Old Union Pacific Headquarters Lot

[Omaha Cowboy]

I was genuinely reading the planning dept agenda Sunday morning should have tried to slip one fake one in. Didn’t even cross my mind.

I thought, "sure is a lot of new information for April 1st" I knew it was genuine.

The Wallstreet Tower debacle pretty much did in any successful April Fools Day development prank on this site...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[RockHarbor]

This high-rise always sounds Hawaiian to me.

[Louie]

This high-rise always sounds Hawaiian to me.

According to Google translate 'La noha' means noon. So you're not wrong.

[RockHarbor]

This high-rise always sounds Hawaiian to me.

According to Google translate 'La noha' means noon. So you're not wrong.

I just knew it! I know my Polynesian.

[iamjacobm]

https://hollandbasham.com/projects/lano ... ice-tower/

Still early in the Preliminary Design Phase, the new 696,500 s.f. new development will consist of a nine-story parking structure with 34,500 s.f. ground retail, 30-story west tower and 27-story east tower that will have corporate office space and other potential hospitality tenants. The structure will also include a 27,000 s.f. sky patio and lobby with a one-of-a-kind view of Downtown Omaha.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Not bad, but I liked the first concept better. This one is too boxy.

EDIT: I guess the other one was pretty boxy too. For some reason I remember it having a triangular cap on it.

[Cermak]

I’ll take it. Just hope it’s not another Pie in the sky.

[Omaha Cowboy]

This latest high rise development proposal looks great..

Let’s hope like the others, this one doesn’t get Minarded...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Garrett]

I think this is much more exciting than the first one to be sure.

[Busguy2010]

Wow! That would look great, but I am definitely going to withhold any excitement over it until we see the right signs.

[edsas]

Looks like it would be about a 450-footer. Crossing fingers that it makes it out of the fantasy stage.

[daveoma]

I love the patio

[Stargazer]

Funny, design has elements similar to UP headquarters.

[RockHarbor]

Well, wow....! Exciting! First off, I'm ecstatic that this is proposed by Lanoha. It is a sharp & slick & sleek design, imo.

I'm concerned, though, that it could be "pushing the envelope" just a little too much for Omaha, at this point, though. Also, is it pushing the "massive cube" shape of the UP Building even further? I'm almost laughing how Omaha is becoming "Fat Cube City, NE" -- or something. Am I wrong on that?

With the big, striking (yet kinda funky) rooftop overhangs, and overall lines, it also slightly reminds me of a new high rise you would maybe see in a tropical foreign city, like Panama City, or something -- and that kind of worries me, too.

Also, anytime you get a thick bands of cement separating glass sections of a skyscraper, you have to be careful. I'm not sure Phoenix's tallest has ever been that loved by the city, for example: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EunH3dBsNbY/U ... G_0003.jpg

I'm not being hard on the design. I think it's a great & sharp design that is very neat. I'm just not sure it is entirely PERFECT for Omaha, Nebraska. And, that's my point... (We should all -- citizens & designers alike -- should be concerned with those things.)

It might be better to bring it down a notch to a more simpler and less controversial and more American look, like Kansas City's Light buidings:

https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dim ... 40_480.jpg

Or, new proposed buildings in Minneapolis:

https://stmedia.stimg.co/1agatewaynew06 ... pr=1&w=525

http://www.journalmpls.com/wp-content/u ... ower-3.jpg (I think Minneapolis is grabbing at Omaha's FNC a bit here. "Imitation is the greatest form of flattery.")

Or, Oklahoma City's new BOK Building: https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnew ... =400%2C517

My $.2.

[Cermak]

I almost Hate talking about this because I am aware of Omaha’s track record when it comes to proposals. I think we can say with fairly high confidence that this will never get built, or at least not anytime soon (2-5 yrs). So I am going to remove myself from any further discussions about this topic until I see more information and press releases from the developers.

[buildomaha]

I almost Hate talking about this because I am aware of Omaha’s track record when it comes to proposals. I think we can say with fairly high confidence that this will never get built, or at least not anytime soon (2-5 yrs). So I am going to remove myself from any further discussions about this topic until I see more information and press releases from the developers.

You’ve hit the nail on the head.

[Stargazer]

Well, wow....! Exciting! First off, I'm ecstatic that this is proposed by Lanoha. It is a sharp & slick & sleek design, imo.

I'm concerned, though, that it could be "pushing the envelope" just a little too much for Omaha, at this point, though. Also, is it pushing the "massive cube" shape of the UP Building even further? I'm almost laughing how Omaha is becoming "Fat Cube City, NE" -- or something. Am I wrong on that?

Beggars can't be choosers.

[RockHarbor]

Well, wow....! Exciting! First off, I'm ecstatic that this is proposed by Lanoha. It is a sharp & slick & sleek design, imo.

I'm concerned, though, that it could be "pushing the envelope" just a little too much for Omaha, at this point, though. Also, is it pushing the "massive cube" shape of the UP Building even further? I'm almost laughing how Omaha is becoming "Fat Cube City, NE" -- or something. Am I wrong on that?

Beggars can't be choosers.

Well, beggers can still be beggers, right? I'm begging: Don't do it. (Lol)

[RockHarbor]

I almost Hate talking about this because I am aware of Omaha’s track record when it comes to proposals. I think we can say with fairly high confidence that this will never get built, or at least not anytime soon (2-5 yrs). So I am going to remove myself from any further discussions about this topic until I see more information and press releases from the developers.

We all think "I'll believe it when I see it" about this, I'm sure. I just go along with the news breaking... And, personally, they aint getting my goat here, no matter what the design happens to be... If Omaha can't build a very basic wood model of its downtown, like tons of cities do, and test a proposed new building out on the model, to see if it looks & fits OK, or to see if maybe it will look a bit "off" and "odd", than that's Omaha's unwise choice. There's also plenty of new safe design inspiration & guidance in KC, Minneapolis, ect.

[ita]

I am excited to see some new preliminary plans for this vacant lot, and it is impressive, in terms of it height and sheer size. I don't know how much I like the design, but I think it's a good concept to have 'twin' towers on that lot.

The question I have for others on this board with more experience than me in developing property, what does this mean that they have new design plans for the lot?

[Bob from Omaha]

I looked at the Lanoha web site & there's nothing there about this development. As recent events show, that in and of itself doesn't mean much. On the other hand, IF the Holland Basham page is current and this is truly a new design ordered by Lanoha it MAY bode well for the project.

[iamjacobm]

I looked at the Lanoha web site & there's nothing there about this development. As recent events show, that in and of itself doesn't mean much. On the other hand, IF the Holland Basham page is current and this is truly a new design ordered by Lanoha it MAY bode well for the project.

It wasn't on their site a few weeks ago. Like you said I won't read too much out of it, just encouraging that they haven't stuck it on the back burner.

[obvious2677]

I looked at the Lanoha web site & there's nothing there about this development. As recent events show, that in and of itself doesn't mean much. On the other hand, IF the Holland Basham page is current and this is truly a new design ordered by Lanoha it MAY bode well for the project.

It wasn't on their site a few weeks ago. Like you said I won't read too much out of it, just encouraging that they haven't stuck it on the back burner.

The architect's design is current - and was requested from Lanoha. However, it's very early in the design. Source: friend works for Lanoha.

[OmahaJaysCU]

I'm going to assume they need a corporate anchor before breaking ground as well...

[GetUrban]

I liked the earlier Tack Architect's design better, but this beats nothing.

Also, Omaha needs more architecture that "pushes the envelope" Why not push the envelope?

[RockHarbor]

I liked the earlier Tack Architect's design better, but this beats nothing.

Also, Omaha needs more architecture that "pushes the envelope" Why not push the envelope?

Because a city needs to have enough of the "basics" around before "pushing the envelope" starts to truly look good -- like New York & Chicago. Cities like Minneapolis are right on the line, imo. However, if buildings are shorter, like some of Des Moines' newest & very creative ones lining their art park, then they work fine and are not a threat, because they dont jeapordize the look of the skyline -- like this size building would. (Lol. I swooped in like a hawk, not to long after I heard your little "mouse squeek." Lol)

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I liked the earlier Tack Architect's design better, but this beats nothing.

Also, Omaha needs more architecture that "pushes the envelope" Why not push the envelope?

Because a city needs to have enough of the "basics" around before "pushing the envelope" starts to truly look good -- like New York & Chicago.

Why though? Keep in mind New York and Chicago have always been pushing the envelope. What looks basic there now was pushing the envelope and copied throughout the nation when it was built.

[ita]

Thanks for everyone's input. I just thought it was interesting that there is new firm posting a brand new design for this building, when we have had the old TACK design for several years. Hopefully it's a sign of actual progress for this site, though I don't want to get me hopes up.

I do agree with some other posters that the design is pretty radical for Omaha's downtown. However, I would side with those who might like it. Even though it looks like something that would be in a Asian metro, like Singapore, especially with the sizable mid-building patio space, I think if built, it could usher in a new design language for downtown and really push the envelope for what can be done here. I love the newer buildings in downtown, like those in the Capitol district or even the Gavilon HQ. I think they are clean and aesthetically pleasing. However, they are, as are most of our downtown's buildings, very reserved. I am for a cohesive downtown, but we already have a variety of architectural styles throughout downtown, that something like this would, in my opinion, fit the sort of hodge podge-iness of our downtown. I think it especially compliments the more modern approach of the neighboring UP HQ.

[GetUrban]

I liked the earlier Tack Architect's design better, but this beats nothing.

Also, Omaha needs more architecture that "pushes the envelope" Why not push the envelope?

Because a city needs to have enough of the "basics" around before "pushing the envelope" starts to truly look good -- like New York & Chicago. Cities like Minneapolis are right on the line, imo. However, if buildings are shorter, like some of Des Moines' newest & very creative ones lining their art park, then they work fine and are not a threat, because they dont jeapordize the look of the skyline -- like this size building would. (Lol. I swooped in like a hawk, not to long after I heard your little "mouse squeek." Lol)

Unfortunately, over the last 50-60 years Omaha has already destroyed a good portion of the more common "background" building types that a truly unique new building would stand-out against as a backdrop. You can't discount the singular effect the building owner/developer has on what kind of statement they want to make on the skyline. More often than not, in Omaha, owners are going to take a "conservative" approach on who they select as an architect and how much freedom they give the designer. If they want to really make a statement, they are going to select a more controversial, expressive architect based on their previous work. However, there are many local architects who would try more unusual, innovative designs if given the freedom to express themselves with the owner's trust to do so. It's not at all like it's some kind of on-going game of Sim City that determines the shape of our skyline. There is not some collective consensus between architects and owners of what Omaha's skyline needs next. There are plenty of opinions though, which is healthy. More often than not, what actually gets built has a lot more to do with the program needs of the owner or what kind of return on their investment they want, rather than the statement they want to make on the skyline.

[RockHarbor]

It's difficult to put into words what I mean. You have to have the sense of what I mean.

I'm glad ITA agrees it looks "foreign" a bit. I think "tropical", ITA thinks "Asian." Omaha doesnt need a tropical Asian touch, unless Omaha is the "new mid-America Heartland Hong Kong" -- or something. Its the Midwest. Its the Cornbelt. Now, I dont mind "pushing the envelope" a little bit, in a clean & simpler way, like 100 Pier 4 in Boston. https://images1.apartments.com/i2/Wm1Hx ... -photo.jpg. I wouldnt mind Omaha with that touch. But, Omaha doesnt have enough "basic design" around to start in on "expiremental architecture", imo. This proposed design is fairly down-to-earth, though. I do like the design a lot -- but maybe not for Omaha.

Notice there is no image of the skyline from the river vantage point? Do you realize how big & fat & glassy that will look rising behind the telephone building? With the fat UP next to it, and the fat-long Marriott to the right (which, thankfully, helps balance the fat UP building), its gonna be "Fat Cube City, USA." Why cant we get a more normal narrow rectangular block standing on a base, like more the shape of the 1972 FN Bank? What is it with Nebraska's largest city thinking a building needs to balloon outward to fit an entire square block??! I dont get it. (It's silly... Much larger cities don't even have that mindset. Why Omaha? Doesn't even make sense.)

[Erik]

Finally, progress towards the future hampton inn with a parking lot

[edsas]

From an aesthetic point of view, I think it's just fine and works into the skyline quite nicely.

However, if this were my development and the money was all there to do whatever -- I would keep the pedestal with the rooftop patio, but I would eliminate the concrete in the tower, push the two separate towers into one and then add about 10 stories to the top. This would make it a thinner and taller scraper to be more of a complement to FNB and it wouldn't look so much like UP Center's elongated brother.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Finally, progress towards the future hampton inn with a parking lot

LOL.. I can certainly understand the skepticism involved in a new proposal such as this. We here on the forum have been burned many times before with proposed projects getting “Minarded” over the past 15 or so years..so it’s a perfectly acceptable response imo..

But at the same time, it is kind of exciting though, to see such a significant proposal back on the table.. At least it gives us high rise geeks something to talk about on the forum ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Erik]

Finally, progress towards the future hampton inn with a parking lot

LOL.. I can certainly understand the skepticism involved in a new proposal such as this. We here on the forum have been burned many times before with proposed projects getting “Minarded” over the past 15 or so years..so it’s a perfectly acceptable response imo..

But at the same time, it is kind of exciting though, to see such a significant proposal back on the table.. At least it gives us high rise geeks something to talk about on the forum ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Yeah, lol. We win some and lose some. I had a funny bone itch when i read the update.

That said, you cant have great things if there is no vision. At least we have people that try to reach for the stars. And at times, they see it to fruition.

[Doctor Fate]

Finally, progress towards the future hampton inn with a parking lot

LOL.. I can certainly understand the skepticism involved in a new proposal such as this. We here on the forum have been burned many times before with proposed projects getting “Minarded” over the past 15 or so years..so it’s a perfectly acceptable response imo..

But at the same time, it is kind of exciting though, to see such a significant proposal back on the table.. At least it gives us high rise geeks something to talk about on the forum ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I agree!! And the 30 story tower has to be close to, if not taller than the Woodmen, right?

[Erik]

Finally, progress towards the future hampton inn with a parking lot

LOL.. I can certainly understand the skepticism involved in a new proposal such as this. We here on the forum have been burned many times before with proposed projects getting “Minarded” over the past 15 or so years..so it’s a perfectly acceptable response imo..

But at the same time, it is kind of exciting though, to see such a significant proposal back on the table.. At least it gives us high rise geeks something to talk about on the forum ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I agree!! And the 30 story tower has to be close to, if not taller than the Woodmen, right?

Floor wise, both at 30.

[RockHarbor]

From an aesthetic point of view, I think it's just fine and works into the skyline quite nicely.

However, if this were my development and the money was all there to do whatever -- I would keep the pedestal with the rooftop patio, but I would eliminate the concrete in the tower, push the two separate towers into one and then add about 10 stories to the top. This would make it a thinner and taller scraper to be more of a complement to FNB and it wouldn't look so much like UP Center's elongated brother.

I agree. If they would just make those changes, it would fit into Omaha better. (In the first slide, look how ENORMOUS it is. The 1972 First National Bank and Woodmen and DoubleTree Hotel could easily be hid inside of it, probably.)

It's tropical (or Asian, or tropical-Asian) just slightly enough, that I almost can picture the building called "LOTUS" or "LOTUS FLOWER" or something. It has that slight flair. I can almost picture Thai girls as greeters at the entrance... Not even a hint of that exotic touch belongs on a big downtown high rise in Omaha, Nebraska -- imo. Also, I'm wondering if it is a little too flashy and sophisticated and glitzy for Omaha (at this point)? Furthermore, the company name "Lanoha" makes me wonder if the company has a tropical-influenced mindset that translates into this design?

Omaha into cubes now, eh? Omaha on a "cube kick", huh? Hey, let's be the first city to build a "Rubix Cube" skyscraper. Yes, a huge cube, divided with criss-crossing lines on each side. We can have green glass, and red glass, and blue glass, and yellow glass... (Kidding.)

There's a lot of great, sharp neutral buildings that would work in Omaha:

Basic glass rectangular modern slab. Always a safe & sharp choice: http://www.bing.com/images/search?view= ... ajaxhist=0

The gleen grass and red brick combo is sharp here (this is already seen in the FNB park on Dodge): http://tse4.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Ifb1T ... =5&pid=1.7

That "white plaid stripes" building tucked away in the background could be neat & sharp in Omaha, yet maybe too bold. A "plaid stripe" building looks good in Midwest cities, in my view: https://i1.wp.com/bostonrealestatetimes ... =480%2C600

I've always felt Minneapolis's beautiful & simple, handsome & conservative, & clean-lined Bancorp Tower would work well in Omaha: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... olis_1.jpg

Sometimes, I think we ALWAYS overthink it. Because a new building doesn't go up in Omaha that often, we almost "pimp it up" too much, or overdo it, imo.

[thenewguy]

I think it looks great, do it up.

[Busguy2010]

I'm not edumacated on architecture, but I like the design. I think it looks as good, if not better than most proposals and actual buildings during my lifetime. I think a massive glass and concrete building would be appropriate at that location. I feel like large, full-block, kinda short buildings down in the flat part of downtown would give a good base to the skyline. We should put our future narrow buildings west and up the hill from the FNB. We have a nice opportunity with the steep hill to the west. We could use that hill to our advantage to make a 30-something story building look more like a 40-something when viewing from the east.

[RockHarbor]

The question is not if its a "good design" or not, imo. This is a great, sharp professional design for the right city, I think many can agree on. The question is, imo: Is it a good & right fit for Omaha? I did a (very) quick Photoshop, because not everybody can envision things. This is about the right proportions of the building -- but not 100% perfect probably. It's not terrible, or anything, but like I knew there would be, there is this gallering of very wide buildings in that section between the block-wide phone building, the block-wide UP headquarters, the block-and-a-half-wide Marriott, and now this new block-wide highrise. Fact: From the river vantage point, the Omaha skyline is becoming a collection of fat, shorter, wide buildings, and also slender taller towers, with their narrow face forward. Ive never seen such a combo in a city before. It's a little odd, although Im glad to see a new significant building on the skyline -- of course.