Missouri River Commons (Riverfront Development)

[skinzfan23]

Watching the planting of a huge tree next to the slides, impressive.

That is a huge tree:

[Omaha Cowboy]

Watching the planting of a huge tree next to the slides, impressive.

That is a huge tree:

Impressive ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Louie]

Is anyone else getting Privacy Errors from that link?

[SunMan]

I am.

[Dundeemaha]

I was always very "meh" about this. It didn't bother me but I want excited either. We're visiting Chicago and I took a run from downtown up to Lincoln Park then asking the shore and back through Millennium Park. It was fantastic and I finally get the vision. Obviously Omaha's version won't be as impressive or to the scale of Chicago's, but a quality connected park system like this will be an amazing asset to the city if executed well.

[Louie]

I was always very "meh" about this. It didn't bother me but I want excited either. We're visiting Chicago and I took a run from downtown up to Lincoln Park then asking the shore and back through Millennium Park. It was fantastic and I finally get the vision. Obviously Omaha's version won't be as impressive or to the scale of Chicago's, but a quality connected park system like this will be an amazing asset to the city if executed well.

I think that's where a lot of people's original views of this project were. Too used to the forested creek look we've had for so long and hadn't visited the central urban park systems in other cities. In 10 years when this project is wrapped up and we get to see all the tertiary developments that it spawns, I think the majority will be happy with it.

[Garrett]

Agreed. Having lived in Chicago and NYC, both with iconic parks large and small, I’ve been very excited about this since the beginning.

[NEDodger]

I think that's where a lot of people's original views of this project were. Too used to the forested creek look we've had for so long and hadn't visited the central urban park systems in other cities. In 10 years when this project is wrapped up and we get to see all the tertiary developments that it spawns, I think the majority will be happy with it.

Bingo. I'd love to see more museum movement around the area that the science museum will be. Possibly the Children's Museum relocating there, or (finally) the College Baseball Hall of Fame on the riverfront as well. It just makes so much sense to have museums concentrated in the same area to increase the chance that out-of-town visitors go to all of them, limit the need for transportation between different places, greater exposure for riverfront development in general, etc..

[Athomsfere]

I think that's where a lot of people's original views of this project were. Too used to the forested creek look we've had for so long and hadn't visited the central urban park systems in other cities. In 10 years when this project is wrapped up and we get to see all the tertiary developments that it spawns, I think the majority will be happy with it.

Bingo. I'd love to see more museum movement around the area that the science museum will be. Possibly the Children's Museum relocating there, or (finally) the College Baseball Hall of Fame on the riverfront as well. It just makes so much sense to have museums concentrated in the same area to increase the chance that out-of-town visitors go to all of them, limit the need for transportation between different places, greater exposure for riverfront development in general, etc..

Visit Omaha's "Museum Mile" from the river to Durham.

[ita]

125 Nebraska groups apply for nearly $335 million to help fund pandemic-delayed projects

Sarah Gentzler
Well over 100 organizations in Nebraska are seeking state help to fund construction projects that were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The projects range from stadium improvements at Burke High School to an expansion of Joslyn Art Museum to a new sea otter exhibit at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

For now, it’s unclear how many will receive funding.

By the July 15 end of the application period, 125 organizations had requested a total of nearly $335 million through the recently enacted “Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery & Investment Act.”

The reason I put this here is that there is a table several tables long outlining the requesters and their respective projects and the cost. MECA is requesting $5M for the Riverfront Revitalization Project, a for South Trail. I don't want to get into the politics of whether this particular project should get the money when it already backed by extremely wealthy donors, but I am not sure this trail has ever been mentioned. I always thought that the project could be better connected to South Downtown, so maybe that is what this request is for?

[ita]

So instead of basketball courts or a skatepark, they are doing pickleball courts. Darn. I kind of hate that they went that way. Who are they talking to? I am probably being unnecessarily negative, but I hope they incorporate a skatepark or basketball courts, somewhere downtown.

Before breaking ground, The RiverFront team held a series of public meetings where the community listed sports courts as an important prospective park amenity. With that wish list in mind, designers are finalizing plans for pickleball courts in Lewis & Clark Landing. An up-and-coming sport in many communities, the addition of pickleball courts provides yet another activity for guests to enjoy at The RiverFront.

The pickleball courts join sand volleyball courts in Lewis & Clark Landing and will sit just north of the Kiewit Luminarium. Along with the courts, the area will provide spaces for shade, a public restroom, and multiple seating structures.

Guests looking to play a game of pickleball will be able to check out equipment from The RiverFront’s game cart, or they can bring their own from home. The courts will be available on a first come, first served basis, with the possibility of leagues, tournaments, and lessons to further enhance the space. Additional temporary pickleball courts can even be set up within the area to expand the number of teams that may be accommodated.

Pickleball is a continually growing sport across the United States. The Sport and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) reports that participation grew by 21.3% from 2019 to 2020, totaling over 4 million recognized participants.

Whether you’re an experienced player or are just now learning about pickleball, The RiverFront is excited to bring this popular amenity into downtown Omaha!

Also from the newsletter:

[BIGO88]

They are currently building a new skate park and Basketball court up in the Millwork Commons park so maybe they figured they would switch it up here.

[ita]

They are currently building a new skate park and Basketball court up in the Millwork Commons park so maybe they figured they would switch it up here.

I don't think there is a skate park. Is there information out about that? Also, I think there is one hoop planned for Millwork Commons based on renderings. Lewis and Clark isn't the only place to put those things, but I asked about putting a project together to get a skatepark, basketball courts, or outdoor exercise equipment (pullup bars, dip bars, etc.) several months ago on the lot that is now being set aside for pickleball courts and they told me that the plan, as it was presented then, was final. They claimed that additional amenities would only be considered after everything is built out. So, I am bummed that pickleball is being added at this point in the process, especially when that has not even been mentioned or shown on any plans until now. Pickleball hasn't really been trending until recently and yet they claim based on community input this is what people want. Community input was taken a few years ago. I know there was an organized group wanting to get a skatepark at the riverfront, but that hasn't gone anywhere.

If there is one thing that has bothered me about the amenities they are building out is that it seems to be geared towards a specific demographic. I am specifically talking about the sports courts here. Pickleball, volleyball, and bocce ball. I am not saying that POC don't or wouldn't participate in those sports, but when I think of those activities, I don't imagine POC people utilizing those amenities that much. I could be totally wrong too; maybe those sports are popular regardless of race or ethnicity. If I am totally off base, please someone put me in my place.

[BIGO88]

I agree with you 100% it would have made much more sense to have these down by the Riverfront to give people more reasons to go down there.Yes you can look up the company Hunger Skateparks on Instagram and they have been posting building updates on the skatepark in Millwork Commons and there making a legit skatepark on 20th St in James Lynch Park. They also are talking about putting one in Gifford park as well so lots of new skateparks popping up

[ita]

I agree with you 100% it would have made much more sense to have these down by the Riverfront to give people more reasons to go down there.Yes you can look up the company Hunger Skateparks on Instagram and they have been posting building updates on the skatepark in Millwork Commons and there making a legit skatepark on 20th St in James Lynch Park. They also are talking about putting one in Gifford park as well so lots of new skateparks popping up

Thanks for the Intel. I thought millwork commons was going to just have another skate ribbon, but this skate spot is great news. Omaha is definitely lacking in skatepark amenities so it's good to see this company entering our region. Where did you see info on Lynch Park?

[Brad]

This building doesn't look big from a distance, but when you start looking at the scale of people working on it and cars nearby, its rather large.

[nebport5]

Nice Brad! I'm imagining it lite up at night in due time.



*Side note. Is it just me or does the Hilton from that angle look like an eyesore left over from the 60s/70s?

[Omaha Cowboy]

This building doesn't look big from a distance, but when you start looking at the scale of people working on it and cars nearby, its rather large.

Very nice Brad …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Garrett]

Nice Brad! I'm imagining it lite up at night in due time.



*Side note. Is it just me or does the Hilton from that angle look like an eyesore left over from the 60s/70s?

That's the Capitol District Marriott hahahah

[nebport5]

oops! My bad. Not it's most flattering angle all the same. Hopefully it looks better at night with light cosmetics.

[Omaha Cowboy]

oops! My bad. Not it's most flattering angle all the same. Hopefully it looks better at night with light cosmetics.

Omaha’s entire downtown skyline looks much better at night..

It lights up nicely…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

oops! My bad. Not it's most flattering angle all the same. Hopefully it looks better at night with light cosmetics.

Omaha’s entire downtown skyline looks much better at night..

It lights up nicely…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I haven't been downtown at night for a while, but was able to drive by/through last night. It does look really nice at night! A lot of building are lit up. Looking forward to see the Luminarium add to the skyline.

[nebport5]

Fair enough. I suppose I "light up" better at night as well.

[Garrett]

Fair enough. I suppose I "light up" better at night as well.

When I try to light up during the day it's considered a problem.

[Doctor Fate]

This building doesn't look big from a distance, but when you start looking at the scale of people working on it and cars nearby, its rather large.

Very nice Brad …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

If we get a 18-20 story high rise on the library and the Lanoha proposal comes through, this view will look really dense and show the height in downtown.

[Omaha Cowboy]

oops! My bad. Not it's most flattering angle all the same. Hopefully it looks better at night with light cosmetics.

Omaha’s entire downtown skyline looks much better at night..

It lights up nicely…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I haven't been downtown at night for a while, but was able to drive by/through last night. It does look really nice at night! A lot of building are lit up. Looking forward to see the Luminarium add to the skyline.

Indeed it does…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Omaha Cowboy]

This building doesn't look big from a distance, but when you start looking at the scale of people working on it and cars nearby, its rather large.

Very nice Brad …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

If we get a 18-20 story high rise on the library and the Lanoha proposal comes through, this view will look really dense and show the height in downtown.

Absolutely correct. Let’s keep our fingers crossed …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[nativeomahan]

Fair enough. I suppose I "light up" better at night as well.

When I try to light up during the day it's considered a problem.

I hope to see you next week, Garrett.

[Omaha Cowboy]

This is pretty cool..

From the October Riverfront Redevelopment newsletter-

“It was recently announced that The RiverFront has earned an Envision Platinum Award for Sustainable Infrastructure. This is the first project in the state of Nebraska to obtain an Envision Verification, and only the 38th project in the world to qualify for a platinum status.

The entire process began in 2019 when the team, led by HDR, started collecting necessary data for application submittal to the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI). Thousands of pages were assembled to address each of Envision's five categories - Quality of Life, Leadership, Climate and Resilience, Natural World, and Resource Allocation - along with the appropriate backup documentation.

Building a sustainable park has been a primary goal of The RiverFront project. The team knew it was important to not only provide a beautiful and activated urban space, but to also deliver long-lasting infrastructure, ensuring the park will thrive for decades to come.

With its large green space and well thought-out, intentional design, The RiverFront instantly checked a lot of boxes for Envision. Specifically, the project earned the highest level of achievement in the Quality of Life category, with "bonus points" for innovations throughout the park.

"This is the very first project in Nebraska to earn an Envision award, and, wow, did the project team think big!" Envision Verification Director Kristi Wamstad said. "Look at all of the amenities; a person would be hard-pressed to find something not to enjoy. What is also fantastic is that the project team is preserving undeveloped land by only building on previously developed areas. Kudos to the project team for spectacularly transforming the space and earning an Envision Platinum award."

While the Envision Verification process focuses on sustainability, it also considers how a project will impact its community. The RiverFront has employed predominantly local subcontractors, shining a light on the city's talented workforce while striving to keep jobs in Omaha - which has been a significant point of pride.

The ISI officially presented The RiverFront's Envision Verification in an award ceremony, celebrating the installation of sustainable infrastructure happening right here in downtown Omaha.”…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Coyote]

Crew is dredging Omaha's Riverfront Marina of sand and silt



Omaha World-Herald

For the next three weeks, a dredger will continue to grind and suck up sand and silt that swept into the marina during the 2019 flooding of the Missouri River.

[Omaha Cowboy]

From today’s W-H-

“As the Gene Leahy Mall again breathes life into downtown Omaha, an outline of what's to come for the city's two remaining downtown parks is beginning to take shape

Heartland Park and Lewis and Clark Landing are on track to reopen in the summer of 2023. Even with a year to go, key features of both parks are beginning to take shape.

In Heartland of America Park, decorative concrete, similar to the sidewalks in Gene Leahy Mall, is being installed. The park's first shade structure has been built, and concrete walls for the skate ribbon have been poured, said Kristyna Engdahl, a spokeswoman with the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, which manages The RiverFront project.

The park also will feature a lakeside amphitheater, bocce courts and Farnam Pier, which will stretch over the Missouri River.

At Lewis & Clark Landing, foundations have been set for planters, shade canopies and an urban beach.

A restroom structure has gone up and construction crews hope to see some of the park's play structures arrive in coming weeks.

Also in the works is a $101 million riverfront science center funded by philanthropists called the Kiewit Luminarium.

The museum structure is expected to be completed in September, with exhibits to be installed over the following six months.“..

The complete W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/overhaul-o ... c65dc.html

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

From today’s W-H-

“As the Gene Leahy Mall again breathes life into downtown Omaha, an outline of what's to come for the city's two remaining downtown parks is beginning to take shape

Heartland Park and Lewis and Clark Landing are on track to reopen in the summer of 2023. Even with a year to go, key features of both parks are beginning to take shape.

In Heartland of America Park, decorative concrete, similar to the sidewalks in Gene Leahy Mall, is being installed. The park's first shade structure has been built, and concrete walls for the skate ribbon have been poured, said Kristyna Engdahl, a spokeswoman with the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, which manages The RiverFront project.

The park also will feature a lakeside amphitheater, bocce courts and Farnam Pier, which will stretch over the Missouri River.

At Lewis & Clark Landing, foundations have been set for planters, shade canopies and an urban beach.

A restroom structure has gone up and construction crews hope to see some of the park's play structures arrive in coming weeks.

Also in the works is a $101 million riverfront science center funded by philanthropists called the Kiewit Luminarium.

The museum structure is expected to be completed in September, with exhibits to be installed over the following six months.“..

The complete W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/overhaul-o ... c65dc.html

Ciao..LiO…Peace

The article mentions an additional $10 million from the city to expand the trail system on the riverfront. Does anyone know where that money is going? I must have missed this new trail.

[Omaha Cowboy]

From today’s W-H-

“As the Gene Leahy Mall again breathes life into downtown Omaha, an outline of what's to come for the city's two remaining downtown parks is beginning to take shape

Heartland Park and Lewis and Clark Landing are on track to reopen in the summer of 2023. Even with a year to go, key features of both parks are beginning to take shape.

In Heartland of America Park, decorative concrete, similar to the sidewalks in Gene Leahy Mall, is being installed. The park's first shade structure has been built, and concrete walls for the skate ribbon have been poured, said Kristyna Engdahl, a spokeswoman with the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, which manages The RiverFront project.

The park also will feature a lakeside amphitheater, bocce courts and Farnam Pier, which will stretch over the Missouri River.

At Lewis & Clark Landing, foundations have been set for planters, shade canopies and an urban beach.

A restroom structure has gone up and construction crews hope to see some of the park's play structures arrive in coming weeks.

Also in the works is a $101 million riverfront science center funded by philanthropists called the Kiewit Luminarium.

The museum structure is expected to be completed in September, with exhibits to be installed over the following six months.“..

The complete W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/overhaul-o ... c65dc.html

Ciao..LiO…Peace

The article mentions an additional $10 million from the city to expand the trail system on the riverfront. Does anyone know where that money is going? I must have missed this new trail.

I went to The Riverfront website and watched their 3 minute flyover video.. Regarding the extra money/expansion of the trail system..There was no mention of it in the video..but if I had to guess, it would have some additional connectivity access between the park and the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge..

This said, their monthly newsletter (hopefully) will come out soon and perhaps shed some additional light…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Coyote]

Overhaul of Omaha's riverfront parks continues as key features take shape

As the Gene Leahy Mall again breathes life into downtown Omaha, an outline of what's to come for the city's two remaining downtown parks is beginning to take shape. Visitors to the newly opened Gene Leahy Mall can stand on the eastern edge of the park — past the children playing, the downtown workers typing away on laptops and ducks splashing in the mall pond — and watch as construction on Heartland of America Park continues to expand toward the Missouri River. With a glance toward the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, visitors can see that work also is underway on the northernmost component of the riverfront, Lewis & Clark Landing. The construction sites are part of a public-private overhaul of Omaha’s downtown parks.



In addition to the city's $50 million contribution to the $400 million, three-park project collectively called The RiverFront, another $10 million from the city likely will be used to expand a trail system along the riverfront. The Leahy Mall reopened last month with accolades and excitement after a more than three-year overhaul. Heartland Park and Lewis & Clark Landing are on track to reopen in the summer of 2023. Even with a year to go, key features of both parks are beginning to take shape. In Heartland of America Park, decorative concrete, similar to the sidewalks in the Gene Leahy Mall, is being installed. The park's first shade structure has been built, and concrete walls for the skate ribbon have been poured, said Kristyna Engdahl, a spokeswoman with the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, which manages The RiverFront project.

The skate ribbon will be about the length of a football field and will offer ice skating in the winter and roller blading in the summer. Crews continue to work on a maintenance building that will house an ice resurfacer and chillers that will keep the ice cold enough to skate on. The park also will feature a lakeside amphitheater, bocce courts and Farnam Pier, which will stretch over the Missouri River.

"It's starting to come together and is looking more like a park every day, which is exciting," Engdahl said. At Lewis & Clark Landing, foundations have been set for planters, shade canopies and an urban beach. A restroom structure has gone up and construction crews hope to see some of the park's play structures arrive in coming weeks.



Work is in progress on several future additions to the Omaha riverfront, including a new pedestrian bridge and skate ribbon.
Z LONG, THE WORLD-HERALD

Also in the works is a $101 million riverfront science center funded by philanthropists called the Kiewit Luminarium. The museum structure is expected to be completed in September, with exhibits to be installed over the following six months. Among the attractions of the new center will be a “geometric climber,” in which visitors will be able to learn about the art and symmetry of geometry by walking and climbing through a two-story exhibit.

Another two-story exhibit space will be devoted to the science of materials. Visitors will explore the weight, strength and other qualities of materials used for construction and other purposes. If all goes as planned, the state-of-the-art science center will be open to the public in April.

[omahahawk]

Not sure if this is correct or not but regarding the expansion of the trail system I kind of thought they might be trying to run it it all the way up to Lauritzen Gardens or beyond. Hope this is the case.

[Louie]

Not sure if this is correct or not but regarding the expansion of the trail system I kind of thought they might be trying to run it it all the way up to Lauritzen Gardens or beyond. Hope this is the case.

Shoot, it might as well go all the way to the zoo at that point.

[OmahaJaysCU]

It would be so cool if there was a way to move the children's museum down here too. Talk about a destination. The park would be full 8 months a year.

[NEDodger]

It would be so cool if there was a way to move the children's museum down here too. Talk about a destination. The park would be full 8 months a year.

This. You then essentially create a “museum district” along the riverfront, with the Kiewit Illumarium, the Children’s Museum, and the Durham.

Add in a College Baseball Hall of Fame someday and this is crazy amazing.

[Athomsfere]

Not sure if this is correct or not but regarding the expansion of the trail system I kind of thought they might be trying to run it it all the way up to Lauritzen Gardens or beyond. Hope this is the case.

Shoot, it might as well go all the way to the zoo at that point.

I appove... heck, run it to South O or the Bellevue and let it connect back to the Papio / Keystone.

It would be so cool if there was a way to move the children's museum down here too. Talk about a destination. The park would be full 8 months a year.

This. You then essentially create a “museum district” along the riverfront, with the Kiewit Illumarium, the Children’s Museum, and the Durham.

Add in a College Baseball Hall of Fame someday and this is crazy amazing.

Curious: I like the thought a little, upgrading the Children's Museum specifically. But do Museum Districts out perform museums that are close enough to another to be accessed by good transit? I would think the benefit would be that you could buy a multi-museum pass and browse a few quickly, driving up each places numbers. But that might also hurt concession and souvenir sales.

Just curious if anyone has seen studies. Anecdotally, I think it was Amsterdam or Germany where I went to the wrong museum to see an exhibit, and as it happened the right museum was right next door. Having a ton of signage for all the museums pointing to the same place made it an easy experience.

[almighty_tuna]

It would be neat to tie in a new Children's Museum to the GLM. Maybe a mid-rise on that block between GLM and the MOO tower where the Children's Museum would occupy the bottom few floors with a signature pedestrian bridge connection between the second floor and the GLM over 13th Street. Even cooler if it was integrated on the banks of HOAP