Downtown core population- hits 7000. People moving downtown

[Omaha Cowboy]

A very well written and detailed article in the Sunday W-H about the booming trend of urban living in downtown Omaha. The population in the downtown core 68102 area code has now reached 7000..growing 110% over the last 20 years..

From the W-H piece-

“Leo and Frances Kraft fought an uphill battle trying to make a home in downtown Omaha around 1970.

Back then, city officials balked at issuing permits necessary to transform a commercial structure, in this case the old St. Philomena school at 15th and Leavenworth Streets, into a personal residence.

Ultimately, the Krafts prevailed. And, in 1972, the couple — she, an artist; he, a businessman — settled into their repurposed seven-room home with 14-foot ceilings, brick walls and a spectacular view toward the Missouri River.

Such residential pockets, which feature different architectural styles and building scales, align with the vision of the Chamber of Commerce’s urban core committee, says chairman Jay Noddle of Noddle Development Cos.

He said the various enclaves should attract different types of retailers and residents. Together, the nodes could soon form enough of a “critical mass” to lure a full-scale grocery and perhaps even a Target-like store downtown, Noddle said.

Noddle said the urban core committee is working on a plan with a growth goal to exceed the current pace — and more than double downtown’s population and households in the coming decade.”

That’s a far cry from a half-century ago when the converted home of Leo and Frances Kraft was such a novelty, so unusual that tour groups stopped at 1510 Leavenworth St. to get a glimpse at the concept called downtown living.”

The complete W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/business/local/once-a ... op-story-1

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Erik]

Between that track and the ones around it, the entire DT-MT areas are booming..

What surprised me the most are by how much. That and the growth throughout the entire city. Only a few tracks lost people, the urban infill in the city has been paying off in a big way

[Busguy2010]

Without a full-service grocery store, I'd never consider living Downtown. Closest I'd live to Downtown now is just outside the 480 loop. Hy-Vee or Walmart Neighborhood Market or bust. Target would be a giant let down.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I’ve been saying it for awhile now..and the 2020 US Census numbers don’t lie, there has been a BIG uptick (maybe we could call an explosion) of people moving into the Downtown Core, North Downtown and the surrounding immediate neighborhoods over the past 20 years..and there is no reason to believe that trend won’t continue..

At this point, imo, it’d just be bad business to not consider the Downtown core for a full service grocery store..and I suspect when (not if) one lands, it will be in the North Downtown area..

It’s un underserved population..and several of the amenities that follow robust population growth, are things like a full service grocer..when one isn’t in the immediate area..

I said it in another thread, I’d be highly surprised if we don’t hear an announcement for one within the next 18 months…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Busguy2010]

I think so too... Right around 14th - 16th & Cass.

[ita]

Noddle said the urban core committee is working on a plan with a growth goal to exceed the current pace — and more than double downtown’s population and households in the coming decade.”

I really enjoyed the article and I am glad OWH covered this issue. So, based on this soft goal, doubling the population in downtown would mean 14,000 residents by 2030. At the current persons per household (1.16/household), we would need to build a little over 6,000 residential units over the next decade. If more couples or families moved downtown to increase the persons per household to something like 1.5/household we would only need to build an additional 3,300 or so units.

To put that into perspective with the current projects that are going on or have been announced in Downtown, here's what's in the pipeline (let me know if I am missing something significant):

- Mercantile by Hines - 375 units (planning docs indicate 800+ for the whole development)
- Millwork Commons - 635 units per the recent marketing brochures
- Service Life Building - 54 affordable units
- Flatiron District Apartments by Clarity - ~180 units, mixed market
- Civic Site - 390 units, about 1/3 affordable

I am not sure if anything has been released regarding how many are planned for the Builder's District, but with just what is listed above, that's about 2,060 potential units. Even with all those potential developments, some currently under construction, we are still looking at somewhere between 1,300 to 4,000 additional units needed to double the population in downtown. For sure there are huge sites for redevelopment to get us there, but I think we would need to develop all of them to reach the lofty goal of doubling downtown's population.

The other thing I wanted to comment on was Marty Shukart's comment about needed residential units for families that might have a small yard or garden space downtown. If the City can smartly work with developers in making public space throughout downtown, ala the small pocket park in the Flatiron District or the small park at Millwork Commons, some families will find downtown living more desirable. While the Riverfront Redevelopment is great, it's a destination park. Further west downtown or even North Downtown could use more public space to accommodate families and/or children and youth. I still want to see the 480 underpass between North Downtown and the Civic Site/Capitol District utilized for public space rather than parking. Some urban park amenities like basketball courts, skateparks, trails, public art installations, or green space would be amazing, in my opinion, and directly serve residents at the Civic Site and North Downtown. I think this aligns with Mike Moylan's comments in the article that covers his experience raising a family downtown; downtown was his kids' playground and backyard.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Noddle said the urban core committee is working on a plan with a growth goal to exceed the current pace — and more than double downtown’s population and households in the coming decade.”

I really enjoyed the article and I am glad OWH covered this issue. So, based on this soft goal, doubling the population in downtown would mean 14,000 residents by 2030. At the current persons per household (1.16/household), we would need to build a little over 6,000 residential units over the next decade. If more couples or families moved downtown to increase the persons per household to something like 1.5/household we would only need to build an additional 3,300 or so units.

To put that into perspective with the current projects that are going on or have been announced in Downtown, here's what's in the pipeline (let me know if I am missing something significant):

- Mercantile by Hines - 375 units (planning docs indicate 800+ for the whole development)
- Millwork Commons - 635 units per the recent marketing brochures
- Service Life Building - 54 affordable units
- Flatiron District Apartments by Clarity - ~180 units, mixed market
- Civic Site - 390 units, about 1/3 affordable

I am not sure if anything has been released regarding how many are planned for the Builder's District, but with just what is listed above, that's about 2,060 potential units. Even with all those potential developments, some currently under construction, we are still looking at somewhere between 1,300 to 4,000 additional units needed to double the population in downtown. For sure there are huge sites for redevelopment to get us there, but I think we would need to develop all of them to reach the lofty goal of doubling downtown's population.

You need to also remember what will eventually be purposed as residential based on the Riverfront Redevelopment plan, along with the UP/Lanoha and civic auditorium sites..The Cryptic Rumor Department has given a bit of an idea of what will be proposed in the coming months..along with what will come on the library site as it relates to business tower and highrise development.. Not to speak of additional North Downtown development and developments to the south of the Old Market and in the Flatiron district itself..

ALL of this ties in. The downtown core population increased by 110% over the past 20 years..We’ll easily see a doubling of the current 7K number over the course of this decade..

Omaha is coming into its own NOW.. And those of us along for the ride will see this transformation with our very eyes. Gone are the days of Omaha and “stunted metropolis” status.. Omaha will become the aspirational model and envy for metropolitan areas in the 1 to 1.5 million population category. Count on it …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

Noddle said the urban core committee is working on a plan with a growth goal to exceed the current pace — and more than double downtown’s population and households in the coming decade.”

I really enjoyed the article and I am glad OWH covered this issue. So, based on this soft goal, doubling the population in downtown would mean 14,000 residents by 2030. At the current persons per household (1.16/household), we would need to build a little over 6,000 residential units over the next decade. If more couples or families moved downtown to increase the persons per household to something like 1.5/household we would only need to build an additional 3,300 or so units.

To put that into perspective with the current projects that are going on or have been announced in Downtown, here's what's in the pipeline (let me know if I am missing something significant):

- Mercantile by Hines - 375 units (planning docs indicate 800+ for the whole development)
- Millwork Commons - 635 units per the recent marketing brochures
- Service Life Building - 54 affordable units
- Flatiron District Apartments by Clarity - ~180 units, mixed market
- Civic Site - 390 units, about 1/3 affordable

I am not sure if anything has been released regarding how many are planned for the Builder's District, but with just what is listed above, that's about 2,060 potential units. Even with all those potential developments, some currently under construction, we are still looking at somewhere between 1,300 to 4,000 additional units needed to double the population in downtown. For sure there are huge sites for redevelopment to get us there, but I think we would need to develop all of them to reach the lofty goal of doubling downtown's population.

You need to also remember what will eventually be purposed as residential based on the Riverfront Redevelopment plan, along with the UP/Lanoha and civic auditorium sites..The Cryptic Rumor Department has given a bit of an idea of what will be proposed in the coming months..along with what will come on the library site as it relates to business tower and highrise development.. Not to speak of additional North Downtown development and developments to the south of the Old Market and in the Flatiron district itself..

ALL of this ties in. The downtown core population increased by 110% over the past 20 years..We’ll easily see a doubling of the current 7K number over the course of this decade..

Omaha is coming into its own NOW.. And those of us along for the ride will see this transformation with our very eyes. Gone are the days of Omaha and “stunted metropolis” status.. Omaha will become the aspirational model and envy for metropolitan areas in the 1 to 1.5 million population category. Count on it …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Yeah, I will be interested to see what type of projects pop up around GLM for sure. Lot B and A are still possible sites for major developments and we've pointed out before all the surface lots scattered throughout downtown that are primed for redevelopment, but like I said we likely most of these development to hit that goal to double the population by 2030. I would love to see that happen.

Relatedly, as the downtown population continues to grow, that will only increase the possibility to get more businesses to start or relocate in the downtown core.

It's funny, I mentioned this topic to a neighbor and she is concerned about traffic. If the City plays their part in meticulous planning and increasing walkability and biking infrastructure and supporting improvements in public transit, that should be quelled. I know a grocery store is on the horizon as the downtown population grows, but there are other needful things, like slowing down cars, either through converting to two way roads, lowering the speed limit, or both, and future projects being built with walkability in mind (I am looking at you Civic Site rendering with that big blank wall abutting the sidewalk). Anyway, there is potential and possibility in downtown; Jay Noddle promised we would recognize it in 5 years. Here's to hoping.

[Greg S]

Yeah I think residential development and growth is where the focus should be for downtown. I just don't see the same opportunities for office space growth.

One area where we don't seem to have had success is for some residential high rises. It's happened elsewhere, hopefully we get some here too.

Greg

[skinzfan23]

Yeah I think residential development and growth is where the focus should be for downtown. I just don't see the same opportunities for office space growth.

One area where we don't seem to have had success is for some residential high rises. It's happened elsewhere, hopefully we get some here too.

Greg

I agree, even if some of them are narrow like the 20-story one being built in Lincoln, it is weird that Omaha hasn't had a single high-rise residential building built anytime recently. The closest thing would be Riverfront Place, which is only 13 stories.

[Garrett]

Yeah I think residential development and growth is where the focus should be for downtown. I just don't see the same opportunities for office space growth.

One area where we don't seem to have had success is for some residential high rises. It's happened elsewhere, hopefully we get some here too.

Greg

I agree, even if some of them are narrow like the 20-story one being built in Lincoln, it is weird that Omaha hasn't had a single high-rise residential building built anytime recently. The closest thing would be Riverfront Place, which is only 13 stories.

Capitol Place is about that height too.

[ita]

Yeah I think residential development and growth is where the focus should be for downtown. I just don't see the same opportunities for office space growth.

One area where we don't seem to have had success is for some residential high rises. It's happened elsewhere, hopefully we get some here too.

Greg

I agree, even if some of them are narrow like the 20-story one being built in Lincoln, it is weird that Omaha hasn't had a single high-rise residential building built anytime recently. The closest thing would be Riverfront Place, which is only 13 stories.

Capitol Place is about that height too.

I personally wouldn't be averse if we have a run of 7-12 story residential projects throughout downtown this next decade. I would actually prefer that height for residential buildings at Lot B, Lot A, the Civic site, and Mercantile versus true high rises. I know there hasn't been interest, at least known, for these lots, but the greenfield by Gallup and the remaining lots at Riverfront Plaza could also be options for high midrise residential properties.

[Garrett]

Yeah I think residential development and growth is where the focus should be for downtown. I just don't see the same opportunities for office space growth.

One area where we don't seem to have had success is for some residential high rises. It's happened elsewhere, hopefully we get some here too.

Greg

I agree, even if some of them are narrow like the 20-story one being built in Lincoln, it is weird that Omaha hasn't had a single high-rise residential building built anytime recently. The closest thing would be Riverfront Place, which is only 13 stories.

Capitol Place is about that height too.

I personally wouldn't be averse if we have a run of 7-12 story residential projects throughout downtown this next decade. I would actually prefer that height for residential buildings at Lot B, Lot A, the Civic site, and Mercantile versus true high rises. I know there hasn't been interest, at least known, for these lots, but the greenfield by Gallup and the remaining lots at Riverfront Plaza could also be options for high midrise residential properties.

Agreed. Of all the single building projects going on right now, I think I'm most excited for the 9 story one in Blackstone. Good height for densifying while also getting away from the usual 1+4 that's allegedly going to fill the Civic site.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Noddle said the urban core committee is working on a plan with a growth goal to exceed the current pace — and more than double downtown’s population and households in the coming decade.”

I really enjoyed the article and I am glad OWH covered this issue. So, based on this soft goal, doubling the population in downtown would mean 14,000 residents by 2030. At the current persons per household (1.16/household), we would need to build a little over 6,000 residential units over the next decade. If more couples or families moved downtown to increase the persons per household to something like 1.5/household we would only need to build an additional 3,300 or so units.

To put that into perspective with the current projects that are going on or have been announced in Downtown, here's what's in the pipeline (let me know if I am missing something significant):

- Mercantile by Hines - 375 units (planning docs indicate 800+ for the whole development)
- Millwork Commons - 635 units per the recent marketing brochures
- Service Life Building - 54 affordable units
- Flatiron District Apartments by Clarity - ~180 units, mixed market
- Civic Site - 390 units, about 1/3 affordable

I am not sure if anything has been released regarding how many are planned for the Builder's District, but with just what is listed above, that's about 2,060 potential units. Even with all those potential developments, some currently under construction, we are still looking at somewhere between 1,300 to 4,000 additional units needed to double the population in downtown. For sure there are huge sites for redevelopment to get us there, but I think we would need to develop all of them to reach the lofty goal of doubling downtown's population.

You need to also remember what will eventually be purposed as residential based on the Riverfront Redevelopment plan, along with the UP/Lanoha and civic auditorium sites..The Cryptic Rumor Department has given a bit of an idea of what will be proposed in the coming months..along with what will come on the library site as it relates to business tower and highrise development.. Not to speak of additional North Downtown development and developments to the south of the Old Market and in the Flatiron district itself..

ALL of this ties in. The downtown core population increased by 110% over the past 20 years..We’ll easily see a doubling of the current 7K number over the course of this decade..

Omaha is coming into its own NOW.. And those of us along for the ride will see this transformation with our very eyes. Gone are the days of Omaha and “stunted metropolis” status.. Omaha will become the aspirational model and envy for metropolitan areas in the 1 to 1.5 million population category. Count on it …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Yeah, I will be interested to see what type of projects pop up around GLM for sure. Lot B and A are still possible sites for major developments and we've pointed out before all the surface lots scattered throughout downtown that are primed for redevelopment, but like I said we likely most of these development to hit that goal to double the population by 2030. I would love to see that happen.

Relatedly, as the downtown population continues to grow, that will only increase the possibility to get more businesses to start or relocate in the downtown core.

It's funny, I mentioned this topic to a neighbor and she is concerned about traffic. If the City plays their part in meticulous planning and increasing walkability and biking infrastructure and supporting improvements in public transit, that should be quelled. I know a grocery store is on the horizon as the downtown population grows, but there are other needful things, like slowing down cars, either through converting to two way roads, lowering the speed limit, or both, and future projects being built with walkability in mind (I am looking at you Civic Site rendering with that big blank wall abutting the sidewalk). Anyway, there is potential and possibility in downtown; Jay Noddle promised we would recognize it in 5 years. Here's to hoping.

There is connectivity to all of this, including (as it relates to traffic/transportation) a linear Streetcar system running from Saddle Creek Rd to the Downtown core.. I’m completely convinced now, we’ll see a significant business highrise development as part of the current library site..and this will bring a significant additional number of people who’ll work downtown..what will that do? Continue to drive residential developments which then drive additional amenities like a full service grocery store etc etc..

So as I stated, it’s all connected..and all part of the big picture plan to make Downtown Omaha a livable, lively and walkable 24/7 area..Certainly in 3-5 years, we won’t recognize the core then when compared to today..

And this, is a very good and satisfying thing in my humble opinion…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Omaha Cowboy]

Yeah I think residential development and growth is where the focus should be for downtown. I just don't see the same opportunities for office space growth.

One area where we don't seem to have had success is for some residential high rises. It's happened elsewhere, hopefully we get some here too.

Greg

I agree, even if some of them are narrow like the 20-story one being built in Lincoln, it is weird that Omaha hasn't had a single high-rise residential building built anytime recently. The closest thing would be Riverfront Place, which is only 13 stories.

Capitol Place is about that height too.

I personally wouldn't be averse if we have a run of 7-12 story residential projects throughout downtown this next decade. I would actually prefer that height for residential buildings at Lot B, Lot A, the Civic site, and Mercantile versus true high rises. I know there hasn't been interest, at least known, for these lots, but the greenfield by Gallup and the remaining lots at Riverfront Plaza could also be options for high midrise residential properties.

Agreed. Of all the single building projects going on right now, I think I'm most excited for the 9 story one in Blackstone. Good height for densifying while also getting away from the usual 1+4 that's allegedly going to fill the Civic site.

And I agree with Garrett on this. When the project was announced, it was intimated developments such as the Blackstone project, are typically seen in larger metropolitan areas (the W-H article referenced Denver CO in that regard in memory serves)..

Can wait to see how built up and dense the Blackstone District will look once this project is completed…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[skinzfan23]

I agree with being excited about the Blackstone new building. It is going to fit in nicely and take up a parking lot. Probably my favorite sentence when speaking of development in downtown Omaha.

[ita]

I agree with being excited about the Blackstone new building. It is going to fit in nicely and take up a parking lot. Probably my favorite sentence when speaking of development in downtown Omaha.

Hopefully we are saying that a lot the next few years.

[Garrett]

Hopefully all this growth will attract a few National developers as well. As fun as it is to watch Shamrock and Lanoha flounder about for a few years, or see uninspiring developments a la the civic site, I’d love to see a big gun like Related enter the market.

[Athomsfere]

Hopefully all this growth will attract a few National developers as well. As fun as it is to watch Shamrock and Lanoha flounder about for a few years, or see uninspiring developments a la the civic site, I’d love to see a big gun like Related enter the market.

Agreed with this. I'd love to see a more risk-taking developer help fill in the core with what we see in other metros. A mixed use building with ground level Whole Foods, Hyvee or a Target would be perfect.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Hopefully all this growth will attract a few National developers as well. As fun as it is to watch Shamrock and Lanoha flounder about for a few years, or see uninspiring developments a la the civic site, I’d love to see a big gun like Related enter the market.

A mixed use building with ground level Whole Foods, Hyvee or a Target would be perfect.

Give it 18 months or so. It’s going to happen. The numbers and future growth don’t lie..The critical mass is accumulating..

Like I stated recently in another post- at this point, it’d be bad business for a national/regional full service grocer to NOT consider setting up shop in downtown Omaha…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[GrandpaaSmucker]

I think it would be "Bad Business" for HyVee to put a store downtown anytime soon and I think they know it. There ain't no gold downtown. The gold is out there in those suburbs along 200th & something. Huge veins of gold are out there for the taking in West Omaha.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Retail follows where the people are.. While it’s obviously true the Omaha suburban area grows westward (sw and nw), the downtown area core population growth numbers don’t lie either..The downtown 68102 zip code has seen a 110% population growth the last 20 years (75% since 2010) boasting the population to now more than 7000..that number will likely come close to doubling this decade..especially considering the addition of nearly 1400 more residential units planned downtown over the next several years..

People may not “believe” in it..but again, the reality is, retail business moves where people are moving; hence why I say it’d be “bad business” for a national or regional grocer NOT to take notice and consider an eventual move into downtown Omaha (whether it’s HyVee or whomever)..and I believe an announcement plan will likely occur within the next 18 months or so…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ricko]

Retail follows where the people are.. While it’s obviously true the Omaha suburban area grows westward (sw and nw), the downtown area core population growth numbers don’t lie either..The downtown 68102 zip code has seen a 110% population growth the last 20 years (75% since 2010) boasting the population to now more than 7000..that number will likely come close to doubling this decade..especially considering the addition of nearly 1400 more residential units planned downtown over the next several years..

People may not “believe” in it..but again, the reality is, retail business moves where people are moving; hence why I say it’d be “bad business” for a national or regional grocer NOT to take notice and consider an eventual move into downtown Omaha (whether it’s HyVee or whomever)..and I believe an announcement plan will likely occur within the next 18 months or so…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I don't know what entity would be responsible for conducting marketing surveys for a possible major grocery store location downtown, but 7,000 is the required magic number I remember (from a micro-econ class) that would support a large grocery store. What hasn't been mentioned is the underserved population north of Cuming St.that would use this store as well, especially the town of Carter Lake (pop. 3,700+) which, if my google search is correct, does not have a decent store closer than Council Bluffs. They're what, 5 minutes from a potential store north of Cuming and west of 18th ? Seems like a no brainer. I just don't get it. Are the grocery store gods that dumb ? We're also talking about a largely affluent adult population with loads of disposable income (mostly no kids, downtown anyway).

[daveoma]

Nebraska City has a population of 7,000 and they have a Wal-Mart.

Isn't downtown already served by nuestra familia grocers on Park Ave and on 16th St? Something tells me that if market research showed there were 7,000 wealthy residents living downtown, regional and national grocers would be scrambling to open there. It appears that's not the case.
Also, people who live downtown are doing so, because they don't like the sameness of the suburbs, so why would they be eager for a Hy-Vee or a Bakers? It seems to me that downtown would instead benefit from affordable niche grocers. In my opinion, a grocer like the East Africa Grocery store on 25th and Leavenworth would be more successful. The more exotic, the better.

[NEDodger]

Nebraska City has a population of 7,000 and they have a Wal-Mart.

Isn't downtown already served by nuestra familia grocers on Park Ave and on 16th St? Something tells me that if market research showed there were 7,000 wealthy residents living downtown, regional and national grocers would be scrambling to open there. It appears that's not the case.
Also, people who live downtown are doing so, because they don't like the sameness of the suburbs, so why would they be eager for a Hy-Vee or a Bakers? It seems to me that downtown would instead benefit from affordable niche grocers. In my opinion, a grocer like the East Africa Grocery store on 25th and Leavenworth would be more successful. The more exotic, the better.

Yeah, but if you’re trying to grow the number of residents, you’re going to need places that supply things that a small, exotic grocer isn’t going to have. Try to be niche, and you’ll be restricted.

Cosentino’s in downtown KC is a good comp for what we should be aiming for. A place that has a large selection that can serve a large variety of downtown residents and hotel guests.

[nativeomahan]

Why did Patrick’s grocery store fail a few years back? It would be interesting to know if it was bad marketing, a bad mix of products? I really hoped that place would have succeeded. Their failure may be scaring others off.

[Omaha Cowboy]

The thing to remember, is the explosive growth in resident population in the downtown core zip code of 68102- 110% the past 20 years and 75% the last 10. The 7000 plus population count will likely double this decade..

I’ve said it repeatedly, the population growth numbers don’t lie. I don’t know what exactly happened to Patrick’s, but I don’t think it’s failure is scaring off the regional or national grocer chains.. The store doesn’t need to offer anything “exotic”.. What it needs to offer is full service.. It’s likely the 68102 population will be nearing 10,000 in the next several years and counting. I’m fairly confident retail follows where people are..and I don’t think downtown Omaha is some sort of insulated bubble exception..

This full service grocery store move Downtown is inevitable imo.. Its just a matter who wants the business more..and whoever takes the leap within the next 18 months, will be making a smart/sound business decision…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[GrandpaaSmucker]

It would seem to an idiot like me that the downtown grocery shopper is an entirely different cat then the suburban grocery shopper. The big money is in the female shoppers out in the suburbs who go to the grocery store every other day. The female shoppers in suburbia have lives that are literally shaped and built around daily shopping. These female suburban grocery shoppers buy more food in a month then most men do in 4 or 5 months. These suburban women spend a thousand dollars a month and then some on groceries. Those suburban women have refrigerators and freezers so packed that you would need a shoe horn just to wedge a stick of butter in the fridge.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Full service needs are full service needs..Regardless rural, suburban, urban or otherwise..

The SUV soccer mom who lives in suburbia probably buys more in bulk than say, an empty nester would..so a SAMS or Costco makes more sense in the suburban fringes..but does not diminish the need for a full service grocery store downtown…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[mistergutierrez]

Why did Patrick’s grocery store fail a few years back? It would be interesting to know if it was bad marketing, a bad mix of products? I really hoped that place would have succeeded. Their failure may be scaring others off.

I used to shop there. I was told by its employees that they had several increases in rent that ate the profits.

[Garrett]

At this point, if the city pushed hard enough, I think downtown could even attract a Whole Foods. Post Amazon, whole foods is actually relatively affordable, especially in Manhattan, where they are consistently one of my more affordable grocers. They also have extensive experience with building urban stores.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I would HUGELY support a Whole Foods in downtown Omaha.. I think it would be a perfect fit…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

Amazon Plans to Open Large Retail Locations Akin to Department Stores

There is an article about Amazon wanting to open department stores to sell household goods and clothes and to handle returns. They have plans to open 30k sq. ft. stores. Is there a space or potential space for an Amazon brick and mortar coupled with a Whole Foods, somewhere downtown?

[Omaha Cowboy]

Amazon Plans to Open Large Retail Locations Akin to Department Stores

There is an article about Amazon wanting to open department stores to sell household goods and clothes and to handle returns. They have plans to open 30k sq. ft. stores. Is there a space or potential space for an Amazon brick and mortar coupled with a Whole Foods, somewhere downtown?

North Downtown comes immediately to mind..

The Civic site to a lesser extent..

I don’t know where you’d fit it, but the Flatiron District would be a great location for a multiple use development idea such as this.. But again, I think North Downtown is probably the best spot…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

Amazon Plans to Open Large Retail Locations Akin to Department Stores

There is an article about Amazon wanting to open department stores to sell household goods and clothes and to handle returns. They have plans to open 30k sq. ft. stores. Is there a space or potential space for an Amazon brick and mortar coupled with a Whole Foods, somewhere downtown?

North Downtown comes immediately to mind..

The Civic site to a lesser extent..

I don’t know where you’d fit it, but the Flatiron District would be a great location for a multiple use development idea such as this.. But again, I think North Downtown is probably the best spot…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Whole Foods in NYC can be as small as 40k sq. ft., so maybe a two story, first floor grocer, second floor Amazon Store?

[Omaha Cowboy]

Amazon Plans to Open Large Retail Locations Akin to Department Stores

There is an article about Amazon wanting to open department stores to sell household goods and clothes and to handle returns. They have plans to open 30k sq. ft. stores. Is there a space or potential space for an Amazon brick and mortar coupled with a Whole Foods, somewhere downtown?

North Downtown comes immediately to mind..

The Civic site to a lesser extent..

I don’t know where you’d fit it, but the Flatiron District would be a great location for a multiple use development idea such as this.. But again, I think North Downtown is probably the best spot…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Whole Foods in NYC can be as small as 40k sq. ft., so maybe a two story, first floor grocer, second floor Amazon Store?

I like the concept..

It could actually work in the Flatiron District…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[daveoma]

Cosentino's like nice--it's definitely a step up from Patrick's. I didn't go to Patrick's a lot when I lived downtown, because their selection was limited and their prices were high. They had local ingredients which was nice. I had a car, so it was easier for me to go down the street to Vinton to the Bag n Save. Some items there cost 50% less than Patrick's.

Nebraska City has a population of 7,000 and they have a Wal-Mart.

Isn't downtown already served by nuestra familia grocers on Park Ave and on 16th St? Something tells me that if market research showed there were 7,000 wealthy residents living downtown, regional and national grocers would be scrambling to open there. It appears that's not the case.
Also, people who live downtown are doing so, because they don't like the sameness of the suburbs, so why would they be eager for a Hy-Vee or a Bakers? It seems to me that downtown would instead benefit from affordable niche grocers. In my opinion, a grocer like the East Africa Grocery store on 25th and Leavenworth would be more successful. The more exotic, the better.

Yeah, but if you’re trying to grow the number of residents, you’re going to need places that supply things that a small, exotic grocer isn’t going to have. Try to be niche, and you’ll be restricted.

Cosentino’s in downtown KC is a good comp for what we should be aiming for. A place that has a large selection that can serve a large variety of downtown residents and hotel guests.

[daveoma]

If Amazon is affordable, then I think that it would be very successful in DTO. Otherwise, I think that the wealthy people with condos are always going to go to Costco, Whole Foods, or to a restaurant. But again, I think that anything other than a unique grocery store will fail. Maybe people in the forum who live downtown will disagree with me? Are you all wanting a big box store that always carries every flavor of Hamburger Helper?

[Omaha Cowboy]

If Amazon is affordable, then I think that it would be very successful in DTO. Otherwise, I think that the wealthy people with condos are always going to go to Costco, Whole Foods, or to a restaurant. But again, I think that anything other than a unique grocery store will fail. Maybe people in the forum who live downtown will disagree with me? Are you all wanting a big box store that always carries every flavor of Hamburger Helper?

As a person who lived in the core area of Omaha for 6 years, what I don’t think would work, is plopping a big box HyVee, like you’d see at 180th and Q or 178th and Pacific, in the central business district (or even North Downtown).. But there are national and regional grocery chains which know how to design a full service urban specific designed store..and whomever takes the plunge, will be serving a rapidly growing population base which will probably number about 10,000 in population by 2023/24..and likely end this decade close to 14-15,000 thousand..

So no, a suburban soccer family style grocery store would not fit in the core..but a smartly designed full service urban grocery concept would..and that’s what we’re talking about for the 68102 zip code..

Hamburger Helper notwithstanding ..,

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Athomsfere]

If Amazon is affordable, then I think that it would be very successful in DTO. Otherwise, I think that the wealthy people with condos are always going to go to Costco, Whole Foods, or to a restaurant. But again, I think that anything other than a unique grocery store will fail. Maybe people in the forum who live downtown will disagree with me? Are you all wanting a big box store that always carries every flavor of Hamburger Helper?

As a person who lived in the core area of Omaha for 6 years, what I don’t think would work, is plopping a big box HyVee, like you’d see at 180th and Q or 178th and Pacific, in the central business district (or even North Downtown).. But there are national and regional grocery chains which know how to design a full service urban specific designed store..and whomever takes the plunge, will be serving a rapidly growing population base which will probably number about 10,000 in population by 2023/24..and likely end this decade close to 14-15,000 thousand..

So no, a suburban soccer family style grocery store would not fit in the core..but a smartly designed full service urban grocery concept would..and that’s what we’re talking about for the 68102 zip code..

Hamburger Helper notwithstanding ..,

Ciao..LiO…Peace

As some one who has lived in the core for most of my time in Omaha, I think this is fair.

I want some actual, semi-predictable grocer options. I don't need or want a Hy-Vee with clothing and pans, but just fresh produce, meats, and basic dry-goods.

I'd actually be even happier if we just got a year round farmers market type place, with multiple local vendors under one roof.