Gene Leahy Mall Remodel

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I’m going to say the trained urban planners who worked on this know what they’re doing.

I'm going to say they don't. That new mall is one of the stupid outrageous ideas they have come up with yet.

Providing more things to do for more people is a stupid idea for a public park?

[Busguy2010]

I appreciate everyone's input on any topic. Rockharbor often stimulates discussion when there is little to talk about. I don't think we should be making fun of comments using sarcastic dialogue.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I appreciate everyone's input on any topic. Rockharbor often stimulates discussion when there is little to talk about. I don't think we should be making fun of comments using sarcastic dialogue.

And I agree..

Let’s embrace our commentary in this thread to the topic at hand moving forward..

Do not make it necessary to start removing posts which are counterproductive to that end..

Thanks...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Omaha Cowboy]

This thread is now on time out...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Brad]

I had a few different photos of the Gene Leahy Mall at the art fair this weekend. Wow, it really brought out the comments on the redevelopment plan. Over the course of the weekend, at least 100 people expressed their opinion to me, or loud enough I could hear it. Nearly every single person hates the plan. There were a couple people that said they weren't sure what to think or they may like part of it, but nearly 99% said it was a terrible idea to fill in the lake and raise it to street level.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I had a few different photos of the Gene Leahy Mall at the art fair this weekend. Wow, it really brought out the comments on the redevelopment plan. Over the course of the weekend, at least 100 people expressed their opinion to me, or loud enough I could hear it. Nearly every single person hates the plan. There were a couple people that said they weren't sure what to think or they may like part of it, but nearly 99% said it was a terrible idea to fill in the lake and raise it to street level.

Not surprising. I’m lukewarm on the idea myself. It’ll be interesting to see if the actual plan as announced will move forward.. Or if a modified plan will be presented. Either way, change in this area is on the horizon. Whatever ends up getting done, it must spark development and increase foot level traffic.. In the end, they could just leave the GLM as is, and spruce up the look.. But I’m afraid that’s not in the plans. The city wants something “dramatic”.. I’d be all for simply getting development going on the Civic site and on the entire city block where the defunct Wallstreet Tower was supposed to rise (the old UP site).. before considering tearing down and rebuilding the GLM..

That’s where I stand today on this. I reserve the right to change my opinion at a later date ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Louie]

I had a few different photos of the Gene Leahy Mall at the art fair this weekend. Wow, it really brought out the comments on the redevelopment plan. Over the course of the weekend, at least 100 people expressed their opinion to me, or loud enough I could hear it. Nearly every single person hates the plan. There were a couple people that said they weren't sure what to think or they may like part of it, but nearly 99% said it was a terrible idea to fill in the lake and raise it to street level.

I’d be curious how much time those people saying its a terrible idea are spending in the park now...

[GetUrban]

I'm sure many people are thinking "why now?" for this project. The park doesn't seem broken to the average person who is not familiar with current state-of-the art urban park design.

Given the length of time the civic site, old UP site, and Ricks/Storz sites have remained empty, plus the big plans for Crossroads that have fallen though several times, people want to see some success on those actually happening.

It's hard to get excited about yet another big project starting when none of those others have come to fruition. What about the Lot B development? I'm starting to think the only things that ever happen with help from the city are the projects with the usual Omaha mover & shaker crowd running the show...those run by Noddle, Kiewit, HDR, etc. Those players seem to be focused on West Farm, North Downtown (builders District), GLM, and DC Juvenile Center now. I'd like to see some other developers step up. with city support, and complete more competing projects. Capital District took a long time to happen, but it is a success.

I'm for ALL of these projects happening, but we need to see some success on more of the already-announced projects first, before people will feel like supporting a new project.

[swgiust]

A park or a green space in a city is designed for people to spend time together, small groups to gather, a picnic lunch, a casual stroll. Or maybe an afternoon concert or a play. I can tell you as a neighbor of the current Gene Leahy Mall that is not happening. Actually walk down into the mall and you will find a random assortment of homeless and stinky green water. The new plan offers a much greater opportunity for utilization to happen. It will also connect the Old Market via 11th st to the new Capitol District, the stadium and North Downtown. I would suspect that most of the people who are opposed to the new plan drive by and see the water and think it is nice. They don't ever actually use the park.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

The Mall was built to be a landmark, not a park. You can't really have events there or do much, just look around. The update is needed, and as it's sad to see the mall change its for the better.

[nativeomahan]

I had a few different photos of the Gene Leahy Mall at the art fair this weekend. Wow, it really brought out the comments on the redevelopment plan. Over the course of the weekend, at least 100 people expressed their opinion to me, or loud enough I could hear it. Nearly every single person hates the plan. There were a couple people that said they weren't sure what to think or they may like part of it, but nearly 99% said it was a terrible idea to fill in the lake and raise it to street level.

I was one of those people.

[omahahawk]

Downtown Omaha trees will be lit this year on Thanksgiving, but it'll be last time until 2022

Trees in the downtown Gene Leahy Mall will be lit for the holiday season on Thanksgiving night this year as usual, but not for the next three years.

The popular tree lighting, in its 19th year, typically draws tens of thousands for a dramatic countdown and lighting ceremony.

But the sunken mall will be torn up and its lagoon will be drained starting next year as part of a plan to raise the park-like area to street level. Work could start as early as March.

https://www.omaha.com/events/downtown-o ... 756a0.html



Sounds like the plan is to temporarily move this event to Midtown Crossing.

[ita]

The Mall was built to be a landmark, not a park. You can't really have events there or do much, just look around. The update is needed, and as it's sad to see the mall change its for the better.

Although I do not know the full history of GLM, I would tend to agree as a transplant to Omaha. I never viewed it as a park that people actually use, rather a landmark that locals and visitors can go to once. With the plans to revitalize the riverfront, it will now be the other way around, a park that will be used and frequented more than once, if all goes to plan. Additionally, it will be part of what we hope will be a vibrant riverfront that connects downtown/old market all the way to the CB side. Maybe the redevelopment of GLM is meh on its own, but the broader plan is much more exciting and a better use of the what used to be un-develop-able riverfront.

[Brad]

Downtown mall overhaul could finish year early; meanwhile, holiday lights looking for temporary home

https://www.omaha.com/news/metro/downto ... a5d8b.html

When announcing details about this year's Holiday Lights Festival on Wednesday, Mayor Jean Stothert said the 90-acre project is now estimated to be completed in 2021. The project was initially pegged for a 2022 wrap-up.

[iamjacobm]

https://www.omaha.com/news/metro/gene-l ... 35b34.html

Gene Leahy Mall could close in just four months to make way for the sweeping plan to redo part of Omaha’s downtown and riverfront into more accessible and activity-filled public spaces.

The mall, between Douglas and Farnam Streets downtown, could be closed to the public starting in March, according to a construction schedule presented Thursday to the city’s Urban Design Review Board.

Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing, the other areas part of the project, wouldn’t close until mid-2020.

Nathan Elliott, a principal architect for OJB Landscape Architecture, a national company hired by donors, gave Thursday’s presentation. He emphasized that the timeline is tentative and could change as officials get deeper into the design process.

But one thing is sure, Elliott said. “I think this is going to be a turning point for downtown Omaha,” he said of the project.

[swinquest]

Maybe this was asked earlier and I missed it...are the iconic slides going to be kept and moved? Or will they be gone forever? Went downtown to watch the lighting any my kids went down the slides at least 50 times. Even my wife went down them with her sister....just like they did oh so many years ago.

It would be a shame if they will not be kept.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Maybe this was asked earlier and I missed it...are the iconic slides going to be kept and moved? Or will they be gone forever? Went downtown to watch the lighting any my kids went down the slides at least 50 times. Even my wife went down them with her sister....just like they did oh so many years ago.

It would be a shame if they will not be kept.

The slides are supposed to be saved. Them and the arch at 11th street. This rendering shows them included and the World Herald said they would be preserved.

[Brad]

MECA approves key agreements to run riverfront, hires Kiewit as construction manager

https://www.omaha.com/news/metro/riverf ... 27e9b.html

Dixon said using Kiewit as the construction manager is the same process that was used for the convention center-arena construction. He said Kiewit would put all construction work over $20,000 out for bid. If Kiewit wants to do any of those jobs itself, Kiewit would have to submit bids to MECA.

Under the contract, Kiewit will be paid 7.2 percent of the construction cost, not including such expenses as architectural and engineering fees. An estimate of the construction cost has not been made public.

[RockHarbor]

Of course it moved forward Tuesday. I knew it would.

Parts of it look sharp to me, parts of it look really dumb to me. (I like the slides area, and I don't mind the lagoon filled in. The Downtown Slides are successful, and keeping them around is a good idea, imo. The striking postcard shot changing doesn't even bother me as much as having different style corporate buildings wrapping around that Con Agra lake -- like different style custom homes wrapping around Lake Candlewood. It's outrageous. No city has ever done such a thing downtown.)

But, Omaha can live with its own choices. I'll never feel sorry for it that it doesn't ever look/feel as good as KC or Minneapolis. It's the city's fault for what they do, for who they put in charge. It always has too much of a "small time" mindset mixed with an immature urban mindset, or something. Yes, the city takes "quick fix" shots over "doing things totally right" shots, lacking a mature urban mindset, imo.

(For example: The kiddy slides are sooo important to keep, but fixing the Con Agra mess properly is not? Nor is retaining the striking & signature "postcard shot" of the city? And, we have all these silly huge parks stretching everywhere you look -- galore? It's almost becoming a gigantic, outdoor "children's museum & playground & carnival" down there. How dumb. This isn't the fun "Chicago Pier" or kid-friendly "St Louis Science Museum." It's Downtown Omaha. Who even copies what we do? Who even wants what we have, urban wise? Hardly anybody. Half our urban moves have been silly -- that's why.)

It's probably some middle-aged men with little tikes at home, that take them to the slides, and don't really understand things urban very in-depth, and care more about the Nebraska game on TV than what Omaha looks like, somehow in charge in town, when they probably shouldn't be, that are pushing this giant "weird thing" forward. Or, let me guess: The mayor that is gonna take off and retire to the Carolinas when her term is over, Omaha fading in the rear view mirror as she applies her lipstick and squeels away, no longer the center of attention, the town no longer fun anymore because it's no longer at her command & fingertips, her authority gone... The "I love Omaha" bumper sticker ripped off when she gets to the Carolinas. If she's part if this, she irritates me honestly. I'm not buying she REALLY cares about Omaha -- like some of us do. And, I never will. There, I vented. I needed to.

[Bomaha]

I can't wait until this thing is completed. The shots of the skyline with the Summer Arts Festival in full swing on the events lawn will be spectacular.

[Garrett]

Or, the mayor that is gonna take off and retire to the Carolinas when her term is over, Omaha fading in the rear view mirror as she applies her lipstick and squeels away, no longer the center of attention, the town no longer fun anymore because it's no longer at her command, her authority gone... The "I love Omaha" bumper sticker ripped off when she gets to the Carolinas. If she's part if this, she irritates me honestly. I'm not buying she REALLY cares about Omaha -- like some of us do. And, I never will. There, I vented. I needed to.

As I’ve pointed out before, there hasn’t been a mayor of Omaha born in Nebraska since Ed Zorinsky. So if you could stop being a gross sexist that would be lovely.

[RockHarbor]

Or, the mayor that is gonna take off and retire to the Carolinas when her term is over, Omaha fading in the rear view mirror as she applies her lipstick and squeels away, no longer the center of attention, the town no longer fun anymore because it's no longer at her command, her authority gone... The "I love Omaha" bumper sticker ripped off when she gets to the Carolinas. If she's part if this, she irritates me honestly. I'm not buying she REALLY cares about Omaha -- like some of us do. And, I never will. There, I vented. I needed to.

As I’ve pointed out before, there hasn’t been a mayor of Omaha born in Nebraska since Ed Zorinsky. So if you could stop being a gross sexist that would be lovely.

Oh, you got me. I'm soooo sexist, even in 2019, Garrett. (Sarcasm.) I had all girls at my 16th birthday party, and I've adored many women managers I've had, and many women co-workers -- from past into the present. You pegged me sooo well, Garrett. You're right on the money. (Sarcasm).

If you could stop being so grossly SILLY, that would be lovely.

I wouldn't care if it were a man or a woman leader. I care about hearts & motives. And, I do like the idea of a mayor serving Omaha from Omaha -- there's nothing wrong with that, nothing I'm going to apologize over.

Woman do apply lipstick in a mirror before driving away, but if it were a man, I would have said "Run a back pocket comb through his hair" or something. It is simply a visual for a person that cares about themselves and their appearance, and are moving onward, not because they necessarily want to, but because they have to, because their time is up -- yet they are still keeping it all about them & their appearance, even on the road, driving to their next destination, where they will hopefully find their next self-fulfilling "project" to be part of. It wasn't necessarily about true love for the place they served behind them, or the next place they are going to, or leaving places better than how they found them. No, it was really about them & their self-agenda all along. That's the kinda thing I'm conveying... (There's a lot of people like that -- including some politicians probably.)

Got it now, Garret? Good. By the way, in Charlotte's Web, the spider was actually trying to help Wilbur with the messages spun in her webs. I just want to make sure you didn't miss that great story -- as a child or adult. I'm starting to question your comprehensive skills. (Kidding...of course. lol)

[RockHarbor]

Say goodbye... Tip: Locals should get their last pictures of this view soon. (I realize we all like/need change, and Omaha is always evolving. Yet, so many people worked hard for this signature/trademark Omaha view we have today. Strange to me it is no longer important, when everything seemed to revolve around this "postcard" view before. I think we're gonna realize what we had when it is gone. Sure, most other cities dont have this "open air corridor" that it sets tall buildings around -- or unusual red twins set at the end of a park for a visually stimulating purpose. However, that does make Omaha special, and gives it a unforgettable "face" in a way. Anyways... No tears here. Just apprehension about the changes, and some irritation w/ the lack of respect for this now established view & all the past thinking & work behind it, by younger, current Omaha leaders and non-native leaders. I question what they are all thinking & doing... And, what's driving them? Do they have a degree & talent? Or, just a degree?)

[Busguy2010]

I didn't read anything that would warrant a sexism tag. So I just want to ask, how many of the currently existing buildings were there when the mall was built? The answer to that question would lead me to believe this iconic photograph was not the point of the Gene Leahy Mall, and that when its all said and done, the view won't be very different. And we'll hopefully have a more usable park. Its kinda meh for me. Not sad to see it go and not overly excited for it to be complete.

[Cermak]

I’m looking forward to the new park, we might not have the iconic view anymore but it should be more usable. I had wondered years ago what if the park was at street level what it would be like.

This is in Downtown Santa Monica, although not a park, people are using the features of the open pedestrian street to create a vibrant atmosphere. Hopefully the new mall will work in this way.

[Joe_Sovereign]

The Omaha Postcard Image showing a urban park that has zero people in it, Hopefully the new park will be one that the citizens of Omaha want to use.

[RockHarbor]

I didn't read anything that would warrant a sexism tag. So I just want to ask, how many of the currently existing buildings were there when the mall was built? The answer to that question would lead me to believe this iconic photograph was not the point of the Gene Leahy Mall, and that when its all said and done, the view won't be very different. And we'll hopefully have a more usable park. Its kinda meh for me. Not sad to see it go and not overly excited for it to be complete.

Of course the root reason for the park wasnt to create the "iconic view", but the park was put in for the citizens of Omaha's use, and to spur downtown development. Logically, they knew a bigger skyline would spring up around it eventually. The telephone building started rising first, then the twins... The twins gave the impression of thoughtful design that was purposeful, considering the view from the park. It all kinda worked together. I'm gonna miss things about the lagoon, but Im not against filling it in because of the costliness to upkeep it, playful & dreamy sunken lagoons arent typical in big cities, the flat park will give more room for events, and people can cross from the Old Market to North Downtown easier. Im all for it. Smart move. I love what they are doing in the slides area, too. Funny, how they are adding all these huge, sprawling unneeded parks & entertainment (almost like the revived "Playland Park" on the CB side has influenced the city, or something to create "Candyland" down there for kids), but they just have to cut into the west side of Gene Leahy Mall where it will ruin the iconic postcard view. Interesting. I cant stand how stupid Omaha can be sometimes... (Some angles of the skyline, Omaha looks very blah and borderline clunky & ugly to me -- to be honest. Yet, I actually tell myself: "Remember how it all comes together when you're in the park..." Well, not anymore.)

[Cermak]

The Gene Leahy park view was good, the buildings actually looked taller because you were below street level, especially 1200 Landmark and the telephone building . So in some ways we were cheating. Now we will actually have to build some more tall buildings because we won’t get the benefit of the iconic sunken mall view anymore.

[Brad]

The Omaha Postcard Image showing a urban park that has zero people in it, Hopefully the new park will be one that the citizens of Omaha want to use.

I go to the the GLM often and I have never seen it empty. Not even in a crazy snow storm have I seen it without people. More times than not, I wish there were less people in it. There are lots of photographers (my self included) that do everything we can to have Zero people in our photos. I have photographed the GLM hundreds of time and I have zero photos with people in them. I will wait for them to move or run along exposures so they don't show up. So the fact the postcard didn't have anyone it doesn't mean much.

I have one daytime shot of Heartland of America Park that had a dozen or so people in it. Two months ago, I had a lady who wanted to buy a print, but only if I could Photoshop out all the people.

[buildomaha]

Say goodbye... Tip: Locals should get their last pictures of this view soon. (I realize we all like/need change, and Omaha is always evolving. Yet, so many people worked hard for this signature/trademark Omaha view we have today. Strange to me it is no longer important, when everything seemed to revolve around this "postcard" view before. I think we're gonna realize what we had when it is gone. Sure, most other cities dont have this "open air corridor" that it sets tall buildings around -- or unusual red twins set at the end of a park for a visually stimulating purpose. However, that does make Omaha special, and gives it a unforgettable "face" in a way. Anyways... No tears here. Just apprehension about the changes, and some irritation w/ the lack of respect for this now established view & all the past thinking & work behind it, by younger, current Omaha leaders and non-native leaders. I question what they are all thinking & doing... And, what's driving them? Do they have a degree & talent? Or, just a degree?)

Cloud that disagree more. Postcard pic gone? No. People will actually be in the area Moreno often to take that exact pic, just without an unusual way lagoon snaking through the middle.

The tree lighting downtown is terrible when a lot of people show up and have to stand an entire city block away on a bridge to try and see the stage...

[RockHarbor]

Say goodbye... Tip: Locals should get their last pictures of this view soon. (I realize we all like/need change, and Omaha is always evolving. Yet, so many people worked hard for this signature/trademark Omaha view we have today. Strange to me it is no longer important, when everything seemed to revolve around this "postcard" view before. I think we're gonna realize what we had when it is gone. Sure, most other cities dont have this "open air corridor" that it sets tall buildings around -- or unusual red twins set at the end of a park for a visually stimulating purpose. However, that does make Omaha special, and gives it a unforgettable "face" in a way. Anyways... No tears here. Just apprehension about the changes, and some irritation w/ the lack of respect for this now established view & all the past thinking & work behind it, by younger, current Omaha leaders and non-native leaders. I question what they are all thinking & doing... And, what's driving them? Do they have a degree & talent? Or, just a degree?)

Cloud that disagree more. Postcard pic gone? No. People will actually be in the area Moreno often to take that exact pic, just without an unusual way lagoon snaking through the middle.

The tree lighting downtown is terrible when a lot of people show up and have to stand an entire city block away on a bridge to try and see the stage...

Have you not examined the plan? The west end of the park has a full lot dedicated to new high rises, along with an eye to redevelop the library site. Honestly, I dont think I would be as bothered by this change if the twins werent such demanding, eye-catching, interesting structures to be viewed from the park -- just like they were obviously meant to be, the architect even said it. Its like plopping taller buildings right in front of Century City's triangular twins, or NYC's former WTC. It just bothers me. Some building styles & designs are not suited to be carelessly boxed-in on ALL sides by other buildings. The twins are types that feel that way -- plus, the connection between them & the park is being broken. Other than that, I actually dont mind the idea of Omaha possibly getting a tighter clump of skyscrapers (like Tulsa), especially from I-80/I-480 vantage point. The Con Agra Lake plans: Atrocious! Brad: Lol. There have been so many times Ive went to get a picture and some smiley family walks right in the way, and I'm trying to keep a positive attitude because they are just having fun and I dont want to give them some bad vibe, but part me is saying: "Glad you're all having a good day together, but MOVE IT." Lol

[edsas]

I gotta agree with Rock Harbor on much of this. I'm excited about the coming spin-off developments, but I've always loved the sunken lagoon. It's beautiful. And I also don't get the criticism that GLM is always empty. Seems highly utilized every time I go down there. It's not ever crowded, but it shouldn't be. It's meant to be a meandering piece of tranquility within an urban environment. And it achieves that function to the hilt.

Anyway, since the raising of GLM is inevitable, I now just want to see it redone quickly. Not looking forward to piles of dirt sitting in the middle of our picturesque downtown. But it is what it is.

[GrandpaaSmucker]

Anytime you see something being done that is obviously stupidity on steroids such as tearing down a multi million dollar mall we sweat blood and tears to get.........you know somewhere someway somehow some weasels are profiting from it

[RockHarbor]

How do you feel like they are profiting? I'm curiois about all sides to this. What's funny is that the landscaping all finally matured in the almost 40 years the park has been there, something people looked forward to for many years -- and now its being all ripped out. I almost feel like Omaha officials are acting like the settlers that first saw the CA redwoods, marveled at their magnifience and beauty that took centuries, then said "Let's cut them down. I see a profit." That's why I'm barking & acting like the "Sierra Club" here. P.S. Thanks for the reinforcement, Edsas. (Havent seen you for awhile...) I just knew there had to be other native Omahans that felt like me -- or at least similiar.

[adm0707]

So glad this is happening. I get everyone's apprehension and stress over change. This is Nebraska and for the vast majority, we are proud, we are conservative, and we - for the most part - don't like change. Without getting too political (I'm actually very moderate), when it comes to developmental progress and infrastructure, those qualities have likely set us back about 10-20 years on the revitalization of our urban core and it is time to get people back downtown. Nothing does this better than PUBLIC improvements such as park space and improved public transportation and ease of access. Am I in love with the master plan as a whole? Not realllly. Do I think the design team made some good points? Yes. Am I extremely excited to see what this could have in store for kicking off decades of core growth that is imperative to a healthy city, absolutely! We are behind our sister cities in the Midwest, most notably evident is Des Moines. Let's face it, we have had two empty prime lots sit vacant for 10 and 2 years and a large corporation all but completely vacate in the past decade. The last "skyline" building constructed was UP in 2004 (Des Moines has two new 32 and 33 story high rises under construction right now). I think GLM was/is a beautiful concept, and I love to walk it and see this postcard view we all have been talking about, but Omaha has a major sprawl problem, and it is only going to get worse with this "why would I go downtown?" attitude that unfortunately I hear all too often from the other world that is west of I680. I look forward to seeing a new postcard view that is more of a free-flowing, interactive space that is woven into the downtown fabric and reaches out/gives access to the beautiful river and connection to CB. I look forward to this being (hopefully) something we do not stumble upon and make a decision to take a few minutes to explore (GLM now), but something that is a necessary experience when going from point A to point B. This park, the streetcar and ORBT are huge for this city, and I just wish more people were a little more open minded about it.

[GrandpaaSmucker]

How do you feel like they are profiting? I'm curious about all sides to this.

One of the first things that catches my eye is the sure profit they will make tearing down the Gene Leahy Mall. They are NOT just going to fill that area in with dirt and call it good....nope....they are going to tear out every bit of all that concrete and haul it away in dump trucks. They are going to charge millions and millions and millions just to do that. And the beauty of it all for Kiewit is that its all labor intensive. They are going to make a fortune on one of the most massive tear out jobs ever seen........and then they will make more money filling it up and leveling it off and sticking some grass and park benches on top of it.

I watched them build that place over the years and the amount of concrete they used was crazy.

This job is going to be a contractors dream....huge tear out with an unbelievable simple and easy replacement.

[GrandpaaSmucker]

So glad this is happening. I get everyone's apprehension and stress over change. This is Nebraska and for the vast majority, we are proud, we are conservative, and we - for the most part - don't like change. Without getting too political (I'm actually very moderate), when it comes to developmental progress and infrastructure, those qualities have likely set us back about 10-20 years on the revitalization of our urban core and it is time to get people back downtown. Nothing does this better than PUBLIC improvements such as park space and improved public transportation and ease of access. Am I in love with the master plan as a whole? Not realllly. Do I think the design team made some good points? Yes. Am I extremely excited to see what this could have in store for kicking off decades of core growth that is imperative to a healthy city, absolutely! We are behind our sister cities in the Midwest, most notably evident is Des Moines. Let's face it, we have had two empty prime lots sit vacant for 10 and 2 years and a large corporation all but completely vacate in the past decade. The last "skyline" building constructed was UP in 2004 (Des Moines has two new 32 and 33 story high rises under construction right now). I think GLM was/is a beautiful concept, and I love to walk it and see this postcard view we all have been talking about, but Omaha has a major sprawl problem, and it is only going to get worse with this "why would I go downtown?" attitude that unfortunately I hear all too often from the other world that is west of I680. I look forward to seeing a new postcard view that is more of a free-flowing, interactive space that is woven into the downtown fabric and reaches out/gives access to the beautiful river and connection to CB. I look forward to this being (hopefully) something we do not stumble upon and make a decision to take a few minutes to explore (GLM now), but something that is a necessary experience when going from point A to point B. This park, the streetcar and ORBT are huge for this city, and I just wish more people were a little more open minded about it.

What a bunch of FAKE NEWS

This is not going to make downtown great again

[RockHarbor]

So glad this is happening. I get everyone's apprehension and stress over change. This is Nebraska and for the vast majority, we are proud, we are conservative, and we - for the most part - don't like change. Without getting too political (I'm actually very moderate), when it comes to developmental progress and infrastructure, those qualities have likely set us back about 10-20 years on the revitalization of our urban core and it is time to get people back downtown. Nothing does this better than PUBLIC improvements such as park space and improved public transportation and ease of access. Am I in love with the master plan as a whole? Not realllly. Do I think the design team made some good points? Yes. Am I extremely excited to see what this could have in store for kicking off decades of core growth that is imperative to a healthy city, absolutely! We are behind our sister cities in the Midwest, most notably evident is Des Moines. Let's face it, we have had two empty prime lots sit vacant for 10 and 2 years and a large corporation all but completely vacate in the past decade. The last "skyline" building constructed was UP in 2004 (Des Moines has two new 32 and 33 story high rises under construction right now). I think GLM was/is a beautiful concept, and I love to walk it and see this postcard view we all have been talking about, but Omaha has a major sprawl problem, and it is only going to get worse with this "why would I go downtown?" attitude that unfortunately I hear all too often from the other world that is west of I680. I look forward to seeing a new postcard view that is more of a free-flowing, interactive space that is woven into the downtown fabric and reaches out/gives access to the beautiful river and connection to CB. I look forward to this being (hopefully) something we do not stumble upon and make a decision to take a few minutes to explore (GLM now), but something that is a necessary experience when going from point A to point B. This park, the streetcar and ORBT are huge for this city, and I just wish more people were a little more open minded about it.

I can appreciate your excitement. In some ways, I'm excited for some bigger changes, downtown, too. In some ways, I do feel like Downtown Omaha needs a "freshening up" in some ways. Am I a pessimist sometimes? Guilty. The plan is just almost too "Cedar Point" for my taste, though. I'm like: Where's the petting zoo? Where's the minature golf? Where"s the Go-Karts? Where's the coaster? Where's the ferris wheel? Where's the boardwalk? I'm looking at the plan w/ a microscope feeling sure I'm gonna find those things labled on there. I'm all for families & precious kids, of course, but Omaha just is too "Henry Doorly Zoo" for my taste -- or something. I'm all for families w/ precious kids, and the young/old single population, too. I think a city's downtown should not ever be over run with kid's stuff all over. Downtown should mainly feel "big business & powerful & serious", it should be very urban & dense, it should be at least somewhat of a cosmopolitian-feeling "adult working world & after-work playground" and place to shop, place to catch a ball game, imo -- like Denver, Dallas, Minneapolis, Seattle, ect., feels. It is first & foremost a business & commercial center. Concerts are fun down there -- for anyone, including families. Yes, family perks, like slides, down there are great for kids and families -- as downtown & urban setting are for families, too, of course. NYC & Chicago & SF have plenty of urban families. Chicago gets by with "kids stuff" downtown because it a major tourist destination, and so big, it can cater plenty to all types of people at the same time. (Omaha has always been a "family city", and I like that about Omaha. But, are they trying to drive a certain single population out? For the first time, Im starting to wonder... I'm normally not focused on city social/cultural issues, and normally dont care all that much beyond architecture/design/urban planning, but I cant help but wonder.) My biggest beef is that Con Agra lake with mismatching new buildings & spared "old news" Con Agra buildings hopscotching & angled around a part of it. Who does that downtown? Cringe-worthy. And, throwing away the iconic "postcard shot" image of Omaha (used on ads, and postcards, and graphic art, for years), like "yesterday's news" thrown in the garbage, without thought, without word, without explaining it. And, we're all supposed to be "good little Omahans" and clap & cheer & nod our heads.

[Cermak]

Was looking at pics of Klyde Warren Park in Dallas our inspiration for the new GLM. It looks cool. No major city has built a sunken downtown park besides us . Wonder why ?

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Was looking at pics of Klyde Warren Park in Dallas our inspiration for the new GLM. It looks cool. No major city has built a sunken downtown park besides us . Wonder why ?

Because psychologically it gives you the impression that you are trapped if danger were to approach - a mental holdover from caveman days. An exit strategy is less certain to the eye if you're attacked. Thus your mind becomes a little restless when the purpose of the park, at least in this context, is to relax. This is why they tore down the wall that surrounded it several years ago.