ad2330 wrote: Mon Nov 15, 2021 1:05 pm
I’m hearing on the Library lot…
From a skyline aesthetics perspective, building the would be tallest structure in the city, makes more sense here than Lanoha( aside from likely blocking out the Woodmen from a westward view).
All the scuttle last Wednesday was a 700 plus FT skyscraper at 1416 Dodge, the Lanoha parcel (at least from my Cryptic Rumor Department sources).. The rumored plan for the library site is much different..
In any case, things are brewing..and perhaps we’ll get an announcement of some sort before the end of the year…
ad2330 wrote: Mon Nov 15, 2021 1:05 pm
I’m hearing on the Library lot…
From a skyline aesthetics perspective, building the would be tallest structure in the city, makes more sense here than Lanoha( aside from likely blocking out the Woodmen from a westward view).
All the scuttle last Wednesday was a 700 plus FT skyscraper at 1416 Dodge, the Lanoha parcel (at least from my Cryptic Rumor Department sources).. The rumored plan for the library site is much different..
In any case, things are brewing..and perhaps we’ll get an announcement of some sort before the end of the year…
Ciao..LiO…Peace
I'm not doubting any rumors or sources just speaking to the idea of a "balanced" skyline. I'd certainly welcome a 700 footer anywhere DT. And on the other hand, a shorter yet skyline impacting build here may yet balance in between One First National sitting a little higher and a 700 ft tower at Lanoha with lower elevation. Of course, like most here, cautious optimism and I'd be ecstatic for even one skyline impacting structure.
ad2330 wrote: Mon Nov 15, 2021 1:05 pm
I’m hearing on the Library lot…
From a skyline aesthetics perspective, building the would be tallest structure in the city, makes more sense here than Lanoha( aside from likely blocking out the Woodmen from a westward view).
All the scuttle last Wednesday was a 700 plus FT skyscraper at 1416 Dodge, the Lanoha parcel (at least from my Cryptic Rumor Department sources).. The rumored plan for the library site is much different..
In any case, things are brewing..and perhaps we’ll get an announcement of some sort before the end of the year…
Ciao..LiO…Peace
I'm not doubting any rumors or sources just speaking to the idea of a "balanced" skyline. I'd certainly welcome a 700 footer anywhere DT. And on the other hand, a shorter yet skyline impacting build here may yet balance in between One First National sitting a little higher and a 700 ft tower at Lanoha with lower elevation. Of course, like most here, cautious optimism and I'd be ecstatic for even one skyline impacting structure.
I think we can all agree with that..
All we have are rumors right now..The sources I have are traditionally rock solid..However nothing is set in stone..
But let’s also consider- for a 700 plus skyscraper- 1416 Dodge is already “build ready”.. With the downtown library parcel, development there will likely take a lot more time- a decision would need to be made to relocate the library, then once that happens, the library would need to be demolished.. This said, the rumor for the library site, is for a 14-20 story highrise with the business tenant being Fiserv..
The rumor of the 700 ft plus skyscraper with the insurance HQ component just makes a bit more sense to me..as, again, 1416 Dodge is basically “build ready” for development..
WHEREAS, Omaha Public Library (OPL) has identified significant needs in the areas of
technology and programming for its patrons; and,
WHEREAS, OPL identified in its 2017 Facility Study that its Main Branch should be relocated to
the 72nd and Dodge to the 90th and Dodge area; and,
Vitruvius wrote: Wed Nov 17, 2021 6:14 pm
Idea for a new Main Library on same parcel as existing.
I definitely like that idea. There needs to be a prominent, bold structure at the head of the new park. I’d go for a skyscraper as well but if the replacement of the library is something on a smaller scale (which from this forum’s intel that it will be) that Omaha natives and visitors can marvel at then I’m all for it
Vitruvius wrote: Wed Nov 17, 2021 6:14 pm
Idea for a new Main Library on same parcel as existing.
I definitely like that idea. There needs to be a prominent, bold structure at the head of the new park. I’d go for a skyscraper as well but if the replacement of the library is something on a smaller scale (which from this forum’s intel that it will be) that Omaha natives and visitors can marvel at then I’m all for it
The potential high rise could be up to 20 stories, which might make it twice the height of the new library idea in the photo. I'd rather have the high rise and the Fiserv employees that would come with it (per the rumors).
Vitruvius wrote: Wed Nov 17, 2021 6:14 pm
Idea for a new Main Library on same parcel as existing.
I definitely like that idea. There needs to be a prominent, bold structure at the head of the new park. I’d go for a skyscraper as well but if the replacement of the library is something on a smaller scale (which from this forum’s intel that it will be) that Omaha natives and visitors can marvel at then I’m all for it
The potential high rise could be up to 20 stories, which might make it twice the height of the new library idea in the photo. I'd rather have the high rise and the Fiserv employees that would come with it (per the rumors).
Then build the 20 story on the W. Dale parcel and bump the new library across the street east to the parcel at the head of the park. A Cylindrical shape would make a nice transition to the park.
Vitruvius wrote: Wed Nov 17, 2021 6:14 pm
Idea for a new Main Library on same parcel as existing.
The potential high rise could be up to 20 stories, which might make it twice the height of the new library idea in the photo. I'd rather have the high rise and the Fiserv employees that would come with it (per the rumors).
For sure! I imagined this rendering in a larger scale. Still looks great though.
Vitruvius wrote: Wed Nov 17, 2021 6:14 pm
Idea for a new Main Library on same parcel as existing.
I definitely like that idea. There needs to be a prominent, bold structure at the head of the new park. I’d go for a skyscraper as well but if the replacement of the library is something on a smaller scale (which from this forum’s intel that it will be) that Omaha natives and visitors can marvel at then I’m all for it
The potential high rise could be up to 20 stories, which might make it twice the height of the new library idea in the photo. I'd rather have the high rise and the Fiserv employees that would come with it (per the rumors).
Then build the 20 story on the W. Dale parcel and bump the new library across the street east to the parcel at the head of the park. A Cylindrical shape would make a nice transition to the park.
Vitruvius wrote: Wed Nov 17, 2021 6:14 pm
Idea for a new Main Library on same parcel as existing.
I definitely like that idea. There needs to be a prominent, bold structure at the head of the new park. I’d go for a skyscraper as well but if the replacement of the library is something on a smaller scale (which from this forum’s intel that it will be) that Omaha natives and visitors can marvel at then I’m all for it
The potential high rise could be up to 20 stories, which might make it twice the height of the new library idea in the photo. I'd rather have the high rise and the Fiserv employees that would come with it (per the rumors).
Then build the 20 story on the W. Dale parcel and bump the new library across the street east to the parcel at the head of the park. A Cylindrical shape would make a nice transition to the park.
That would be ideal.
Things may have changed but I heard from a MECA exec a year ago that the hope was still to have a residential high rise on the block to the east of the library. The plan was to wait and see how other residential projects did, and then build a substantial residential tower like in the original GLM renderings.
Vitruvius wrote: Wed Nov 17, 2021 6:14 pm
Idea for a new Main Library on same parcel as existing.
I definitely like that idea. There needs to be a prominent, bold structure at the head of the new park. I’d go for a skyscraper as well but if the replacement of the library is something on a smaller scale (which from this forum’s intel that it will be) that Omaha natives and visitors can marvel at then I’m all for it
The potential high rise could be up to 20 stories, which might make it twice the height of the new library idea in the photo. I'd rather have the high rise and the Fiserv employees that would come with it (per the rumors).
Then build the 20 story on the W. Dale parcel and bump the new library across the street east to the parcel at the head of the park. A Cylindrical shape would make a nice transition to the park.
That would be ideal.
Things may have changed but I heard from a MECA exec a year ago that the hope was still to have a residential high rise on the block to the east of the library. The plan was to wait and see how other residential projects did, and then build a substantial residential tower like in the original GLM renderings.
If I recall, it was off-centered in the rendering, that would be cool, too.
I'm going to reserve my thoughts on the main branch moving until I see what they have proposed for the new 72nd main branch and the new downtown one. It's not like downtown will be without a library entirely, and the shifting nature of what libraries are means that it will likely be better equipped than the main branch currently is. OPL is in the driver's seat and identified this idea years ago. We'll see what happens.
Garrett wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 5:03 pm
I'm going to reserve my thoughts on the main branch moving until I see what they have proposed for the new 72nd main branch and the new downtown one. It's not like downtown will be without a library entirely, and the shifting nature of what libraries are means that it will likely be better equipped than the main branch currently is. OPL is in the driver's seat and identified this idea years ago. We'll see what happens.
Garrett wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 5:03 pm
I'm going to reserve my thoughts on the main branch moving until I see what they have proposed for the new 72nd main branch and the new downtown one. It's not like downtown will be without a library entirely, and the shifting nature of what libraries are means that it will likely be better equipped than the main branch currently is. OPL is in the driver's seat and identified this idea years ago. We'll see what happens.
A welcome voice of reason.
Here's my main concern, per Rachel Jacobsen, heritage is only really funding the main library project. That's my understanding, at least. So anything done with the downtown branch will be the city and opl, so expect a reduction of resources and services compared to what's there now. Downtown needs more access to technology, ala what they have at dospace. I highly doubt that without heritage helping fund the downtown branch, it will be similar to the other branches in terms of number of computers, programming etc.
Last edited by ita on Fri Nov 19, 2021 9:25 am, edited 1 time in total.
Garrett wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 5:03 pm
I'm going to reserve my thoughts on the main branch moving until I see what they have proposed for the new 72nd main branch and the new downtown one. It's not like downtown will be without a library entirely, and the shifting nature of what libraries are means that it will likely be better equipped than the main branch currently is. OPL is in the driver's seat and identified this idea years ago. We'll see what happens.
A welcome voice of reason.
Here's my main concern, per Rachel Jacobsen, heritage is only really funding the main library prophecy. That's my understanding, at least. So anything done with the downtown branch will be the city and opl, so expect a reduction of resources and services compared to what's there now. Downtown needs more access to technology, ala what they have at dospace. I highly doubt that without heritage helping fund the downtown branch, it will be similar to the other branches in terms of number of computers, programming etc.
I have a lot of concerns, as we've all seen from me.
I can't fathom why this proposal is in the works, other than superficially it looks more accessible.
“For years, the city has considered demolishing the downtown W. Dale Clark Library, building a new downtown branch and establishing a new central library.
If those ideas ultimately move forward, Heritage would look specifically to the building of a new central branch. It would undertake a private campaign to pay for the project, which could cost upward of $100 million.
Razing the downtown library, which is bounded by 14th, 15th, Douglas and Farnam Streets, would free up the plot of city-owned land at the west end of the Gene Leahy Mall, which is being revitalized as part of Omaha’s massive $400 million overhaul of the downtown and riverfront parks.”..
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Fri Nov 19, 2021 8:55 am
From the W-H-
“For years, the city has considered demolishing the downtown W. Dale Clark Library, building a new downtown branch and establishing a new central library.
If those ideas ultimately move forward, Heritage would look specifically to the building of a new central branch. It would undertake a private campaign to pay for the project, which could cost upward of $100 million.
Razing the downtown library, which is bounded by 14th, 15th, Douglas and Farnam Streets, would free up the plot of city-owned land at the west end of the Gene Leahy Mall, which is being revitalized as part of Omaha’s massive $400 million overhaul of the downtown and riverfront parks.”..
Garrett wrote: Thu Nov 18, 2021 5:03 pm
I'm going to reserve my thoughts on the main branch moving until I see what they have proposed for the new 72nd main branch and the new downtown one. It's not like downtown will be without a library entirely, and the shifting nature of what libraries are means that it will likely be better equipped than the main branch currently is. OPL is in the driver's seat and identified this idea years ago. We'll see what happens.
A welcome voice of reason.
Here's my main concern, per Rachel Jacobsen, heritage is only really funding the main library prophecy. That's my understanding, at least. So anything done with the downtown branch will be the city and opl, so expect a reduction of resources and services compared to what's there now. Downtown needs more access to technology, ala what they have at dospace. I highly doubt that without heritage helping fund the downtown branch, it will be similar to the other branches in terms of number of computers, programming etc.
I have a lot of concerns, as we've all seen from me.
I can't fathom why this proposal is in the works, other than superficially it looks more accessible.
Today's article pointed to the Crossroads area because OPL identified it in their master plan from 2017. I saw that 'plan' and it is so scant on details that I think the OPL board thought, "well, 72nd is more in the center of the city so it must be closer to more people." I don't think they considered accessibility, especially to the most unfortunate in the community who could use expanded technology access. My thing is if they move the main library to 72nd/DoSpace, the downtown branch has to have more computers, iPads, etc. than other branches, and/or they bolster all branches with more technology. However, with Heritage currently slated to be involved only in the main branch project, I have little faith that will happen and the community will not be really gaining more access to services and technology.
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Fri Nov 19, 2021 8:55 am
From the W-H-
“For years, the city has considered demolishing the downtown W. Dale Clark Library, building a new downtown branch and establishing a new central library.
If those ideas ultimately move forward, Heritage would look specifically to the building of a new central branch. It would undertake a private campaign to pay for the project, which could cost upward of $100 million.
Razing the downtown library, which is bounded by 14th, 15th, Douglas and Farnam Streets, would free up the plot of city-owned land at the west end of the Gene Leahy Mall, which is being revitalized as part of Omaha’s massive $400 million overhaul of the downtown and riverfront parks.”..
EastCB wrote: Mon Nov 22, 2021 8:17 pm
All they said was a press conference tomorrow.
What time will it be? Fingers crossed for a substantial positive announcement...
Yeah.. I’m not holding my breath..but I do hope we get some good, decent intel…
Ciao..LiO…Peace
Hopefully it won’t just be a plan for a larger Do Space at 72nd & Dodge. Per DOGIS, Community Information Trust owns two parcels totaling about 1 acre directly west of the two acre Do Space property, which is also owned by CIT. It’s possible a deal to acquire more land west to 74th St could also be in the works. But if they said 100 million is slated for a new library, that seems like too much $ to spend only on the 72nd & Dodge site. So there must be some other pieces of the puzzle left to be revealed. It will probably cost 5-10 million to Demo the Dale Clark Library and get the site shovel-ready.
He said "They are some big, ugly red brick buildings" ...and then they were gone.
EastCB wrote: Mon Nov 22, 2021 8:17 pm
All they said was a press conference tomorrow.
What time will it be? Fingers crossed for a substantial positive announcement...
Yeah.. I’m not holding my breath..but I do hope we get some good, decent intel…
Ciao..LiO…Peace
Hopefully it won’t just be a plan for a larger Do Space at 72nd & Dodge. Per DOGIS, Community Information Trust owns two parcels totaling about 1 acre directly west of the two acre Do Space property, which is also owned by CIT. It’s possible a deal to acquire more land west to 74th St could also be in the works. But if they said 100 million is slated for a new library, that seems like too much $ to spend only on the 72nd & Dodge site. So there must be some other pieces of the puzzle left to be revealed. It will probably cost 10 million to Demo the Dale Clark Library and get the site shovel-ready.
I would be happy if the mayor announced that any future main library project will be staying in downtown, even if there are no other announcements about what is happening with the library site.
ita wrote: Mon Nov 22, 2021 10:27 pm
I would be happy if the mayor announced that any future main library project will be staying in downtown, even if there are no other announcements about what is happening with the library site.
Agreed. And I think any announcement about where the main library will be (I hope downtown) is a good thing because it's one step closer to opening up that site for development.
As much as I hate to say it, I think it making a "central branch" at 72nd and Dodge is a done deal. I hope they "brand" a new downtown branch as the Main one. They could free up this lot, move a branch to that central location and still give us a spot downtown. At this point it is just marketing and branding.
ita wrote: Tue Nov 23, 2021 9:56 am
Does anyone know if they are broadcasting it anywhere? I want to watch it live.
I am hoping at will be on KFAB.
Good idea. I will tune in to several outlets.
Nothing on KFAB….
Haha, I just checked that too. I am not seeing it anywhere. I guess we'll have to wait until some news outlet reports on it. If it has to do with a major development, I think the mayor would have done a live broadcast somewhere like she did with Crossroads.
In the Q&A session of the press conference today, someone asked Stothert what will be going on the W. Dale Clark library site and she said that there are multiple developers who are interested in doing "great projects" and that she "couldn't wait" until she could announce what will be going there. Seems like this is all building up to, as I've heard (along with others), an announcement around Christmas of a tower on this site.
She also said they are working with several developers about the block east of the library site. She said she wants something on this site that changes Omaha skyline, "something big and tall" and that it is a reality. Additionally, she said she wants something taller than FNB Tower and "we'll see what I can announce to you hopefully soon".
