Juvenile Justice Center at 18th and Harney - 8 stories

[ita]

After some hold up due to a lawsuit filed soon after the County Board and City Council approved project and the Building Commission was prepared to the issue bonds. The judge recently dismissed the lawsuit, which should allow the project to move forward. There has been very little coverage overall since the lawsuit was filed, but if bonds are issued soon, we might see site preparation or construction by the end of this year.

https://www.omaha.com/news/local/judge- ... 897.html#1

[Louie]

Good deal. The density will be nice when it's complete.

[Cermak]

We haven’t seen a final rendering on this right? Isn’t it now just 7 floors ?. Even at seven it should help that part of downtown which hasn’t seen much in the way of new buildings in years.

[ita]

Justice center bonds sold, $120 million Douglas County project moves ahead amid acrimony

Looks like we could see construction on this project in the near future. Ground breaking could occur as early as this summer. Sale of bonds were approved by by County and City and they were able to get slightly better rates than expected. Between this, O-pa's new venue, and Phase 1 of Conagra, we could have three fairly large ground up projects going up concurrently very soon.

[GrandpaaSmucker]

Justice center bonds sold, $120 million Douglas County project moves ahead amid acrimony

Looks like we could see construction on this project in the near future. Ground breaking could occur as early as this summer. Sale of bonds were approved by by County and City and they were able to get slightly better rates than expected. Between this, O-pa's new venue, and Phase 1 of Conagra, we could have three fairly large ground up projects going up concurrently very soon.

Oh yeah this is exactly what you are supposed to do when times are rough. Instead of being prudent and putting this on the back burner where it belongs until the pandemic is over we just ram this thru helter skelter. Never mind that the city is already crying that they are broke due to the pandemic. Never mind that we don't even know how bad this pandemic crisis is going to get. Never mind as long as the parties involved and the connected chosen make their millions building and running this. Excuuuseeeee me if I am not sympathetic to any B.S about how the city is in financial crisis due to lost tax revenue due to the virus. Excuse me for thinking and suggesting we use common sense.

[ita]

Justice center bonds sold, $120 million Douglas County project moves ahead amid acrimony

Looks like we could see construction on this project in the near future. Ground breaking could occur as early as this summer. Sale of bonds were approved by by County and City and they were able to get slightly better rates than expected. Between this, O-pa's new venue, and Phase 1 of Conagra, we could have three fairly large ground up projects going up concurrently very soon.

Oh yeah this is exactly what you are supposed to do when times are rough. Instead of being prudent and putting this on the back burner where it belongs until the pandemic is over we just ram this thru helter skelter. Never mind that the city is already crying that they are broke due to the pandemic. Never mind that we don't even know how bad this pandemic crisis is going to get. Never mind as long as the parties involved and the connected chosen make their millions building and running this. Excuuuseeeee me if I am not sympathetic to any B.S about how the city is in financial crisis due to lost tax revenue due to the virus. Excuse me for thinking and suggesting we use common sense.

There is an argument that this should not be built right now. I don't fully understand where all the money is coming from to pay for this project, but a property tax increase was approved to pay the debt for this project. I agree, the county and city budgetary concerns due to Covid will not be helped by this project. Maybe the creation of jobs for this project moving forward at this time is a silver lining; people working in a occupation that has not been terminated due to the virus(I don't want to say 'essential'), who will be able to pay income taxes, rent/mortgage/property taxes, and spend money in the economy (sales taxes). Yeah, it's not going to help pay for this project, but at least for those individuals working on this project (and families), they will have some security.

[Omahacritic]

It’s a County project. Bonds sold and repaid b6 the County. Omaha residents are paying twice. Paid for with bonds, not current revenues.

Assuming the building will be built ... now or in 5 years ... just when is a good time? Interest rates are low. Bond insurance is probably low too. My sense is that building materials will be cheaper.

Why wait.

[Cermak]

Drove by this site today while DT, lots of construction going on. Is this moving ahead now or are they just doing some prep work ? Any updated info on this ? It was over 2 years ago that this project was announced . Would be great to get rid of another DT parking lot. Either way the construction activity is good to see, especially during a Pandemic.

[ita]

Drove by this site today while DT, lots of construction going on. Is this moving ahead now or are they just doing some prep work ? Any updated info on this ? It was over 2 years ago that this project was announced . Would be great to get rid of another DT parking lot. Either way the construction activity is good to see, especially during a Pandemic.

Based on the last update from May, there was serious delay due to litigation. However, that was resolve in the spring, so last report is this is going forward. Per that same article groundbreaking was to start this summer, so it seems like they are on time. I was just here today as well, lots of dirt work so far. Did not look over the fence, but like you said, glad progress is being made.

[skinzfan23]

I am little confused, is this still going to be 10 stories or did they shorten it?

[Cermak]

I am little confused, is this still going to be 10 stories or did they shorten it?

Not sure either, I’ve heard 10 but then later I think it was 7. If it’s 9 or 10 it will be one of the most significant highrises built DT in quite some time, even at 7 it will make an impact. Anything less than 6 I’ll be at least a little disappointed. But we will still get rid of a ugly parking lot.

[Omaha Cowboy]

No info on height.. But the original proposal was 10 stories..and I have not read that the 10 story size has been scaled back in subsequent stories after that..

Unless I’m missing something...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[ita]

No info on height.. But the original proposal was 10 stories..and I have not read that the 10 story size has been scaled back in subsequent stories after that..

Unless I’m missing something...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Building commission votes to issue $114 million in bonds for controversial justice center; what's next?

This is from May 2019, but it says that the then-current design called for an 8-story building.

Here's the most recent rendering, I think. The midrise will house the county attorney's office, public defender's office, and juvenile courts, and other programs:


4-story building on 18th and Howard where there is an old parking garage currently. This is where the Juvenile Detention Center will be.

[Omaha Cowboy]

No info on height.. But the original proposal was 10 stories..and I have not read that the 10 story size has been scaled back in subsequent stories after that..

Unless I’m missing something...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Building commission votes to issue $114 million in bonds for controversial justice center; what's next?

This is from May 2019, but it says that the then-current design called for an 8-story building.

Here's the most recent rendering, I think. The midrise will house the county attorney's office, public defender's office, and juvenile courts, and other programs:


4-story building on 18th and Howard where there is an old parking garage currently. This is where the Juvenile Detention Center will be.

This more recent update by KMTV3 from 01/29/2020 indicates a 10 story, $120 million building-

“OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — It appears the controversial project that puts the Douglas County Youth Detention Center in downtown Omaha can go on as planned, after a judge dismissed a lawsuit blocking it.

Judge J. Michael Coffey dismissed the case that largely centered around the words "joint use."

The county was able to go-ahead with the $120 million project without a public vote because both the county and city would use the facility. The Omaha Douglas Public Building Commission voted to issue revenue bonds to fund the project last year.

If the plans go through, the youth detention center would be moved from its current location at 42nd and Woolworth, to 18th and Harney, building a 10-story youth detention center and courthouse annex.“..

The complete story link:

https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-new ... ice-center

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Omahacritic]

Drove by this site today while DT, lots of construction going on. Is this moving ahead now or are they just doing some prep work ? Any updated info on this ? It was over 2 years ago that this project was announced . Would be great to get rid of another DT parking lot. Either way the construction activity is good to see, especially during a Pandemic.

Based on the last update from May, there was serious delay due to litigation. However, that was resolve in the spring, so last report is this is going forward. Per that same article groundbreaking was to start this summer, so it seems like they are on time. I was just here today as well, lots of dirt work so far. Did not look over the fence, but like you said, glad progress is being made.

They are excavating and dismantling the vehicle barn on 18th and Howard. Been about 10 days now.

Note to all ... stay away from Harney at 24th all the way to 11th St. Nearly every block has something going on. It’s 1 lane in some places. This project took out one lane on Harney, one on a Howard and two on 17th St. But more work further East.

[ita]

Drove by this site today while DT, lots of construction going on. Is this moving ahead now or are they just doing some prep work ? Any updated info on this ? It was over 2 years ago that this project was announced . Would be great to get rid of another DT parking lot. Either way the construction activity is good to see, especially during a Pandemic.

Based on the last update from May, there was serious delay due to litigation. However, that was resolve in the spring, so last report is this is going forward. Per that same article groundbreaking was to start this summer, so it seems like they are on time. I was just here today as well, lots of dirt work so far. Did not look over the fence, but like you said, glad progress is being made.

They are excavating and dismantling the vehicle barn on 18th and Howard. Been about 10 days now.

Note to all ... stay away from Harney at 24th all the way to 11th St. Nearly every block has something going on. It’s 1 lane in some places. This project took out one lane on Harney, one on a Howard and two on 17th St. But more work further East.

I parked next to that vehicle barn today on 18th. I was wondering what was going on there and forgot that the juvenile center will be there.

[ita]

No info on height.. But the original proposal was 10 stories..and I have not read that the 10 story size has been scaled back in subsequent stories after that..

Unless I’m missing something...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Building commission votes to issue $114 million in bonds for controversial justice center; what's next?

This is from May 2019, but it says that the then-current design called for an 8-story building.

Here's the most recent rendering, I think. The midrise will house the county attorney's office, public defender's office, and juvenile courts, and other programs:


4-story building on 18th and Howard where there is an old parking garage currently. This is where the Juvenile Detention Center will be.

This more recent update by KMTV3 from 01/29/2020 indicates a 10 story, $120 million building-

“OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — It appears the controversial project that puts the Douglas County Youth Detention Center in downtown Omaha can go on as planned, after a judge dismissed a lawsuit blocking it.

Judge J. Michael Coffey dismissed the case that largely centered around the words "joint use."

The county was able to go-ahead with the $120 million project without a public vote because both the county and city would use the facility. The Omaha Douglas Public Building Commission voted to issue revenue bonds to fund the project last year.

If the plans go through, the youth detention center would be moved from its current location at 42nd and Woolworth, to 18th and Harney, building a 10-story youth detention center and courthouse annex.“..

The complete story link:

https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-new ... ice-center

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Thanks for the link. It's interesting because KMTV uses the same 8-syory image. Maybe they changed again? I would love that see it at 10 stories, but in either case, I am excited for a new civic building and one that is taking up parking space. With this, phase 1 of Conagra/Hines, and OPA's new music venue, we have good momentum in developing surface parking lots downtown.

[Omaha Cowboy]

No info on height.. But the original proposal was 10 stories..and I have not read that the 10 story size has been scaled back in subsequent stories after that..

Unless I’m missing something...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Building commission votes to issue $114 million in bonds for controversial justice center; what's next?

This is from May 2019, but it says that the then-current design called for an 8-story building.

Here's the most recent rendering, I think. The midrise will house the county attorney's office, public defender's office, and juvenile courts, and other programs:


4-story building on 18th and Howard where there is an old parking garage currently. This is where the Juvenile Detention Center will be.

This more recent update by KMTV3 from 01/29/2020 indicates a 10 story, $120 million building-

“OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — It appears the controversial project that puts the Douglas County Youth Detention Center in downtown Omaha can go on as planned, after a judge dismissed a lawsuit blocking it.

Judge J. Michael Coffey dismissed the case that largely centered around the words "joint use."

The county was able to go-ahead with the $120 million project without a public vote because both the county and city would use the facility. The Omaha Douglas Public Building Commission voted to issue revenue bonds to fund the project last year.

If the plans go through, the youth detention center would be moved from its current location at 42nd and Woolworth, to 18th and Harney, building a 10-story youth detention center and courthouse annex.“..

The complete story link:

https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-new ... ice-center

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Thanks for the link. It's interesting because KMTV uses the same 8-syory image. Maybe they changed again? I would love that see it at 10 stories, but in either case, I am excited for a new civic building and one that is taking up parking space. With this, phase 1 of Conagra/Hines, and OPA's new music venue, we have good momentum in developing surface parking lots downtown.

Agreed and you’re welcome..It’s telling that all this activity in the downtown core continues even during the “uncertain times” of a pandemic.. Now if we could just get something going on the Lanoha site..

PS- I think if you look again at the rendering used in the KMTV link vs the one the W-H used, you’ll see a difference. The KMTV rendering looks bolder, more pronounced and a bit “taller”.. In the end though, we take what we can get...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[GetUrban]

So in the 1/20/2020 rendering it looks like they are NOT going to close-off 18th St., right? I think that would have been a huge mistake to close-off even more of the downtown street grid, even though 18th is already closed-off by the city-county-courthouse complex and old civic site further north. Sometimes it seems like HDR can’t resist closing-off street grids when they have a chance.
I’m glad more of the historic buildings will remain too. Some where slated for demo in earlier versions.

[skinzfan23]

Thanks for the update everyone. I kept seeing the 4 story structure, but I didn't realize that there are actually going to be 2 buildings.

[ita]

So in the 1/20/2020 rendering it looks like they are NOT going to close-off 18th St., right? I think that would have been a huge mistake to close-off even more of the downtown street grid, even though 18th is already closed-off by the city-county-courthouse complex and old civic site further north. Sometimes it seems like HDR can’t resist closing-off street grids when they have a chance.
I’m glad more of the historic buildings will remain too. Some where slated for demo in earlier versions.

Yes, 18th street and the historical buildings on the west side of 18th are not being touched by this project. Bob Perrin, the owner of 420 S 18th st, helped save that block and 18th street in the area and scrapped that original plan you're referring to. I do hope Perrin is able to do something with the building. I know there is a picture earlier in the thread with a few stories built on top of the existing structure. That would be great.

[ita]

KMTV had an update on the project concerning the groundbreaking.

After years of delay, groundbreaking set for Juvenile Justice Center

While there hasn’t been an official groundbreaking, dump trucks and construction workers have blocked off part of the street and are now clearing the site for the new youth detention center, in the area of the old MUD building, around 17th and Harney.

This would replace the current detention center located near 42nd and Woolworth.
...
The non-profit, public-private board called the Justice Center Development Corporation, that is planning the construction of the facility, held a meeting Thursday where they discussed adding on to the project, potentially revamping the air flow system in the old MUD building, which the county bought for the project, and building a larger lobby in the new facility.

“They’re basically telling us, we got this pandemic, we’ve got to look at things differently,” says George Achola, board member, Justice Center Development Corporation.
...
They also announced there will be an official groundbreaking coming on September 10th, where they can essentially formally launch the project.

[Omaha Cowboy]

KMTV had an update on the project concerning the groundbreaking.

After years of delay, groundbreaking set for Juvenile Justice Center

While there hasn’t been an official groundbreaking, dump trucks and construction workers have blocked off part of the street and are now clearing the site for the new youth detention center, in the area of the old MUD building, around 17th and Harney.

This would replace the current detention center located near 42nd and Woolworth.
...
The non-profit, public-private board called the Justice Center Development Corporation, that is planning the construction of the facility, held a meeting Thursday where they discussed adding on to the project, potentially revamping the air flow system in the old MUD building, which the county bought for the project, and building a larger lobby in the new facility.

“They’re basically telling us, we got this pandemic, we’ve got to look at things differently,” says George Achola, board member, Justice Center Development Corporation.
...
They also announced there will be an official groundbreaking coming on September 10th, where they can essentially formally launch the project.

Thanks for posting this..

So the groundbreaking is one week from today.. Good deal.. This will be a significant mid rise structure and long needed development..

It was a convoluted mess for 2+ years since the plan was announced. I’m glad this was sorted out with the preservation of buildings on the west side of 18th street..

Soon, we’ll see tower cranes hanging out in this area of the core...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[SiliconFarmer]

I'd love to see drone footage of 24th and Harney down to 10th and Harney, and then through Conagra redevelopment. Harney street is a mess right now and I mean that in a good way

[Omaha Cowboy]

I'd love to see drone footage of 24th and Harney down to 10th and Harney, and then through Conagra redevelopment. Harney street is a mess right now and I mean that in a good way

I agree. It’s fantastic how much construction activity is taking place in the downtown core..

In a few years, it will be a game changer for downtown. I notice there are several YouTube content creators locally that submit drone videos of downtown Omaha. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a video of this sometime soon...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Omahacritic]

I'd love to see drone footage of 24th and Harney down to 10th and Harney, and then through Conagra redevelopment. Harney street is a mess right now and I mean that in a good way

What the heck you mean “in a good way”? Three blocks is for sewer/water pipe. Two other blocks are for remodel work ... not new construction. Only real new construction is the Juvie Center.

“Game changer” ... a jail?

[Omaha Cowboy]

I'd love to see drone footage of 24th and Harney down to 10th and Harney, and then through Conagra redevelopment. Harney street is a mess right now and I mean that in a good way

I agree. It’s fantastic how much construction activity is taking place in the downtown core..

In a few years, it will be a game changer for downtown. I notice there are several YouTube content creators locally that submit drone videos of downtown Omaha. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a video of this sometime soon...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Bolded to ensure people who are unable to decipher the meaning/intent of my comments, don’t misrepresent them here...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Cermak]

Protesters against this project cancelled the ground breaking ceremony today. Really hope this continues to move along with no drastic reductions in size or scope. Would like to see an updated rendering including information on total square feet.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Protesters against this project cancelled the ground breaking ceremony today. Really hope this continues to move along with no drastic reductions in size or scope. Would like to see an updated rendering including information on total square feet.

The project construction is already underway. I doubt a protest will effect the size and scope of the project. The groundbreaking was just a ceremony.. From the KMTV3 web site-

“The groundbreaking ceremony was canceled after officials heard of the protest, citing fear of safety and COVID exposure. Construction on the $119 million project began in August.”..

The complete story link:

https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-new ... ion-center

In the future, it’s helpful to cite a source when you post something like this.. Especially so we can provide as accurate information as possible. Thanks...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[ita]

The County has a lot of information about this project, from surveys and studies to future programs and plans of implementation. Here is the website:

Proposed Justice Center – Related Items

One of the items is an HDR presentation dated July 23, 2020. I believe this presentation has the most current renderings. There are some changes compared to the renderings in the recent news reports. You can see a different facade on the interior, courtyard face of the tower, the skywalk is a story higher, and the detention center has wider windows on the south side, among other details. The presentation also includes interior renderings, which I haven't seen before, and closer look of the courtyard. I really like the design, though it does seem to be a 7-8 story tower now, rather than 10+. I think the initial 10-12 story building included the juvenile detention center when the building was planned for the lot across the street, though I may be wrong about that. Now the county will have the detention center separately. You can see the the youth's recreation and gym area will be on the roof of the 4-5 story building on the depictions of the floor plan.

7.23.20 JCDC HDR Presentation

[Omaha Cowboy]

That’s a good info link..

There is really no building spec information that I saw there though.. But it still indicates a $119 million project cost..

Once we get cranes in the air, we’ll probably know more about the actual stories...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[ita]

Here are some exterior shots from the presentation. You can click on them for larger format.

[Omahacritic]

Protesters against this project cancelled the ground breaking ceremony today. Really hope this continues to move along with no drastic reductions in size or scope. Would like to see an updated rendering including information on total square feet.

The project construction is already underway. I doubt a protest will effect the size and scope of the project. The groundbreaking was just a ceremony.. From the KMTV3 web site-

“The groundbreaking ceremony was canceled after officials heard of the protest, citing fear of safety and COVID exposure. Construction on the $119 million project began in August.”..

The complete story link:

https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-new ... ion-center

In the future, it’s helpful to cite a source when you post something like this.. Especially so we can provide as accurate information as possible. Thanks...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

All 6 protestors caused a cancelation?

B.S. somebody didn’t want to get their hair wet.

I’ve never seen the positive in these “ceremonies” anyway.

[Cermak]

I think this is the best project right now in the downtown core. Hope it’s on the fast track and goes up quickly. Looks like it should be about the same height more or less as the new Kiewit headquarters. It’s been so hard for Omaha to get new Structures ( not existing building rehabs) in the downtown core, that’s why this is significant.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Protesters against this project cancelled the ground breaking ceremony today. Really hope this continues to move along with no drastic reductions in size or scope. Would like to see an updated rendering including information on total square feet.

The project construction is already underway. I doubt a protest will effect the size and scope of the project. The groundbreaking was just a ceremony.. From the KMTV3 web site-

“The groundbreaking ceremony was canceled after officials heard of the protest, citing fear of safety and COVID exposure. Construction on the $119 million project began in August.”..

The complete story link:

https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-new ... ion-center

In the future, it’s helpful to cite a source when you post something like this.. Especially so we can provide as accurate information as possible. Thanks...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

All 6 protestors caused a cancelation?

B.S. somebody didn’t want to get their hair wet.

I’ve never seen the positive in these “ceremonies” anyway.

Believe it or not, the “Almighty Moderator” agrees with you on this...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[skinzfan23]

Demolition of the existing building began today.

[ita]

Demolition of the existing building began today.

Are you talking about the garage on the southwest corner of that block? My kids want to see some demolition, so might bring them downtown to watch. Haha.

[skinzfan23]

Yes, I noticed on the WOWT webcam. Doesn't appear to be a wrecking ball or anything big though.

[ita]

Yes, I noticed on the WOWT webcam. Doesn't appear to be a wrecking ball or anything big though.

That's OK. My kids love looking at construction sites (which we have several near us in West O), but want to see a building torn down. I already missed the parking garage at Conagra and the Shark Club. Maybe we could catch this one.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Demolition of the existing building began today.

Are you talking about the garage on the southwest corner of that block? My kids want to see some demolition, so might bring them downtown to watch. Haha.

Well, at least we’re continuing to move forward with this..

Incremental progress one small step at a time...

Ciao..LiO...Peace