Oak View Mall (144 & West Center Rd)

[nativeomahan]

I was shopping the Younkers closing sale the other day. The older clerk said that he heard that the entire mall would be shut down by January. He said JCPenney would announce a store closing in probably September.
I cannot believe any of this, but that is what he said.

[omaha79]

I was shopping the Younkers closing sale the other day. The older clerk said that he heard that the entire mall would be shut down by January. He said JCPenney would announce a store closing in probably September.
I cannot believe any of this, but that is what he said.

Well, it could connect what was reported on the prior page that Grow Omaha said that a hospital taking over some or all of the mall. If that did happen, I'd expect much of the rest of the outlying retail that doesn't already border 144th or Center to die a rapid death as well. There simply wouldn't be enough retail traffic coming through the complex to support those businesses anymore. A few of the restaurants would probably be the exception.

[Rehulk]

So if this is true what happens to Dillard's? Move to Westroads?

[Omaha Cowboy]

I was shopping the Younkers closing sale the other day. The older clerk said that he heard that the entire mall would be shut down by January. He said JCPenney would announce a store closing in probably September.
I cannot believe any of this, but that is what he said.

Like you, I find that a hard tale to swallow.. Once major store closings are announced, multiple “I heard” rumors abound..

I still hang on to hope for the Oakview Mousetrap.. And will wait for General Growth to address the situation with their property publicly, before I take the word of multiple “I heard this and that” rumors...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[OmahaOmaha]

Today's Top 10 Oak View Mall Redevelopment Plans
1. Oak View Mall turned into the world's largest Nebraska Furniture Mart
2. Oak View Mall torn down to become a smaller scale European Village
3. Oak View Mall is turned into a huge multi-museum complex and surrounding land turned into park land.
4. Oak View Mall property is turned into a senior living resort. New housing added around perimeter and mall is used for indoor amenity center.
5. Oak View Mall turned into a World Bazaar with a river running through it.
6. Oak View Mall is turned into a Flea Market/Antique Mall
7. Steve Minard convinces the city to purchase and tear down Oak View Mall, and then sell him the land of $1 to build his amusement park.
8. Oak View Mall is turned into a mega church
9. Oak View Mall is torn down and the land is turned into a community garden.
10. Ricketts purchases the mall, tears it down, and it becomes the Cloisters at Oak View Pointe

[RockHarbor]

Today's Top 10 Oak View Mall Redevelopment Plans
1. Oak View Mall turned into the world's largest Nebraska Furniture Mart
2. Oak View Mall torn down to become a smaller scale European Village
3. Oak View Mall is turned into a huge multi-museum complex and surrounding land turned into park land.
4. Oak View Mall property is turned into a senior living resort. New housing added around perimeter and mall is used for indoor amenity center.
5. Oak View Mall turned into a World Bazaar with a river running through it.
6. Oak View Mall is turned into a Flea Market/Antique Mall
7. Steve Minard convinces the city to purchase and tear down Oak View Mall, and then sell him the land of $1 to build his amusement park.
8. Oak View Mall is turned into a mega church
9. Oak View Mall is torn down and the land is turned into a community garden.
10. Ricketts purchases the mall, tears it down, and it becomes the Cloisters at Oak View Pointe

What is it with Oak View Mall? Lol. It's almost like the "Red-Headed Stepchild Mall" of Omaha -- yet the one in Omaha with the cosmetically perfect & pretty "Cinderella face", or something. I just can't quite put my finger on the dynamics with that mall. But, I do want the best for it. I've said this before: I'm hoping West Farm will bring more traffic its way. Instead of talking like its end is in clear & plain site, like it's "crOAK VIEW MALL", I'm rooting for it.

I seriously think people don't take it that serious as a mall because of those short, stumpy hallway arms -- which are probably never going to change. (In the mall, I have actually chuckled thinking about the fact that it is not hard to imagine somebody chucking a ball from the food court, and it smacking against Dillard's entrance a few seconds later, without hardly a curve from gravity in its airborne path.) Even at 16 years old, I noticed, and thought it was a bit silly. Developers often act like people (including teens) are dumb, and nobody will notice -- when everybody probably notices. People aren't stupid. People don't have to be architects to notice designs that fall short, or seem odd. (In fact, when everything is right, it is like people don't notice. When something is wrong, almost everybody notices. It seems to me anyways... I always try to keep that in mind.)

[GrandpaaSmucker]

There were lines of people waiting to get into the Build A Bear shop today for heavily discounted bears. That proves what I think is the real reason malls are dead. Its fake news that the economy is doing good just like it is fake news that unemployment is low. The people just do not have the money and that is why they are staying out of the malls. Money is too darn tight its as simple as that. There are tons of people out there that want the stuff they sell in the malls. The only problem is that the people are too broke.

[obvious2677]

There were lines of people waiting to get into the Build A Bear shop today for heavily discounted bears. That proves what I think is the real reason malls are dead. Its fake news that the economy is doing good just like it is fake news that unemployment is low. The people just do not have the money and that is why they are staying out of the malls. Money is too darn tight its as simple as that. There are tons of people out there that want the stuff they sell in the malls. The only problem is that the people are too broke.

Yeah - you're wrong.

Build a Bear was running a "pay your age" promotion - on bears that are at least $14 (literally one listed for this price on their website). Aside from the singular bear at $14, nearly every other one on the website is $20 or more. Hypothetically, if you have three kids aged 3, 5 and 7, you're getting $60 worth of stuffed bears for $15. As a "make good," Build a Bear was giving a $15 voucher good until the end of August this year for their bears. This has absolutely nothing to do with the economy, but more so that a so-called "premium" stuffed bear (Can you imagine spending $30 for a stuffed unicorn? I can't - but I do not have children.) was drastically discounted.

If you read smart economists, such as Betsey Stevenson or Justin Wolfers, you will see these are among the top-10 economic indicators:
Gross Domestic Product: GDP was reported at 2% annually in the first quarter. This is slightly lower than desired, but it's the highest Q1 reportings since 2015 - Q1 is typically a downer. When Q2 comes out, there will be a better indication of how the economy is performing.
https://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/nation ... elease.htm

Gross Domestic Income: GDI increased 3.6 percent in Q1, compared with a 1 percent income in Q4 2017.
https://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/nation ... elease.htm

GDP/GDI equally weighted: When you weigh both GDP and GDI equally, which represents U.S. economic activity, you get 2.8 percent increase in the first quarter, compared with 2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017.
https://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/nation ... elease.htm

Nonfarm Payrolls: Reported monthly, nonfarm payrolls rose by 213,000 in June. This is average for the "economic recovery." Economists expected 195,000 but this number is expected to slow because those without a job are less likely to have the skills to get one of the millions of open positions. Monthly additions in 2018 have averaged around 200,000.
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

Unemployment Rate: Because of ongoing increases in jobs, more 'discouraged' people are returning to work - causing the unemployement rate to go up. It increased last month from 3.8 percent to 4 percent.
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

Initial Weekly Unemployment Claims (use the 4-week average): Reported weekly, the four-week average of unemployment claims went up 2,000 last week (to 224,500). However, seasonally adjusted claims have dropped from 245,750 in July 2017 to today's 224,500. Unemployment claims are dropping.
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ ... 181129.pdf

Consumer Sentiment: Consumer sentiment was up one month from 98.2 to 98.0. Year over year, it is up 3.4 percent. People re more confident about our economy than they have been in a very long time.
http://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/

Business Confidence: Non-manufacturing economic activity grew for the 101st consecutive month in June. In manufacturing, economic activity grew for the 110th consecutive month - with new orders, production adn employment growing - but deliveries are slowing, creating an increase in backlog. Raw materials inventories are growing and exports and imports are growing.
https://www.instituteforsupplymanagemen ... 8841&SSO=1

Consumer Price Inflation: The consumer price index rose 0.1 percent in June, a decrease from 0.2 percent in May. Over the last 12 months, all items have rose by 2.9 percent before seasonal adjustment. This is the largest increase since the 12 months ending in February 2012. So - things are getting more expensive, which could be an issue if wages don't rise as well.
https://www.bls.gov/cpi/

Employment Cost Index: Over the past 12 months, compensation costs for civilian workers increased 2.7 percent in March 2018, in comparison to 2.4 percent in March 2017. Wages and salaries went up 2.5 percent for the 12 months ending in March 2018, vs. 2.5 percent in March 2017.
For private industry workers, compensation costs increased by 2.8 percent in the 12 months prior to March 2018, compared to 2.3 percent in March 2017. Wages and salaries increased 2.9 percent for the 12 months prior to March 2018 vs. 2.6 percent in March 2017.
So this is something to watch - we're not making as much money as the cost of goods. This may impact our economy eventually.
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/eci.pdf

S&P 500: Year to date, the S&P is p 3.76 percent as of today (Thursday). This isn't really that good, but it's not that bad considering our president is trying to start a trade war and has depleted stocks. Year over year, the S&P is up 14.37 percent.
https://us.spindices.com/indices/equity/sp-500

One thing that isn't reported on these - housing starts through the first 6 months of 2018 are at an 11-year high.

This all being said, I anticipate a heavy correction in the stock market independent of how the economy is performing in the near future. We've had drops of similar stature in the past and we're about due for one. I'm thinking next year there will be a 20 percent correction - but it'll be fine if you can weather the storm.

So - even though you might not read all these things every month - or even pay attention to economists, you should know that the discount at the mall and the downturns in enclosed malls has literally nothing to do with the economy. People are simply changing the way that they purchase - Amazon's sales are skyrocketing and, anecdotally, Village Point is busy and fine (aside from Best Buy, that place is a joke).

[PotatoeEatsFish]

Today's Top 10 Oak View Mall Redevelopment Plans
1. Oak View Mall turned into the world's largest Nebraska Furniture Mart
2. Oak View Mall torn down to become a smaller scale European Village
3. Oak View Mall is turned into a huge multi-museum complex and surrounding land turned into park land.
4. Oak View Mall property is turned into a senior living resort. New housing added around perimeter and mall is used for indoor amenity center.
5. Oak View Mall turned into a World Bazaar with a river running through it.
6. Oak View Mall is turned into a Flea Market/Antique Mall
7. Steve Minard convinces the city to purchase and tear down Oak View Mall, and then sell him the land of $1 to build his amusement park.
8. Oak View Mall is turned into a mega church
9. Oak View Mall is torn down and the land is turned into a community garden.
10. Ricketts purchases the mall, tears it down, and it becomes the Cloisters at Oak View Pointe

What is it with Oak View Mall? Lol. It's almost like the "Red-Headed Stepchild Mall" of Omaha -- yet the one in Omaha with the cosmetically perfect & pretty "Cinderella face", or something. I just can't quite put my finger on the dynamics with that mall. But, I do want the best for it. I've said this before: I'm hoping West Farm will bring more traffic its way. Instead of talking like its end is in clear & plain site, like it's "crOAK VIEW MALL", I'm rooting for it.

I seriously think people don't take it that serious as a mall because of those short, stumpy hallway arms -- which are probably never going to change. (In the mall, I have actually chuckled thinking about the fact that it is not hard to imagine somebody chucking a ball from the food court, and it smacking against Dillard's entrance a few seconds later, without hardly a curve from gravity in its airborne path.) Even at 16 years old, I noticed, and thought it was a bit silly. Developers often act like people (including teens) are dumb, and nobody will notice -- when everybody probably notices. People aren't stupid. People don't have to be architects to notice designs that fall short, or seem odd. (In fact, when everything is right, it is like people don't notice. When something is wrong, almost everybody notices. It seems to me anyways... I always try to keep that in mind.)

With online shopping growing most malls are struggling. Omaha really only has the need for one mall right now and most people prefer Westroads. People just hate on Oakview because its very near its end. Who knows maybe by the time im 30 Westroads will close too.

[RockHarbor]

Today's Top 10 Oak View Mall Redevelopment Plans
1. Oak View Mall turned into the world's largest Nebraska Furniture Mart
2. Oak View Mall torn down to become a smaller scale European Village
3. Oak View Mall is turned into a huge multi-museum complex and surrounding land turned into park land.
4. Oak View Mall property is turned into a senior living resort. New housing added around perimeter and mall is used for indoor amenity center.
5. Oak View Mall turned into a World Bazaar with a river running through it.
6. Oak View Mall is turned into a Flea Market/Antique Mall
7. Steve Minard convinces the city to purchase and tear down Oak View Mall, and then sell him the land of $1 to build his amusement park.
8. Oak View Mall is turned into a mega church
9. Oak View Mall is torn down and the land is turned into a community garden.
10. Ricketts purchases the mall, tears it down, and it becomes the Cloisters at Oak View Pointe

What is it with Oak View Mall? Lol. It's almost like the "Red-Headed Stepchild Mall" of Omaha -- yet the one in Omaha with the cosmetically perfect & pretty "Cinderella face", or something. I just can't quite put my finger on the dynamics with that mall. But, I do want the best for it. I've said this before: I'm hoping West Farm will bring more traffic its way. Instead of talking like its end is in clear & plain site, like it's "crOAK VIEW MALL", I'm rooting for it.

I seriously think people don't take it that serious as a mall because of those short, stumpy hallway arms -- which are probably never going to change. (In the mall, I have actually chuckled thinking about the fact that it is not hard to imagine somebody chucking a ball from the food court, and it smacking against Dillard's entrance a few seconds later, without hardly a curve from gravity in its airborne path.) Even at 16 years old, I noticed, and thought it was a bit silly. Developers often act like people (including teens) are dumb, and nobody will notice -- when everybody probably notices. People aren't stupid. People don't have to be architects to notice designs that fall short, or seem odd. (In fact, when everything is right, it is like people don't notice. When something is wrong, almost everybody notices. It seems to me anyways... I always try to keep that in mind.)

With online shopping growing most malls are struggling. Omaha really only has the need for one mall right now and most people prefer Westroads. People just hate on Oakview because its very near its end. Who knows maybe by the time im 30 Westroads will close too.

That's definitely some of it. I think the reason its difficult for me to put my finger on the dynamics of that mall is because it comes down to many things. Here's what I think it comes down to: 1) With Westroads & Crossroads, Oak View wasn't necessarily needed on the Omaha scene -- even in 1992. It was built at a time when similar-looking pretty & new malls were springing up in the Midwest (like Topeka's West Ridge Mall), so Omaha got one, too -- yet Omaha's one was oddly small. There was hype when it opened, but the hype eventually faded. 2) Not many years after Oak View's opening, the shift towards stylish outdoor malls (like Village Point) took business away from traditional suburban indoor malls. 3) The economy issues affecting local pocketbooks (as recently mentioned). Thats inarguable. Look how many strip malls have lost businesses. 4) People tend to turn their back on a place when they feel its going downhill and spiraling downward (as you mentioned). It can be difficult to reverse that, unfortunately. 5) Last time I was in Oak View, the mall seemed to have slight, slight aspects of a "Foreign Street Market." I think the mall should shift with the times and smartly do whatever they need to do to keep afloat, but of course, that aspect wont attract every shopper in Omaha. 6) It is stop-and-go at traffic lights all the way out there (although Industrial Rd helps). People like malls better along freeways. Conclusion: I hope the best for Oak View. It really is a beautiful property in many ways. My idea: What would look good under that massive crystalline skylight. A year round ice skating rink! (Dallas's Galleria Mall has an ice skating rink, I think.)

[Greg S]

Yeah there were issues with Oak View from the start. Agreed it was built too small. They had room for 2 new anchor stores after it opened (which became Sears and Penneys) but no room to add wings with them (for additional stores). So going in, it was never going to end up being the major mall in Omaha.

The other thing, it didn't bring anything really new to town. Crossroads when it expanded brought Dillards and a few other new stores. Westroads landed Von Maur, and for a time, Jones (which if it had lasted would have become a Macy's). Oak Views anchors where more of the same, and 3 of them were smaller than their counterparts at other malls (Younkers, Sears, and Pennys).

The area around it was poorly designed, traffic was awful, and not well integrated with the mall itself.

I compare Oak View to Jordan Creek in Des Moines and it's just no comparision.

Greg

[RockHarbor]

Yeah there were issues with Oak View from the start. Agreed it was built too small. They had room for 2 new anchor stores after it opened (which became Sears and Penneys) but no room to add wings with them (for additional stores). So going in, it was never going to end up being the major mall in Omaha.

The other thing, it didn't bring anything really new to town. Crossroads when it expanded brought Dillards and a few other new stores. Westroads landed Von Maur, and for a time, Jones (which if it had lasted would have become a Macy's). Oak Views anchors where more of the same, and 3 of them were smaller than their counterparts at other malls (Younkers, Sears, and Pennys).

The area around it was poorly designed, traffic was awful, and not well integrated with the mall itself.

I compare Oak View to Jordan Creek in Des Moines and it's just no comparision.

Greg

I agree with all your remarks. I feel like when we both bring up the "poor design" aspect, people probably think: "Oh, people dont care about that. They just care about what stores are there." I dont believe that to be true. (Cities have beloved buildings loved by the citizens of the city. People recognize and are often delighted by good design -- even if they are not into design & architecture.) Jordan Creek Mall just works. It was designed well -- and feels good. Therefore, it attracts people again & again. (Thats the difference between good & poor design.) For years, I thought it was an outdoor "Village Point" type mall, until I zoomed in close on Google Maps satellite view, and saw it was an indoor mall. I went right away and loved it. Once or twice a year, I would drive to Des Moines, and that mall was always a place I wanted to go. (While living in Omaha, I barely wanted to ever go to Oak View.) Is it true the mall could all be closed down by January?! Im looking at a remark earlier here.

[RockHarbor]

What about with all the large & lengthy skylights and square footage, maybe they could remodel & build a large hotel/restaurant/arcade/entertainment center, kind of a mix of a "Casa Bonita" in Denver (big tall waterfalls w/ divers & jungly plants & caves), an arcade (like Dave & Busters), a small rollercoaster, putt putt golf, waterslides & pool, and hotel. How fun. (A new indoor "Peony Park West" in a way. Lol)

[bigredmed1]

What about with all the large & lengthy skylights and square footage, maybe they could remodel & build a large hotel/restaurant/arcade/entertainment center, kind of a mix of a "Casa Bonita" in Denver (big tall waterfalls w/ divers & jungly plants & caves), an arcade (like Dave & Busters), a small rollercoaster, putt putt golf, waterslides & pool, and hotel. How fun. (A new indoor "Peony Park West" in a way. Lol)

Peony Park worked because lots of people had family histories going back aways with that park and they kept coming and kept the detritus of society out. Once the low lifes got in, the party was soon over. Can't help but think that the same would happen here. But it would be a decent place for a try at that or at a giant indoor sports complex.

[nebugeater]

What about with all the large & lengthy skylights and square footage, maybe they could remodel & build a large hotel/restaurant/arcade/entertainment center, kind of a mix of a "Casa Bonita" in Denver (big tall waterfalls w/ divers & jungly plants & caves), an arcade (like Dave & Busters), a small rollercoaster, putt putt golf, waterslides & pool, and hotel. How fun. (A new indoor "Peony Park West" in a way. Lol)

Copy Casa Bonita???? One of the most overrated tourist trap setups ever created by man. They don't even have good food to set themselves apart with.

[RockHarbor]

I realize Casa Bonita is a bit cheesy, and their food isn't the best, but it still is going strong all these years. Deep inside, I think we all love to occasionally eat a Mexican dinner in a restaurant that almost feels "Disneyish", with splashing waterfalls & pools, caves, and caverns -- a set that feels almost like something out of that 80's movies "Goonies." I do -- even as an adult.

BigRedMed1: I thought of that, but it would have to be a place that doesn't tolerate any of that type of drama, and has tight security. A sports complex would be cool.

If you look at Casa Bonita in Denver, it really isn't that big compared to Oak View Mall (although it feels really big inside). Just imagine all the room in that big empty mall & department stores to put in a huge pool & hot tubs & big waterslides in the center, miniature golf, a "Casa Bonita" restaurant, hotels, a roller coaster, a bowling alley, an arcade, a sports room, a skating rink, an ice skating rink, racket ball courts, volleyball courts, a movie theater, hotels -- with all exclusive passes to everything. Move over Coco Key! Just thoughts.... Maybe that 'V' Bowling Alley & The Amazing Pizza Machine can move there. Then, Millard Plaza can be torn down. (The jumbo skylight made me think of the Lied Jungle, so I thought of jungle & tropical plants flourishing under those skylights, plus a bunch of fun stuff mixed in....)

I've never looked that close at what the gigantic West Edmonton Mall in Canada offers, but it has A LOT in there. I think it even has a windsurfing deal... We should check out all its amenities. (And, Mall of America in Minneapolis.)

[Busguy2010]

I'm sorry, I wasn't going to say anything, but Casa Bonita ranks #1 as the worst restaurant experience of my life. I didn't know anything about it and just assumed it was a noteworthy Mexican restaurant when my friend I was on a trip with suggested it as so cool/good. I guess he went there once when he was 9 or something and enjoyed it. I was about 23 when I went there that one time and whew... Wow. You wait in line for like 30 minutes to be served just like you'd be served in elementary school. It was the worst excuse for food I ever payed money for. On top of that, the shows were super silly and completely unentertaining, almost to try and distract you from how low the food was. Reminded me of Chuck E. Cheese. The waiter guaranteed us we had to have the sopapillas because they were "to die for" and I was open to the sopapillas saving the whole night. Needless to say the sopapillas were the final nail in the coffin. I don't think I'd even eat there for free, let alone the ~$15 I payed.

It was definitely memorable, as in reminding me to never fall for that trick again. It was so bad it almost felt like a scam. Never before and never since have I wished so adamantly just $15 back in my pocket.

[GrandpaaSmucker]

I'm sorry, I wasn't going to say anything, but Casa Bonita ranks #1 as the worst restaurant experience of my life. I didn't know anything about it and just assumed it was a noteworthy Mexican restaurant when my friend I was on a trip with suggested it as so cool/good. I guess he went there once when he was 9 or something and enjoyed it. I was about 23 when I went there that one time and whew... Wow. You wait in line for like 30 minutes to be served just like you'd be served in elementary school. It was the worst excuse for food I ever payed money for. On top of that, the shows were super silly and completely unentertaining, almost to try and distract you from how low the food was. Reminded me of Chuck E. Cheese. The waiter guaranteed us we had to have the sopapillas because they were "to die for" and I was open to the sopapillas saving the whole night. Needless to say the sopapillas were the final nail in the coffin. I don't think I'd even eat there for free, let alone the ~$15 I payed.

It was definitely memorable, as in reminding me to never fall for that trick again. It was so bad it almost felt like a scam. Never before and never since have I wished so adamantly just $15 back in my pocket.

Casa Bonita was started and mostly ran by the Waugh family in the early 70's. They were hard core meticulous about about everything from preparing the food just perfect to the bow tie on the bus boy being perfectly straight. The Waugh's had great recipes and they knew how to cook. In the early 80's they sold to new owners and within a couple of years the food quality was gone. They have changed owners a couple of times over the years. The place has slop for food you might say but its edible and you get to check the place out. In my opinion spending 15 dollars to go there was not lame. Lame is going to Denver and never checking out Casa Bonita even once!

[bigredmed1]

Tight security and armed security so everyon knows that stuff can get real. No little humanoids screeching while their parents ignore them, no gang banger wantabees causing criminal stuff. No allowing mom’s of said Gangbangers to cry on TV while showing a school picture of her kid from 3rd grade and telling everyone that he was a good boy. No rich parents buying their way out of their little Trevor’s latest felony.

Yup, wouldn’t work any better than Peony did at the end.

[daveoma]

If a Mall thrives on pedestrian traffic, then maybe they should build a bunch of mid-rise apartments in the parking lots. It seems so obvious to me that is the solution. At some point in the distant future, a light rail or other form of rapid mass transit will have a station at Oak View Mall. Save the kitschy tourist traps for somewhere else.

[buildomaha]

A quick 5 minute, not thought out idea: Tear down the anchors, throw up mixed use buildings (specifically residential with ground level retail/ businesses, keep the main mall area and make it the center of a little village you just built at a major intersection. There would need to be some type of big draw left in the mall portion though. What that is could range from UNIQUE entertainment to unique dining experience. The shopping will sustain itself if something goes brings the people. Heck get rid of some traditional tenants and throw a small organic Grocer, coffee shop, and other things a traditional mixed use area would have! At this point in time when someone goes to a mall it’s not to go to the traditional anchor stores, so the smaller tenants are essentiallly getting screwed out of money because they’re paying to be in the same building as these supposed “big draw” big box department stores.

[Coyote]

Just how many acres would a demolition project here entail?

[RockHarbor]

Lol!! (Do you think I didnt know I would hear things like "That is a bad idea..." and "That won't work..." and "Casa Bonita sucks..." You can always count on it.) Any other ideas what to do with the flailing mall?

[bigredmed1]

Lol!! (Do you think I didnt know I would hear things like "That is a bad idea..." and "That won't work..." and "Casa Bonita sucks..." You can always count on it.) Any other ideas what to do with the flailing mall?

Space for MCC classes and maybe a new MPS high school? A good trade school?

[Busguy2010]

Lol!! (Do you think I didnt know I would hear things like "That is a bad idea..." and "That won't work..." and "Casa Bonita sucks..." You can always count on it.) Any other ideas what to do with the flailing mall?

My post wasn't directed at your idea, it was directed at my experience of Casa Bonita... Which was awful.

I don't think there's anything we can do that would revive it. I think as a mall, the place is finished. Maybe it could last a while as office space or something. I mean, Southroads is still in use, but does that make you feel better about Oakview's fait?

I don't think it'll be torn down any time soon, but when the time comes, I hope it will be torn down and turned into a new urban neighborhood.

[RockHarbor]

Those are good ideas. Ultimately, I just dont want that jumbo, over-the-top skylight to go to waste. Its such a main architectural feature that anchors that whole area. (Cant West Farm possibly increase its business? Is there still hope?) BusGuy: I know. I just get a kick out of people sometimes...

[nativeomahan]

In all my years I never thought that Casa Bonita would be discussed in this forum. My one and only adventure inside was in the late 1970s, as best I can recall. I still remember being served really poor food on cafeteria trays, at full service restaurant prices. Yes, they had cliff divers. That’s why we went. With all my buddies who went with me that time it became a now 40 year old running joke. Mention those two words, “Casa Bonita” and all of us still alive immediately burst out laughing.
That said, Grandpaa is right. You really shouldn’t go to Denver without heading down Colfax to see the spectacle — once. Just eat somewhere else first.

[RockHarbor]

In all my years I never thought that Casa Bonita would be discussed in this forum.

Well, I'm full of surprises, aren't I?

I still remember being served really poor food on cafeteria trays, at full service restaurant prices. Yes, they had cliff divers. That’s why we went. With all my buddies who went with me that time it became a now 40 year old running joke. Mention those two words, “Casa Bonita” and all of us still alive immediately burst out laughing.

Well, we all don't go to Disneyland, Worlds of Fun, or Adventureland for the food...do we? None of those parks claim & promise they have the best food in the world either. Same with Casa Bonita. Anywhere that sits 1000 people and often has a long line out the door is not gonna have gourmet, special dishes cooked with love & care by top chefs -- each dish topped with a lovely stem of parsley. It's gonna be more like a "factory output" -- of course. Now, they have been in business in Lakewood since the 1970's, so they have to be doing something right.

How can you not love a restaurant with a map like this? https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media ... bonita.jpg If you look Casa Bonita up on Wiki, it started in Okla City and Tulsa: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Bonita (Those locations in OK are now closed, but Denver's location has remained open.)

Look, I just want Omaha to have a tropical, big escape/adventure restaurant. Could we support that? I'm not sure. Maybe Omaha is not large enough, nor busy enough -- while Denver is. Who knows? Dark caves & splashing water & divers & sparkly penny pools & fake palm trees can be really a fun evening, even if the food is poor. If that weren't so, that place wouldn't keep going like it does. (I don't believe in wishes or wishing, but you can still toss a penny in a pool like that without a wish.)

I also like the idea of Omaha have a tropical, warm escape -- especially for the long, cold winter months. Not everybody can afford a vacation to Cancun. Just imagine on a cold Omaha winter evening, you can go into a place that has Putt Putt golf with palm trees & waterfalls, you can see big coiling water slides, and hear splashing in a big pool, and you can smell the pool. There is affordable drinks & food around -- like at Costco or Sams Club. Or, you can go into a dark arcade and play video games. Or, you can go to that "Casa Bonita" Mexican restaurant. Or, you can play racket ball, or go bowling, or get pizza. I would be there, like, all the time, I think. (Maybe Coco Key can move there and run the hotel section -- and they can bulldoze that big place on 72nd St. The Amazing Pizza Machine can move there -- and they can bulldoze unsightly & seemingly hopeless Millard Plaza. The pizza restaurant will continue to cater to families and b-day parties with an outside entrance, AND will have delivery to the hotel & pool area late into the night. Just far-fetched ideas...)

Yes, I highly doubt all this, but that is the ONE thing I can think of that would make me SUPER EXCITED about what they were doing at Oakview Mall, if it ever went under. I'm sure they are going to try to keep it a mall, though. I hope they do. Of course, the existing big skylights & "greenhouse" environment makes one think of a creating something tropical & unique in Nebraska. That's not a new idea for people in cold regions. Mall of America in Minneapolis has aspects of that, and definitely so does the big West Edmonton Mall in Canada. Also, I started googling "Indoor water slides" and I found this link. Grand Prairie, TX is building this, announced last July. This was kinda what I was picturing: https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/gra ... ry-9682013

[Padre]

For those complaining about the food at Casa Bonita, I can tell you that you aren’t a part of their target market. It tends to appeal more to the 5 to 15 year olds.

And that’s really the problem with an entertainment complex, including something that appeals to everyone. If you want to use Denver as an example, check out the Old Celebrity Sports Center for ideas. It’s gone now, but it was quite the place in the day.

[nebugeater]

For those complaining about the food at Casa Bonita, I can tell you that you aren’t a part of their target market. It tends to appeal more to the 5 to 15 year olds.

And that’s really the problem with an entertainment complex, including something that appeals to everyone. If you want to use Denver as an example, check out the Old Celebrity Sports Center for ideas. It’s gone now, but it was quite the place in the day.

The problem is it doesn't have to be this way... Even if it was marganal the novulity of the place would overcome.

[RockHarbor]

Disneyland, Worlds of Fun, Adventureland, and places like Casa Bonita, cater to people of all ages. Just google pics of the interior of Casa Bonita and you will see adult couples by themselves. (Plus, Ive been to CB twice. Once as a child w/ my family & relatives/cousins. We ran & ran & ran around that place and laughed -- such great memories. And, again as an adult, with all adults.) I keep thinking about a large & dark Mexican restaurant with little caves & coves and fake palms, even just one level, with a big pool in the middle with a big pirate ship, with a plank, and a constant pirate/acrobat show going on. Maybe there could be waterfalls & divers, too. And, maybe a big Mexican buffet. I doubt Omaha could support that, but it would feel fun -- like Cheeseburger Paradise kind of feels fun. Or, just imagine a huge pool with islands and a big pirate ship under the big central Oak View skylight. Anyways.... If that mall goes under, what are they gonna do with all that square footage? A department store alone is enormous. They cant possibly make it all a big flea market with velvet Elvis pics sold. What about NE Furniture Mart taking it over, and having huge showrooms? (Plus, large storage places.) I honestly am not crazy about their green & white building on 72nd -- almost feeling clunky & disorderly, like it has continually been added to. Dallas & KC get beautiful ones. So, why shouldn't we? Omaha is where it all started.

[Csmac]

Since Westroads and Oakview got bought out my Brookfield Asset Management what changes do you want to see to both malls besides remodeling. From what I read Brookfield is a good company and has helped out Macys and many other businesses. I think Oakview needs a better/updated food court. I think it would be nice to see one of the empty tenants at Westroads or Oakview get a big natural grocers store. It would be also nice to see Westroads and Oakview get an ice skating rink in the middle of the mall. More entertainment/ things for kids and family to do is really needed. We are way too oversaturated with retail and bars. One of my friends thinks that Westroads or Oakview could get a Macys. Thoughts?

[daveoma]

Since Westroads and Oakview got bought out my Brookfield Asset Management what changes do you want to see to both malls besides remodeling. From what I read Brookfield is a good company and has helped out Macys and many other businesses. I think Oakview needs a better/updated food court. I think it would be nice to see one of the empty tenants at Westroads or Oakview get a big natural grocers store. It would be also nice to see Westroads and Oakview get an ice skating rink in the middle of the mall. More entertainment/ things for kids and family to do is really needed. We are way too oversaturated with retail and bars. One of my friends thinks that Westroads or Oakview could get a Macys. Thoughts?

Just going off of my own observations and preferences, I think that the Macy's would definitely be popular at Westroads, but not Oak View. I definitely think a new food court in Oak View would be a very nice addition and alternative for the neighborhood. That being said, I really think that the population necessary to support a mall has increased a lot. You would need to either offer something unique to the Omaha area, or find a way to increase population around it to increase foot traffic at Oak View. Or maybe plant more oak trees, so it can live up to its name.

[Doctor Fate]

Since Westroads and Oakview got bought out my Brookfield Asset Management what changes do you want to see to both malls besides remodeling. From what I read Brookfield is a good company and has helped out Macys and many other businesses. I think Oakview needs a better/updated food court. I think it would be nice to see one of the empty tenants at Westroads or Oakview get a big natural grocers store. It would be also nice to see Westroads and Oakview get an ice skating rink in the middle of the mall. More entertainment/ things for kids and family to do is really needed. We are way too oversaturated with retail and bars. One of my friends thinks that Westroads or Oakview could get a Macys. Thoughts?

Just going off of my own observations and preferences, I think that the Macy's would definitely be popular at Westroads, but not Oak View. I definitely think a new food court in Oak View would be a very nice addition and alternative for the neighborhood. That being said, I really think that the population necessary to support a mall has increased a lot. You would need to either offer something unique to the Omaha area, or find a way to increase population around it to increase foot traffic at Oak View. Or maybe plant more oak trees, so it can live up to its name.

I agree with a Macy's at Westroads. I live in Salt Lake City at the moment and I think Oak View could benefit from a transformation like The Gateway in downtown SLC. Gateway was THE shopping place here until City Creek opened a mile away and then it became almost completely vacant. It is in the process of redeveloping itself as an entertainment hub. Sports bars, a Dave and Busters, a science center for kids and a planetarium, a movie theater, fast food and upscale restaurants, apartments, and a variety of small stores and other places are sprouting up there. It has started to draw people back.

[ita]

Since Westroads and Oakview got bought out my Brookfield Asset Management what changes do you want to see to both malls besides remodeling. From what I read Brookfield is a good company and has helped out Macys and many other businesses. I think Oakview needs a better/updated food court. I think it would be nice to see one of the empty tenants at Westroads or Oakview get a big natural grocers store. It would be also nice to see Westroads and Oakview get an ice skating rink in the middle of the mall. More entertainment/ things for kids and family to do is really needed. We are way too oversaturated with retail and bars. One of my friends thinks that Westroads or Oakview could get a Macys. Thoughts?

I live near the Oakview area and would like to see some effort be put in revitalizing this mall. It is sad to see half of the big box stores at the mall and the bordering retail go out of business, at no fault of Oakview, at least not wholly (I am looking at you, Sears). In any case, I agree that Oakview and Westroads could do with some more entertainment options. However, I do not know if Oakview has shown that it can support more entertainment options, unless they are new to the area, as other posters have mentioned. Although the Oakview theater is doing fine, Sempecks Bowling, that used to be Alley V, that used to be something else, doesn't ever seem that occupied.

[Greg S]

Since Westroads and Oakview got bought out my Brookfield Asset Management what changes do you want to see to both malls besides remodeling. From what I read Brookfield is a good company and has helped out Macys and many other businesses. I think Oakview needs a better/updated food court. I think it would be nice to see one of the empty tenants at Westroads or Oakview get a big natural grocers store. It would be also nice to see Westroads and Oakview get an ice skating rink in the middle of the mall. More entertainment/ things for kids and family to do is really needed. We are way too oversaturated with retail and bars. One of my friends thinks that Westroads or Oakview could get a Macys. Thoughts?

I live near the Oakview area and would like to see some effort be put in revitalizing this mall. It is sad to see half of the big box stores at the mall and the bordering retail go out of business, at no fault of Oakview, at least not wholly (I am looking at you, Sears). In any case, I agree that Oakview and Westroads could do with some more entertainment options. However, I do not know if Oakview has shown that it can support more entertainment options, unless they are new to the area, as other posters have mentioned. Although the Oakview theater is doing fine, Sempecks Bowling, that used to be Alley V, that used to be something else, doesn't ever seem that occupied.

I can't see a future where Oak View is a mall anymore. I'm not sure what it should be re purposed as but it's days as a mall I think are numbered.

Greg

[Greg S]

Since Westroads and Oakview got bought out my Brookfield Asset Management what changes do you want to see to both malls besides remodeling. From what I read Brookfield is a good company and has helped out Macys and many other businesses. I think Oakview needs a better/updated food court. I think it would be nice to see one of the empty tenants at Westroads or Oakview get a big natural grocers store. It would be also nice to see Westroads and Oakview get an ice skating rink in the middle of the mall. More entertainment/ things for kids and family to do is really needed. We are way too oversaturated with retail and bars. One of my friends thinks that Westroads or Oakview could get a Macys. Thoughts?

Macy's has not been opening new stores lately as they have had their own troubles. They have started reporting better results as of late. You have to think the demise of Bon Ton (Younkers parent company) will have a benefit to their bottom line. It will be interesting to see if they do go into markets where they previously had not been. Stores like the former Younkers at Westroads would represent a fairly inexpensive way to enter a new market. Previously Omaha might not have been attractive to them due to the presence of Bon Ton (Younkers).

Greg

[ita]

Since Westroads and Oakview got bought out my Brookfield Asset Management what changes do you want to see to both malls besides remodeling. From what I read Brookfield is a good company and has helped out Macys and many other businesses. I think Oakview needs a better/updated food court. I think it would be nice to see one of the empty tenants at Westroads or Oakview get a big natural grocers store. It would be also nice to see Westroads and Oakview get an ice skating rink in the middle of the mall. More entertainment/ things for kids and family to do is really needed. We are way too oversaturated with retail and bars. One of my friends thinks that Westroads or Oakview could get a Macys. Thoughts?

I live near the Oakview area and would like to see some effort be put in revitalizing this mall. It is sad to see half of the big box stores at the mall and the bordering retail go out of business, at no fault of Oakview, at least not wholly (I am looking at you, Sears). In any case, I agree that Oakview and Westroads could do with some more entertainment options. However, I do not know if Oakview has shown that it can support more entertainment options, unless they are new to the area, as other posters have mentioned. Although the Oakview theater is doing fine, Sempecks Bowling, that used to be Alley V, that used to be something else, doesn't ever seem that occupied.

I can't see a future where Oak View is a mall anymore. I'm not sure what it should be re purposed as but it's days as a mall I think are numbered.

Greg

You're probably right, though I cannot imagine the area being redeveloped unless the retail ring around the mall is included. Additionally, if re-purposed in the non-mall scenario, I don't see it happening for several years. Crossroads is an example, though that may just be a specific case due to ownership.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Since Westroads and Oakview got bought out my Brookfield Asset Management what changes do you want to see to both malls besides remodeling. From what I read Brookfield is a good company and has helped out Macys and many other businesses. I think Oakview needs a better/updated food court. I think it would be nice to see one of the empty tenants at Westroads or Oakview get a big natural grocers store. It would be also nice to see Westroads and Oakview get an ice skating rink in the middle of the mall. More entertainment/ things for kids and family to do is really needed. We are way too oversaturated with retail and bars. One of my friends thinks that Westroads or Oakview could get a Macys. Thoughts?

I live near the Oakview area and would like to see some effort be put in revitalizing this mall. It is sad to see half of the big box stores at the mall and the bordering retail go out of business, at no fault of Oakview, at least not wholly (I am looking at you, Sears). In any case, I agree that Oakview and Westroads could do with some more entertainment options. However, I do not know if Oakview has shown that it can support more entertainment options, unless they are new to the area, as other posters have mentioned. Although the Oakview theater is doing fine, Sempecks Bowling, that used to be Alley V, that used to be something else, doesn't ever seem that occupied.

I can't see a future where Oak View is a mall anymore. I'm not sure what it should be re purposed as but it's days as a mall I think are numbered.

Greg

You're probably right, though I cannot imagine the area being redeveloped unless the retail ring around the mall is included. Additionally, if re-purposed in the non-mall scenario, I don't see it happening for several years. Crossroads is an example, though that may just be a specific case due to ownership.

I don’t agree completely with the statement that in the future, Oak View won’t be a mall anymore..

Today, of course, it is a mall and I believe it will continue to be one. A remodel of their foot court area would be a nice start.. I just simply don’t see Oakview as transitioning as something other than a mall.. It needs some creative TLC and a strong look by Brookfield to help it carve a niche.. Don’t get me wrong- The entire Oakview Mousetrap has been in trouble and declining for most of this decade.. There is a positive sign where AMC is doing a significant remodel of the movie theater and, from what I understand, a revamping of the parking lot..

And I agree and have stated it in the past- much of the store closures were not the fault of Oakview (Sears, Younkers, Best Buy, even HyVee)..

Time will tell. It’ll be interesting to see what Brookfield will come up with in the coming months...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Greg S]

Since Westroads and Oakview got bought out my Brookfield Asset Management what changes do you want to see to both malls besides remodeling. From what I read Brookfield is a good company and has helped out Macys and many other businesses. I think Oakview needs a better/updated food court. I think it would be nice to see one of the empty tenants at Westroads or Oakview get a big natural grocers store. It would be also nice to see Westroads and Oakview get an ice skating rink in the middle of the mall. More entertainment/ things for kids and family to do is really needed. We are way too oversaturated with retail and bars. One of my friends thinks that Westroads or Oakview could get a Macys. Thoughts?

I live near the Oakview area and would like to see some effort be put in revitalizing this mall. It is sad to see half of the big box stores at the mall and the bordering retail go out of business, at no fault of Oakview, at least not wholly (I am looking at you, Sears). In any case, I agree that Oakview and Westroads could do with some more entertainment options. However, I do not know if Oakview has shown that it can support more entertainment options, unless they are new to the area, as other posters have mentioned. Although the Oakview theater is doing fine, Sempecks Bowling, that used to be Alley V, that used to be something else, doesn't ever seem that occupied.

I can't see a future where Oak View is a mall anymore. I'm not sure what it should be re purposed as but it's days as a mall I think are numbered.

Greg

You're probably right, though I cannot imagine the area being redeveloped unless the retail ring around the mall is included. Additionally, if re-purposed in the non-mall scenario, I don't see it happening for several years. Crossroads is an example, though that may just be a specific case due to ownership.

I don’t agree completely with the statement that in the future, Oak View won’t be a mall anymore..

Today, of course, it is a mall and I believe it will continue to be one. A remodel of their foot court area would be a nice start.. I just simply don’t see Oakview as transitioning as something other than a mall.. It needs some creative TLC and a strong look by Brookfield to help it carve a niche.. Don’t get me wrong- The entire Oakview Mousetrap has been in trouble and declining for most of this decade.. There is a positive sign where AMC is doing a significant remodel of the movie theater and, from what I understand, a revamping of the parking lot..

And I agree and have stated it in the past- much of the store closures were not the fault of Oakview (Sears, Younkers, Best Buy, even HyVee)..

Time will tell. It’ll be interesting to see what Brookfield will come up with in the coming months...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Yeah it definitely was not Oak View's fault they lost Younkers and Sears but replacing them is key. The are many vacancies inside the mall as well. With Younker's space also available at Westroads I think that space is far more attractive than either of the two anchor spaces at Oak View.

If somehow you could get Macy's to Westroads that would help Oak View. If that doesn't happen would it honestly surprise anyone to see Dillard's close at Oak View and move to Westroads. If you ever get down to one anchor at Oak View, I'd assume Penny's would consolidate to Westroads.

I just don't see a path forward as a mall forward for Oak View.

Greg