Oak View Mall (144 & West Center Rd)

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sun Dec 02, 2018 9:18 pm

Wonder what Dillard’s plans are ? The are the one bright spot left at the mall.

RockHarbor · Post by **RockHarbor** » Sat Dec 08, 2018 2:52 pm

Poor Oakview... The dilemma continues. I hate seeing malls fading like this, but I only help the situation... I normally don't like going into malls much either. Now, if the mall is a MEGA mall w/ other attractions (like Mall of America in Bloomington, MN), then I'm attracted, because it feels more like a little "vacation" or "escapism", rather than just a line-up of boring retailers plus a food court. (According to Google, being taught to spell "dilemma" incorrectly as "dilemna" is incorrect. It looks strange to me now.)

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Tue Dec 11, 2018 7:58 pm

Just drove by the mall today, really depressing looking place now with Sears and Younkers gone. Glad I don’t live close to it. I would think property values might be negatively affected for those within a mile or so of it. This Mall was king 20 yrs ago.

obvious2677 · Post by **obvious2677** » Wed Dec 12, 2018 11:15 am

Cermak wrote: Tue Dec 11, 2018 7:58 pm Just drove by the mall today, really depressing looking place now with Sears and Younkers gone. Glad I don’t live close to it. I would think property values might be negatively affected for those within a mile or so of it. This Mall was king 20 yrs ago.

I live near here. Houses in my neighborhood have not lasted on the market more than a two weeks - on average. The sale prices have also jumped more than 25 percent in two years.

October 2017 - the 68144 zip code that surrounds the mall was listed as the 16th "hottest zip code in America"
https://www.omaha.com/eedition/sunrise/ ... 45286.html

Though I'm biased, I don't think housing in this area is going to change much due to Oakview.

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Wed Dec 12, 2018 11:32 am

I don't think the dying mall would have a major effect on home prices at all. The blessing for the neighborhoods (and curse for Oak View) is that the mall sits on an island by itself. It's not integrated into the adjacent neighborhoods in any meaningful way. It's out of sight, out of mind. You don't have to drive through the complex to get to your house. There are enough other things to do in that area and it's still centrally located to all of West Omaha. Oak View is just forgotten about and sits alone away from the neighborhoods.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Wed Dec 12, 2018 12:01 pm

The mall is just a big unknown right now , nobody knows what will become of it. Maybe someone can find a good use for the property. Until then it will just sit and decline. What’s sad is you can tell driving by that it’s really not that old . It’s not like some of those malls built back in the 60’s (Southroads Bellevue). Most people in Omaha older than 25 can remember when it was pretty nice place to shop. Amazing how fast it declined.

Csmac · Post by **Csmac** » Wed Dec 12, 2018 5:46 pm

Does anyone have hope for Oakview? I think it won’t get nearly down in empty space as Crossroads has. I think Omaha needs to be looking at long term use for the empty Sears and Younkers. Tear them down and keep the other two tenants for now. Also keep the mall itself and bring something of big value to the old tenant space that will attract people. 144th Center is not a bad location by any means. I just think Oakview is suffering from Online shopping and lack of creative thinking of what to do the space. Does anyone think South Farm being so close down the street over time it will help Oakview? Some people think it will hurt it but some people think it may give Oakview new life over time.

RockHarbor · Post by **RockHarbor** » Wed Dec 12, 2018 7:08 pm

I was thinking about Oak View again today (AS USUAL, tired of caring so much about it), and I came across the OWH article that really sums everything up well, imo: https://www.omaha.com/money/what-will-h ... b2087.html

With that mall's centralized huge octagonal skylight, starting some 25-30 feet up, I just think something "green house" would be so ideal. Like, I just imagine a huge branching (fake) tree, almost like the big gargantuan one in the movie "Avatar" right underneath it, with tree houses connected with swinging bridges (almost like the "Swiss Family Robinson" ride at Disney World) up in the branches, the tree houses being launching points to slinky water slides leading down to a huge pool, the lush sound of waterfalls everywhere, and having almost a leafy, green, humid tropical feel in there -- like the Lied Jungle feels.

Along with the central pool area, just imagine a mini roller coaster going everywhere, throughout the whole mall, and those huge, 2-story department stores hollowed out, and painted black inside, with large flashing & colorful rides (like the Tilta Whirl, the Zipper, ect) going all the time, and big arcades, and "junk food" concesssions. Or, imagine a big, creative, mighty obstacle course that is nearly impossible for somebody to pass, where they keep coming back time & time again challenged to someday pass it. (I'm thinking of somebody swinging on monkey rings, high over a pool of water, or holding onto a rope, or bouncing off things into water...)

Maybe I'm being cheesy, and maybe that is a dumb idea altogether, but I just feel like there is NOWHERE in Omaha to ever go for any rides or "escapism" or fun -- since Peony Park was closed. Almost like, unless you're willing to drive to Des Moines or Kansas City in summer months, there will be "no rides for you" this year until the propped-up "Millard Days" carnival comes to town. Why can't people have that type of fun year round?

I think they need to start reaching out all over the country for brainstorming ideas from many, many people -- the more minds the better. And, start doing an extensive study, looking at what other fading/empty malls have done in other cities, and which redevelopment moves have been successful, and which moves have not been successful. And, maybe do a demographic study, to determine what Omaha really needs, or could use, and what it could support. I think this should be looked at as a new OPPORTUNITY for Omaha, not something to cry over.

Even when Oak View was being built, and I was excited about a new mall going in, it felt unjustified and didn't quite fit perfectly into the "Omaha Universe" to me -- or something. Although I like the design embellishments of Oak View, I also, to this day, dislike the "ring box-size mall w/ a big skylight" aspect & feeling to the design. For example, Jordan Creek Mall in Des Moines doesn't feel that way AT ALL to me. Nothing bugs me about it. It feels like it was right, it was designed perfectly, it isn't too small, it was needed, it was justified, and it fit well. It made sense.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Wed Dec 12, 2018 9:28 pm

Jordan Creek was built as a semi upscale mall, while Oak View didn’t get many high end stores when it opened, they were already at Regency and One Pacific Place. Oak View didn’t bring much new to Omaha when it opened. The Public lost interest after a while and the internet came along. The mall was boring and foot traffic dwindled. Now we are left with a half dead mall and it could get worse in the next few years. It might be best to level it and build upscale single family homes like they are doing at the old Highland Country club. The location is very convenient.

obvious2677 · Post by **obvious2677** » Wed Dec 12, 2018 9:39 pm

omaha79 wrote: Wed Dec 12, 2018 11:32 am I don't think the dying mall would have a major effect on home prices at all. The blessing for the neighborhoods (and curse for Oak View) is that the mall sits on an island by itself. It's not integrated into the adjacent neighborhoods in any meaningful way. It's out of sight, out of mind. You don't have to drive through the complex to get to your house. There are enough other things to do in that area and it's still centrally located to all of West Omaha. Oak View is just forgotten about and sits alone away from the neighborhoods.

It also helps that there is pretty easy access to major streets and the interstate, if you're on the eastern side. The houses are, for the most part, decent and relatively inexpensive. There's minimal crime. Respectable schools. There's been pretty solid investments around the area - 132nd and Center / 132nd and Pacific / Boys Town / etc. The area will be fine over the long term - but would be great to find something to do with the mall. Even offering it to Nebraska Orthopedic for bargain pricing and seeing if they would have use for it might be an option. So long as the Red Lobster stays...

garyomaha · Post by **garyomaha** » Thu Dec 13, 2018 6:02 pm

I live far from Oak View but used to work nearby so got there regularly. Haven't been there in two-ish years. I was there today -- I took a chance and drove by to see if a favorite of mine was still in the food court. And it was! Along with a lot of other food vendors and LOTS of people. Apparently there was some musical presentation that helped bring in people and, judging from the various bags people were carrying around, there are still lots of smaller stores. From my vantage point -- and admittedly, I did not walk all the way around to see exactly what's left -- it was a bustling mall at holiday time.

RockHarbor · Post by **RockHarbor** » Thu Dec 13, 2018 7:01 pm

Cermak wrote: Wed Dec 12, 2018 9:28 pm Jordan Creek was built as a semi upscale mall, while Oak View didn’t get many high end stores when it opened, they were already at Regency and One Pacific Place. Oak View didn’t bring much new to Omaha when it opened. The Public lost interest after a while and the internet came along. The mall was boring and foot traffic dwindled. Now we are left with a half dead mall and it could get worse in the next few years. It might be best to level it and build upscale single family homes like they are doing at the old Highland Country club. The location is very convenient.

I like the idea of new residential going in on that corner (even if a large apartment complex, or whatever), but I doubt that will ever happen even if they tear down the mall with all the smaller businesses ringing Oak View.

I honestly dislike how the NE and SE sides of 144th & West Center Road developed. North of a center, a main parkway wiggles its way back to an apartment complex, and businesses (like the hardware store, ect) sit at odd angles, and with no matching theme present at all, businesses seem packed-in and lined-up down off-shooting, branching side streets. South of center, all the businesses & buildings gather tightly around squeezed-in Oak View mall at different positions and angles, like people sitting around a campfire -- or something. I wish it could all be bulldozed -- and ALL be converted to dense suburban residential for that matter. (The SW and NW sides of the intersection has businesses & strip centers & parking lots sitting square with the grid -- much better.)

I still kinda want Nebraska Furniture Mart to move their entire headquarters complex on 72nd Street into that mall. There is so much square footage in that mall to fit all their show rooms and all the warehouse storage needed. The skylight could still be a nice touch. Plus, the food court area could be their cafe area, and people could still use that central stand alone elevator. It could look nice, actually. (I don't like their complex on 72nd, seeming like an odd, clunky residence that is continually added to and built upon. If they moved to the mall, they then could bulldoze the complex on 72nd, and put in neat office buildings & residential & retail, as Omaha grows more dense in midtown.) Kansas City and Dallas have such nicer "NE Furniture Marts" than its hometown of Omaha.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Fri Dec 21, 2018 10:20 am

I was in Westroads they other day for the first time in months. The mall is nice. Easily the best mall in Nebraska. I wonder what the deciding factor was in why Oak View declined and Westroads has retained its status during the retail crisis ?

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Dec 21, 2018 12:41 pm

Cermak wrote: Fri Dec 21, 2018 10:20 am I was in Westroads they other day for the first time in months. The mall is nice. Easily the best mall in Nebraska. I wonder what the deciding factor was in why Oak View declined and Westroads has retained its status during the retail crisis ?

I think we've speculated before that it mostly has to do with its central location and proximity to that interchange. People can come from very far in just about any direction without going through a stop light until they are actually inside the Westroads complex. I think that ease of access has lead to it getting the most investment, and now it is feeding off its reputation as "the best", which it is, because of its location and most recent upkeep.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Fri Dec 21, 2018 1:23 pm

So poor location doomed Oak View. And with the retail crisis Omaha really needs only one mall. I’m glad at least Westroads survived. They have done a good job of always updating and trying to get new to market stores and restaurants.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Fri Dec 21, 2018 3:01 pm

Cermak wrote: Fri Dec 21, 2018 1:23 pm So poor location doomed Oak View. And with the retail crisis Omaha really needs only one mall. I’m glad at least Westroads survived. They have done a good job of always updating and trying to get new to market stores and restaurants.

Their location couldn't be better either. Right at the interstate and Dodge/Expressway.

RockHarbor · Post by **RockHarbor** » Sun Dec 23, 2018 7:19 pm

Cermak wrote: Fri Dec 21, 2018 10:20 am I was in Westroads they other day for the first time in months. The mall is nice. Easily the best mall in Nebraska. I wonder what the deciding factor was in why Oak View declined and Westroads has retained its status during the retail crisis ?

I like Westroads, and root for it, and think its done a great job "staying in the game", and think it has the best location in the center of Omaha now, but I'm almost so sick of it, trodding through it most of my life, that the same ole' H-shaped footprint of hallways that can never be disguised by a remodel, and the eclectic mix of accents lingering through 3 major remodels (bricks still from the 1970's, window grillwork and that elevator from the 90's, new flooring from the latest remodel), almost maake me want to barf when I walk in there -- like you feel towards an old shirt in your closet you've worn one too many times. And, I hurry out of it...longing instead to drive west to Village Point, or South Port, something part of the "New Omaha." (Thats exactly why we keep building & building.) I'm also so tired of the name "Westroads" (its as much a part of local icons as "Woodmen" and "Old Market", ect). even though I dont want the name to change, necessarily.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Mon Dec 24, 2018 12:12 pm

Westroads has been a remarkable retail survivor. Although it has its quarks ( the strange H shape) it’s generally a pleasant shopping experience for Omaha and brings several new to market retail stores. Which we know is important to remain popular. I always thought Oak View seemed sorta boring except maybe when it was brand new.

If Westroads could get Dillard’s to move from Oakview and Barnes and Nobles to move from Crossroads I think it could establish itself as the retail King of Omaha for some time. As far as I’m concerned it would be best for Omaha to continue strengthening Westroads even at Oak Views and Crossroads expense.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Dec 24, 2018 12:25 pm

Cermak wrote: Mon Dec 24, 2018 12:12 pm As far as I’m concerned it would be best for Omaha to continue strengthening Westroads even at Oak Views and Crossroads expense.

Agreed. I like your idea of taking the two strengths of the other malls and giving them to Westroads. Crossroads is all but dead and the writing is on the wall for Oakview if you ask me. Feed the flopping fish to the shark and clean those two slates.

RockHarbor · Post by **RockHarbor** » Mon Dec 24, 2018 1:03 pm

Agreed about Westroads. I think highly of it, respect how its remained a key player, and its still my favorite "King of Omaha Malls." I just wish they would do a truly complete remodel, so the inside changes more (for example, like the food court seems like a completely different mall now, and there's no hint of the past there). Just slapping new tiles on the floor, and ridding the mall of the diamond-shaped punch-throughs in the floor, and revamping that elevator doesn't cut it. (I think that elevator looks semi-strange now, with new materials & colors forced upon it's original design. It's actually shaped like Seattle's award-winning Washington Mutual Tower, if you notice...)

I do like the rich wood panels w/ the rectangular, boxy retro lights, and the new tile colors/design is very pretty & sharp. I like the large drum lights hanging from the ceiling. Yet, there is still that unchanged 90's diamond design seen in the walls immediately under the main skylight (which likely is why the designers laid the floor tiles below at an angled grid, creating diamond patterns). And, if you could go into the back & low "catacombs" of the mall, just passing through one set of doors, you would see all the original tiles, bricks, railings, stairs. It's fun to see, as I have seen it before, but it just reminds me of how the interior's new look is only skin-deep. As people shop in the "New Westroads" above, I wouldn't be surprised if in dark, dim basement storage room, the big, original Swiss Clock & heavy chains, that used to dangle from the ceiling in the center court, are laying strewn carelessly in a corner, with stacks of old iron railings, all covered in dust & cobwebs. Almost like: Simply the mall's "theater props" are changed every few decades, but the "theater stage" (mall) doesn't ultimately change that much. This last remodel was more of a "quick cosmetic fix" then the 90's remodel, imo. It feels so much the same until I get to the startling new food court. I have to say, the "Grand Cafe" section was an attractive extension to the mall, filled with light, great for winter months. I'm not sure I like that gone, the mall feeling smaller & darker.

(Like, I want to see a new partial third floor, with escalators going up from the 2nd floor in the mall's center, the center skylight enlarged and elevated 20 feet higher, or a whole new wing. Or a large parking garage built behind the mall, and an office building as well, tightening it all up, and stacking everything higher & denser, like the suburban Dallas Galleria. That type of thing.)

BPHusker · Post by **BPHusker** » Wed Jan 02, 2019 9:11 am

RockHarbor wrote: Mon Dec 24, 2018 1:03 pm And, if you could go into the back & low "catacombs" of the mall, just passing through one set of doors, you would see all the original tiles, bricks, railings, stairs. It's fun to see, as I have seen it before, but it just reminds me of how the interior's new look is only skin-deep.

Are there any pictures of the "catacombs"?

RockHarbor · Post by **RockHarbor** » Thu Jan 03, 2019 1:06 am

BPHusker wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 9:11 am
RockHarbor wrote: Mon Dec 24, 2018 1:03 pm And, if you could go into the back & low "catacombs" of the mall, just passing through one set of doors, you would see all the original tiles, bricks, railings, stairs. It's fun to see, as I have seen it before, but it just reminds me of how the interior's new look is only skin-deep.
Are there any pictures of the "catacombs"?

I just saw this. Yes, I have a few of a "catacombs" staircase. Are sticky popcorn balls and all the oranges thru the glass at Orange Julius coming back to you? Or, the little rectangular peek-throughs in the floor along the sides of retail mall hallways? So much of it comes back to me when I simply see this old combo of blond brick, tile, and iron railings. (The mall had more brown rectangular tiles laid in a cross hatch or basket weave pattern, though. Funny, the latest Westroads bathrooms have the crosshatch patterns again.) There also was a public staircase, that was original & unchanged through the 90's remodel, right inside the front mall entrance near Penny's. It led up to the long exterior walkway on the 2nd floor of the mall, on the front. All the tile & railings & brick remained unchanged -- until I noticed it was changed in this last remodel. It makes perfect economical sense they dont spend money on the catacombs, as everything is still in decent shape. Why would they spend money on that? I liked having the chance to see it. Yet, its a strange sensation being suddenly swept back into the "old Westroads world", then entering back into the latest "new Westroads world" remodel again. (Old pictures of Westroad's interior are very difficult to find, but here are two I've come across. The hallways used to have names like "Petticoat Lane.")

michaelsjewel · Post by **michaelsjewel** » Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:45 pm

I'm hearing that Nebraska Medicine bought Oakview... and that Dillard's is moving. Is this true?

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Sun Jan 06, 2019 1:02 pm

michaelsjewel wrote: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:45 pm I'm hearing that Nebraska Medicine bought Oakview... and that Dillard's is moving. Is this true?

I feel like that rumor has been floating around for a good while now... even in this thread.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:20 pm

RockHarbor wrote: Thu Jan 03, 2019 1:06 am

What was the name of that pretzel place in Westroads? It was clad in black and had I think pink neon lighting.

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 9:15 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Sun Jan 06, 2019 9:20 pm
RockHarbor wrote: Thu Jan 03, 2019 1:06 am
What was the name of that pretzel place in Westroads? It was clad in black and had I think pink neon lighting.

Mr. Pretzel rings a faint bell.

omaharocks · Post by **omaharocks** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 9:59 am

I think Pretzel Time was the one that had pink on it...

RockHarbor · Post by **RockHarbor** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 12:12 pm

I cant rememeber, but I was thinking "Pretzel Time", too. "Mr. Pretzel" doesnt ring familiar to me at all, but not sure. It certainly wasn't Auntie Anne's beck then.

ScrattyB · Post by **ScrattyB** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 1:26 pm

omaharocks wrote: Mon Jan 07, 2019 9:59 am I think Pretzel Time was the one that had pink on it...

Pretzel Time at Oak View Mall in 1992. Photo: Mallory Bart, courtesy of Oak View Mall

https://mallorybartmedia.wordpress.com/ ... e-history/

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 1:45 pm

Yeah it was pretzel time.

michaelsjewel · Post by **michaelsjewel** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 3:44 pm

Perhaps the rumor is true. Dillards is moving to Westroads according to Dillard employees. They were informed last week.

Csmac · Post by **Csmac** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 5:02 pm

Is that 100 percent confirmed? What are the plans with Oakview?

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 5:12 pm

michaelsjewel wrote: Mon Jan 07, 2019 3:44 pm Perhaps the rumor is true. Dillards is moving to Westroads according to Dillard employees. They were informed last week.

Wow, that would leave JC Penny as the sole anchor. Hmm, I hope the new owners have plans for this place.

Csmac · Post by **Csmac** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 5:59 pm

I personally hope so. The city needs to be looking at this as an opportunity to redevelop Oakview. It’s in a great location just down the street from the South Farm development. I think the new development actually might help Oakview out a lot. I think Westroads should serve as our main mall. And Oakview can be our mix use/entairnment mall with less retail. They can tear down the old box tenants sears, Younkers etc and be used as housing or entertainment/family fun buildings. For Crossroads I think they can keep target and Barnes and Noble for it’s own separate building and tear down the mall and use it for UNO housing. UNO is growing and will need the space.

RockHarbor · Post by **RockHarbor** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 7:31 pm

Wow, Dillards is moving to Westroads?! Great. Now, with Nebraska Medicine possibly buying OakView, that is great for them. But, I can't imagine they need that much space. Are they that big of an outfit? I really don't care who buys it. I just want them to take good care of it, and be able to fill the space -- I guess.

Csmac · Post by **Csmac** » Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:56 pm

That would be too much space for UNMC. I personally think there might be some behind the scene slow progress being done on Oakview right now. Considering a part of the parking lot is being marketed for a hotel. Also I know the old Dicks/Babies are Us strip mall got bought out

ScrattyB · Post by **ScrattyB** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 11:42 am

Csmac wrote: Mon Jan 07, 2019 5:59 pm The city needs to be looking at this as an opportunity to redevelop Oakview.

What in the world would the city have any opportunity to do? The city doesn't own Oakview. I guess they could continue to neglect the streets around the mall.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jan 08, 2019 5:39 pm

RockHarbor wrote: Mon Jan 07, 2019 7:31 pm Wow, Dillards is moving to Westroads?! Great.

This is a RUMOR at this point.. And one that’s been floating around since at least the announcement Younkers was going belly up..

Who knows though. Perhaps it is true..

I know some on this forum would be absolutely “giddy” to see Dillard’s move to Westroads.. Okay and whatever. I’ll wait on my reaction to this IF an official announcement of a store move is made...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Sat Jan 12, 2019 4:58 pm

RockHarbor wrote: Thu Jan 03, 2019 1:06 am
BPHusker wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 9:11 am
RockHarbor wrote: Mon Dec 24, 2018 1:03 pm And, if you could go into the back & low "catacombs" of the mall, just passing through one set of doors, you would see all the original tiles, bricks, railings, stairs. It's fun to see, as I have seen it before, but it just reminds me of how the interior's new look is only skin-deep.
Are there any pictures of the "catacombs"?
I just saw this. Yes, I have a few of a "catacombs" staircase. Are sticky popcorn balls and all the oranges thru the glass at Orange Julius coming back to you? Or, the little rectangular peek-throughs in the floor along the sides of retail mall hallways? So much of it comes back to me when I simply see this old combo of blond brick, tile, and iron railings. (The mall had more brown rectangular tiles laid in a cross hatch or basket weave pattern, though. Funny, the latest Westroads bathrooms have the crosshatch patterns again.) There also was a public staircase, that was original & unchanged through the 90's remodel, right inside the front mall entrance near Penny's. It led up to the long exterior walkway on the 2nd floor of the mall, on the front. All the tile & railings & brick remained unchanged -- until I noticed it was changed in this last remodel. It makes perfect economical sense they dont spend money on the catacombs, as everything is still in decent shape. Why would they spend money on that? I liked having the chance to see it. Yet, its a strange sensation being suddenly swept back into the "old Westroads world", then entering back into the latest "new Westroads world" remodel again. (Old pictures of Westroad's interior are very difficult to find, but here are two I've come across. The hallways used to have names like "Petticoat Lane.")

Where is this stairwell in the mall? guessing not in a public area?

I went up that staircase the other day by Penny's and it still leads to part of the outdoor balcony. I didn't try to walk out onto it though, but it's still there.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Mar 02, 2019 10:24 am

Jim Sadler, general manager of Westroads Mall was guest host with Trenton Magid on the Grow Omaha radio show this morning on KFAB.. They had an interesting discussion about retail in the Omaha area..

Of particular interest, was Jim’s take on Oak View Mall and it’s future. Much of what he said surprised me as he expressed some of the same sentiments I’ve been communicating on this thread about The Oakview Mousetrap..

Noteworthy, was his comment that the Oakview ring area has about 7 or 8 property owners.. and that the shuttered Dick’s, Toys R Us and Guitar Music buildings were purchased last month at auction by the family that owns Mall of the Bluffs (Trenton shared that tidbit)..

Jim went on to say that Oakview has been the victim of just a stretch of bad luck (sound familiar?) which is not really their fault. He also stated that he feels Oakview Mall will be around for quite awhile and that reports of the Mall’s demise have been GREATLY exaggerated..

For the “Dillard’s to Westroads” crowd, Sadler intimated it’s unlikely to happen as Dillard’s actually owns the building where their Oakview location stands (this was a huge revelation as I had no knowledge of that)..

All in all, Sadler had an interesting take on the state of the Oakview Mousetrap..and it certainly was refreshing to hear a perspective that didn’t contain “the sky is falling/gloom and doom” attitude. Remember this is coming from a respected expert on the Omaha retail scene...

Ciao..LiO...Peace