Gene Leahy Mall Remodel

[Brad]

Great Pics! It was certainly a nice day to be outside. Does anyone know what that statue is? Was it relocated from somewhere?

Thanks! The statue been in the same spot forever. They haven't moved it an inch.

[GetUrban]

Great Pics! It was certainly a nice day to be outside. Does anyone know what that statue is? Was it relocated from somewhere?

Thanks! The statue been in the same spot forever. They haven't moved it an inch.

That’s strange. I’ve never noticed it before, but I haven’t really walked around much in GLM since before 2008.

[stadsborgare]

Could these be the beginnings of foundational work for the bandshell?

[Brad]

Here's an answer to a question posed earlier in this thread.

[nebraska]

From the library's fourth floor:

[stadsborgare]

They've been filling in dirt against one side of this wall.

[stadsborgare]

One thing I really like about the new park is that it will have a "great lawn", so-to-speak, in front of the bandshell. Just a plain old level grassy area to perhaps toss a football around on a quiet day is something the old park didn't have. And I like that.

Last week I saw trucks delivering a bunch of dark brown dirt (topsoil?) that soon looks to be spread across the park before it is seeded with the green stuff, hmmm?

[Omaha Cowboy]

I agree with your “great lawn” comment..as there was not that component within the structure of the previous design of the GLM area..and your pics are showing excellent progress. Thanks for sharing them ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Louie]

Can't wait for the green to replace the brown. It will look so fresh.

[Omaha Cowboy]

New update photo from Omaha Riverfront Twitter page

They have a great Twitter page and update it often..

It’s a great page to follow to see progress updates of the Riverfront Development Plan when you can’t get downtown as often as you’d like...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Omaha Cowboy]

I was downtown earlier today..

There is so much happening in downtown Omaha right now with multiple tower cranes in the sky..

From the Riverfront Development Plan, to the Justice Center, to the new Chamber headquarters, to multiple mixed used renovations into apartment dwellings etc etc.. you get a real, vibrant sense that Omaha is a city on the move..and I haven’t even mentioned the activity in north downtown..

By 2024, the landscape and future of our downtown core will change..and it’s all for the better- the arrows are pointing UP.. It’s one thing to discuss the goings on here on the forum..but actually spending time driving and walking through all the activity going on in our downtown core, really gives you an enhanced feeling of just how significant all these developments will be for the future of downtown..and what additional developments can spring up because of them...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Omaha Cowboy]

I was downtown earlier today..

There is so much happening in downtown Omaha right now with multiple tower cranes in the sky..

From the Riverfront Development Plan, to the Justice Center, to the new Chamber headquarters, to multiple mixed used renovations into apartment dwellings etc etc.. you get a real, vibrant sense that Omaha is a city on the move..and I haven’t even mentioned the activity in north downtown..

By 2024, the landscape and future of our downtown core will change..and it’s all for the better- the arrows are pointing UP.. It’s one thing to discuss the goings on here on the forum..but actually spending time driving and walking through all the activity going on in our downtown core, really gives you an enhanced feeling of just how significant all these developments will be for the future of downtown..and what additional developments can spring up because of them...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Yes, the UP site needs to have pressure on lanoha or any other developer to do something big and soon.

Yes, Lanoha getting on the stick and developing the old Union Pacific site would also be a big plus.. Let’s hope Lanoha doesn’t continue to sit on that property and let it rot..I’d still like to hear the mayor’s office get public about questioning where Lanoha is with their last announced development plan which is now 26 months old and no update has been publicly provided..

We also have the Civic site, which the mayor has been teasing with “coming soon” plans for over 2 years now..

In any case, the main point of the post I submitted last night was to say once you get downtown..and take a drive/walk thru of all the developments going on right now, you get a real sense that Omaha is a city on the move..and in the right direction...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[stadsborgare]

It looks like steps being laid there, so in future, soon as you get off ORBT bus, you can trot down the steps as one of your options.

[stadsborgare]

You can see beyond the trees they have laid the foundation for the stage and bandshell.

[stadsborgare]

The public restroom facility at 11th & Farnam seems to be going up...

[Athomsfere]

I was downtown earlier today..

There is so much happening in downtown Omaha right now with multiple tower cranes in the sky..

From the Riverfront Development Plan, to the Justice Center, to the new Chamber headquarters, to multiple mixed used renovations into apartment dwellings etc etc.. you get a real, vibrant sense that Omaha is a city on the move..and I haven’t even mentioned the activity in north downtown..

By 2024, the landscape and future of our downtown core will change..and it’s all for the better- the arrows are pointing UP.. It’s one thing to discuss the goings on here on the forum..but actually spending time driving and walking through all the activity going on in our downtown core, really gives you an enhanced feeling of just how significant all these developments will be for the future of downtown..and what additional developments can spring up because of them...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Yes, the UP site needs to have pressure on lanoha or any other developer to do something big and soon.

Yes, Lanoha getting on the stick and developing the old Union Pacific site would also be a big plus.. Let’s hope Lanoha doesn’t continue to sit on that property and let it rot..I’d still like to hear the mayor’s office get public about questioning where Lanoha is with their last announced development plan which is now 26 months old and no update has been publicly provided..

We also have the Civic site, which the mayor has been teasing with “coming soon” plans for over 2 years now..

In any case, the main point of the post I submitted last night was to say once you get downtown..and take a drive/walk thru of all the developments going on right now, you get a real sense that Omaha is a city on the move..and in the right direction...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Unfortunately we all know the most likely answer: The world's current easiest out:

"We are very much committed to this project. We were looking for staple tenant for class A before COVID 19 hit. The pandemic has made everything more difficult, brought costs up, and made businesses for Class A less certain of their office needs"

[Omaha Cowboy]

I was downtown earlier today..

There is so much happening in downtown Omaha right now with multiple tower cranes in the sky..

From the Riverfront Development Plan, to the Justice Center, to the new Chamber headquarters, to multiple mixed used renovations into apartment dwellings etc etc.. you get a real, vibrant sense that Omaha is a city on the move..and I haven’t even mentioned the activity in north downtown..

By 2024, the landscape and future of our downtown core will change..and it’s all for the better- the arrows are pointing UP.. It’s one thing to discuss the goings on here on the forum..but actually spending time driving and walking through all the activity going on in our downtown core, really gives you an enhanced feeling of just how significant all these developments will be for the future of downtown..and what additional developments can spring up because of them...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Yes, the UP site needs to have pressure on lanoha or any other developer to do something big and soon.

Yes, Lanoha getting on the stick and developing the old Union Pacific site would also be a big plus.. Let’s hope Lanoha doesn’t continue to sit on that property and let it rot..I’d still like to hear the mayor’s office get public about questioning where Lanoha is with their last announced development plan which is now 26 months old and no update has been publicly provided..

We also have the Civic site, which the mayor has been teasing with “coming soon” plans for over 2 years now..

In any case, the main point of the post I submitted last night was to say once you get downtown..and take a drive/walk thru of all the developments going on right now, you get a real sense that Omaha is a city on the move..and in the right direction...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Unfortunately we all know the most likely answer: The world's current easiest out:

"We are very much committed to this project. We were looking for staple tenant for class A before COVID 19 hit. The pandemic has made everything more difficult, brought costs up, and made businesses for Class A less certain of their office needs"

Yes. And unfortunately I believe it’s a true statement. The Pandemic was likely the final nail in the coffin of the proposed Lanoha highrise..

My guess is we’ll “enjoy” our “empty space” the old UP building demolition caused at this parcel for many more years to come..and don’t get me started about the rhetoric we heard a month ago regarding announced plans at the Civic site, lol...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Cermak]

Another project bites the dust. This one is not as disappointing as HDR or Wallstreet. Those were of epic shock and awe proportions. I would rank this somewhere near the 28 story downtown Marriott. I think everyone knew this was at best only a long shot and never seemed to move much past the talking and rendering stages.

And the green grass lot in downtown Omaha will live to see another year, it’s been there a long time.

[stadsborgare]

A crane is carrying beams over to an area to be installed. I got a nice backdrop when I snapped the picture.

[skinzfan23]

Great photo!

[Omaha Cowboy]

A crane is carrying beams over to an area to be installed. I got a nice backdrop when I snapped the picture.

The progress continues! ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[stadsborgare]

Here is what they're building just to south of stage. Not sure what it is, but an interesting feature.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

It's part of the children's play ground, not sure what type of decking they will use.

[ita]

Redefining downtown: Omaha's Gene Leahy Mall changed the city once. What will happen this time?

Cindy Gonzalez
Marty Shukert spent many of his teenage days grinding meat and loading boxes in a gritty part of downtown Omaha called Lower Douglas.

Business got done, even if the setting wasn’t so glamorous. Shukert, now 71, recalls the area that included his family’s butcher shop as a labyrinth of taverns, flophouses, supply stores and assorted trades.

“If you look at it from the point of view of the corporate sector that wants things to be shiny and new, it was not by any means shiny and new,” he recalled.

The city’s future planning director couldn’t have known at the time, but the area would become Central Park Mall — the backbone of a “return to the river” movement that set the stage for generations of downtown development.

This was a good article outlining the history of the mall, covering both the controversies and the successes. There will be a series of articles with help from History Nebraska to cover the mall and riverfront history and development. This is the introduction article and there is an accompanying article found here: (Deja vu for downtown Omaha as Gene Leahy Mall returns to street level).

I did not know the number of buildings demolished just for the mall. Also didn't realize 'til now that the old WoW building was taken down for the state building. What!? Lot of pictures of downtown. Also, Mr. Noddle dropped this relevant tidbit that I quote here:

Noddle, who sits on both MECA and Chamber of Commerce boards, said downtown can expect more options for affordable housing, public transportation and development. The chamber’s soon-to-be-announced “urban core office” will be tasked with implementing growth strategies.

Apparently the City envisions 'skyline changing' buildings on the west end. Per the Mayor's office, there is a lot of interest in and proposals for development around GLM, but nothing concrete. Story of this administration; however, I am pulling that the City and City boosters can maximize this park project for further economic development that include inclusive and broad housing and transportation options. Some skyline changing buildings would be the cherry on top.

[Bob from Omaha]

The bulk of the buildings taken for the mall were small, short, nondescript and not historic. Also, that area of downtown was rather scary. At night that area was dead. When the mall opened, and I've said this before, it was a huge game changer. I remember going there when it first opened and the first thing I noticed was that there were families there. Not drug addicts and prostitutes, though the bulk of the prostitutes were farther west and on Farnam. The mall brought people back downtown. Yes, there were people going to the Old Market but nowhere else downtown. It was a huge deal.

[Cermak]

From today’s WH.



No good reason why this was taken down. Probably Omaha’s worst urban renewal mistake along with Jobbers canyon. This is one of the taller buildings to be removed in the region, including KC, St Louis and Twin Cities. And the tallest building ever to be demolished in Nebraska or Iowa. I believe this wouldn’t be demolished now. In the late 70’s appreciation for older buildings still hadn’t quite arrived yet, it was just seen as a old outdated building, an eyesore.

[Linkin5]

From today’s WH.


I believe this wouldn’t be demolished now. In the late 70’s appreciation for older buildings still hadn’t quite arrived yet, it was just seen as a old outdated building, an eyesore.

Not sure about that, we’re still tearing down old buildings. We have a grass lot where the old UP headquarters was. It’s additions were ugly, but in hindsight we absolutely should have saved the original structure.

[Bob from Omaha]

From today’s WH.


I believe this wouldn’t be demolished now. In the late 70’s appreciation for older buildings still hadn’t quite arrived yet, it was just seen as a old outdated building, an eyesore.

Not sure about that, we’re still tearing down old buildings. We have a grass lot where the old UP headquarters was. It’s additions were ugly, but in hindsight we absolutely should have saved the original structure.

I don't know how most of you will react to this but I am less upset about it being torn down than what replaced it. Had it been replaced with another 20+ floor structure with an acceptable finish I''d have been ok with it. The current building on the space is ugly and without much of any redeeming features.
Again, I understand how many here feel about what I just said.

Slightly off topic. Check out what is happening in Lincoln with the Sharp and Terminal Buildings if you want a look at tall buildings being not only saved but enhanced. Well done.

[Cermak]

Only reason the old UP building was demolished was to make way for the Wallstreet condo tower. I checked the skyscraper sight Emporis and the WOW building is taller than anything Kansas City has demolished. Minneapolis tore down a building of similar height that had fire damage but replaced it with a skyscraper. St Louis also demolished a few buildings of similar height to the WOW building. While the old WOW building is not my favorite in looks by any stretch. It was still decent looking and would of enhanced the skyline more than the current orange brick building that was built in its place.

[ita]

From today’s WH.


I believe this wouldn’t be demolished now. In the late 70’s appreciation for older buildings still hadn’t quite arrived yet, it was just seen as a old outdated building, an eyesore.

Not sure about that, we’re still tearing down old buildings. We have a grass lot where the old UP headquarters was. It’s additions were ugly, but in hindsight we absolutely should have saved the original structure.

I don't know how most of you will react to this but I am less upset about it being torn down than what replaced it. Had it been replaced with another 20+ floor structure with an acceptable finish I''d have been ok with it. The current building on the space is ugly and without much of any redeeming features.
Again, I understand how many here feel about what I just said.

Slightly off topic. Check out what is happening in Lincoln with the Sharp and Terminal Buildings if you want a look at tall buildings being not only saved but enhanced. Well done.

Thats a fair point. Omaha failed on both points; it knocked down a tall building and then built a stubby building to replace it. skyline changing development, but for the worse. Madness.

However, I am hoping that spot gets redeveloped. It would be one of at least four blocks adjacent to GLM that could/should be redeveloped; library site, the lot east of the library that was cleared, the grassy field next to the Holland and the state building. Would be nice if some of these downtown development blocks were broken up to open a more diverse possibility of development, but we'll see.

[Omaha Cowboy]

From the Sunday W-H article-

“Noddle, who sits on both MECA and Chamber of Commerce boards, said downtown can expect more options for affordable housing, public transportation and development. The chamber’s soon-to-be-announced “urban core office” will be tasked with implementing growth strategies.

He and (MECA’s Roger) Dixon predict that vacant parcels around Leahy Mall won’t stay that way for long.

City officials envision the west end of the mall with new skyline-changing buildings with businesses and retailers that would complement the park. Kevin Andersen, Mayor Jean Stothert’s economic development aide, said the city is already getting proposals but has nothing firm yet.

“We won’t recognize this place in five to seven years,” Noddle said.”..

I enjoyed reading this piece in the Sunday W-H. The above quotes are consistent with what we’ve been discussing on the forum since the current Riverfront Redevelopment Plan was announced- that the 3 phased completion of the project should spur some significant (hopefully skyline enhancing) development within the next several years..As I’ve stated numerous times, this Riverfront Redevelopment Plan is a game changer for Omaha’s downtown core..and will be become the envy of Omaha’s peer metropolitan areas in the 1 to 2 million population range..

These are EXCITING times to hang a shingle and live in Greater Omaha…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[skinzfan23]

Lets just hope that the developers and engineers of today are better than those of the 70's. Lets never see another building like this built in Omaha again (at least not in the downtown core):

[Big E]

Downtown Omaha: "Hold my beer."

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.2595796 ... 312!8i6656

[ita]

Downtown Omaha: "Hold my beer."

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.2595796 ... 312!8i6656

Nice. That was a possible high rise spot in the downtown master plan. It's too bad Omaha has struggled getting taller buildings in downtown.

[Garrett]

Seeing that Marty Shukert isn't a fan of the new design of the mall makes me like it that much more.

[skinzfan23]

Seeing that Marty Shukert isn't a fan of the new design of the mall makes me like it that much more.

I agree.

[Athomsfere]

Seeing that Marty Shukert isn't a fan of the new design of the mall makes me like it that much more.

I agree.

I briefly googled him... But what things has he done I should be aware of?

[Omaha Cowboy]

Seeing that Marty Shukert isn't a fan of the new design of the mall makes me like it that much more.

I agree.

I briefly googled him... But what things has he done I should be aware of?

Marty was the City Planning director for Omaha starting in the early 80’s (1983 I think). I believe then Mayor Mike Boyle appointed him to that position..

I’m not sure he’s done anything that would create too much of a negative reaction from me. He is an older person now, in his early/mid 70’s.. Perhaps he isn’t someone that’s thought of as a “progressive visionary”..That’s fair.. I was still 19 years old when he started his career with the city in 1981.. And maybe that’s the rub. There isn’t much of anything he did that stands out to me today (either positive or negative).

Nondescript?..

Probably so. Also, the 70’s and 80’s were the slowest growth decades for the Omaha metropolitan area since 1950- the past 70 years. And Shukert was still on the city payroll when Jobbers Canyon was demolished to make way for the ConAgra campus (not that I blame him for the awful destruction of those historic buildings. But it’s guilt by association)..Omaha really didn’t start seeing more robust growth and progressive, visionary thinking until probably the mid to late 1990’s. Omaha’s been on a pretty nice roll ever since..and Shukert was long gone as a city employee by then…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Marty Shukert is the most urban planner-looking planner I’ve ever seen. You could put his picture next to famous urban planners/thinkers like Richard Florida’s or Le Corbusier’s, or Kevin Lynch’s (Jane Jacobs’s??) and ask people to identify who is who and I’m certain Marty would get picked more often.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Marty Shukert is the most urban planner-looking planner I’ve ever seen. You could put his picture next to famous urban planners/thinkers like Richard Florida’s or Le Corbusier’s, or Kevin Lynch’s (Jane Jacobs’s??) and ask people to identify who is who and I’m certain Marty would get picked more often.

Lol.. Gotta love it. And I agree with you.. Marty is still rocking the same hairdo from the first time I saw him 40 years ago.. The only difference is the hair is all gray now as opposed to all dark..

He could use a haircut to clean up those now all gray loc’s imo..But to each their own …

Ciao..LiO…Peace