Gene Leahy Mall Remodel

[Cermak]

Here's some pics of the interior of the Burlington building from a quick search.
From http://rcto.us/bp.htm





Worthy of keeping for most people.

Probably one of the best historic buildings in Omaha. I haven’t been inside this building in years. I’m assuming it’s still in excellent condition. The one building that Omaha didn’t save was the old Woodmen highrise building. And of course Jobbers Canyon. But overall Omaha has done a decent job preserving its past. I really wish we still had the old Woodmen, even if it wasn’t the most beautiful building it was important to Omaha and would still add to the skyline even to this day.

[Globochem]

I’m sorry, but that analysis is totally incorrect. Maybe 10% of building stock remains from 1944, Omaha‘s high water mark. There is virtually no sense of the city that existed in pre 1960. The Mall was built by seizing a huge swath of the heart of downtown. 480 obliterated north downtown. 16th street was annihilated in the Urban Renewal craze of the 1970s and 80s. The riverfront and UP railyards were wiped away with the arena project. Government buildings razed Woodman, Fontenelle, and Masonic Temple- all remarkable structures. OPA, OPS, OPPD, MUD and Creighton demolished their fair share. Outside of a miniature Old Market and a few remaining undeveloped blocks South and West, only a paultry smattering of buildings remain. It is ludicrous to assert that anything of Omaha‘s history remains. Please look through the Forgotten Omaha Facebook group and tell me that theres even the faintest sense of the city depicted in those images.

[Cermak]

I’m sorry, but that analysis is totally incorrect. Maybe 10% of building stock remains from 1944, Omaha‘s high water mark. There is virtually no sense of the city that existed in pre 1960. The Mall was built by seizing a huge swath of the heart of downtown. 480 obliterated north downtown. 16th street was annihilated in the Urban Renewal craze of the 1970s and 80s. The riverfront and UP railyards were wiped away with the arena project. Government buildings razed Woodman, Fontenelle, and Masonic Temple- all remarkable structures. OPA, OPS, OPPD, MUD and Creighton demolished their fair share. Outside of a miniature Old Market and a few remaining undeveloped blocks South and West, only a paultry smattering of buildings remain. It is ludicrous to assert that anything of Omaha‘s history remains. Please look through the Forgotten Omaha Facebook group and tell me that theres even the faintest sense of the city depicted in those images.

We don’t need to save everything, just the best. The last really good building to get torn down in my opinion was the Medical Arts (Professional) tower. And that was replaced by a 40 story skyscraper. I do wish we still had the Old Woodmen and Jobbers canyon. I didn’t care for Masonic Temple or the old 12 story UP Headquarters building, to me those were less than memorable buildings that I don’t miss. I never saw Fontenelle in person just pictures. Plus when Fontenelle and Woodmen came down the trend across the country in most cities not just Omaha was old is bad, new is good. That type of thinking has changed. And most people appreciate old historic buildings more now than say back in the 70’s and 80’s.

[ita]

I’m sorry, but that analysis is totally incorrect. Maybe 10% of building stock remains from 1944, Omaha‘s high water mark. There is virtually no sense of the city that existed in pre 1960. The Mall was built by seizing a huge swath of the heart of downtown. 480 obliterated north downtown. 16th street was annihilated in the Urban Renewal craze of the 1970s and 80s. The riverfront and UP railyards were wiped away with the arena project. Government buildings razed Woodman, Fontenelle, and Masonic Temple- all remarkable structures. OPA, OPS, OPPD, MUD and Creighton demolished their fair share. Outside of a miniature Old Market and a few remaining undeveloped blocks South and West, only a paultry smattering of buildings remain. It is ludicrous to assert that anything of Omaha‘s history remains. Please look through the Forgotten Omaha Facebook group and tell me that theres even the faintest sense of the city depicted in those images.

You're right about Omaha'a history with tearing down any old building, regardless of historical value. However, when my family visited Omaha, even downtown, right away they noticed the old building stock we have and formed the opinion that Omaha is an old city. I think it's a matter of perspective. My family is from the west coast/L.A. area and Hawaii. Both have historical buildings in their downtowns, but don't have the same concentration of them as here. And newer buildings far outnumber older buildings in those downtowns.

[Doctor Fate]

I was listening to the most recent Grow Omaha episode and the mayor said that there is "a lot of interest from big companies in developing around" the GLM and Riverfront. I hope there is truth to this and she's not just blowing smoke. I know we've been burned quite a bit but I still get excited and am hopeful about all the excess economic benefits of this project.

[ita]

I deleted the prior post because, based on additional review, the overhead layouts OWH used in their recent article about the project actually predate the current maps on the official website. Sorry for the confusion.

[bigredmed1]

Let us rename ConAgra lake. I still like naming after the taxpayers of Omaha. Name the whole thing after people willing to donate money or time to improve the park. Not just some rich guy, but the "Person X" sculpture garden, and the "Group of people who want to get something named after them" lake, and so on.

[ricko]

I like the overall plan, and I'm glad Omaha is finally getting a space for large gatherings, besides Memorial Park. The entire area should be able to comfortably accommodate over 100K people. I had to chuckle at the reference to a "rollerblade ribbon." That hasn't been a 'thing' for quite a while now---maybe they're going to build it next to the 'disco pavillion'.

[Taco]

Great to hear they are including new development in Lot A. From what I remember these buildings are limited to 3-5 stories but they will provide some much needed population and foot traffic down at the riverfront.

[Louie]

Great to hear they are including new development in Lot A. From what I remember these buildings are limited to 3-5 stories but they will provide some much needed population and foot traffic down at the riverfront.

What's that height limitation in place for?

[ita]

Great to hear they are including new development in Lot A. From what I remember these buildings are limited to 3-5 stories but they will provide some much needed population and foot traffic down at the riverfront.

What's that height limitation in place for?

I can't answer your question, but I knew that previous promotional renderings/videos of the project had renderings of what Lot A. I found OJB's original renderings here: https://www.ojb.com/news/ojb-unveils-fi ... aster-plan

The video and renderings includes the potential build out of the Conagra project (rendered, the apartment complex, is incredibly bulking looking due to the length; I like how it fits that spot), Lot A, and other sites adjacent or a part of the Riverfront Revitalization, but not the site next to the Greenhouse Apartments where there is currently a parking garage. According to this rendering, some of the buildings in Lot A look taller than 5, and closer to 10 stories.

[Omahacritic]

Ha ha ha!

Honestly, I’ve said before that the new concept lacks vision. Though, it appears the new “plan” added some. And it seems that suddenly there is lots more commercial space ... I.e... losing parkland.

Skate Park ... a good idea. But the location as shown is all wrong. Should not be so close to footbridge.

13 th Street ... originally soared to open “spring 2020”. Not even close. It’s a 40’ deep ditch right now.

Omaha ... over promise, under deliver.

[NEDodger]

With the Children's Destination Play Area right there, this seems like it'd be an excellent spot to move the Children's Museum?

And unless there are still plans for a Lot B Development, the Lot A portion seems like it would also be a good spot for the hoped-for College Baseball Hall of Fame?

Get a few museums there to draw even more people to the area.

[ita]

Ha ha ha!

Honestly, I’ve said before that the new concept lacks vision. Though, it appears the new “plan” added some. And it seems that suddenly there is lots more commercial space ... I.e... losing parkland.

Skate Park ... a good idea. But the location as shown is all wrong. Should not be so close to footbridge.

13 th Street ... originally soared to open “spring 2020”. Not even close. It’s a 40’ deep ditch right now.

Omaha ... over promise, under deliver.

The mayor mentioned that there has been a lot of interest of developing near the project, but there are only a couple new possible development sites that were not already identified in the older plan.

I am interested into why it shouldn't be near the MLK bridge?

Based on the most recent article a couple days ago about this project, 13th, weather permitting, will be open by June 2020, so they will be at earliest a month late.

[Taco]

Great to hear they are including new development in Lot A. From what I remember these buildings are limited to 3-5 stories but they will provide some much needed population and foot traffic down at the riverfront.

What's that height limitation in place for?

I can't answer your question, but I knew that previous promotional renderings/videos of the project had renderings of what Lot A. I found OJB's original renderings here: https://www.ojb.com/news/ojb-unveils-fi ... aster-plan

The video and renderings includes the potential build out of the Conagra project (rendered, the apartment complex, is incredibly bulking looking due to the length; I like how it fits that spot), Lot A, and other sites adjacent or a part of the Riverfront Revitalization, but not the site next to the Greenhouse Apartments where there is currently a parking garage. According to this rendering, some of the buildings in Lot A look taller than 5, and closer to 10 stories.

Thank you so much for sharing. I had based my 3-5 story number off of previous conversations with people in the planning department and private developers. The developers were frustrated because this was in their eyes some of the most developable land in the city, but the way the city contained the contaminated soil limited their height to a density not befitting the popularity of the land. These aren't condo tower sized (which I would love to see more of though clearly there is a lack of demand), but the density is about 3x what I had imagined which is awesome. I really like the way the footprint shrinks as you go up floors. It would create some great patios. Hoping it comes to fruition!

[Omaha Cowboy]

Great to hear they are including new development in Lot A. From what I remember these buildings are limited to 3-5 stories but they will provide some much needed population and foot traffic down at the riverfront.

What's that height limitation in place for?

I can't answer your question, but I knew that previous promotional renderings/videos of the project had renderings of what Lot A. I found OJB's original renderings here: https://www.ojb.com/news/ojb-unveils-fi ... aster-plan

The video and renderings includes the potential build out of the Conagra project (rendered, the apartment complex, is incredibly bulking looking due to the length; I like how it fits that spot), Lot A, and other sites adjacent or a part of the Riverfront Revitalization, but not the site next to the Greenhouse Apartments where there is currently a parking garage. According to this rendering, some of the buildings in Lot A look taller than 5, and closer to 10 stories.

These aren't condo tower sized (which I would love to see more of though clearly there is a lack of demand), but the density is about 3x what I had imagined which is awesome. I really like the way the footprint shrinks as you go up floors. It would create some great patios. Hoping it comes to fruition!

Agreed and I also thank ita for sharing this..

I’ve said it numerous times in this thread, I am very excited to see how the totality of this project, 5-10 years from now, will enhance the overall livability, walk ability and feel for the entire downtown core to the riverfront..

This looks to add a street level pedestrian vibrancy to the downtown riverfront..and I remain positive it will enhance a favorable view of Omaha from visitors and natives alike...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[iamjacobm]

Broke ground basically a year ago.

[Omahacritic]

With the Children's Destination Play Area right there, this seems like it'd be an excellent spot to move the Children's Museum?

And unless there are still plans for a Lot B Development, the Lot A portion seems like it would also be a good spot for the hoped-for College Baseball Hall of Fame?

Get a few museums there to draw even more people to the area.

Dodger ... wow! What you are suggesting is vision! Actual vision.

Ita ... I am a fan of skate parks. Skate boarders are not automatically hooligans.

I’m concerned you get kids congregating on the bridge to watch.

Seems more logical to place it further south toward other social activity areas.

[Uffda]

New RiverFront designs revealed, and the downtown Omaha park won't be a sea of green


https://www.omaha.com/lifestyles/new-ri ... 3c5f4.html

[Garrett]

New RiverFront designs revealed, and the downtown Omaha park won't be a sea of green


https://www.omaha.com/lifestyles/new-ri ... 3c5f4.html

Looks more and more exciting every day!

[Louie]

Certainly promising. And the more native plants, the better.

[Omahacritic]

New RiverFront designs revealed, and the downtown Omaha park won't be a sea of green


https://www.omaha.com/lifestyles/new-ri ... 3c5f4.html

ROFL

Did you all miss the part about 2024? The date slips from 2022 to 2023 to 2024. A bottle of Scotch if someone wants to bet me the date doesn’t slip to 2025.

Native trees are nice. So are native grasses. What about lawn space? Will they plant a nice low growing hybrid Bermuda, or go the standard lazy man way and plant fescue set to mow at 6”?

Typical Omaha World Herald ... BobbleHeads

[ItsAllAboutMe]

The time line has not changed. 2024 for the completion of the entire project, all three parks. The mall portion is still scheduled to open in 2022, Heartland park in 2023 and the landing in 2024. Yes, the dates are subject to change but they haven't. If you like to track the project and schedule use this link. http://riverfrontrevitalization.com/. I've followed it for over and a year and dates have not changed.

[Omaha Cowboy]

The time line has not changed. 2024 for the completion of the entire project, all three parks. The mall portion is still scheduled to open in 2022, Heartland park in 2023 and the landing in 2024. Yes, the dates are subject to change but they haven't. If you like to track the project and schedule use this link. http://riverfrontrevitalization.com/. I've followed it for over and a year and dates have not changed.

This is how I understood the completion dates as well- in phases between 2022 and 2024. From the look of things thus far, the project’s 1st phase looks right on schedule...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Omahacritic]

Not if the6 don’t open 13th within a few weeks.

First mistake ... they are putting in parking on 13th St through the park. Building more walls and it breaks up the park continuity. I might be wrong, but the lanes they are building are definitely not driving lanes.

With vision, and the money they are spending, the6 should have lowered 13th St, put a deck above it as part of the Park.

In the meantime, all they do is move dirt from one side to the other. Look# like a giant make-work project.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

NO...NO...NO.... 13th street does not run through the park anymore!!!!!!!!. 13th st is now the on the West edge of the park, the block between 13th and 14th is set for future development. Dirt was brought in last fall to be used for the fill where the bridge was. Christ on a cracker!
(BTW- the pavement should be done today, so likely will open on schedule)

[Omaha Cowboy]

NO...NO...NO.... 13th street does not run through the park anymore!!!!!!!!. 13th st is now the on the West edge of the park, the block between 13th and 14th is set for future development. Dirt was brought in last fall to be used for the fill where the bridge was. Christ on a cracker!
(BTW- the pavement should be done today, so likely will open on schedule)

Yes this is correct! You can see this here-

http://riverfrontrevitalization.com/|expletive| ... tation.pdf

And I also contend, based on my observations from this past Saturday, the GLM component of the Riverfront plan is on schedule for a 2022 completion..

We’ll see...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[nebraska]

Nice. The word "a-s-setts" in this link was censored. http://riverfrontrevitalization.com/|expletive| ... tation.pdf

[Omahacritic]

NO...NO...NO.... 13th street does not run through the park anymore!!!!!!!!. 13th st is now the on the West edge of the park, the block between 13th and 14th is set for future development. Dirt was brought in last fall to be used for the fill where the bridge was. Christ on a cracker!
(BTW- the pavement should be done today, so likely will open on schedule)

Yes this is correct! You can see this here-

http://riverfrontrevitalization.com/|expletive| ... tation.pdf

And I also contend, based on my observations from this past Saturday, the GLM component of the Riverfront plan is on schedule for a 2022 completion..

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Well guys, the block is inside the dotted line, both on “existing site” and on “site plan”.

I refer you to the drawings further down on the link. The area is clearly outlined and is shown as green grass. You can clearly see 13th, as it comes between OWH building. There is even a blocky drawing to represent a new building at th3 library site. And this shows in two drawings.

So, being how most parks in Omaha have grass, and grass is almost always green, the plan you linked shows park. And what they will put in the park ... “future development “.

We’ll see...

And even still .. allowing parking at the top of the park .. Typical lack of planning by city “planners”.

[Omaha Cowboy]

NO...NO...NO.... 13th street does not run through the park anymore!!!!!!!!. 13th st is now the on the West edge of the park, the block between 13th and 14th is set for future development. Dirt was brought in last fall to be used for the fill where the bridge was. Christ on a cracker!
(BTW- the pavement should be done today, so likely will open on schedule)

Yes this is correct! You can see this here-

http://riverfrontrevitalization.com/|expletive| ... tation.pdf

And I also contend, based on my observations from this past Saturday, the GLM component of the Riverfront plan is on schedule for a 2022 completion..

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Well guys, the block is inside the dotted line, both on “existing site” and on “site plan”.

I refer you to the drawings further down on the link. The area is clearly outlined and is shown as green grass. You can clearly see 13th, as it comes between OWH building. There is even a blocky drawing to represent a new building at th3 library site. And this shows in two drawings.

So, being how most parks in Omaha have grass, and grass is almost always green, the plan you linked shows park. And what they will put in the park ... “future development “.

We’ll see...

Yes. The “future development” is thought to be the prime spot for a significant highrise to overlook, anchor and foothill the newly designed GLM..so yes, the plan is, that 13th street will not run through the development, it is now set to be the west edge of the mall and at the foothill of a “future development” which is thought to be a highrise..

That’s the hope anyway.. We shall see...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Doctor Fate]

NO...NO...NO.... 13th street does not run through the park anymore!!!!!!!!. 13th st is now the on the West edge of the park, the block between 13th and 14th is set for future development. Dirt was brought in last fall to be used for the fill where the bridge was. Christ on a cracker!
(BTW- the pavement should be done today, so likely will open on schedule)

Yes this is correct! You can see this here-

http://riverfrontrevitalization.com/|expletive| ... tation.pdf

And I also contend, based on my observations from this past Saturday, the GLM component of the Riverfront plan is on schedule for a 2022 completion..

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Well guys, the block is inside the dotted line, both on “existing site” and on “site plan”.

I refer you to the drawings further down on the link. The area is clearly outlined and is shown as green grass. You can clearly see 13th, as it comes between OWH building. There is even a blocky drawing to represent a new building at th3 library site. And this shows in two drawings.

So, being how most parks in Omaha have grass, and grass is almost always green, the plan you linked shows park. And what they will put in the park ... “future development “.

We’ll see...

Yes. The “future development” is thought to be the prime spot for a significant highrise to overlook, anchor and foothill the newly designed GLM..so yes, the plan is, that 13th street will not run through the development, it is now set to be the west edge of the mall and at the foothill of a “future development” which is thought to be a highrise..

That’s the hope anyway.. We shall see...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

A MECA EVP told me that their intent/hope is still to build a residential tower on that "Future Developement" site between 13th and 14th. It was on the initial renderings but was then removed. She said that it was removed because of the other residential projects downtown but they will reasses when the GLM project is complete and see if demand is there to move forward with their original tower plan.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

Omahacritic, when it comes to this project you simply don't know what your talking (complaining) about.

[Omaha Cowboy]

NO...NO...NO.... 13th street does not run through the park anymore!!!!!!!!. 13th st is now the on the West edge of the park, the block between 13th and 14th is set for future development. Dirt was brought in last fall to be used for the fill where the bridge was. Christ on a cracker!
(BTW- the pavement should be done today, so likely will open on schedule)

Yes this is correct! You can see this here-

http://riverfrontrevitalization.com/|expletive| ... tation.pdf

And I also contend, based on my observations from this past Saturday, the GLM component of the Riverfront plan is on schedule for a 2022 completion..

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Well guys, the block is inside the dotted line, both on “existing site” and on “site plan”.

I refer you to the drawings further down on the link. The area is clearly outlined and is shown as green grass. You can clearly see 13th, as it comes between OWH building. There is even a blocky drawing to represent a new building at th3 library site. And this shows in two drawings.

So, being how most parks in Omaha have grass, and grass is almost always green, the plan you linked shows park. And what they will put in the park ... “future development “.

We’ll see...

Yes. The “future development” is thought to be the prime spot for a significant highrise to overlook, anchor and foothill the newly designed GLM..so yes, the plan is, that 13th street will not run through the development, it is now set to be the west edge of the mall and at the foothill of a “future development” which is thought to be a highrise..

That’s the hope anyway.. We shall see...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

A MECA EVP told me that their intent/hope is still to build a residential tower on that "Future Developement" site between 13th and 14th. It was on the initial renderings but was then removed. She said that it was removed because of the other residential projects downtown but they will reasses when the GLM project is complete and see if demand is there to move forward with their original tower plan.

I’d love to see that residential tower idea become reality. I think most of us would.. That’s why I’m excited about the potential of this entire riverfront plan (including ConAgra).. The idea is to create not only an area for more business and commerce, but walkable street level activity, entertainment and livability.. The current transformation of our downtown core to the riverfront is fascinating to watch..

This would be a potent mix and if Omaha can pull it off, it definitely would be a model for other cities in our population peer group to follow...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[GrandpaaSmucker]

I’d love to see that residential tower idea become reality. I think most of us would.. That’s why I’m excited about the potential of this entire riverfront plan (including ConAgra).. The idea is to create not only an area for more business and commerce, but walkable street level activity, entertainment and livability.. The current transformation of our downtown core to the riverfront is fascinating to watch..

This would be a potent mix and if Omaha can pull it off, it definitely would be a model for other cities in our population peer group to follow...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

With a potential Real Estate crash and Banking crisis looming in the shadows of the virus I could see not much happening anytime soon.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I’d love to see that residential tower idea become reality. I think most of us would.. That’s why I’m excited about the potential of this entire riverfront plan (including ConAgra).. The idea is to create not only an area for more business and commerce, but walkable street level activity, entertainment and livability.. The current transformation of our downtown core to the riverfront is fascinating to watch..

This would be a potent mix and if Omaha can pull it off, it definitely would be a model for other cities in our population peer group to follow...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

With a potential Real Estate crash and Banking crisis looming in the shadows of the virus I could see not much happening anytime soon.

Well the good news is, it’s currently a work in progress and construction continues to push forward on the riverfront project (and has even during this pandemic)..Highrise construction of any kind during this virus timeline is likely a pipedream..

But anything could happen. We shall see...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Omahacritic]

Omahacritic, when it comes to this project you simply don't know what your talking (complaining) about.

Well, I look at the website. I look at the link you all posted. It does NOT say “future high rise”. The block in question is on the same page showing future park. The renderings that all love to rave about, show parkland. And not a one if you can dispute that.

Now, I might be ignorant, but when I see a grassy knoll I am pretty certain it isn’t the Burj Khalifa.

Of course, the gentleman above said he spoke to someone at MECA ... but it isn’t in the plan. That means it’s a wish.

And as my grandma used to say, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

As for complaint, come watch the dust as Kiewit moves dirt to the left, over to the right, then back to the left. Then next week ... rinse and repeat.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

Omahacritic, when it comes to this project you simply don't know what your talking (complaining) about.

Well, I look at the website. I look at the link you all posted. It does NOT say “future high rise”. The block in question is on the same page showing future park. The renderings that all love to rave about, show parkland. And not a one if you can dispute that.

Now, I might be ignorant, but when I see a grassy knoll I am pretty certain it isn’t the Burj Khalifa.

Of course, the gentleman above said he spoke to someone at MECA ... but it isn’t in the plan. That means it’s a wish.

And as my grandma used to say, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

As for complaint, come watch the dust as Kiewit moves dirt to the left, over to the right, then back to the left. Then next week ... rinse and repeat.

No one said the riverfront site listed said "future high rise". "Future Development" yes, future park no. Those who have mentioned a high rise apartment or condo's have done so because that was mentioned in the news in past stories on the park.

Yes, the block in question is shown within the "dotted line" on the first image because it's part of the original park foot print.

Anyway, if you don't like this project that certainly is your right. I'm all for the project but that doesn't mean I'm a fan of all the features. Judging by the rendering of the park near the Green house Apt it appears they will using those same hideous orange lamp fixtures. I've always thought they were horrible and looked like trash.

[Doctor Fate]

I’d love to see that residential tower idea become reality. I think most of us would.. That’s why I’m excited about the potential of this entire riverfront plan (including ConAgra).. The idea is to create not only an area for more business and commerce, but walkable street level activity, entertainment and livability.. The current transformation of our downtown core to the riverfront is fascinating to watch..

This would be a potent mix and if Omaha can pull it off, it definitely would be a model for other cities in our population peer group to follow...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

With a potential Real Estate crash and Banking crisis looming in the shadows of the virus I could see not much happening anytime soon.

Well the good news is, it’s currently a work in progress and construction continues to push forward on the riverfront project (and has even during this pandemic)..Highrise construction of any kind during this virus timeline is likely a pipedream..

But anything could happen. We shall see...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

There are 3 high rises out here in Salt Lake City that are still moving forward. Two were already under construction with the elevator shift being built when the quarantine started. The third is a hotel and dirt began to move after the quarantine started. I think your optimism is well placed! Anything could happen!

[Omaha Cowboy]

I’d love to see that residential tower idea become reality. I think most of us would.. That’s why I’m excited about the potential of this entire riverfront plan (including ConAgra).. The idea is to create not only an area for more business and commerce, but walkable street level activity, entertainment and livability.. The current transformation of our downtown core to the riverfront is fascinating to watch..

This would be a potent mix and if Omaha can pull it off, it definitely would be a model for other cities in our population peer group to follow...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

With a potential Real Estate crash and Banking crisis looming in the shadows of the virus I could see not much happening anytime soon.

Well the good news is, it’s currently a work in progress and construction continues to push forward on the riverfront project (and has even during this pandemic)..Highrise construction of any kind during this virus timeline is likely a pipedream..

But anything could happen. We shall see...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

There are 3 high rises out here in Salt Lake City that are still moving forward. Two were already under construction with the elevator shift being built when the quarantine started. The third is a hotel and dirt began to move after the quarantine started. I think your optimism is well placed! Anything could happen!

I’m definitely keeping my fingers crossed!...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Omahacritic]

Omahacritic, when it comes to this project you simply don't know what your talking (complaining) about.

Well, I look at the website. I look at the link you all posted. It does NOT say “future high rise”. The block in question is on the same page showing future park. The renderings that all love to rave about, show parkland. And not a one if you can dispute that.

Now, I might be ignorant, but when I see a grassy knoll I am pretty certain it isn’t the Burj Khalifa.

Of course, the gentleman above said he spoke to someone at MECA ... but it isn’t in the plan. That means it’s a wish.

And as my grandma used to say, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

As for complaint, come watch the dust as Kiewit moves dirt to the left, over to the right, then back to the left. Then next week ... rinse and repeat.

No one said the riverfront site listed said "future high rise". "Future Development" yes, future park no. Those who have mentioned a high rise apartment or condo's have done so because that was mentioned in the news in past stories on the park.

Yes, the block in question is shown within the "dotted line" on the first image because it's part of the original park foot print.

Anyway, if you don't like this project that certainly is your right. I'm all for the project but that doesn't mean I'm a fan of all the features. Judging by the rendering of the park near the Green house Apt it appears they will using those same hideous orange lamp fixtures. I've always thought they were horrible and looked like trash.

We are likely more in agreement than you think. But first,

The 3rd concept drawing clearly shows dotted line and “Gene Leahy Mall Proposed Site Plan” ... the area in question is green parkland.

The orange light standards ... sad news. Today I noticed MECA attached new concept murals to the safety fencing. The same orange light standards are still there. Sorry Charlie.

Enthusiasm... I’m not against the project itself. What bugs me is the blandness, lack of vision. MECA is selling it with all sorts of romanticism ... and who is holding them accountable?

The project timeline ... they started in 2019 and expect to finish in 2024 ... 5 years.

Golden Gate Bridge ... 4 years
Bob Kerry Bridge ... 2 years
Grand Canyon Skywalk ... 18 months