Mutual Campus Redevelopment (33rd & Farnam)

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Sun Jul 14, 2019 3:56 pm

There are walls on the stalls. The toilets with no seats that serve as urinals are also differentiated by having no door on the stall and no toilet paper. They have a weird old school flushing mechanism built into the wall that appears meant to be flushed with your foot. It's odd.

The executive floor 12 has nicer restrooms, but I wouldn't call them modern either. The nicest restrooms are under the dome in the food court area. But, the only building with anything approaching modern facilities is the South side building across Farnam.

zippy · Post by **zippy** » Mon Jul 15, 2019 12:03 pm

omaha79 wrote: Sun Jul 14, 2019 3:56 pm The executive floor 12 has nicer restrooms...

Is there still a shower in the men's room on 12? They had one 30 years ago!

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Wed Jul 17, 2019 11:44 am

zippy wrote: Mon Jul 15, 2019 12:03 pm
omaha79 wrote: Sun Jul 14, 2019 3:56 pm The executive floor 12 has nicer restrooms...
Is there still a shower in the men's room on 12? They had one 30 years ago!

I've been up there a fair number of times. I've not noticed a shower. There's a sitting room up in the restroom. But, I've not noticed a shower unless it's in another restroom that's not accessible to the common folk.

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Thu Jul 18, 2019 7:36 pm

A friend at MoO said that the internal rumor is that an announcement about the new HQ will be made in September.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Jul 19, 2019 5:46 pm

CyborgKen wrote: Thu Jul 18, 2019 7:36 pm A friend at MoO said that the internal rumor is that an announcement about the new HQ will be made in September.

And the location will be in the same general area of Mutual of Omaha’s current HQ’s...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 15, 2019 2:23 pm

Heard a rumor from within MOO that I have a tough time believing, but here goes:

MOO will demolish the "building 2" and "building 3" portions including the tower of the current HQ. A new building will the be built over the dome along Dodge between 33rd and 35th Avenue. 34th Street would no longer go through from Farnam to Dodge. I get the impression that the new building will be a short, spread out building.

Like I said, I am skeptical of this but I thought I'd pass on what I heard. Hoping someone can verify or dispel this one. It would be a crying shame to lose the tower.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Thu Aug 15, 2019 3:21 pm

Guest wrote: Thu Aug 15, 2019 2:23 pm Heard a rumor from within MOO that I have a tough time believing, but here goes:

MOO will demolish the "building 2" and "building 3" portions including the tower of the current HQ. A new building will the be built over the dome along Dodge between 33rd and 35th Avenue. 34th Street would no longer go through from Farnam to Dodge. I get the impression that the new building will be a short, spread out building.

Like I said, I am skeptical of this but I thought I'd pass on what I heard. Hoping someone can verify or dispel this one. It would be a crying shame to lose the tower.

Hopefully not, there are enough super blocks on the east side of this city.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Fri Aug 16, 2019 8:49 pm

That would be a bummer to lose the tower to demolition. As it is one of Omaha’s taller buildings at 285 ft and shows up nicely from several vantage points throughout Omaha. Seems like a waste to knock it down and it would be one of the taller buildings knocked down in the US that I can think of recently.

Omahacritic · Post by **Omahacritic** » Fri Aug 16, 2019 10:56 pm

I looked at North facade of the building a week ago ... it looked like the inspiration for the First National Center tower.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Sat Aug 17, 2019 8:46 am

Omahacritic wrote: Fri Aug 16, 2019 10:56 pm I looked at North facade of the building a week ago ... it looked like the inspiration for the First National Center tower.

I would be surprised if it wasn’t. The staggered art deco-esque features on top certainly are similar.

Ryan j · Post by **Ryan j** » Sat Aug 17, 2019 1:06 pm

I am hearing a similar rumor. Demolishing both towers and the dome for a "campus" of 6 story buildings.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:59 pm

What do you mean by both towers ? The 13 story main building is a tower but what building is the other tower, The 9 story MoA Bank building ?

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 1:56 pm

Cermak wrote: Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:59 pm What do you mean by both towers ? The 13 story main building is a tower but what building is the other tower, The 9 story MoA Bank building ?

Yeah, the one south of Farnam. This is the same rumor I heard that I stated about 6 weeks ago or so. Except that the two new buildings would be taller than the existing ones.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 2:35 pm

Thanks for the info, nobody seems to have much knowledge about what is going to happen. I guess we will just have to continue to wait for an announcement by them. This has been a frustrating long drawn out process, it better be worth the wait.

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 6:11 pm

Cermak wrote: Sat Aug 24, 2019 2:35 pm Thanks for the info, nobody seems to have much knowledge about what is going to happen. I guess we will just have to continue to wait for an announcement by them. This has been a frustrating long drawn out process, it better be worth the wait.

Yeah, it seems like there has been very little info. My friend who told me the rumor said his company is most likely going to be awarded the contract to build the new HQ. He said it will be at least a $500 million project.

Another friend who works at MoO said the internal rumor is an official announcement about the new HQ in Sept.

jomaha9 · Post by **jomaha9** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 8:27 pm

I don't have any insight on any rumors, but it would make sense they build the new headquarters somewhere other than where the current buildings are located. MofO would still need a facility for their employees while the new buildings are under construction. UP took this approach when they built their headquarters.

Could the new buildings be built on the parking lots on Dodge or at Turner Park East?

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 9:39 pm

jomaha9 wrote: Sat Aug 24, 2019 8:27 pm I don't have any insight on any rumors, but it would make sense they build the new headquarters somewhere other than where the current buildings are located. MofO would still need a facility for their employees while the new buildings are under construction. UP took this approach when they built their headquarters.

Could the new buildings be built on the parking lots on Dodge or at Turner Park East?

Turner Park East is a rumor I've heard too. If they build on the sites of the current buildings, perhaps MoO could relocate some employees to Kiewit Plaza once Kiewit moves to North Downtown and then build their new buildings ome at a time.

Omahacritic · Post by **Omahacritic** » Sat Aug 24, 2019 10:22 pm

^ logical. Then they hold existing land for more over-priced condos and Mid-town development.

But, trouble with the East Turner logic is height of the building above surrounding area. MoO will want the visibility. And an 8 story building in a vale won’t give it to them. It will be a wedding chapel instead of a cathedral.

Ryan j · Post by **Ryan j** » Sun Aug 25, 2019 8:04 pm

I posted earlier that I heard they planned to demo both towers, I meant the HQ building on the North side of Farnum. It has always looked like 2 buildings to me. Supposedly the buildings on the South side of Farnum will stay. They are opting for a series of 6 story buildings on the footprint where there current HQ, dome and large parking lot all now sit. Supposedly this is due to cost. HVAC and fire suppression is all more expensive when you go over 6 stories. We will see, I hope I am wrong and we hear a plan announced in September that involves a little more height.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sun Aug 25, 2019 9:37 pm

Everyone hopes your wrong. It does seem that American companies are starting to favor lower rise buildings recently instead of highrises. I was recently in Chicago and it seemed like most of the tall buildings being built downtown are residential not office buildings. Even if it’s just 6 floors, they could still make it look good. I just hope it’s not an uninspiring structure. The Current headquarters must be in horrible condition, I thought maybe it could be converted to residential but it must be beyond repair, to bad. Omaha might lose a 285 footer.

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Sun Aug 25, 2019 10:05 pm

I asked my friend at JE Dunn about it. He said they interview for the contract on Wednesday. Also said that he has heard the 6 story campus rumor but is also still hearing the rumor he told me about over a month ago, that there will be 2 high rise towers.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Aug 26, 2019 4:28 pm

Doctor Fate wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2019 10:05 pm I asked my friend at JE Dunn about it. He said they interview for the contract on Wednesday. Also said that he has heard the 6 story campus rumor but is also still hearing the rumor he told me about over a month ago, that there will be 2 high rise towers.

I really hope it doesn't end up at only 6 stories, particularly if the original tower is torn down. It doesn't have to be high rises, but it should feel like it belongs in an urban environment.

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Mon Aug 26, 2019 5:02 pm

ita wrote: Mon Aug 26, 2019 4:28 pm
Doctor Fate wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2019 10:05 pm I asked my friend at JE Dunn about it. He said they interview for the contract on Wednesday. Also said that he has heard the 6 story campus rumor but is also still hearing the rumor he told me about over a month ago, that there will be 2 high rise towers.
I really hope it doesn't end up at only 6 stories, particularly if the original tower is torn down. It doesn't have to be high rises, but it should feel like it belongs in an urban environment.

The 6 story campus would be so underwhelming and disappointing. Even more so if it replaces the existing main HQ tower. It would add density but I would hope to see a tower of at least modest height (100+ ft) included, if this is what we get.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Tue Aug 27, 2019 12:28 pm

Doctor Fate wrote: Mon Aug 26, 2019 5:02 pm
ita wrote: Mon Aug 26, 2019 4:28 pm
Doctor Fate wrote: Sun Aug 25, 2019 10:05 pm I asked my friend at JE Dunn about it. He said they interview for the contract on Wednesday. Also said that he has heard the 6 story campus rumor but is also still hearing the rumor he told me about over a month ago, that there will be 2 high rise towers.
I really hope it doesn't end up at only 6 stories, particularly if the original tower is torn down. It doesn't have to be high rises, but it should feel like it belongs in an urban environment.
The 6 story campus would be so underwhelming and disappointing. Even more so if it replaces the existing main HQ tower. It would add density but I would hope to see a tower of at least modest height (100+ ft) included, if this is what we get.

I think most would be very disappointed.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Tue Aug 27, 2019 1:59 pm

At this point I’ll take the 6 floors. It’s better than 4 or 3. As long as the building looks good and doesn’t look cheap or generic. It should be a substantial size building if it is to contain all the square footage they need. Maybe a highrise apartment tower can be built in the midtown area to help offset the possible loss of the old headquarters building.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Tue Aug 27, 2019 2:44 pm

I heard from a reliable source that they are either moving to Chicago or Denver. They say no offense to Omaha but in order to maximize talent acquisition they need to be near other restaurant and food companies. #bigolduglybrickbuildings

60-90 days

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue Aug 27, 2019 3:00 pm

Bob from Omaha wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2019 2:44 pm I heard from a reliable source that they are either moving to Chicago or Denver. They say no offense to Omaha but in order to maximize talent acquisition they need to be near other restaurant and food companies. #bigolduglybrickbuildings

60-90 days

Haha. This is the most accurate rumor so far!

ItsAllAboutMe · Post by **ItsAllAboutMe** » Wed Aug 28, 2019 1:52 pm

The main tower and dome will be demolished. A new HQ will be built over the old tower and extend to Dodge st. Current parking structure and parking lot will remain. Construction will likely not begin for two years. I don't know how many stories the new building will be but I've heard it will be a very cool looking building.

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Wed Aug 28, 2019 2:24 pm

ItsAllAboutMe wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 1:52 pm The main tower and dome will be demolished. A new HQ will be built over the old tower and extend to Dodge st. Current parking structure and parking lot will remain. Construction will likely not begin for two years. I don't know how many stories the new building will be but I've heard it will be a very cool looking building.

Under this scenario, where would all of the home office employees be housed in the meantime?

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Wed Aug 28, 2019 3:17 pm

Breaking: New building put on hold

It just came out internally. Blackledge says they want to focus on their growth and ensure that the new building fits those growth plans and that the technology modernization initiatives are in line with their goals.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Wed Aug 28, 2019 3:23 pm

omaha79 wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 2:24 pm
ItsAllAboutMe wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 1:52 pm The main tower and dome will be demolished. A new HQ will be built over the old tower and extend to Dodge st. Current parking structure and parking lot will remain. Construction will likely not begin for two years. I don't know how many stories the new building will be but I've heard it will be a very cool looking building.
Under this scenario, where would all of the home office employees be housed in the meantime?

Tents, portapotties, cots, sleeping bags, camp stoves....and a man made river with gondolas...Mutual of European Village!

GrandpaaSmucker · Post by **GrandpaaSmucker** » Wed Aug 28, 2019 3:27 pm

omaha79 wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 3:17 pm Breaking: New building put on hold

It just came out internally. Blackledge says they want to focus on their growth and ensure that the new building fits those growth plans and that the technology modernization initiatives are in line with their goals.

That would make a whole lot of sense. After a failed Banking venture and the mess that is Midtown they need to chill and work on holding onto the money they have.

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Wed Aug 28, 2019 3:56 pm

GrandpaaSmucker wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 3:27 pm
omaha79 wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 3:17 pm Breaking: New building put on hold

It just came out internally. Blackledge says they want to focus on their growth and ensure that the new building fits those growth plans and that the technology modernization initiatives are in line with their goals.
That would make a whole lot of sense. After a failed Banking venture and the mess that is Midtown they need to chill and work on holding onto the money they have.

There have been some recent issues in terms of pricing of some of the individual insurance products as well over the last 2 years. No idea if this plays into it, but it could. It's one of the bigger products they sell that's recently become unprofitable. I have no idea how much of a factor this is though.

GrandpaaSmucker · Post by **GrandpaaSmucker** » Wed Aug 28, 2019 4:19 pm

omaha79 wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 3:56 pm
GrandpaaSmucker wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 3:27 pm
omaha79 wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 3:17 pm Breaking: New building put on hold

It just came out internally. Blackledge says they want to focus on their growth and ensure that the new building fits those growth plans and that the technology modernization initiatives are in line with their goals.
That would make a whole lot of sense. After a failed Banking venture and the mess that is Midtown they need to chill and work on holding onto the money they have.
There have been some recent issues in terms of pricing of some of the individual insurance products as well over the last 2 years. No idea if this plays into it, but it could. It's one of the bigger products they sell that's recently become unprofitable. I have no idea how much of a factor this is though.

Medicare Supplements?

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Wed Aug 28, 2019 9:42 pm

This delay doesn’t completely surprise me. Lots of changes going on with them right now. Headquarters plans now on the back burner. The 285 ft building will live a little longer.

GrandpaaSmucker · Post by **GrandpaaSmucker** » Thu Aug 29, 2019 7:59 am

Cermak wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 9:42 pm This delay doesn’t completely surprise me. Lots of changes going on with them right now. Headquarters plans now on the back burner. The 285 ft building will live a little longer.

The safest thing to do would be to cut their losses and bail on the midtown area and sell out and move to a building in West Omaha. Finding a buyer willing to pay good money for all that property in that end of town could be impossible.

omaha79 · Post by **omaha79** » Thu Aug 29, 2019 3:50 pm

At this point, this isn't even a rumor. Not sure it belongs in the rumors section. The new building is on hold for at least a couple of years. Who know? It could be longer.

bigredmed1 · Post by **bigredmed1** » Thu Aug 29, 2019 4:46 pm

GrandpaaSmucker wrote: Thu Aug 29, 2019 7:59 am
Cermak wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2019 9:42 pm This delay doesn’t completely surprise me. Lots of changes going on with them right now. Headquarters plans now on the back burner. The 285 ft building will live a little longer.
The safest thing to do would be to cut their losses and bail on the midtown area and sell out and move to a building in West Omaha. Finding a buyer willing to pay good money for all that property in that end of town could be impossible.

Honestly, you would have to buy the main buildings which have serious repair needs, then the parking lots (which are great as long as you need parking lots, but will be glowing targets for all sorts of activists who will demand that you do their bidding with the parking lots.) Then there is the Midtown Crossing albatross. Constant marketing and redevelopment into the foreseeable future. I would rather buy long options on Berkshire Hathaway to expire in 20 years.

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Aug 29, 2019 9:38 pm

Here's OWH's coverage in the matter. Per the President they are focusing on improving their tech and growing heir core insurance business. HQ on hold indefinitely. Same stuff that was posted here about the internal memo that was circulated.

[https://www.omaha.com/money/plus/mutua ... ec2a9.html

OmahaJaysCU · Post by **OmahaJaysCU** » Thu Aug 29, 2019 9:53 pm

Was told the apartments at midtown crossing sold to an out of town investment group for a monster number...I believe they sold the hotel a while back too.