Gene Leahy Mall Remodel

[RockHarbor]

Funny you mention that park as that is THEE flat downtown, stylish park that comes to mind with them flattening Gene Leahy Mall. So, thats why I'm not necessarily super sad the lagoon is going... The Dallas park looks so sharp with Dallas' sculptural, prism-like Fountain Place skyscraper standing nearby, clearing the way to view the building in full splendor, unobstructed, across a green flat lawn -- like an expanse of football turf. Seating with unbrellas and planted flowers bring colorful patio cheer. Minneapolis has something similar near their new stadium, yet they use aqua umbrellas, and canoe birches w/ bushes are planted nearby. It is sooo "Minnesota" and the sparkly Minneapolis skyline beckons beyond. Why hasnt anybody copied Omaha? Because Omaha's tastes are questionable & "off" sometimes --- as I always bark. Putting in that lagoon thankfully worked well for Omaha, but it is almost like putting in a gigantic Japanese garden or koi pond in downtown. That's not normal. Yet, I do feel Omaha pulled it off OK. (Anything I dont like about Omaha, I notice it is not copied anywhere -- unlike us currently, copying & gaining the stylish flat grassy downtown park that other cities sport. If something is truly good, it will likely be copied -- unless it is singularly super special, like the ESB in NYC.)

[GrandpaaSmucker]

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.

More Fake News It has nothing to do with that caveman nonsense and everything to do with the reality our downtown is a very rough place full of very rough people. When you have have a parole office right on the Mall and vagrants hanging out all over and a jail with a thousand people in it you better keep your eyes open and your wits about you or they are going to git you. It was a flawed idea to build that mall the way they did and any idiot and most of us told them so at the time. Back then wasn't much different then now and the politicians and city planner geeks all told us our fears were unfounded. The new park at ground level will be safer but still far far from a safe place if you run into one of the bad guys.

[Garrett]

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.

More Fake News It has nothing to do with that caveman nonsense and everything to do with the reality our downtown is a very rough place full of very rough people. When you have have a parole office right on the Mall and vagrants hanging out all over and a jail with a thousand people in it you better keep your eyes open and your wits about you or they are going to git you. It was a flawed idea to build that mall the way they did and any idiot and most of us told them so at the time. Back then wasn't much different then now and the politicians and city planner geeks all told us our fears were unfounded. The new park at ground level will be safer but still far far from a safe place if you run into one of the bad guys.

Alright Mr. Fake News, just ignore the people with degrees in this that have read study after study. I’m sure your hunch is totally correct.

[RockHarbor]

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.

More Fake News It has nothing to do with that caveman nonsense and everything to do with the reality our downtown is a very rough place full of very rough people. When you have have a parole office right on the Mall and vagrants hanging out all over and a jail with a thousand people in it you better keep your eyes open and your wits about you or they are going to git you. It was a flawed idea to build that mall the way they did and any idiot and most of us told them so at the time. Back then wasn't much different then now and the politicians and city planner geeks all told us our fears were unfounded. The new park at ground level will be safer but still far far from a safe place if you run into one of the bad guys.

You weren't talking to me, but I know exactly what you mean. Several times, Ive crossed the bridge, marveled at the skyline, took in the city lights at night, and watery reflections on the lagoon, only to minutes later cautiously face a dark nook or corner, or dark area under a bridge, halting and looking around, maybe saying "H-h-heellllo?", then scurrying through the dark area, running back to the car. Lol. When it's all flat, that wont happen that way anymore. We all bring a unique perspectives & points to the table to think about, and you're no exception. Anyways, babbled enough here...

[Cermak]

The Koi pond reference is perfect. What do you do when you see a koi pond ? You look at it. Same with the Gene Leahy Mall, you look at it . Maybe walk around it a little, but that’s all and then you leave . The Koi pond worked good for Omaha for a long time, but now it’s time for a change. A real lawn to walk on, run on, sleep on and spend some time on. Nobody has copied our mall, Nobody.

Now we have a bunch of rich people that want to donate money to move our mall to the next level. Sure it may increase some of the nearby properties that they own . Good for them. But we will hopefully get a new mall that will actually be used and not just looked at.

[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.

More Fake News It has nothing to do with that caveman nonsense and everything to do with the reality our downtown is a very rough place full of very rough people. When you have have a parole office right on the Mall and vagrants hanging out all over and a jail with a thousand people in it you better keep your eyes open and your wits about you or they are going to git you. It was a flawed idea to build that mall the way they did and any idiot and most of us told them so at the time. Back then wasn't much different then now and the politicians and city planner geeks all told us our fears were unfounded. The new park at ground level will be safer but still far far from a safe place if you run into one of the bad guys.

“Fake news?” We made the same point but used different words. Whether or not someone from your grossly exaggerated number of bad guys is there or not, it feels less safe to be less visible from the street. Right?

[iamjacobm]

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 ?

Same company designed Klyde Warren as this plan.

[GetUrban]

For me, no matter how much I like the existing GLM and will miss it, replacing it with something more usable by more people throughout the whole year, and with the ability to accommodate many more types of activities, will make it well worth the loss. Plus, major private donors are paying for most of it! It's a win-win situation. Having a park that functions more like Millenium Park in Chicago or the other examples given in this thread will be a big improvement. They key point is: we're replacing it with something better. You can debate why this is better or not, but in the end you'll find the thinking and experience of the urban designers with what they know now, is better for Omaha now than it was in the 1970s. Some of the mistakes that were made had more to do with what was built around the GLM, especially on the south side, rather than the GLM itself. Those mistakes will not be corrected yet. But I agree, the street-level park will feel safer with the new design.

[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 ?

I should add that Chicago has created a sunken downtown park with its Riverwalk, but the key difference is that once you’re down there, there is more to do and more that stimulates your mind. You can sit on one of many ample benches facing the river and watch a variety of boats and kayaks float by at all hours of the day. Some of the city’s finest architecture can be admired. There are spots to socialize and enjoy your lunch. There are interesting fountains, monuments, and gardens to discover. There are also several businesses that are largely a product of the activities previously mentioned, but their existence further encourages more people to come down to the riverfront, adding to the cycle. It works because it draws people in, which the GLM does as well, but the Riverwalk also has a variety of stuff to keep people interested and stick around- tourists, residents, and office workers alike.

The GLM does this ok in some spots, namely in the vicinity of the slides, but leaves a lot to be desired. What's frustrating is that there was clearly a level of thought put into the areas immediately on either side of 10th Street and at 14th Street for social activities with space for tables and chairs, benches, game boards, whatever, but no investment currently exists for those things to be there. They are just tired, brick plazas that seem to say "don't come here anymore."

Density also contributes to the Chicago Riverwalk. If you're going to negate the psychological impacts of a sunken park, you need a density of people to create a "safety in numbers" effect. The lack of thought towards facing buildings towards the park on Douglas and Farnam and encouraging higher density there doesn't allow for this negation at GLM.

I think the Riverwalk in San Antonio is similar but I’ve never been.

[RockHarbor]

Good points here... The GLM or Central Park Mall, I read, was originally created to look like a finger of water, or backflow from the Missouri river. With Downtown Omaha built on the roll & slope of a hill adjacent to the river, I think having a sunken lagoon edged by steep/sloping terrain worked OK for Omaha -- especially the "small time" Omaha of the 70s/80s/90s. Now, with Omaha growing up more, and the bar raised a bit w/ nicer/newer architecture around, the aging & lazy lagoon almost seems a bit inappropriate, or out of place, slightly. The limestone rock retaining walls & swans almost remind me of Platte River State Park or Mahoney, almost like I'm looking for paddle boats & a dock to be around -- or something. Now, I will miss the look in the summer, in the evening and at night, with the city reflected in the water. Again, though, in night photos of the city, you can tell it is not swiftly moving river water below the skyline, so the "still pond" impression makes you think there are dragon flies buzzing around and frog noises in the background, like some farm pond, or backwater, or brackish water -- or something. It's not cosmo or sophisticated feeling. That's the kinda thing Im glad Omaha is doing away with.

[Cermak]

While GLM is still attractive, it just seems a little outdated and it would be nice to be able to do more there than just look at it or walk around it. I welcome the changes and hope it spurs more DT development. I would love to see the rust Orange Nebraska state office building torn down, can’t believe that’s still standing. Omaha’s ugliest building on the mall and maybe the ugliest DT . What were they thinking nobody will miss that building. It was obviously a quick fix to put something new on the block using taxpayers dollars. The old Woodmen once stood there. What a mistake that was. But back then their was little appreciation for old buildings. It was just seen as a tired old building.

[RockHarbor]

While GLM is still attractive, it just seems a little outdated and it would be nice to be able to do more there than just look at it or walk around it. I welcome the changes and hope it spurs more DT development. I would love to see the rust Orange Nebraska state office building torn down, can’t believe that’s still standing. Omaha’s ugliest building on the mall and maybe the ugliest DT . What were they thinking nobody will miss that building. It was obviously a quick fix to put something new on the block using taxpayers dollars. The old Woodmen once stood there. What a mistake that was. But back then their was little appreciation for old buildings. It was just seen as a tired old building.

I wouldnt mind seeing it go because it's a short squatty building taking up place where a high rise or skyscraper should go. But, I can say: I can appreciate that type of now dated, blocky, brick, modern, simple design (for a long, 2-3 story building). For example: They often put ornamental trees (like white European birches w/ weeping foliage) against basic brick, modern, clean-lined buildings like that, and it looks really good. Ive seen that throughout the country, including Blair has a bank w/ that type of architecture w/ a weeping birch accenting it. So, I'm just pointing that out in a friendly way, so maybe you can look at that type of design in a new light...in general. Yet, yes, it is dated, and that building is too short for the heart of downtown, imo.

[Cermak]

What bothers me most is it’s location more than anything, that’s probably one of the best blocks DT. It’s even level, it has no hills like the blocks further west. That’s where I wish HDR could of been built. But Omaha couldn’t make it happen. I’m happy with HDR at Ak village as a compromise. One of the things I think that hurts the empty block to the north of U.P. . Is that U.P.’s building is so massive it will dwarf most buildings if built there, unless it’s a very large building. I could see that being empty for a while, and it’s already been empty to long. Maybe a big entire block or half block parking garage would work good on it . It looks terrible empty.

[GrandpaaSmucker]

I personally have been to a number of flat downtown parks that clearly were not safe. Olympic park in Atlanta would be top on that list. I have stayed at hotels right on that park and nobody is out there at night. When the Georgia Dome or the State Farm Arena right next to the park lets out they had to have tons of cops just so the fans could be safe getting out of there.

There is a flat park in downtown KC in between the hotels that is not safe as well.

[nebugeater]

I personally have been to a number of flat downtown parks that clearly were not safe. Olympic park in Atlanta would be top on that list. I have stayed at hotels right on that park and nobody is out there at night. When the Georgia Dome or the State Farm Arena right next to the park lets out they had to have tons of cops just so the fans could be safe getting out of there.

There is a flat park in downtown KC in between the hotels that is not safe as well.

So the solution then is to build it on a slope?

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I personally have been to a number of flat downtown parks that clearly were not safe. Olympic park in Atlanta would be top on that list. I have stayed at hotels right on that park and nobody is out there at night. When the Georgia Dome or the State Farm Arena right next to the park lets out they had to have tons of cops just so the fans could be safe getting out of there.

There is a flat park in downtown KC in between the hotels that is not safe as well.

So the solution then is to build it on a slope?

I think the solution is that G-$mucks stays away from cities because they make him paranoid.

[buildomaha]

What bothers me most is it’s location more than anything, that’s probably one of the best blocks DT. It’s even level, it has no hills like the blocks further west. That’s where I wish HDR could of been built. But Omaha couldn’t make it happen. I’m happy with HDR at Ak village as a compromise. One of the things I think that hurts the empty block to the north of U.P. . Is that U.P.’s building is so massive it will dwarf most buildings if built there, unless it’s a very large building. I could see that being empty for a while, and it’s already been empty to long. Maybe a big entire block or half block parking garage would work good on it . It looks terrible empty.

No more parking garages downtown period.

[Linkin5]

I personally have been to a number of flat downtown parks that clearly were not safe. Olympic park in Atlanta would be top on that list. I have stayed at hotels right on that park and nobody is out there at night. When the Georgia Dome or the State Farm Arena right next to the park lets out they had to have tons of cops just so the fans could be safe getting out of there.

There is a flat park in downtown KC in between the hotels that is not safe as well.

So the solution then is to build it on a slope?

I think the solution is that G-$mucks stays away from cities because they make him paranoid.

I imagine grandpa just walks around everywhere outside of Millard perpetually terrified.

[Omaha Cowboy]

For me, no matter how much I like the existing GLM and will miss it, replacing it with something more usable by more people throughout the whole year, and with the ability to accommodate many more types of activities, will make it well worth the loss. Plus, major private donors are paying for most of it! It's a win-win situation. Having a park that functions more like Millenium Park in Chicago or the other examples given in this thread will be a big improvement. They key point is: we're replacing it with something better. You can debate why this is better or not, but in the end you'll find the thinking and experience of the urban designers with what they know now, is better for Omaha now than it was in the 1970s. Some of the mistakes that were made had more to do with what was built around the GLM, especially on the south side, rather than the GLM itself. Those mistakes will not be corrected yet. But I agree, the street-level park will feel safer with the new design.

In any case, I agree with this. People will lament the loss of the original GLM design or feel.. It was a visionary plan developed in the mid 70’s which served a purpose for years, but has now become very dated.. Its time to step this into the 21st century (and bring some people dragging and kicking along the way).. The more usable and functional design, I believe, will be beneficial in bringing more people into downtown and with that, spark more ancillary development..

Which, obviously, contributes to a more vibrant, inviting and walkable downtown...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[iamjacobm]

Anyone interested in specifics of the agreement between Omaha and MECA for these parks here it is.

https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/image ... 1719v2.pdf

[Omaha Cowboy]

The 3 locations for “future development” between 15th and 13th streets are the best chances for high rise development in the downtown core. The project is certainly ambitious.. and would definitely change the overall size, scope, landscape and perceptions of downtown Omaha and the riverfront..

It’ll be very interesting to see what the next 5 years bring us...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Brad]

Ground Breaking is Tomorrow February 28, 2019

[nebugeater]

Ground Breaking is Tomorrow February 28, 2019

Post on your post time it is "today""

[Brad]

Ground Breaking is Tomorrow February 28, 2019

Post on your post time it is "today""

Your EO account must be set to Daylight's Saving Time...

Either Way, Ground was broken!

[ita]

Ground Breaking is Tomorrow February 28, 2019

Post on your post time it is "today""

Your EO account must be set to Daylight's Saving Time...

Either Way, Ground was broken!

And so it begins...I know this project must have been years in the making, but since the general announcement last year, it seems like they are moving on this project really quickly.

[ita]

Here is an article about the ground breaking. It offers details about construction, which is supposed to start Wednesday.

https://www.wowt.com/content/news/City- ... 99951.html

[tpaine]

Here is an article about the ground breaking. It offers details about construction, which is supposed to start Wednesday.

https://www.wowt.com/content/news/City- ... 99951.html

The new mall plans look amazing and I'm very excited for it to be completed! Only suggestion I have is that I wish the planners would incorporate a few large art pieces as focal points, like at the western end of the mall near 13th street and in the pool along the 11th street promenade. I would also prefer that the art pieces be interactive like the Cloud Gate in Chicago which is beautiful AND a lot of fun!

[Doctor Fate]

Here is an article about the ground breaking. It offers details about construction, which is supposed to start Wednesday.

https://www.wowt.com/content/news/City- ... 99951.html

In the renderings in the article, the residential tower that was on the library site has been removed...

[RockHarbor]

Here is an article about the ground breaking. It offers details about construction, which is supposed to start Wednesday.

https://www.wowt.com/content/news/City- ... 99951.html

In the renderings in the article, the residential tower that was on the library site has been removed...

Well, there's still a building there, but it appears to be shortened and the bulky mass flipped to the other side. What is that recent change all about? For a second, I thought my "Grrrr..." was gonna turn into a "Prrr..." But, nope...

(For an actual building of that size to actually appear on that lot, and the library torn down to make way for it -- well, I'll believe it when I see it. Any designer can plop -- click! click! -- a fake building of any size or shape within that simulation -- or suddenly swap it out.) Even if it does happen, I dont really care what Omaha does anymore. If they want to half-cover the face of a striking twin complex like that, leaving an angling half twin awkwardly & sadly peeking out behind another building, when no other city does such a thing to that type of architecture, than let them. Maybe the clueless making careless "dumb-dumb" urban decisions rightfully deserve a dumb-looking city to call "home", ultimately. (Somebody show me the "front face" of twin towers half-covered up like that anywhere out there. When surrounding buildings are constructed adjacent to twins, they always make sure both apexes are at least in view, so the coordination of the complete architectural statement is not completely lost. Oh, let me guess: An Omaha leader probably goes home to a beautiful home where two twin matching candlesticks create a great statement on their mantel, on each side of a family picture, but it is somehow less important to retain that twin statement/coordination on a city skyline? And, one purposefully created & planned by respectable local architects? Why dont they remove one candlestick off their waaay-less-important mantel, then -- and let it bug them & their family day after day. They're doing it to the entire city. Their own personal living/family room having the "right look" is more important here? Or, another example: I am sure they would raise a fuss if a twin stone lion was removed on one side of their rich neighborhood entrance, or an exterior light fixture removed from one pillar and not the other, leaving the entrance incomplete & awkward looking & unaesthetically appealing -- and that's way less important than a city's skyline. Another example of typical human double-standard hypocrisy, and stress placed more on smaller things way less important than on bigger things way more important.)

I do love the park's design. Im so glad they broke ground! Its good to see it refreshed,.yet I'll miss things about the lagoon. I hope Douglas and Farnam are exactly equal in height. (With the connecting bridges seeming straight & horizontal, Im sure it is, or close.) I hope its a perfectly flat park -- not a lawn w/ a slight tilt. A park & lawn laid before a skyline like that, stretching between two major streets, needs to be perfectly flat.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Ground Breaking is Tomorrow February 28, 2019

Post on your post time it is "today""

Your EO account must be set to Daylight's Saving Time...

Either Way, Ground was broken!

And so it begins...I know this project must have been years in the making, but since the general announcement last year, it seems like they are moving on this project really quickly.

I agree. I am pretty much excited for what this project will bring to the downtown core..and it’s connection to the riverfront.. Progress usually takes time.. but they have their vision and most of the funding in place for this project..

Full stream ahead...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Cermak]

Hopefully this will help downtown. Looks like a lot of dirt will be needed to raise the mall, hope it’s not tainted with lead dust. I’m curious as to how this will change the feel of downtown. The old GLM while nice had kinda ran its course. Maybe the downtown library can be saved and incorporated into another use office or residential , I’ve always sorta liked that building. If I remember, the view looking east on the 3rd or 4th floor is one of the best in Omaha. It’s been years since I was in that library. I don’t think we need to necessarily build a tall building in the library location. The orange state office building would be the best spot to put a new highrise on the new park.

[nativeomahan]

If you haven’t already done so, get your photos of the park now. There will be nothing worth photographing and hanging on your wall for months or years to come.

[swgiust]

I see the future in this mall and I am very excited to see the construction start. Besides the large flat space, which will be awesome, the connection on 11th st. is the real game changer. You will be able to walk from the heart of the Old Market directly to the heart of the Capitol District. That creates an amazing corridor. Look at the land that The Holland owns on 11th and Douglas and the parking lot on 11th and Dodge. You could do truly amazing things there!

[RockHarbor]

Hopefully this will help downtown. Looks like a lot of dirt will be needed to raise the mall, hope it’s not tainted with lead dust. I’m curious as to how this will change the feel of downtown. The old GLM while nice had kinda ran its course. Maybe the downtown library can be saved and incorporated into another use office or residential , I’ve always sorta liked that building. If I remember, the view looking east on the 3rd or 4th floor is one of the best in Omaha. It’s been years since I was in that library. I don’t think we need to necessarily build a tall building in the library location. The orange state office building would be the best spot to put a new highrise on the new park.

Unfortunately, it does no good to share the "I think's" here. Many leaders in Omaha dont care what people think -- is what I think. Some of them seem to have "The redwoods are sure magnificent! Let's cut them down." mindsets. Scary... Anyways, I doubt the library site will actually get a new building. That site in front of it is the real threat to screw e everything up. Lol to what NativeOmahan said. Im excited about the parks change because Im bored....but I will miss the lagoon in many ways (not to mention the trees that are finally mature) and that familar likable view of Omaha.

[BRoss]

I just noticed there's a February 2019 project update with lots of pictures.

Also a project schedule.

[Doctor Fate]

I just noticed there's a February 2019 project update with lots of pictures.

Also a project schedule.

Nice find. I think the renderings were a lot better with the residential high rise on the library site and the office building in front of that, instead of just the office building.

[ScrattyB]

I don't know how solid these plans are, but the Lewis and Clark Landing still looks like a fail. Can they even plant 100 trees on that land? Food truck pavillion....for the 5 people jogging by? The location is just terrible...so isolated.

[RockHarbor]

I dont even know why they are even doing anything beyond simply revamping & redesigning the park to be simply flat. That's enough of a new refreshing & basic touch-up to look nicer, a "powdering of Omaha's nose", imo. Who even thinks Downtown needs some "big new makeover?" Last time I checked, it's not broken. Its in the best shape its been in since probably the 50s/60s.

Will this change really cause any new office buildings to spring up? Since the Woodmen, there has been a new major office building built in Omaha at least about every 8-10 years, with the trend stopping at the UP Building. This last jaunt has been more like 17 years so far, with the exception of the shorter glass Gavidee (?) building. The Capitol District also is new, but that is not office -- of course. There's the new Kewiet building, though.

Funny, there has been a lot of new stuff go into Downtown Omaha in the last 15 years, but I have to remind myself that it is not hardly any office. Trendy Aksarben Village has taken some possible opportunities away from downtown, possibly, and suburban office parks.

[obvious2677]

I just noticed there's a February 2019 project update with lots of pictures.

Also a project schedule.

Nice find. I think the renderings were a lot better with the residential high rise on the library site and the office building in front of that, instead of just the office building.

Curious how all this will look under water? Think snorkeling will be a viable option?

[Cermak]

Funny, there has been a lot of new stuff go into Downtown Omaha in the last 15 years, but I have to remind myself that it is not hardly any office. Trendy Aksarben Village has taken some possible opportunities away from downtown, possibly, and suburban office parks.

Right Gavidee has been pretty much it for new office space the last 10 yrs or so. It looks like some office space is supposed to be built at Capitol district, but not much. Almost all of Omaha’s new office space is built out west or AK village.