Gene Leahy Mall Remodel

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 10:25 am

stadsborgare wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:45 am What I like about the stage is that I won't have to squint before the sun goes down, because they are facing it in the right direction.

Good point. Relatedly, it would be nice to get some tall towers on the western development sites to provide long shadows in the afternoon.

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 11:17 am

Doctor Fate wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:30 am You can probably tell I'm pretty hyped about this tower rumor for the library site haha. If it does happen, what type of architecture or look do you think the tower should have?

I think it would be pretty cool to have a building like the H&R Block headquarters in KC. We don't have any oval shaped towers in Omaha and it might bring some nice diversity to the skyline.

H&R_Block_Headquarters_Kansas_City.jpg

+1, and have it placed diagonally on the lot.

What I'm curious about is from a week-to-week chronology, how far ahead/behind they are on this? Aside from the windstorm 3-4 weeks ago, they've had some extraordinarily good weather for building this.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 6:11 pm

According to the Riverfront Development newsletter from June 2021, the GLM phase 1 portion will be officially completed by Mid June next year.. In time for the College World Series.. Which is consistent with their timeline schedule..

From the June emailed newsletter-

“Be the first to know.
With the exciting return of the NCAA Men's College World Series, The RiverFront activation team is already dreaming up opportunities and experiences for both locals and visitors to enjoy in 2022.

At this time next year, Gene Leahy Mall will have been reopened for just a couple of weeks - and already it will be fully programed with fitness classes and game carts, along with numerous food and beverage stations. In addition to the great, free amenities that will be permanently placed throughout the park, various spaces will also be available for pregame party rentals, alumni gatherings, and corporate events. Additionally, state-of-the-art playgrounds will also provide a place for kids to burn off some of their ballpark cotton candy energy.”..

Their website- were you can subscribe to their free newsletter and see the 3 phased development timeline:

https://riverfrontrevitalization.com/

Ciao..LiO…Peace

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:20 pm

Right right, but these projects all have a "this progress is done by June 15th" plan for example. I'm just curious if what they are doing as of today is where they thought they'd be on July 1st or they are where they thought they would be on September 1st.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Jul 29, 2021 11:02 pm

NEDodger wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:20 pm Right right, but these projects all have a "this progress is done by June 15th" plan for example. I'm just curious if what they are doing as of today is where they thought they'd be on July 1st or they are where they thought they would be on September 1st.

I see what you’re saying there.. I can’t be 100% certain on that..but my “feeling” is they’re pretty much on schedule with at least Phase 1 of the plan. I think the goal has always been completion of the GLM component by mid 2022.. so being completely by the 2nd week of June seems about right..even from the timelines I’ve seen from the last 12-18 months..

At the end of the day, it’s a pretty exciting to see the progress and the potential developments that will sprout up as the plan continues its completion…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Spice Johnson · Post by **Spice Johnson** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 10:09 am

Doctor Fate wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:30 am You can probably tell I'm pretty hyped about this tower rumor for the library site haha. If it does happen, what type of architecture or look do you think the tower should have?

I think it would be pretty cool to have a building like the H&R Block headquarters in KC. We don't have any oval shaped towers in Omaha and it might bring some nice diversity to the skyline.

H&R_Block_Headquarters_Kansas_City.jpg

I like this one. The shape would be unique but not overstated or obnoxious, and would fit in with Omaha's existing building tastefully. A building shaped like the taller portion of the Fourth & Blanchard tower in Seattle might also look good.

s041-min.jpg

NEDodger wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 11:17 am +1, and have it placed diagonally on the lot.

If it is placed diagonally on the lot though, it could prevent more density from future developments on the block.

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 10:25 am

Performance Structure going vertical

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Fri Jul 30, 2021 10:07 pm

The stage is set.

buildomaha · Post by **buildomaha** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 12:16 am

For all that it’s worth, I hope Omaha continues to avoid the all glass facade trend that has gripped American CBDs for the last few decades. It’s lazy and uninteresting.

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 12:39 am

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 12:45 am

Part of the new park is open, actually -- a small sliver of sidewalk, lined with trees and shrubbery fronting a few new diagonal parking spots on Farnam.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Jul 31, 2021 6:58 am

stadsborgare wrote: Sat Jul 31, 2021 12:45 am Part of the new park is open, actually -- a small sliver of sidewalk, lined with trees and shrubbery fronting a few new diagonal parking spots on Farnam.

Thank you for all the pic updates

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

MTO · Post by **MTO** » Mon Aug 02, 2021 1:03 pm

How long does it take to build a park, this is taking a long time.

PotatoeEatsFish · Post by **PotatoeEatsFish** » Mon Aug 02, 2021 1:07 pm

MTO wrote: Mon Aug 02, 2021 1:03 pm How long does it take to build a park, this is taking a long time.

I miss that one guy who would only get on here to have a meltdown over the dirt piles

MTO · Post by **MTO** » Mon Aug 02, 2021 2:06 pm

PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Mon Aug 02, 2021 1:07 pm
MTO wrote: Mon Aug 02, 2021 1:03 pm How long does it take to build a park, this is taking a long time.
I miss that one guy who would only get on here to have a meltdown over the dirt piles

As a “City Council” member, I’m calling for an inquiry.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Aug 02, 2021 2:58 pm

MTO wrote: Mon Aug 02, 2021 2:06 pm
PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Mon Aug 02, 2021 1:07 pm
MTO wrote: Mon Aug 02, 2021 1:03 pm How long does it take to build a park, this is taking a long time.
I miss that one guy who would only get on here to have a meltdown over the dirt piles
As a “City Council” member, I’m calling for an inquiry.

I am reposting this link shared by another member. You can keep track of what's going on and being constructed. A lot of different things going on right now.

https://burlingtoncapital.com/live/

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Aug 02, 2021 10:14 pm

PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Mon Aug 02, 2021 1:07 pm
MTO wrote: Mon Aug 02, 2021 1:03 pm How long does it take to build a park, this is taking a long time.
I miss that one guy who would only get on here to have a meltdown over the dirt piles

That “guy” jumped the shark 9 months ago..

And Jake, you know just as well as any long time forum member, that the Riverfront Development timeline has been stated and discussed numerous times even within the last 2 pages of this thread..

As it relates to timeline, to keep it simple, this website will tell you exactly what you need to know-

https://riverfrontrevitalization.com/

Ciao..LiO…Peace

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Tue Aug 03, 2021 7:26 am

There is so much going to be underneath the soil. It's going to be a "smart park" if there ever was one. There's all kinds of cables coming out of the ground everywhere.
For one, I think the whole park will be a wifi hotspot. And there will be plenty of lighting, and the kids playground seems to have some underground features to it. With all that has to be done, I am not surprised it is taking this long.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Aug 03, 2021 10:58 am

stadsborgare wrote: Tue Aug 03, 2021 7:26 am There is so much going to be underneath the soil. It's going to be a "smart park" if there ever was one. There's all kinds of cables coming out of the ground everywhere.
For one, I think the whole park will be a wifi hotspot. And there will be plenty of lighting, and the kids playground seems to have some underground features to it. With all that has to be done, I am not surprised it is taking this long.

And the timelines for completion have been pretty consistent for all three phases of the plan since phase I broke ground in 2019…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Stan · Post by **Stan** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 4:25 pm

stadsborgare wrote: Tue Aug 03, 2021 7:26 am There is so much going to be underneath the soil. It's going to be a "smart park" if there ever was one. There's all kinds of cables coming out of the ground everywhere.
For one, I think the whole park will be a wifi hotspot. And there will be plenty of lighting, and the kids playground seems to have some underground features to it. With all that has to be done, I am not surprised it is taking this long.

You're right. The sub they hired for the fountains was brought in from Florida where they worked on the amusement parks and the lighting and electrical is being done by another sub that specializes in superbowl shows. It's going to be really unique when done and they've already planned on having security around much more frequently so the underground play area and hammocks aren't destroyed within weeks.

Post by **Brad** » Thu Aug 05, 2021 12:32 am

Stan wrote: Wed Aug 04, 2021 4:25 pm they've already planned on having security around much more frequently so the underground play area and hammocks aren't destroyed within weeks.

As long as its not 18 year old security guard that tells me to back up from the water because I might fall in...

Yes, that really happened after the last renovation.

MTO · Post by **MTO** » Thu Aug 05, 2021 11:26 am

stadsborgare wrote: Tue Aug 03, 2021 7:26 am There is so much going to be underneath the soil. It's going to be a "smart park" if there ever was one. There's all kinds of cables coming out of the ground everywhere.
For one, I think the whole park will be a wifi hotspot. And there will be plenty of lighting, and the kids playground seems to have some underground features to it. With all that has to be done, I am not surprised it is taking this long.

OK that explains a lot, will there be CCTV cameras also?

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Aug 05, 2021 11:34 am

MTO wrote: Thu Aug 05, 2021 11:26 am
stadsborgare wrote: Tue Aug 03, 2021 7:26 am There is so much going to be underneath the soil. It's going to be a "smart park" if there ever was one. There's all kinds of cables coming out of the ground everywhere.
For one, I think the whole park will be a wifi hotspot. And there will be plenty of lighting, and the kids playground seems to have some underground features to it. With all that has to be done, I am not surprised it is taking this long.
OK that explains a lot, will there be CCTV cameras also?

https://riverfrontrevitalization.com/

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Stan · Post by **Stan** » Fri Aug 06, 2021 8:54 am

Brad wrote: Thu Aug 05, 2021 12:32 am
Stan wrote: Wed Aug 04, 2021 4:25 pm they've already planned on having security around much more frequently so the underground play area and hammocks aren't destroyed within weeks.
As long as its not 18 year old security guard that tells me to back up from the water because I might fall in...

Yes, that really happened after the last renovation.

I believe several of the water features are intended to be played in by children (and the young at heart) so you should be good. haha

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Sun Aug 08, 2021 3:46 pm

omahahawk · Post by **omahahawk** » Mon Aug 09, 2021 6:41 am

Thanks for the pic. This thing is really pretty good sized. I am no expert here so maybe someone else could speak to this but this thing looks pretty heavy duty as well. Looks like it could pretty easily accommodate some relatively extensive lighting and PA systems. Possibly some pretty decent rigging for set piece movement if plays were to be held there as well. This along with a pretty tricked out park infrastructure should make for some excellent shows.

Cocktails by Koz · Post by **Cocktails by Koz** » Mon Aug 16, 2021 12:17 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 11:02 pm
NEDodger wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:20 pm Right right, but these projects all have a "this progress is done by June 15th" plan for example. I'm just curious if what they are doing as of today is where they thought they'd be on July 1st or they are where they thought they would be on September 1st.
I see what you’re saying there.. I can’t be 100% certain on that..but my “feeling” is they’re pretty much on schedule with at least Phase 1 of the plan. I think the goal has always been completion of the GLM component by mid 2022.. so being completely by the 2nd week of June seems about right..even from the timelines I’ve seen from the last 12-18 months..

At the end of the day, it’s a pretty exciting to see the progress and the potential developments that will sprout up as the plan continues its completion…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I just moved out of the Greenhouse just over a month ago and had front row seats to this projects for almost two years. My girlfriend and I would talk to the construction workers from time to time and the last update we got was they're definitely ahead of schedule and barring a harsh winter or wet spring, park should be opened by April 2022 for Phase 1.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Aug 17, 2021 1:33 am

Cocktails by Koz wrote: Mon Aug 16, 2021 12:17 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 11:02 pm
NEDodger wrote: Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:20 pm Right right, but these projects all have a "this progress is done by June 15th" plan for example. I'm just curious if what they are doing as of today is where they thought they'd be on July 1st or they are where they thought they would be on September 1st.
I see what you’re saying there.. I can’t be 100% certain on that..but my “feeling” is they’re pretty much on schedule with at least Phase 1 of the plan. I think the goal has always been completion of the GLM component by mid 2022.. so being completely by the 2nd week of June seems about right..even from the timelines I’ve seen from the last 12-18 months..

At the end of the day, it’s a pretty exciting to see the progress and the potential developments that will sprout up as the plan continues its completion…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
I just moved out of the Greenhouse just over a month ago and had front row seats to this projects for almost two years. My girlfriend and I would talk to the construction workers from time to time and the last update we got was they're definitely ahead of schedule and barring a harsh winter or wet spring, park should be opened by April 2022 for Phase 1.

This is great to hear..And awesome over the past couple of years, you both took the time to interact with the workers as well to get the “straight scoop”..

Welcome to the forum

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 9:56 am

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Aug 21, 2021 10:07 am

stadsborgare wrote: Sat Aug 21, 2021 9:56 am

This is looking better and better

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

GrandpaaSmucker · Post by **GrandpaaSmucker** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 9:09 am

I'm going to predict that I drive around this field of grass with a stage on it a hundred times but that I never go to see a performance on that stage even once in my lifetime. I bet I speak for the majority of people by far!

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Aug 23, 2021 9:29 am

Concert pavilion rising in Gene Leahy Mall will be 'iconic' part of downtown Omaha

Reece Ristau
The bones of Omaha’s next outdoor performance space have risen in the Gene Leahy Mall, adding a new wrinkle to downtown.

Metal arches that will one day form a performance pavilion have gone up in the mall in recent weeks, part of a $400 million public-private renovation of the mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing.

When the pavilion is finished — likely sometime next spring — three white arches cascading in size will cover a stage. The space will be used for all manner of performances, from concerts, symphony performances and music festivals to movie nights and dance competitions.

A couple other details: sod will be down by Halloween and chairs and tables will be set up on the stage and concrete pad in front of it when not used for performances.

Also, there is a decent video of some of the hardscaping/landscaping elements that are coming together.

LetsBeReal22 · Post by **LetsBeReal22** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 12:57 pm

GrandpaaSmucker wrote: Mon Aug 23, 2021 9:09 am I'm going to predict that I drive around this field of grass with a stage on it a hundred times but that I never go to see a performance on that stage even once in my lifetime.

You should give it a try! Get out and see what your city has to offer.

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 3:58 pm

LetsBeReal22 wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 12:57 pm
GrandpaaSmucker wrote: Mon Aug 23, 2021 9:09 am I'm going to predict that I drive around this field of grass with a stage on it a hundred times but that I never go to see a performance on that stage even once in my lifetime.
You should give it a try! Get out and see what your city has to offer.

I may not go to the park specifically for a concert, but since I like going downtown often, I might hear music playing from afar, and then wander over to see who it is.

That's what an outdoor venue can do, that an indoor venue can't do - entice people over.

omahahawk · Post by **omahahawk** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 4:08 pm

Exactly, and that is the whole point. I really do think this will be incredible in that regard. Just imagine a good band there on a nice night, people in the Old Market noticing the music coming over to check it out and the whole walkability factor through the Capital District to north downtown and soon to be riverfront/Council Bluffs with the Baby Bob. I am expecting it to be quite cool in and of itself. Connect that one day hopefully not too long to Midtown Crossing/Blackstone via street car and were talking as Cowboy said "completely unrecognizable" new urban core.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Aug 25, 2021 6:24 pm

omahahawk wrote: Wed Aug 25, 2021 4:08 pm Exactly, and that is the whole point. I really do think this will be incredible in that regard. Just imagine a good band there on a nice night, people in the Old Market noticing the music coming over to check it out and the whole walkability factor through the Capital District to north downtown and soon to be riverfront/Council Bluffs with the Baby Bob. I am expecting it to be quite cool in and of itself. Connect that one day hopefully not too long to Midtown Crossing/Blackstone via street car and were talking as Cowboy said "completely unrecognizable" new urban core.

This venue within our newly sculpted GLM component of the Riverfront Redevelopment plan, will draw thousands downtown over the course of the warmer weather months.. This is yet another amenity specifically created to provide a more walkable, lively 24/7 downtown..

People can downvote the development for whatever reason(s) they wish..but this concert venue component is part of a plan which will help transform our downtown core..making DT Omaha an enhanced point of destination..and also- the envy of our peer metropolitan areas in the 1 to 1.5 million population range..

I personally can’t wait to experience the finished product

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

PWL73316 · Post by **PWL73316** » Thu Aug 26, 2021 11:12 am

To this general topic - does anybody know anything about the general plan for the stage? Is this something that will be relatively "available" for local performers, or is it only going to be used for bigger events or "Jazz On the Green" type of things where there is five or six figures of overhead?

It would be amazing if nothing is booked and a local band or performer could just claim the spot with minimal hassle, but I kind of doubt Omaha's ability to be that chill.

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Thu Aug 26, 2021 3:42 pm

PWL73316 wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 11:12 am To this general topic - does anybody know anything about the general plan for the stage? Is this something that will be relatively "available" for local performers, or is it only going to be used for bigger events or "Jazz On the Green" type of things where there is five or six figures of overhead?

It would be amazing if nothing is booked and a local band or performer could just claim the spot with minimal hassle, but I kind of doubt Omaha's ability to be that chill.

I think someone here said when a scheduled band is not performing, there will be tables and chairs set up on the stage - which might be an obstacle for someone wishing to give an impromptu performance. I think everything must be planned in advance and got permission for.

GrandpaaSmucker · Post by **GrandpaaSmucker** » Thu Aug 26, 2021 3:48 pm

PWL73316 wrote: Thu Aug 26, 2021 11:12 am To this general topic - does anybody know anything about the general plan for the stage? Is this something that will be relatively "available" for local performers, or is it only going to be used for bigger events or "Jazz On the Green" type of things where there is five or six figures of overhead?

It would be amazing if nothing is booked and a local band or performer could just claim the spot with minimal hassle, but I kind of doubt Omaha's ability to be that chill.

Bet they plan on throwing Trump rallys down there in 2024 and when Rickets buys the presidency someday he will hold his victory party down there on some cold November night. I got nothing sorry.

omahahawk · Post by **omahahawk** » Thu Aug 26, 2021 4:57 pm

My guess is the city will want to use it pretty frequently. People going to downtown events spend money downtown after all. I can see some kind of corporate sponsorship or grant set up similar to what is done at Aksarben Village, if for nothing else to cover security costs etc. I am sure there is no shortage of bands who would be interested.