Oak View Mall (144 & West Center Rd)

[Omaha Cowboy]

Wondering the issue is with the malls, as time moves and the neighborhood average persons age goes up as well..Less need for kids clothes, stereo and computer equipment, sporting goods, etc...I think what saved the Westroads was a combination of the food court (drawing area business people for lunch) and the movie theater...The drawback for Oakview..Not alot of area business buildings (some medical) and a movie theater already in the area..Gonna be a tough sale.. Still love the idea someone brought up awhile back with apartment/suites.Maybe mixed retail/specialty food with a work out center and a indoor walk area area with a terrarium...Defintely an uphill climb for this one in the next 5-10 years

You make a good point..

Despite what you read from the “gloom and doom” crowd-

I still believe there is hope.. But the next 5 years will definitely be telling...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Cermak]

We basically have 4 failed Malls in the metro. OakView, Mall of the Bluffs, Crossroads and the one in Bellevue. Westroads is the only one that has made it. And for its age it still looks fairly decent. I wonder what their secret formula is ?. I’m glad Westroads is still relevant, if I want to go walk around a mall I go there.

[skinzfan23]

Westroads has $$ in the area. There is no doubt the surrounding area has a much higher median income than areas around any of the other malls.

I still think it is a shame that malls aren't used in the US more. I recently visited Southroads (to eat at John's Grecian Delight) and it is still in decent shape. I know that Ameritrade was in there for years, but it would be nice to see more of the space repurposed. In the midwest, the summers are too hot and the winters too cold to support the many open-air outdoor shopping centers. I do however, realize that malls are probably a thing of the past, but this is just more wishful thinking.

[Garrett]

We basically have 4 failed Malls in the metro. OakView, Mall of the Bluffs, Crossroads and the one in Bellevue. Westroads is the only one that has made it. And for its age it still looks fairly decent. I wonder what their secret formula is ?. I’m glad Westroads is still relevant, if I want to go walk around a mall I go there.

Westroads just has the best location. It's in the middle of the metro, near a lot of offices, is surrounded by pretty wealthy neighborhoods, has good destination shopping in Von Maur and dining in PF Changs, the Cheesecake Factory, and the food hall, and most importantly, sits on both Dodge and 680. They've also put in a lot of work in keeping it in good shape.

[Busguy2010]

We basically have 4 failed Malls in the metro. OakView, Mall of the Bluffs, Crossroads and the one in Bellevue. Westroads is the only one that has made it. And for its age it still looks fairly decent. I wonder what their secret formula is ?. I’m glad Westroads is still relevant, if I want to go walk around a mall I go there.

Westroads just has the best location. It's in the middle of the metro, near a lot of offices, is surrounded by pretty wealthy neighborhoods, has good destination shopping in Von Maur and dining in PF Changs, the Cheesecake Factory, and the food hall, and most importantly, sits on both Dodge and 680. They've also put in a lot of work in keeping it in good shape.

Good analysis. I just want to make sure we recognize Westroads' improvements as they are. Westroads made movements that all the others did not. The location of Westroads is definitely favorable, but I doubt had they sat still and not made those moves ~ 8-10 years ago, that they would be in a much better position than Oakview just by default of location. Additionally, the improvements Westroads made may have sucked some life out of Oakview. Better location, better management.

[Omaha Cowboy]

We basically have 4 failed Malls in the metro. OakView, Mall of the Bluffs, Crossroads and the one in Bellevue. Westroads is the only one that has made it. And for its age it still looks fairly decent. I wonder what their secret formula is ?. I’m glad Westroads is still relevant, if I want to go walk around a mall I go there.

Westroads just has the best location. It's in the middle of the metro, near a lot of offices, is surrounded by pretty wealthy neighborhoods, has good destination shopping in Von Maur and dining in PF Changs, the Cheesecake Factory, and the food hall, and most importantly, sits on both Dodge and 680. They've also put in a lot of work in keeping it in good shape.

Good analysis. I just want to make sure we recognize Westroads' improvements as they are. Westroads made movements that all the others did not. The location of Westroads is definitely favorable, but I doubt had they sat still and not made those moves ~ 8-10 years ago, that they would be in a much better position than Oakview just by default of location. Additionally, the improvements Westroads made may have sucked some life out of Oakview. Better location, better management.

I agree with you both..

The location aspect is especially prominent.. The opening of Top Golf is also hugely significant. There is just not enough location space around the Oakview Mousetrap for a development such as that..

But there are some positives happening.. And as I’ve stated, The Oakview area does have a pulse and is not “dead” or “failed” as of yet. It has seen better days obviously.. But I’ll never understand the over the top negativity. It’s like some people are actually rooting for Oakview to fail..especially when they employ past tense rhetoric..

Once we get to the other side of this pandemic (likely 2022), I’d say the next 5-7 years will tell what kind of future the Oakview Mall and surrounding orbit have...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[omaha79]

I'm hearing credible rumors AMC Oakview 24 is now permanently closed. Of course, this has everything to do with the pandemic and not Oak view in and of itself. Still, if true, it certainly doesn't bode well for the mousetrap

[Greg S]

I'm hearing credible rumors AMC Oakview 24 is now permanently closed. Of course, this has everything to do with the pandemic and not Oak view in and of itself. Still, if true, it certainly doesn't bode well for the mousetrap

Yeah the moderator of Forgotten Omaha on Facebook posted it will officially announce a permanent closure tomorrow.

Greg

[Padre]

I'm hearing credible rumors AMC Oakview 24 is now permanently closed. Of course, this has everything to do with the pandemic and not Oak view in and of itself. Still, if true, it certainly doesn't bode well for the mousetrap

When we moved here that was the first theater we went to. At the time it might have been the closest first run theater to us other than the Dundee theater.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I'm hearing credible rumors AMC Oakview 24 is now permanently closed. Of course, this has everything to do with the pandemic and not Oak view in and of itself. Still, if true, it certainly doesn't bode well for the mousetrap

When we moved here that was the first theater we went to. At the time it might have been the closest first run theater to us other than the Dundee theater.

Well, if this news comes to fruition, the Pandemic will claim yet another economic victim..and this is barely one year removed from an AMC renovation of the theater. This is a shame. Of course, there will be some, who’ll blame Oakview for this. Which would be total baloney..

Definitely this would/will not bode well for the mousetrap...

Sad also for AMC and the movie theater industry in general..which has been hit especially hard since mid March...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Csmac]

Look and it’s not looking good for AMC in general wouldn’t surprise me if Westroads location shuts down too. I imagine both will go under new ownership. Does anyone the status of genesis going into the former Dicks?

[omaha79]

Look and it’s not looking good for AMC in general wouldn’t surprise me if Westroads location shuts down too. I imagine both will go under new ownership. Does anyone the status of genesis going into the former Dicks?

I wouldn't be so sure that the Oak View Location would go into new ownership. Honestly, the only thing it has going for it is the recent renovations. I said a couple of years ago that was a hail mary for that theater and probably a poor use of money. Covid accelerated this, but the issue with that theater is that it's a relic. No one builds 24 auditorium theaters anymore. Combine that with the increased competition for the theater dollar in the area with Alamo, Village Point, Majestic, and the new AkSarBen Theater going into Gretna, and you just don't have the base to support a 24 screen multi plex. Notice, I said all of this prior to voicing any of my prior concerns with the Oak View Mousetrap in general, but yes, a thriving mall movie theater does need a thriving mall and you just don't have that overall with Oak View. In a perfect world, you'd want people to combine their shopping, dining, and theater going in one trip and you just don't have the shopping, bars, and restaurants in that area anymore to create that synergy.

Maybe someone will take it over, but I'd put it just as likely as a Mega Church buys the facility for pennies on the dollar in auction.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Does anyone the status of genesis going into the former Dicks?

I have not seen an update on this.. But much like several other projects, it may be in delay mode. Going for a workout in a large gym is not a particularly good idea right now anyway...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Greg S]

Look and it’s not looking good for AMC in general wouldn’t surprise me if Westroads location shuts down too. I imagine both will go under new ownership. Does anyone the status of genesis going into the former Dicks?

I wouldn't be so sure that the Oak View Location would go into new ownership. Honestly, the only thing it has going for it is the recent renovations. I said a couple of years ago that was a hail mary for that theater and probably a poor use of money. Covid accelerated this, but the issue with that theater is that it's a relic. No one builds 24 auditorium theaters anymore. Combine that with the increased competition for the theater dollar in the area with Alamo, Village Point, Majestic, and the new AkSarBen Theater going into Gretna, and you just don't have the base to support a 24 screen multi plex. Notice, I said all of this prior to voicing any of my prior concerns with the Oak View Mousetrap in general, but yes, a thriving mall movie theater does need a thriving mall and you just don't have that overall with Oak View. In a perfect world, you'd want people to combine their shopping, dining, and theater going in one trip and you just don't have the shopping, bars, and restaurants in that area anymore to create that synergy.

Maybe someone will take it over, but I'd put it just as likely as a Mega Church buys the facility for pennies on the dollar in auction.

I think long term my money is on the viability of the theater at Oak View over Westroads. As you said, it's been renovated. I won't go to the one at Westroads as it's fallen behind in amenities. Too many better options in the metro. The Oak View one can still compete.

Greg

[Omaha Cowboy]

I think long term my money is on the viability of the theater at Oak View over Westroads. As you said, it's been renovated. I won't go to the one at Westroads as it's fallen behind in amenities. Too many better options in the metro. The Oak View one can still compete.

Greg

I tend to agree with you on that Greg. I mean barley one year ago, AMC spent significant money renovating the Oak View location.. the theater does have new, updated amenities..

We’ll see what shakes out...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[omaha79]

I think long term my money is on the viability of the theater at Oak View over Westroads. As you said, it's been renovated. I won't go to the one at Westroads as it's fallen behind in amenities. Too many better options in the metro. The Oak View one can still compete.

Greg

I tend to agree with you on that Greg. I mean barley one year ago, AMC spent significant money renovating the Oak View location.. the theater does have new, updated amenities..

We’ll see what shakes out...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I'd like to see it live because I do have memories there, but part of me thinks it will be difficult especially given the new reality theater chains will be facing moving forward. Maybe it will go back to normal relatively quickly, but we just don't know.

I just think of how much that building must cost to operate from a utility perspective. 24 theaters even from a heating/cooling perspective must be astronomical. You're dealing with what's increasingly becoming difficult industry with razor thin margins.

It does have new amenities. So, I won't call it out of the question, but I wondered, even pre covid, if AMC was just throwing good money at bad with that facility. Covid changed all of that, of course. We'll never know the answer to that first question. But, I think we can agree that the game has changed now.

I'm not even sure if good theaters pre covid will survive, let alone ones that had some systemic issues. We will see though.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I think long term my money is on the viability of the theater at Oak View over Westroads. As you said, it's been renovated. I won't go to the one at Westroads as it's fallen behind in amenities. Too many better options in the metro. The Oak View one can still compete.

Greg

I tend to agree with you on that Greg. I mean barley one year ago, AMC spent significant money renovating the Oak View location.. the theater does have new, updated amenities..

We’ll see what shakes out...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I'd like to see it live because I do have memories there, but part of me thinks it will be difficult especially given the new reality theater chains will be facing moving forward. Maybe it will go back to normal relatively quickly, but we just don't know.

I just think of how much that building must cost to operate from a utility perspective. 24 theaters even from a heating/cooling perspective must be astronomical. You're dealing with what's increasingly becoming difficult industry with razor thin margins.

It does have new amenities. So, I won't call it out of the question, but I wondered, even pre covid, if AMC was just throwing good money at bad with that facility. Covid changed all of that, of course. We'll never know the answer to that first question. But, I think we can agree that the game has changed now.

I'm not even sure if good theaters pre covid will survive, let alone ones that had some systemic issues. We will see though.

That’s another very good point to consider.. The cost to operate that 24 screen IMAX theater had to be through the roof (pardon the subtle pun, lol)..

You also made another good point when you mentioned the vibrancy of the area as sort of a “one stop shop” for an evening out. Hit up a thriving mall area before movie time, head over to the theater, then dinner afterwards..all within the Mousetrap area. Sure the Mall still operates 73 stores, but is far from an acceptable occupancy rate..and the surrounding orbit has not added much to what’s currently operating as an evening dinner option.. The reality is, the Oakview Mousetrap has a pulse, but it’s surviving a couple of heartbeats away from life support.. Even me being “Mr. Positive” can’t deny that reality..

Of course, the pandemic has added another layer on top of everything else..

Considering it’s probably, best case, fall of 2021 when we start seeing the other side of the pandemic, it’ll be interesting to see if Oakview can at least tred water.. Losing this movie theater component is a big loss. No doubt. Let’s see if it can continue to operate under new ownership at some point...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Csmac]

I give it 10 years and Oakview will be redeveloped to be a place to be again. I’m curious who has already showed interest in the mall! With AMC bankruptcy I wouldn’t be surprised to see AMC Westroads and then council bluffs close soon if things don’t get better

[Padre]

I give it 10 years and Oakview will be redeveloped to be a place to be again. I’m curious who has already showed interest in the mall! With AMC bankruptcy I wouldn’t be surprised to see AMC Westroads and then council bluffs close soon if things don’t get better

AMC may not be done yet. Their stock soared on the announcement of a possible vaccine. Now we have to wait and see if it actually happens.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/09/media/am ... index.html

[Omaha Cowboy]

I give it 10 years and Oakview will be redeveloped to be a place to be again. I’m curious who has already showed interest in the mall! With AMC bankruptcy I wouldn’t be surprised to see AMC Westroads and then council bluffs close soon if things don’t get better

Maybe not. Their stock soared on the announcement of a possible vaccine. Now we have to wait and see if it actually happens.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/09/media/am ... index.html

Well this is certainly an interesting development...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Csmac]

Oh nice! Do you think if good things continue that they may reconsider closing down AMC 24? That’s so much new renovated space!

[Greg S]

Article on the AMC closure:

https://omaha.com/news/local/omaha-s-am ... xvPDsXjmVM

[GrandpaaSmucker]

Article on the AMC closure:

https://omaha.com/news/local/omaha-s-am ... xvPDsXjmVM

So its a done deal for sure according to that article in the paper. AMC is renting that building and they are getting off the lease in a package deal along with getting off the lease in 6 or 7 other locations. The picture in the paper is dated at least 10 or 15 years HyVee and Best Buy are still open!

[Omaha Cowboy]

Well, as we’ve discussed in previous posts, barely 1 year ago AMC invested major money into renovation of this movie theater complex..

It has new, updated amenities. Perhaps another movie theater brand can move into the property.. We’ll see.. But given our current pandemic situation, it may take awhile...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[S.O.Boy]

That doesn't help the area.

[riceweb]

That doesn't help the area.

On the contrary, I think it makes it easier to redevelop the entire site

[Omaha Cowboy]

That doesn't help the area.

On the contrary, I think it makes it easier to redevelop the entire site

Looking at this closure cup half full, I agree with the sentiment.. That said, the “permanent closure” of the recently renovated IMAX AMC 24 is not a positive either..

I do hold out hope that either another movie company (Local or National) can hang a hat there.. Or possibly the owners look for another direction to go with developing their property...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[riceweb]

Looking at this closure cup half full, I agree with the sentiment.. That said, the “permanent closure” of the recently renovated IMAX AMC 24 is not a positive either..

I do hold out hope that either another movie company (Local or National) can hang a hat there.. Or possibly the owners look for another direction to go with developing their property...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I'm not optimistic about long-term movie-going trends (in fairness, I never have been, I've long been surprised by their ability to survive and reinvent themselves), and I think there's going to be apartment demand in this area after West Farm goes up. Our focus should be upzoning the area rather than aiming to retain a theater tenant.

[Taco]

Looking at this closure cup half full, I agree with the sentiment.. That said, the “permanent closure” of the recently renovated IMAX AMC 24 is not a positive either..

I do hold out hope that either another movie company (Local or National) can hang a hat there.. Or possibly the owners look for another direction to go with developing their property...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I'm not optimistic about long-term movie-going trends (in fairness, I never have been, I've long been surprised by their ability to survive and reinvent themselves), and I think there's going to be apartment demand in this area after West Farm goes up. Our focus should be upzoning the area rather than aiming to retain a theater tenant.

Agreed, yet nobody at city hall seems to have the insight or interest in being proactive. There's a lot of land and parking lots that can be developed into something with good tax earning potential, but I fear if they continue not doing anything Oakview will be a Crossroads redux.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Looking at this closure cup half full, I agree with the sentiment.. That said, the “permanent closure” of the recently renovated IMAX AMC 24 is not a positive either..

I do hold out hope that either another movie company (Local or National) can hang a hat there.. Or possibly the owners look for another direction to go with developing their property...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I'm not optimistic about long-term movie-going trends (in fairness, I never have been, I've long been surprised by their ability to survive and reinvent themselves), and I think there's going to be apartment demand in this area after West Farm goes up. Our focus should be upzoning the area rather than aiming to retain a theater tenant.

Agreed, yet nobody at city hall seems to have the insight or interest in being proactive. There's a lot of land and parking lots that can be developed into something with good tax earning potential, but I fear if they continue not doing anything Oakview will be a Crossroads redux.

That’s a good consideration regarding a potential residential element need once West Farm is up..

That said, we really don’t know what direction this property will go..and making that speculation even more difficult, is the current pandemic situation..

Time will tell, but it is fun to speculate...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[NEDodger]

Agreed, yet nobody at city hall seems to have the insight or interest in being proactive. There's a lot of land and parking lots that can be developed into something with good tax earning potential, but I fear if they continue not doing anything Oakview will be a Crossroads redux.

......? So the city should tell the owners of the movie theater building that they should demolish it and redevelop it?

[Csmac]

Honestly If I had my way Heartwood wouldn’t be a priority and the Oakview area would. I fear Heartwood won’t be much more than Sterling ridge at this point honestly. I find it hard to believe that Heartwood will much retail that they imagined Pre-covid and even restaurants(which are struggling). My hope for Oakview is that they have a redeveloper that purchases the mall here soon (which I w sounds like there is already interest) and they turn it into something with a smaller amount of retail, an entertainment wing, UNMC expanding a bit and put the rest of it as an IKEA with the food court in the same spot as it is know if an IKEA took over. I do wonder if Marcus theatres might be interested in Oakview? Even with a lot of locations turning a screen theatre into 16-18 would provide some of the biggest screens in Omaha.

[omaha79]

Honestly If I had my way Heartwood wouldn’t be a priority and the Oakview area would. I fear Heartwood won’t be much more than Sterling ridge at this point honestly. I find it hard to believe that Heartwood will much retail that they imagined Pre-covid and even restaurants(which are struggling). My hope for Oakview is that they have a redeveloper that purchases the mall here soon (which I w sounds like there is already interest) and they turn it into something with a smaller amount of retail, an entertainment wing, UNMC expanding a bit and put the rest of it as an IKEA with the food court in the same spot as it is know if an IKEA took over. I do wonder if Marcus theatres might be interested in Oakview? Even with a lot of locations turning a screen theatre into 16-18 would provide some of the biggest screens in Omaha.

As much as I've dogged on Oak View in the past, I'm in the same boat. I've always hated how these major retail projects try to one up each other leaving last years model to wither and die becoming a blight on the city. We've seen it with The Center, Crossroads, and Southroads. Even Shadow Lake to an extent. In nearly all of these developments, you can point to the newer development that drove the dagger into the older one. I'd prefer to see us utilize what exists and only build new when it's truly needed vs. the parasitic model we have now where money is sucked out of a development for as long as possible then left to die.

[Greg S]

Honestly If I had my way Heartwood wouldn’t be a priority and the Oakview area would. I fear Heartwood won’t be much more than Sterling ridge at this point honestly. I find it hard to believe that Heartwood will much retail that they imagined Pre-covid and even restaurants(which are struggling). My hope for Oakview is that they have a redeveloper that purchases the mall here soon (which I w sounds like there is already interest) and they turn it into something with a smaller amount of retail, an entertainment wing, UNMC expanding a bit and put the rest of it as an IKEA with the food court in the same spot as it is know if an IKEA took over. I do wonder if Marcus theatres might be interested in Oakview? Even with a lot of locations turning a screen theatre into 16-18 would provide some of the biggest screens in Omaha.

As much as I've dogged on Oak View in the past, I'm in the same boat. I've always hated how these major retail projects try to one up each other leaving last years model to wither and die becoming a blight on the city. We've seen it with The Center, Crossroads, and Southroads. Even Shadow Lake to an extent. In nearly all of these developments, you can point to the newer development that drove the dagger into the older one. I'd prefer to see us utilize what exists and only build new when it's truly needed vs. the parasitic model we have now where money is sucked out of a development for as long as possible then left to die.

I don't think Heartwood really had an impact. I think the one retail that really did was Village Point, and probably to a lesser extent Nebraska Crossing. For competitions life style out door centers and these outdoor outlet malls really became popular (much like malls did in the 70's and big time in the 80's). I have said this before, I think long term in the current climate (not Covid, more like 2019) Omaha really only will support one true mall. We are seeing this everyhwere.

Part of the issues at Oak View, as Cowboy is quick to point out, weren't of their doing, like Younkers and Sears closing. The issue they face is that are not current stores to replace them. 20 years ago you had options like Macy's and such. Now those stores are downsizing too. Look at Sioux Falls, Dillards was going to replace one of their anchors but has stalled. I think even as stable as Dillards has been, they are now rethinking growth. Right now with both Oak View and Westroads having an open anchor spot, don't you think if a retailer eyes an Omaha location, Westroads would be the more attractive option?

Today's generation just doesn't flock to the malls like I did growing up. They go some but not like we did.

Oakview was such a big deal when it opened. I do remember at the time thinking they could have made the mall actually bigger to compete with Westroads. When they added Sears and JCPenny's they did not add wings. Always thought that helped Westroads stay as the top regional mall (they also had a little better location right off interstate). The other issue that they had when they opened was how poorly designed the traffic flow was around the mall with the outer rim. I always thought that played a part in Hy Vee's somewhat quick exit.


Greg

[omaha79]

Honestly If I had my way Heartwood wouldn’t be a priority and the Oakview area would. I fear Heartwood won’t be much more than Sterling ridge at this point honestly. I find it hard to believe that Heartwood will much retail that they imagined Pre-covid and even restaurants(which are struggling). My hope for Oakview is that they have a redeveloper that purchases the mall here soon (which I w sounds like there is already interest) and they turn it into something with a smaller amount of retail, an entertainment wing, UNMC expanding a bit and put the rest of it as an IKEA with the food court in the same spot as it is know if an IKEA took over. I do wonder if Marcus theatres might be interested in Oakview? Even with a lot of locations turning a screen theatre into 16-18 would provide some of the biggest screens in Omaha.

As much as I've dogged on Oak View in the past, I'm in the same boat. I've always hated how these major retail projects try to one up each other leaving last years model to wither and die becoming a blight on the city. We've seen it with The Center, Crossroads, and Southroads. Even Shadow Lake to an extent. In nearly all of these developments, you can point to the newer development that drove the dagger into the older one. I'd prefer to see us utilize what exists and only build new when it's truly needed vs. the parasitic model we have now where money is sucked out of a development for as long as possible then left to die.

I don't think Heartwood really had an impact. I think the one retail that really did was Village Point, and probably to a lesser extent Nebraska Crossing. For competitions life style out door centers and these outdoor outlet malls really became popular (much like malls did in the 70's and big time in the 80's). I have said this before, I think long term in the current climate (not Covid, more like 2019) Omaha really only will support one true mall. We are seeing this everyhwere.

Part of the issues at Oak View, as Cowboy is quick to point out, weren't of their doing, like Younkers and Sears closing. The issue they face is that are not current stores to replace them. 20 years ago you had options like Macy's and such. Now those stores are downsizing too. Look at Sioux Falls, Dillards was going to replace one of their anchors but has stalled. I think even as stable as Dillards has been, they are now rethinking growth. Right now with both Oak View and Westroads having an open anchor spot, don't you think if a retailer eyes an Omaha location, Westroads would be the more attractive option?

Today's generation just doesn't flock to the malls like I did growing up. They go some but not like we did.

Oakview was such a big deal when it opened. I do remember at the time thinking they could have made the mall actually bigger to compete with Westroads. When they added Sears and JCPenny's they did not add wings. Always thought that helped Westroads stay as the top regional mall (they also had a little better location right off interstate). The other issue that they had when they opened was how poorly designed the traffic flow was around the mall with the outer rim. I always thought that played a part in Hy Vee's somewhat quick exit.


Greg

It was probably a combo of Village Point, Nebraska Crossing, and even Shadow Lake to an extent. Village Point immediately stole Best Buy at a time when having a Best Buy was still a really big deal and they got new options like Scheels and a newer movie theater. Oak View just couldn't compete. Combine that with the late 2000's economic crisis which really seemed to hurt Oak View deeply. The internet also pushed the lifestyle outdoor centers over enclosed malls as people didn't need to have a mall as their "window on the world" where they'd shop the new styles and fashions. Shopping became way more selective as the internet shopping experience became refined. It fundamentally changed the shopping experience as you no longer had that desire to spend an entire day going store to store. It became targeted where you'd already done your shopping online and would then just go look at the things you already found. You might hit another store or two, but the days of hitting every store in a mall are long gone. I remember my parents and grandparents generation and even mine as a teenager would go to malls just to feel relevant. There was a buzz to the experience, especially around the holidays. That rush of finding something new and exciting. With the internet, that just doesn't exist anymore.

I agree that we will likely only support one enclosed mall going forward and, unless something changes, that will be Westroads due to location, history, and owner buy in. But, even Westroads has had more vacancies than they used to and this was pre-covid. Even with all their commitment to new stores and dining, even they have struggled to remain relevant.

[Cermak]

I have not been inside Westroads in a while, maybe since before the pandemic. I need to go check it out soon. I was in Jordan Creek mall in West Des Moines this summer and was surprised at the amount of vacant stores they had at the old Younkers wing. Need to see how Westroads is doing, it’s been a very tough year for brick and mortar retail. Hopefully they can find a way to survive as I feel it’s important for Omaha to have at least one respectable looking mall.

[Csmac]

I know it’s been discussed. However, who thinks it would be best to have an IKEA take over Oakview? I think it’s a great option given it has a food court and what not. I know NFM would throw a fit, but I went to the one in Denver recently and I can see one at Oakview being a very good thing! I saw a petition that was going on two years ago! Maybe we should start another one what does everyone think?

[nebugeater]

I know it’s been discussed. However, who thinks it would be best to have an IKEA take over Oakview? I think it’s a great option given it has a food court and what not. I know NFM would throw a fit, but I went to the one in Denver recently and I can see one at Oakview being a very good thing! I saw a petition that was going on two years ago! Maybe we should start another one what does everyone think?

The chances of Ikea landing in Omaha are near 0%

They also would not take over unless you mean to tear down and start over.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I know it’s been discussed. However, who thinks it would be best to have an IKEA take over Oakview? I think it’s a great option given it has a food court and what not. I know NFM would throw a fit, but I went to the one in Denver recently and I can see one at Oakview being a very good thing! I saw a petition that was going on two years ago! Maybe we should start another one what does everyone think?

The chances of Ikea landing in Omaha are near 0%

They also would not take over unless you mean to tear down and start over.

Yeah..

The thing is, with IKEA, they basically cut off considering any metro to be “worthy” of one of their locations if it’s not close to 2 million in population. The Omaha MSA is 1 million..even throwing Lincoln in would still have Omaha falling short at 1.4 million.. So like nebugeater said, the chances of IKEA landing in Omaha are 0%. Unless at some point in the future, they decide to expand their national footprint into the next tier of markets.. Plus, I’ve heard from friends who’ve purchased products from IKEA and were not impressed with the quality..Hype is the word I’ve heard..

I don’t think Omaha is missing out much by not being “worthy enough” today for an IKEA location...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Louie]

I know it’s been discussed. However, who thinks it would be best to have an IKEA take over Oakview? I think it’s a great option given it has a food court and what not. I know NFM would throw a fit, but I went to the one in Denver recently and I can see one at Oakview being a very good thing! I saw a petition that was going on two years ago! Maybe we should start another one what does everyone think?

The chances of Ikea landing in Omaha are near 0%

They also would not take over unless you mean to tear down and start over.

Yeah..

The thing is, with IKEA, they basically cut off considering any metro to be “worthy” of one of their locations if it’s not close to 2 million in population. The Omaha MSA is 1 million..even throwing Lincoln in would still have Omaha falling short at 1.4 million.. So like nebugeater said, the chances of IKEA landing in Omaha are 0%. Unless at some point in the future, they decide to expand their national footprint into the next tier of markets.. Plus, I’ve heard from friends who’ve purchased products from IKEA and were not impressed with the quality..Hype is the word I’ve heard..

I don’t think Omaha is missing out much by not being “worthy enough” today for an IKEA location...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Quality isn't really their bag. They are fairly inexpensive and have really modern options. That's their niche.