Juvenile Justice Center at 18th and Harney - 8 stories

[iamjacobm]

They voted to move forward with the eminent domain process.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

This is terrible. Why is it so difficult to put the parking garage across the street and connect with a skybridge? Despite what they said, they clearly do not care about old buildings.

I feel like there is a strong legal fight against this project. Eminent domain usually isn't so cut and dry. I don't know what the laws are in Nebraska though.

[ricko]

They should at least look into the possibility of incorporating the existing building into the new one, like more enlightened cities do. I swear, the developers/movers/shakers in Omaha seem like a bunch of backward clods sometimes.

[legato9]

Eminent domain is an abusive thug tactic. They should be ashamed of themselves. And we who support property rights should do what we can to vote them out.

[GetUrban]

They should at least look into the possibility of incorporating the existing building into the new one, like more enlightened cities do. I swear, the developers/movers/shakers in Omaha seem like a bunch of backward clods sometimes.

I don't think HDR is capable of rehabbing anything. They're a "clean slate" type of firm, at least in Omaha.

[jessep28]

Wouldn't it be cool if the city spent $120 million on early childhood development, parenting classes and mentoring programs for the city's dysfunctional population (rich and poor, BTW) so that we wouldn't have to worry about so many young people down the road ending up in a pretty warehouse like this? Just sayin'.

This is a Douglas County project.

[Rehulk]

This is terrible. Why is it so difficult to put the parking garage across the street and connect with a skybridge? Despite what they said, they clearly do not care about old buildings.

I feel like there is a strong legal fight against this project. Eminent domain usually isn't so cut and dry. I don't know what the laws are in Nebraska though.

And where would you out this skywalk parking garage? The surrounding land looks pretty well built up or your going to have to force other business to be evicted.

[Rehulk]

They should at least look into the possibility of incorporating the existing building into the new one, like more enlightened cities do. I swear, the developers/movers/shakers in Omaha seem like a bunch of backward clods sometimes.

Do you have any examples of other cities doing this idea? Bonus points if they are similar sized to Omaha.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

This is terrible. Why is it so difficult to put the parking garage across the street and connect with a skybridge? Despite what they said, they clearly do not care about old buildings.

I feel like there is a strong legal fight against this project. Eminent domain usually isn't so cut and dry. I don't know what the laws are in Nebraska though.

And where would you out this skywalk parking garage? The surrounding land looks pretty well built up or your going to have to force other business to be evicted.

If I'm reading things correctly, they purchased the surface lot on the southwest corner of the block as part of the purchase of the Housing Authority building. So, put it there.

[ricko]

They should at least look into the possibility of incorporating the existing building into the new one, like more enlightened cities do. I swear, the developers/movers/shakers in Omaha seem like a bunch of backward clods sometimes.

Do you have any examples of other cities doing this idea? Bonus points if they are similar sized to Omaha.

Examples are all over the world, and it's been going on since at least the early 1980's. Two examples I can think of off the top of my head are the Willard Hotel and Red Lion Row in DC.

[ricko]

Wouldn't it be cool if the city spent $120 million on early childhood development, parenting classes and mentoring programs for the city's dysfunctional population (rich and poor, BTW) so that we wouldn't have to worry about so many young people down the road ending up in a pretty warehouse like this? Just sayin'.

This is a Douglas County project.

Whatever.

[GetUrban]

They should at least look into the possibility of incorporating the existing building into the new one, like more enlightened cities do. I swear, the developers/movers/shakers in Omaha seem like a bunch of backward clods sometimes.

Do you have any examples of other cities doing this idea? Bonus points if they are similar sized to Omaha.

Examples are all over the world, and it's been going on since at least the early 1980's. Two examples I can think of off the top of my head are the Willard Hotel and Red Lion Row in DC.

Some Local examples include the Greenhouse and Burlington buildings, along with many other of the original downtown warehouse and office buildings that have been re-purposed for updated office, residential, hospitality, retail, etc. The interiors of spaces in the Douglas County Courthouse have been remodeled several times too. Once you have the infrastructure in place, the windows and interior functions can usually be adapted to fit the shell.

[obvious2677]

They should at least look into the possibility of incorporating the existing building into the new one, like more enlightened cities do. I swear, the developers/movers/shakers in Omaha seem like a bunch of backward clods sometimes.

Do you have any examples of other cities doing this idea? Bonus points if they are similar sized to Omaha.

Examples are all over the world, and it's been going on since at least the early 1980's. Two examples I can think of off the top of my head are the Willard Hotel and Red Lion Row in DC.

It really depends how they would incorporate the old building. There are thousands of examples throughout the world. There's even a bunch in Omaha - FNBO Tower has the facade of the Medical Arts Building in their 'wintergarden.' Daley put together a design to save the Clarinda-Page building, but Mutual said it was too expensive. This was brought up during the 'discussed' Holland expansion (and there was a design done - but I don't recall if it was public). Certain building expansions have left the original building alone - Central High School's 2017 arts and library addition, Prep's 'commons' expansion in '92 were built on to the original 1958 building. The NRHP-listed parking garage on 19th & Capitol is an adaptive re-use, but I don't know how much the building was altered.

I'm not sure how they would do this with the building there (don't know anything about it) - but there are a ton of examples: DC's Association of American Medical Colleges, San Diego's PetCo Park, Hamberg's concert hall, Seattle's Allen Institute, etc.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

They should at least look into the possibility of incorporating the existing building into the new one, like more enlightened cities do. I swear, the developers/movers/shakers in Omaha seem like a bunch of backward clods sometimes.

Do you have any examples of other cities doing this idea? Bonus points if they are similar sized to Omaha.

Examples are all over the world, and it's been going on since at least the early 1980's. Two examples I can think of off the top of my head are the Willard Hotel and Red Lion Row in DC.

It really depends how they would incorporate the old building. There are thousands of examples throughout the world. There's even a bunch in Omaha - FNBO Tower has the facade of the Medical Arts Building in their 'wintergarden.' Daley put together a design to save the Clarinda-Page building, but Mutual said it was too expensive. This was brought up during the 'discussed' Holland expansion (and there was a design done - but I don't recall if it was public). Certain building expansions have left the original building alone - Central High School's 2017 arts and library addition, Prep's 'commons' expansion in '92 were built on to the original 1958 building. The NRHP-listed parking garage on 19th & Capitol is an adaptive re-use, but I don't know how much the building was altered.

I'm not sure how they would do this with the building there (don't know anything about it) - but there are a ton of examples: DC's Association of American Medical Colleges, San Diego's PetCo Park, Hamberg's concert hall, Seattle's Allen Institute, etc.

The garage on 19th and capitol is awful. There's no real use for it now so they should either make it something else or demolish it.

[Uffda]

They should at least look into the possibility of incorporating the existing building into the new one, like more enlightened cities do. I swear, the developers/movers/shakers in Omaha seem like a bunch of backward clods sometimes.

Do you have any examples of other cities doing this idea? Bonus points if they are similar sized to Omaha.

I forgot about this court house remodel in Casper. For most of the 21 yrs I lived in Casper the Old Townsend hotel building was closed down and somewhat abandoned. I think someone had bought it and was going to do some else with it but that fell through. Then they needed new court rooms and they came up with the idea of building new plus timing in with the Townsend instead of tearing it down. Casper isn’t even close to the size of O! but it could work.

https://courthousersofthewest.blogspot. ... enter.html

[obvious2677]

They should at least look into the possibility of incorporating the existing building into the new one, like more enlightened cities do. I swear, the developers/movers/shakers in Omaha seem like a bunch of backward clods sometimes.

Do you have any examples of other cities doing this idea? Bonus points if they are similar sized to Omaha.

Examples are all over the world, and it's been going on since at least the early 1980's. Two examples I can think of off the top of my head are the Willard Hotel and Red Lion Row in DC.

It really depends how they would incorporate the old building. There are thousands of examples throughout the world. There's even a bunch in Omaha - FNBO Tower has the facade of the Medical Arts Building in their 'wintergarden.' Daley put together a design to save the Clarinda-Page building, but Mutual said it was too expensive. This was brought up during the 'discussed' Holland expansion (and there was a design done - but I don't recall if it was public). Certain building expansions have left the original building alone - Central High School's 2017 arts and library addition, Prep's 'commons' expansion in '92 were built on to the original 1958 building. The NRHP-listed parking garage on 19th & Capitol is an adaptive re-use, but I don't know how much the building was altered.

I'm not sure how they would do this with the building there (don't know anything about it) - but there are a ton of examples: DC's Association of American Medical Colleges, San Diego's PetCo Park, Hamberg's concert hall, Seattle's Allen Institute, etc.

The garage on 19th and capitol is awful. There's no real use for it now so they should either make it something else or demolish it.

Demolishing it, since it's NHRP-listed would a boondoggle. Absolutely should change it to something else, but what is key - there's a giant empty lot across the street that needs redevelopment and has no issues, like being historical...

[PotatoeEatsFish]

I just said demolish because its in very rough shape, i really do hope someone does redevelop it though. I just like to be realistic because we do live in Omaha.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I just said demolish because its in very rough shape, i really do hope someone does redevelop it though. I just like to be realistic because we do live in Omaha.

I agree with your sentiment..

But whether we like it or not, moving forward.. I predict if this project gets underway (and I believe it will) the building will meet an imminent wrecking ball...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Louie]

Why exactly is it NHRP listed?

[RockHarbor]

Love that remodeled Casper courthouse!

[obvious2677]

Why exactly is it NHRP listed?

The NHRP listing notes both it's use and the architecture/engineering. It was designed in 1924 by James T. Allen as the Rent-A-Ford Company Garage - the first automobile rental company in Omaha. It was turned over to Hertz not long after construction and operated as a Hertz location until 1992, when it was turned into a parking garage. The architectural style is mixed, but it is noted as an early incarnation of a ramp garage building.

Side note: James T. Allen was a primary designer for south 24th Street.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Another snag (this one bizarre) has developed for the proposed Justice Center..

From the W-H:

“The owner of a vacant building at 420 S. 18th St. has vowed to fight the county’s effort to use eminent domain to force him to sell. Meanwhile, the latest snag involves another building, the historic original Omaha Public Library building at 1823 Harney St.

The Omaha Housing Authority proposes to move its headquarters to the library building, which had been converted to offices for lawyers and the Central High School Foundation, among others. The Housing Authority agreed to sell its current headquarters, 1805 Harney St., and parking lot to the county for $2.75 million. The library building owner, Bassel El-Kasaby, agreed to sell the library building to the housing authority for $2.75 million.

El-Kasaby, a lawyer, stood to make a tidy profit. He had paid $1.84 million for the library building in 2016.

But there was a hitch. Elena Reveiz, whom El-Kasaby had sought to divorce in 2015, filed a lawsuit this spring asking for the divorce decree to be thrown out. Reveiz contended that the decree was invalid. Her lawsuit contends that Nebraska law permits a judge to issue a divorce decree 60 days after the defendant is officially notified, but the judge in her case, Michael Coffey, filed the decree on the 59th day — one day too soon.

Therefore, Reveiz argued, the couple are still married and she has an ownership interest in the historic library building. She asked the court to block the sale of the 1823 Harney St. building to the housing authority..”..

The complete story link-

https://www.omaha.com/news/metro/downto ... 12b4d.html

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Padre]

Another snag (this one bizarre) has developed for the proposed Justice Center..

From the W-H:

“The owner of a vacant building at 420 S. 18th St. has vowed to fight the county’s effort to use eminent domain to force him to sell. Meanwhile, the latest snag involves another building, the historic original Omaha Public Library building at 1823 Harney St.

The Omaha Housing Authority proposes to move its headquarters to the library building, which had been converted to offices for lawyers and the Central High School Foundation, among others. The Housing Authority agreed to sell its current headquarters, 1805 Harney St., and parking lot to the county for $2.75 million. The library building owner, Bassel El-Kasaby, agreed to sell the library building to the housing authority for $2.75 million.

El-Kasaby, a lawyer, stood to make a tidy profit. He had paid $1.84 million for the library building in 2016.

But there was a hitch. Elena Reveiz, whom El-Kasaby had sought to divorce in 2015, filed a lawsuit this spring asking for the divorce decree to be thrown out. Reveiz contended that the decree was invalid. Her lawsuit contends that Nebraska law permits a judge to issue a divorce decree 60 days after the defendant is officially notified, but the judge in her case, Michael Coffey, filed the decree on the 59th day — one day too soon.

Therefore, Reveiz argued, the couple are still married and she has an ownership interest in the historic library building. She asked the court to block the sale of the 1823 Harney St. building to the housing authority..”..

The complete story link-

https://www.omaha.com/news/metro/downto ... 12b4d.html

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Not to mention that he’s since gotten remarried, so if he’s still married to Reveiz, he’s a bigamist. Bizarre is right.

[U R my Helix]

I think this building at 19th & Leavenworth would be a much better location.

[Louie]

I think they want it close to the courthouse as there will be a lot of movement between the buildings.

[Erik]

You know. This is an over-priced, undersized proposal that is going to force a sale and raise taxes.

I am a height, clean look queen like the rest of you. But this is suppose to be used to detain youth. That much money can be spent in unique programs to help kids 'before' they get into trouble.

Yes they need a new building. But wow if this isnt a sign of a real disconnect from some real harsh realities that some kids have to deal with while growing up.

[daveoma]

You know. This is an over-priced, undersized proposal that is going to force a sale and raise taxes.

I am a height, clean look queen like the rest of you. But this is suppose to be used to detain youth. That much money can be spent in unique programs to help kids 'before' they get into trouble.

Yes they need a new building. But wow if this isnt a sign of a real disconnect from some real harsh realities that some kids have to deal with while growing up.

I agree with you totally. Incarcerate criminals, rehabilitate children.

[RockHarbor]

You know. This is an over-priced, undersized proposal that is going to force a sale and raise taxes.

I am a height, clean look queen like the rest of you. But this is suppose to be used to detain youth. That much money can be spent in unique programs to help kids 'before' they get into trouble.

Yes they need a new building. But wow if this isnt a sign of a real disconnect from some real harsh realities that some kids have to deal with while growing up.

I agree in a way, because plenty of good, behaved kids live in ugly houses and maybe even go to ugly schools. Where's their pretty & new enviroment to help pull them out of a slump? I thought the same thing about the nice houses in Boystown that troubled youth get to live in. Then, again, I'm glad they have a nice place to help get their act together. We can't expect them to design & build some scary & monstrous place for them to punish & shake 'em up, like "Castle Grayskull" off He-Man, or something.

[iamjacobm]

https://omaha.com/news/metro/downtown/y ... fdad3.html

The existing Douglas County Youth Center has adequate space, the center’s director, Brad Alexander, said at a public hearing Tuesday afternoon. Still, he didn’t oppose or endorse the county’s plans for a $120 million new juvenile justice center downtown.

“I have no idea what’s being proposed to be honest with you,” he told Douglas County Board member Jim Cavanuagh, who questioned him about his preferences for a future facility as well as the capacity and amenities of the current Douglas County Youth Center, near 42nd and Woolworth Streets.

As proposed, the new detention center would be built to house a maximum of 64 youths. That’s fewer than the average daily number of youths, 70, currently being held at the Youth Detention Center. And it’s less than half the current juvenile detention center’s capacity of 144.

Proponents of the project have said safety concerns at the current cramped courthouse as well as those associated with transporting youths from midtown to downtown for court hearings necessitate a new center. But none spoke at the hearing, and no other members of the Douglas County Board were in attendance.

[Louie]

https://omaha.com/news/metro/downtown/y ... fdad3.html

The existing Douglas County Youth Center has adequate space, the center’s director, Brad Alexander, said at a public hearing Tuesday afternoon. Still, he didn’t oppose or endorse the county’s plans for a $120 million new juvenile justice center downtown.

“I have no idea what’s being proposed to be honest with you,” he told Douglas County Board member Jim Cavanuagh, who questioned him about his preferences for a future facility as well as the capacity and amenities of the current Douglas County Youth Center, near 42nd and Woolworth Streets.

As proposed, the new detention center would be built to house a maximum of 64 youths. That’s fewer than the average daily number of youths, 70, currently being held at the Youth Detention Center. And it’s less than half the current juvenile detention center’s capacity of 144.

Proponents of the project have said safety concerns at the current cramped courthouse as well as those associated with transporting youths from midtown to downtown for court hearings necessitate a new center. But none spoke at the hearing, and no other members of the Douglas County Board were in attendance.

Since it houses fewer would they keep the other facility open?

[iamjacobm]

Sounds like no one really talked to anyone else in regards to this so who knows. The current youth center director doesn't even know what is going on? Not a good sign for how transparent or even necessary this is.

Feels like they are using the juvenile piece to get more office space for people working at the courthouse which I am totally fine with finding a solution for that if that is the case. This detention center part isn't making much sense right now though. A new facility with less beds than the current daily population and likely no or expensive options for growth as the city expands doesn't compute.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

This is turning into quite the |expletive| show. Frankly I'd be okay if they scrapped these plans and started over.

[GetUrban]

This is turning into quite the |expletive| show. Frankly I'd be okay if they scrapped these plans and started over.

Plus, the current larger Youth Detention Center was just built in the late 1990s. Don't know the cost but I'd guess it was in the $15-20 million range.

[Omaha Cowboy]

This is turning into quite the |expletive| show. Frankly I'd be okay if they scrapped these plans and started over.

Plus, the current larger Youth Detention Center was just built in the late 1990s. Don't know the cost but I'd guess it was in the $15-20 million range.

Yeah I agree. This proposed development hasn’t “felt” right from the get-go.. Sh!t show is right..

The sense I get, is multiple wheels were previously greased behind the scene.. Certain people were not in the know.. and this ended up getting presented and moved along with a 6-1 County Board vote blessing..with next to no public taxpayer input..

Yep.. I smell a rat. A BIG rat...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[aaaron]

This is turning into quite the |expletive| show. Frankly I'd be okay if they scrapped these plans and started over.

Plus, the current larger Youth Detention Center was just built in the late 1990s. Don't know the cost but I'd guess it was in the $15-20 million range.

PLUS they're going to raze yet another historic big ugly red brick building to do it.

[GetUrban]

This is turning into quite the |expletive| show. Frankly I'd be okay if they scrapped these plans and started over.

Plus, the current larger Youth Detention Center was just built in the late 1990s. Don't know the cost but I'd guess it was in the $15-20 million range.

PLUS they're going to raze yet another historic big ugly red brick building to do it.

(assuming you're not being sarcastic) Yes, that's the worst part of it. Plus they want to form a non-profit corporation to act as the developer so they don't have to bid out the professional design services and have open public bidding for the construction contract. HDR will most likely get to design it and Kiewit will get to build it, without the normal transparent public bidding process.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Since this proposal was announced, and the odd way it’s been attempted to move it along.. and the other “marriage related” bizarre twist.. The apparent lack of communication and transparency..

It just reeks of grime...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[iamjacobm]

I hadn't thought about what this might do to potential investment in the Flatiron district. One one hand you get a number of professionals working closer to the area and add a lot of parking(depends if the parking is open to the public).

On the other hand you sandwich an area with great architecture between the county jail and the juvenile detention facility. Kind of feels like investors and developers might slow up on plans for high end residential or increased commercial space.

[JDJase]

On the other hand you sandwich an area with great architecture between the county jail and the juvenile detention facility. Kind of feels like investors and developers might slow up on plans for high end residential or increased commercial space.

Yeah, this is exactly what my main concerns about this project are. Being near the county jail makes it hard enough, I think being between two jailing facilities will kill any hope of developing the area further.

[aaaron]

https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-new ... ansparency

Tuesday morning a handful of people used the public comment portion of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners Meeting to talk about the subject. They want the board to be more open with the specifics of the proposed $120 million project that would be located between 18th and 19th Streets and between Howard and Harney Streets. It would house the youth center and juvenile court proceedings.

Smith organized a meeting on Monday evening to gather input and more than 50 people showed up including Commissioner Jim Cavanaugh.

This page has a letter to the commissioners from Smith and a list of points raised at the meeting: https://sites.google.com/view/omaha-pub ... 147a237140