Filling The Hobby Lobby Void: The Amazing Pizza Machine

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 9:54 pm

Filling The Hobby Lobby Void

http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/1727812.html

A prime location in one of Omaha's fastest growing areas sits vacant but it looks like changes are in store for the old Hobby Lobby site at 139th and S.

With busy Millard Avenue flowing past tens of thousands of square feet of empty building, several Lincoln businessmen are confident that their new venture called The Amazing Pizza Machine will be a success.

eomaha · Post by **eomaha** » Fri Jul 22, 2005 11:02 pm

Looks like a Skateland Playdazium kind of atmosphere.

-10 party rooms for birthday parties
-Sports room
-Karaoke room
-Go-kart track
-Bumper cars
-Cartoon theatre

More importantly, 250 (?!) new jobs.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 12:17 am

Nice!..

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

TitosBuritoBarn · Post by **TitosBuritoBarn** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 1:30 am

I hope there's extensive remodeling involved. Of all the structures in Omaha that I would like to see torn down, Millard Plaza is toward the top of my list.

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 1:40 am

From the rendering in this thread it appears that the facade will be very different from the current junky exterior. Keeping the current elevation would not quite convey the Super-Fun-Mega-Pizza-Machine attitude.

Post by **Brad** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 9:45 am

THe story on the news last night said that there would a remodel and that some tennants would have to move.

Post by **nebugeater** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 11:47 am

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=46& ... nd=4977402

Here is the story fromthe OWH.

Some iteresting points

Two of the six investors are the Valentino's co-owners .
They will not serve Val's pizza, they have developed there own for this location.
Compaired by the OWH writer to Dave and Busters and Inplay
It will seat 700
Construction will start this fall, to open.

Swift · Post by **Swift** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 12:19 pm

Is this a franchise or a new entity in it self?

eomaha · Post by **eomaha** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 12:23 pm

This sounds more like a Chuckie Cheese than a Dave & Buster's.

Speaking of strip mall facade improvements... has anyone seen what they're doing at the strip center on the NWC of 144th and West Center. Looks pretty cool. I wonder if any of these centers have considered what it might do for keeping people around if they put even a little fountain, greenspace, and benches in the center of their vast parking lots.

POTUS · Post by **POTUS** » Sat Jul 23, 2005 3:05 pm

jhuston wrote:I wonder if any of these centers have considered what it might do for keeping people around if they put even a little fountain, greenspace, and benches in the center of their vast parking lots.

Oh Jeff, stop it, you are going to make me wet my pants. It would be nice if these retail plazas drowing in seas of asphalt were to suddenly redesign to consider the human scale and aesthetic preferences. I have been wishing that on my birthday candles for years now. Hey, I not knocking Noddles '(they own the plaza with BagNSave) visual improvements, but alas, its still a sprawl strip mall.

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 8:31 am

http://www.journalstar.com/articles/200 ... 470862.txt

Looks like There is talk of plans to grow this if it works in Omaha. Lincoln is on the radar screen but it sound like they are going after a little larger market.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Wed Aug 03, 2005 9:51 am

jhuston wrote:This sounds more like a Chuckie Cheese than a Dave & Buster's.

Speaking of strip mall facade improvements... has anyone seen what they're doing at the strip center on the NWC of 144th and West Center. Looks pretty cool. I wonder if any of these centers have considered what it might do for keeping people around if they put even a little fountain, greenspace, and benches in the center of their vast parking lots.

So your thesis is that:
A) Mall owners actually want people loitering in the parking lot of the mall at 144th and Center?
B) People who go to that mall actually want to stick around that mall?
C) The mall at 144th and Center is the type of mall that people consider a destination?
D) The costs, both of construction and maintenance, of a fountain, greenspace and benches will bring ANY kind of return to the owners of the mall? It's no crime to actually want a return on investment.

That mall is different than Village Pointe and Jordan Creek. The tenant mix is such that people go there, get whatever they came to get and leave. The changes being made are nice and will bring a return in terms of increased rents. Personally I am bored by those who claim that parking lots are evil, and constantly rant about "oceans of concrete". Yes, there is a place for landscaping. Yes, there are different types of orientation for building placement. However, there are numerous studies that show that the unwashed masses actually want the parking lot in front of the mall. It is what it is.

To use a well worn phrase, if you don't like it, don't drive by there.

eomaha · Post by **eomaha** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 12:11 am

Bob, you sound like you'd make a great landlord, you know the type...
get in, bring it up to code, get a few renters maybe a few section 8's,
invest minimal amounts in basic maintainance, remove that landscaping
that would otherwise necessitate regular maintanance you'd rather not put any money in.

Anyway, I certainly didn't suggest that parking lots were evil and I sure didn't say I would stop doing business at retail centers which didn't buy into my high level aesthetics improvement ideas.

The fact is what I'm suggesting is no more original than it is unconventional. It is already being employed in newer small retail centers, along with renovation projects. Water elements, public art, open spaces conducive to pedestrian movement/congregating. Check out Spring Ridge Plaza at 180th and Pacific... even Westridge at 132nd and Dodge has significantly transformed itself to introduce a more pedestrian friendly atmosphere. Of course just about every new small retail center includes these elements... Shops at Lakeside, Legacy Village, Tivoli, etc, etc.

My wife and I enjoy finding an inviting little enclave in otherwise barren
concrete settings such as this. I don't expect that we're alone... and given the general move by developers to make these otherwise bland 'get in and out' retail centers more visually appealing and inviting from curb to door... they obviously are seeing something that wasn't given attention in the past as well.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:31 am

jhuston wrote:Bob, you sound like you'd make a great landlord, you know the type...
get in, bring it up to code, get a few renters maybe a few section 8's,
invest minimal amounts in basic maintainance, remove that landscaping
that would otherwise necessitate regular maintanance you'd rather not put any money in.

Anyway, I certainly didn't suggest that parking lots were evil and I sure didn't say I would stop doing business at retail centers which didn't buy into my high level aesthetics improvement ideas.

The fact is what I'm suggesting is no more original than it is unconventional. It is already being employed in newer small retail centers, along with renovation projects. Water elements, public art, open spaces conducive to pedestrian movement/congregating. Check out Spring Ridge Plaza at 180th and Pacific... even Westridge at 132nd and Dodge has significantly transformed itself to introduce a more pedestrian friendly atmosphere. Of course just about every new small retail center includes these elements... Shops at Lakeside, Legacy Village, Tivoli, etc, etc.

My wife and I enjoy finding an inviting little enclave in otherwise barren
concrete settings such as this. I don't expect that we're alone... and given the general move by developers to make these otherwise bland 'get in and out' retail centers more visually appealing and inviting from curb to door... they obviously are seeing something that wasn't given attention in the past as well.

Well, gee Jeff, you know me so well. After all, we've met face to face twice and all.

The point I was trying to make was that those extra features need to make economic sense. IF a water feature or upgraded landscaping is projected to bring a return, THEN by all means of course put it in. On the other hand, if renovating the exterior of the mall makes it more competitive then that is the best course.

I COULD say that between Jeff and I there is exactly ONE person who has actually owned property, and that person actually DID improve the property, and that person actually DID ADD landscaping, all the while having that dreaded PROFIT MOTIVE in mind, WHO would you guess that person would be? You know, its funny. JoeMoney used to accuse me of being a slumlord. He didn't know me or my business any better than Jeff.

The malls you mentioned as having more aesthetically pleasing landscaping are doing it because they are commanding significantly higher rents. Its all market driven. I am not saying there is no place for such things. I AM saying that it make economic sense.

But then again, I am just a slumlord. Right Jeff? Because you know me so well.

How's the view from up there?

Post by **Admin** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 9:15 am

How's the view from up there?

Who is looking down at whom? I suggest you take a look back at your past 'contributions' to forum discussion. As I've suggested already, if it upsets you so, find another forum to toot your horn on.

Post by **nebugeater** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 12:03 pm

Sorry I brought this thread back to life by posting the link to the Lincoln Paper article. Though some may find it interesting that they are taling about takng this regionally if it works but guess not.

joeglow · Post by **joeglow** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 4:09 pm

Well, I just wasted a few minutes looking for any new updates in the last week. Thanks!

joeglow · Post by **joeglow** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 12:31 pm

Is everything still moving forward with this? I have noticed the for lease sign is still up and neither the pet shop, nor the thrift shop have moved (one of them was to move soon). The news made it seem like it was a done deal. Additonally, my wife and I purchased some carpet from Carpetland and an employee there said that the developers had already agreed to have them do all the flooring at the new joint. Has anything changed?

TechnicalDisaster · Post by **TechnicalDisaster** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 12:45 pm

How are the prices at carpetland?

joeglow · Post by **joeglow** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 2:37 pm

bradley414 wrote:How are the prices at carpetland?

They seemed to be very reasonable. I would highly recommend working with the lady there (only one I could see - I do not remember her name). She was very knowledgable and gave us a great price. We took her price to the Mart and their marked price was higher. We ended up going back and forth between the two, as they each said they would beat the other. In the end, the Mart caved first (after knocking another $3 a square yard off our original price). All in all, a nice addition to the neighborhood. I am happy with what they have done with the building and wanted to support the "local" business.

Post by **nebugeater** » Sun Oct 23, 2005 4:52 pm

Drove by yhe old Hobby Lobby location today and this is the first time I have noticed that there are construction trailers parked outside and work going on in the location. THis may have been going on for a while but it was something I just caught. Anyone heard anything updating the status of the Amazing Pizza Machine and when they plan to open.

eomaha · Post by **eomaha** » Sun Oct 23, 2005 8:46 pm

The rendering would suggest the property manager may be renovating the entire retail center. I sure hope that is the case as it is really bad looking. The parking lot is so large, I think they could put an outparcel restaurant or something somewhere in there while they're at it.

adam186 · Post by **adam186** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 1:28 am

My parents live very near there, and I drive past quit often. The trailers have been there for a couple weeks now. The tenants that will be relocated have yet to move out. I will go talk to them when I in town next time and will post what I learn from them in here.

As far as an outparcel restaurant goes, there is already a drive thru coffee hut there (Scooters?, I forget

), would be a very good idea and much needed.

I think they need to put grass and bushes to seperate streets from parking lots. I mean, there is a huge concrete slab (in a very bad condition) that extends from Earl May (next door to Hobby Lobby) all the way down to Q street. It's a horrible concrete slab that needs to be renovated or completely replaced with boulevards, grass, trees, and bushes.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 9:54 am

avanzee wrote:The tenants that will be relocated have yet to move out.

PetCo has been open in its new location (next to Shirley's Diner) for at least a week now.

adam186 · Post by **adam186** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 2:41 pm

Thanks Coyote, I was unaware of this. There is still another tenant that needs to move though isn't there? Also, Pudgy's Pizza is moving to 168th and Harrison, I know the owner and he's moving because of this redevelopment. They make really good pizza (Chicago style, eventhough it's not deep dish but ooh well) and they have a cool mural of the chicago skyline on the wall. I'd recommend watching the World Series there

.

redfield · Post by **redfield** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 3:38 pm

I think they need to put grass and bushes to seperate streets from parking lots. I mean, there is a huge concrete slab (in a very bad condition) that extends from Earl May (next door to Hobby Lobby) all the way down to Q street. It's a horrible concrete slab that needs to be renovated or completely replaced with boulevards, grass, trees, and bushes.

Yeah, it is quite ugly. I was actually dissappointed when I heard that the pizza joint was going to fill the vacant anchor spot, because I was hoping the entire area would be completely redeveloped. Putting a new facade on all or parts of it doesn't quite do it. You can't polish a turd.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 5:56 pm

avanzee wrote:Thanks Coyote, I was unaware of this. There is still another tenant that needs to move though isn't there?

Actually it was Pet World not PetCo and the store next door to the store formerly known as Hobby Lobby is Thrift World. There are barricades around the sidewalk there so it looks closed. The North half of old Millard 4 and Pro Nails will I believe house that Thrift World.

Also I have to agree with redfield. This is the worse old strip mall & parking lot realty in the city. Lund was going to plow it under after they lost the anchor bid to whoever is building south of K mart up the hill. I guess as someone is willing to pay the rent - they continue to house these establishments. I am glad Pudgy's is leaving - they deserve a better place.

adam186 · Post by **adam186** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 6:45 pm

Geez, I need to move back to Omaha. I don't even know the area I grew up in anymore. I'll be moving into an apartment this summer. I just can't get enough OMAHA.

TitosBuritoBarn · Post by **TitosBuritoBarn** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 7:08 pm

Coyote wrote:Also I have to agree with redfield. This is the worse old strip mall & parking lot realty in the city. Lund was going to plow it under after they lost the anchor bid to whoever is building south of K mart up the hill. I guess as someone is willing to pay the rent - they continue to house these establishments. I am glad Pudgy's is leaving - they deserve a better place.

I third this. I hate this strip mall. It is so gaudy and tacky and ugly and not even RED Development could save it. It really has to go. This is the first structure(s) that I would have torn down if I.....had the power to tear down buildings.

Speaking of crappy strip malls, I'm very impressed with the renovation they did to Harvey Oaks. It looks pretty trippy now. They could use a few more out parcels to rid of that unreasonably large parking lot and for Bag N' Save to conform to the rest of the new design, but overall it's a great improvement.

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 7:28 am

Looks like they have a bunch of work completed on the outside. Hard to tell how things are going on th inside.

They have a web site up now. Gives you a good idea of how they will outfit it inside. (Of course there are no pictures

)

http://theamazingpizzamachine.com/index.htm

Sounds like a lot of stuff inside and the menue looks pretty large.

omahastylee459 · Post by **omahastylee459** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 1:02 pm

yeah i was at pet world the other day which is located in that strip mall and saw all the work they had done on this project. From looking at the construction, this place is going to be HUGE!

eomaha · Post by **eomaha** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 10:33 am

Titos mentioned the facade work they were doing at Harvey Oaks. It does look very nice... I found this photo of the 'Romeo's wing' at loopnet.com.

joeglow · Post by **joeglow** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 6:24 pm

I must say, I do like the way they did the building. Looks REAL nice.

adam186 · Post by **adam186** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 6:41 pm

Ya, quite an upgrade. Next, they should remodel the entire parking lot. It's horrible. I'll try to get some pic this weekend if I find time.

Post by **Brad** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 7:16 pm

jhuston wrote:Titos mentioned the facade work they were doing at Harvey Oaks. It does look very nice... I found this photo of the 'Romeo's wing' at loopnet.com.

What a huge improvement!

Please tell me that Bag and Save improved the old Albertsons Blue and White Exterrior! I know thats a longshot.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 4:17 pm

Photos from Harvey Oaks:

The Beautiful Bag & Save

And now the recently renovated Millard Plaza:

The former Hobby Lobby

adam186 · Post by **adam186** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 4:25 pm

Uhh, you beat me to it!

Great shots Coyote.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 4:30 pm

Thanks - but the sun was in the wrong place for some of these.
I just can't believe how ugly Millard Plaza keeps becoming.
Lund will not allow any new buildings to have fancy name signs. Just those block red letters.

And with all the money they are putting into it now - I doubt they will raze the place and start over -
which was an option several years ago but not now.

joeglow · Post by **joeglow** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 12:07 pm

Coyote wrote: I just can't believe how ugly Millard Plaza keeps becoming.
Lund will not allow any new buildings to have fancy name signs. Just those block red letters.

-Really? Yeah, I have hoped ever since we moved in that they would do something with the appearance AND the lot.

adam186 · Post by **adam186** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 7:31 pm

Well, as most of us have hoped, they are tearing up section of they parking lot in front of Earl May and The Amazing Pizza Machine. I hope that they do something other than just fill it in with more concrete and do something else with the rest of the lot.