The Crossroads (72 & Dodge)

ProgKingHughesker · Post by **ProgKingHughesker** » Mon Sep 14, 2020 6:09 pm

Is the interior closed now?

I'd been meaning to go get some pictures before they shut it down for good, oh well.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Tue Sep 15, 2020 9:57 am

I am sure we won't be able to get close enough to see, but I'd love to see during the demo if they uncover the old theater/arcade from the basement.

Greg

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:14 am

I say turn it into a park, with sand volleyball courts, fire pits, a boardwalk and a lovely view of the flowing waters of the river. Oh wait. That's taken.

Never mind.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Tue Sep 15, 2020 4:27 pm

Nice to see that I take a few months off from the forum and some things never change.

S.O.Boy · Post by **S.O.Boy** » Sat Oct 17, 2020 10:24 pm

They have moved the Western fence, some. Before it was East of the apartment building, I saw today, it is West of the Psychic's old house. Maybe she it happening, this time.

And they have torn up concrete on Best Buy old location North entrance. I think shutting off utilities, the street has a hole in the middle there too.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Wed Oct 21, 2020 4:25 pm

Generalissimo Franco is still dead.

(With apologies to anyone under age 40)

bldgengineer2015 · Post by **bldgengineer2015** » Tue Oct 27, 2020 8:45 am

There are job site trailers set up in the parking lot near the old Dillards.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Oct 27, 2020 10:54 am

bldgengineer2015 wrote: Tue Oct 27, 2020 8:45 am There are job site trailers set up in the parking lot near the old Dillards.

Sounds like things are getting set up for the beginning phases of this plan.. Which, if I remember correctly, is supposed to start at some point this month...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Post by **nebugeater** » Tue Oct 27, 2020 11:36 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Oct 27, 2020 10:54 am
bldgengineer2015 wrote: Tue Oct 27, 2020 8:45 am There are job site trailers set up in the parking lot near the old Dillards.
Sounds like things are getting set up for the beginning phases of this plan.. Which, if I remember correctly, is supposed to start at some point this month...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

If it some point this month then you have three standard workdays to get started.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Oct 27, 2020 1:14 pm

nebugeater wrote: Tue Oct 27, 2020 11:36 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Oct 27, 2020 10:54 am
bldgengineer2015 wrote: Tue Oct 27, 2020 8:45 am There are job site trailers set up in the parking lot near the old Dillards.
Sounds like things are getting set up for the beginning phases of this plan.. Which, if I remember correctly, is supposed to start at some point this month...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
If it some point this month then you have three standard workdays to get started.

I looked back- this is from the August 6th W-H piece-

“The Lockwood-Century group will seek city approval of tax-increment financing and an occupation tax. The city also is considering an option to buy an existing 2,200-stall garage that will remain at the site.

Lockwood President Chip James expects demolition work to begin in October.”..

Sounds like this is what they’re setting up for..

The link to the 8/6/20 W-H piece:

https://omaha.com/business/local/500-mi ... e-breaking

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Oct 27, 2020 2:24 pm

Man, after all the delay on this project, its kinda surreal to see something actually happening now.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Oct 28, 2020 10:33 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Tue Oct 27, 2020 2:24 pm Man, after all the delay on this project, its kinda surreal to see something actually happening now.

Nearly 15 years in the making...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

bldgengineer2015 · Post by **bldgengineer2015** » Tue Nov 03, 2020 2:05 pm

The old Applebee's is close to being completely demolished. It looks like they have started demo on the old BestBuy today. There were also a couple workers taking down the Crossroads sign at the 72nd and Dodge corner.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Nov 05, 2020 9:45 pm

bldgengineer2015 wrote: Tue Nov 03, 2020 2:05 pm The old Applebee's is close to being completely demolished. It looks like they have started demo on the old BestBuy today. There were also a couple workers taking down the Crossroads sign at the 72nd and Dodge corner.

This looks to be finally happening..

A LONG time coming...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Nov 06, 2020 3:47 pm

Wow, they are well under way tearing down the old BestBuy and Bag N Save.

S.O.Boy · Post by **S.O.Boy** » Sun Nov 08, 2020 2:47 pm

Busguy2010 wrote: Fri Nov 06, 2020 3:47 pm Wow, they are well under way tearing down the old BestBuy and Bag N Save.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 3:51 pm

Chip James from Lockwood was on Grow Omaha this past weekend:

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 4:19 pm

Was gonna say something around Friday that the old Bestbuy and Bag N Save were practically gone.

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 4:53 pm

Brad wrote: Tue Nov 24, 2020 3:51 pm Chip James from Lockwood was on Grow Omaha this past weekend:

I thought it was interesting that Chip says that one of the most complicated aspects of the development is the parking. It's kind of sad how much parking will be located here. Still happy something is happening here, but the most dominant use in this multi-use project is parking (I don't actually know, it just seems that way).

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 10:23 pm

ita wrote: Tue Nov 24, 2020 4:53 pm
Brad wrote: Tue Nov 24, 2020 3:51 pm Chip James from Lockwood was on Grow Omaha this past weekend:

I thought it was interesting that Chip says that one of the most complicated aspects of the development is the parking. It's kind of sad how much parking will be located here. Still happy something is happening here, but the most dominant use in this multi-use project is parking (I don't actually know, it just seems that way).

It’s tough to decide if you want 90-degree parking stalls or slanted, and how many.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 11:57 pm

ita:

I guess I never really understood what this current project was supposed to look like. Musta slipped through the cracks for me. I went back to fill myself in.

My initial thoughts are it looks attainable, like a plan we'll see to fruition. So might even call it "lame". And it's good that demolition has begun. I still wonder how I am so out of the loop on this one.

Also, why keep the humongous parking garage if they're not going to have a 15-20 story office building attached to it? UNO I guess.

Ultimately it looks like something that might actually be finished, and that is good. Good enough, but not too much.

ita · Post by **ita** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 9:46 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Fri Nov 27, 2020 11:57 pm ita:

I guess I never really understood what this current project was supposed to look like. Musta slipped through the cracks for me. I went back to fill myself in.

My initial thoughts are it looks attainable, like a plan we'll see to fruition. So might even call it "lame". And it's good that demolition has begun. I still wonder how I am so out of the loop on this one.

Also, why keep the humongous parking garage if they're not going to have a 15-20 story office building attached to it? UNO I guess.

Ultimately it looks like something that might actually be finished, and that is good. Good enough, but not too much.

I agree, I am more glad that they are doing something there than I am disappointed in what has been shown so far. I think we've discussed this previously, but based on the sea of parking off of 72nd, they might be keeping that open and flexible for future use by someone like UNO. Time will tell, and in four years or so when the current rendering is built out, I will one of the first to celebrate its completion.

Dundeemaha · Post by **Dundeemaha** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 7:44 pm

Not to beat a dead horse but I agree completely.

Very glad to have something actually happening, even if it's the least impressive of all the proposals over the years, it's the only one that's managed to get this far, in a pandemic no less.

The great thing about surface lots is they can be built on of the initial version is a success.

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 9:47 pm

I tend to agree. My initial reaction after seeing all the parking lots was "Meh, half a loaf".
On the other hand, after half a generation of nothing, ok, bring it on.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Nov 30, 2020 9:02 am

The height will be a welcome addition to the area as well the injection of new life, should be a net positive and certainly better looking.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Mon Nov 30, 2020 9:14 am

Yeah I think keeping that big parking garage gives them flexibility with the parking lots for future development.

Greg

Taco · Post by **Taco** » Mon Nov 30, 2020 9:46 am

If the proposed rendering comes to fruition I think like others have suggested we will all be mildly happy at the outcome. However, I've been around long enough to know that initial renderings of these mega projects typically overpromise. If the final product takes longer, comes in a piecemeal fashion, and loses 2-3 stories of height on the taller buildings I think we will be having a different discussion. These are all what ifs, but given how similar projects have fared, the scenario is plausible.

I would love to see how this development interacts with the neighborhood to the north, but there is nothing on there website.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Nov 30, 2020 8:53 pm

I don’t think I’ve read so many “I’m glad this plan is moving forward, but..” responses on a development thread in quite a long while, lol..

Compared to the past 15 years of plan futility and further decay of a once proud Omaha retail point of destination.. I see it as a blessing we finally have a plan which is off the ground, running, with a steady pulse...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Tue Dec 01, 2020 9:00 am

Yeah I am good with this design and the possibilities for growth. I also think this will spur additional development in the area.

Greg

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Dec 01, 2020 9:15 am

Greg S wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 9:00 am Yeah I am good with this design and the possibilities for growth. I also think this will spur additional development in the area.

Greg

Agreed Greg...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

riceweb · Post by **riceweb** » Tue Dec 01, 2020 10:12 am

The project adds density while removing an eyesore, and it has room to grow in the future. All-in-all this is a positive development.

I hope the de-suburbanization of the area--which includes street changes to be more grid-like--are extended to other blocks in the area so that we can begin to establish a contiguous urban district.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Tue Dec 01, 2020 12:54 pm

Multiple things can be true at the same time. You can be happy that this eyesore is finally being developed, but also disappointed in this proposal and how it looks.

Post by **nebugeater** » Tue Dec 01, 2020 5:52 pm

Linkin5 wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 12:54 pm Multiple things can be true at the same time. You can be happy that this eyesore is finally being developed, but also disappointed in this proposal and how it looks.

Come on.... You know logic is not allowed here! ;)

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Dec 01, 2020 6:19 pm

riceweb wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 10:12 am The project adds density while removing an eyesore, and it has room to grow in the future. All-in-all this is a positive development.

I hope the de-suburbanization of the area--which includes street changes to be more grid-like--are extended to other blocks in the area so that we can begin to establish a contiguous urban district.

I think the point you make in your last paragraph is a very good one..

There is separation now, but I always believed this area could be stitched together to make an impressive, contiguous urban district which one part’s success.. can feed into another.. That’s what I hope most for this new plan..

Can’t wait to see where it takes us in the next few years...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Dec 01, 2020 7:10 pm

The neighborhoods to the north and southeast are already griddy. And the Fairacres and Westside neighborhoods aren't going anywhere. So I hope that was a reference just to the currently commercial use lots in this area. And actually there's not a whole lot of potential redevelopment to be had outside of the Crossroads itself... Most of the buildings in that area are pretty well used.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Dec 01, 2020 7:15 pm

I.e. I wouldn't expect a whole lot to change any time soon outside of a few other lots in the area... We can maybe go through and identify any potential redevelopment, but like I said, the area actually shows pretty good vitality outside the Crossroads redevelopment itself.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Tue Dec 01, 2020 8:03 pm

We can play around with the idea if anybody wants to with this map.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid= ... sp=sharing

I've highlighted what I think are actual potential buildings or lots or areas that are currently available for redevelopment, or look to be ready for redevelopment soon. Feel free to add a polygon of your own for a building, lot, or area that you think is ready to be redeveloped during construction or shortly after completion of "The Crossroads" redevelopment, due to influence, or not, to the crossroads redevelopment project.

I would like this discussion. I believe there are currently not a whole lot of those cases in the area I identified, but maybe I'm just not aware of all of them, and I'd like to know what you all think is good to go within a 5-10 year period.

riceweb · Post by **riceweb** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 2:35 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 7:15 pm I.e. I wouldn't expect a whole lot to change any time soon outside of a few other lots in the area... We can maybe go through and identify any potential redevelopment, but like I said, the area actually shows pretty good vitality outside the Crossroads redevelopment itself.

Just for clarity, the aim of upzoning wouldn't be to revitalize the area, it would be to create more walkable, more transit-friendly neighborhoods, especially in the core of our city. As a matter of policy, I would immediately upzone all neighborhoods within 1 mile of Dodge St, and I would further reduce setback requirements for all zoning types across the entire city. It takes time for changes in zoning to result in development changes, but I suspect than an upzoning of the neighborhood north of Crossroads would likely mean "pocket neighborhoods" of new townhomes or maybe a larger apartment project or two. These would further add to the urban fabric of the area.

riceweb · Post by **riceweb** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 2:39 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Tue Dec 01, 2020 8:03 pm We can play around with the idea if anybody wants to with this map.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid= ... sp=sharing

I've highlighted what I think are actual potential buildings or lots or areas that are currently available for redevelopment, or look to be ready for redevelopment soon. Feel free to add a polygon of your own for a building, lot, or area that you think is ready to be redeveloped during construction or shortly after completion of "The Crossroads" redevelopment, due to influence, or not, to the crossroads redevelopment project.

I would like this discussion. I believe there are currently not a whole lot of those cases in the area I identified, but maybe I'm just not aware of all of them, and I'd like to know what you all think is good to go within a 5-10 year period.

Great map. I do think the "not going anywhere soon" is a bit pessimistic, though. What if we end up with an Austin-level explosion of population growth and urbanization? In that case, I would suspect there'd be less friction to redevelopment of some of these lots you've outlined. And in any event, we should have a comprehensive vision for the corridor that is far more ambitious than the current land use.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:28 am

I just wanted to consider what is there, how new or recently renovated, and how well most of these commercial areas are doing right now. I don't see why much of those "going nowhere soon" areas would go through urbanization without it being a forced movement. You don't go through and do that to a whole area that is actually doing very well. Individual lots like there are some of that are not in great use, I'm all for. Maybe I could see some of the small houses that front Cass between 74th and the creek get swiped for some denser development. But most of the surrounding neighborhoods are also doing very well.