional jobs that will be created in Greater Omaha,” said Chamber President and CEO David G. Brown. “This is another vote of confidence in Omaha’s ever-growing downtown business district.”

Rendering:

joeglow · Post by **joeglow** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 2:51 pm

StreetsOfOmaha wrote:I wouldn't mind too much, either. Besides, I'm sure the Marriott Residence Inn will be sufficiently soul-less and corporate enough as to distinguish it from the Hotel Deco.

swgiust · Post by **swgiust** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 4:41 pm

Having been to a lot of places, I want to respectfully remind everybody here,
that this kind of development is NOT going on in most other city's in this Nation.

Qwest, Holland, Stadium, North Downtown, Zoo, Capitol, Most cities would be happy to
get any one of these projects. We, Omaha, are getting them all. This Residence
Inn is just another wonderful project.

Now if we can just rent out the French Cafe building, downtown will be perfect!!

(and my wife just reminded me, "Don't forget Zesto's!")

iamjacobm · Post by **iamjacobm** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 4:47 pm

This is a great project for the CBD to fill up another vacant building and it will no doubt up the pedestrian activity in the area.

15th street is going to be a vastly improved corridor quickly.

the1wags · Post by **the1wags** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 4:59 pm

swgiust wrote:Having been to a lot of places, I want to respectfully remind everybody here,
that this kind of development is NOT going on in most other city's in this Nation.

Qwest, Holland, Stadium, North Downtown, Zoo, Capitol, Most cities would be happy to
get any one of these projects. We, Omaha, are getting them all. This Residence
Inn is just another wonderful project.

Now if we can just rent out the French Cafe building, downtown will be perfect!!

(and my wife just reminded me, "Don't forget Zesto's!")

I agree wholeheartedly that Omaha has been on a great run for a decade or so.

But that said, talking about things like the Qwest isn't an indicator of how Omaha is going now. It's almost been open 10 years already. You can probably stop talking about it like its a current project.

heck the Holland opened 7 years ago too.

I realize I'm coming off as a jerk now, but I don't mean to be. Im just saying.

This all said, Omaha is doing very well right now given the economy, particularly impressive is the wave of downtown apartment building projects.

Specific to this project, this is outstanding to see another historic building reused, especially given it's location in the core of DT Omaha. Great news.

S33 · Post by **S33** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 5:03 pm

the1wags wrote: It's almost been open 10 years already. You can probably stop talking about it like its a current project.

We're a little insecure here in Omaha, the Qwest will always be new in out hearts.

TitosBuritoBarn · Post by **TitosBuritoBarn** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 6:06 pm

Nice. I'm liking the vertical sign on the side. I hope it lights up in neon at night.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 6:59 pm

TitosBuritoBarn wrote:Nice. I'm liking the vertical sign on the side. I hope it lights up in neon at night.

I was thinking the same thing!

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Sat Mar 17, 2012 7:02 pm

I am very happy to see this handsome building repurposed, and adding 150 more hotel rooms will add more life to that part of downtown.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Sun Mar 18, 2012 3:11 am

Hopefully they can get some more grocery/pharmacy/quick food/etc type options spread out throughout downtown. I know that no matter where I go (whether for work or pleasure), I always seem to forget something at home and having any of those options/ammenities helps to become a determining factorwhen we decide on a hotel

ItsAllAboutMe · Post by **ItsAllAboutMe** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 12:37 pm

Interior demolition and asbestos removal has really picked up.

koberaptor · Post by **koberaptor** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 1:32 am

The rendering looks exactly the same as the original building except with a vertical sign... this is pointless

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Thu Jul 05, 2012 1:46 am

koberaptor wrote:The rendering looks exactly the same as the original building except with a vertical sign... this is pointless

no, the point of it is to maintain the look of the original building...which most everyone understands and agrees with.

troller.