Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

[bigredmed1]

I would absolutely visit the new main library if it moves near the Crossroads.

Just out of curiosity, what specifically does the main library have that you would like to go for but won't because of the homeless people?

Better proximity to jobs and home as well as better parking.

[Cermak]

The main library at Crossroads makes alot of sense. Right in the middle of town. Parking should be easy not a pain. Plus fewer homeless. Put a smaller library downtown.

[GetUrban]

With the $100’s of millions already going into downtown (GLM, Luminarium, Riverfront etc.) with more 100’s of millions to come, it seems like a no-brainer to put the flagship “main” branch downtown. The Civic site already has a parking garage that is easily accessible from I-480/I-80 and west-O. So the new branch could be built at the civic site before the Dale Clark library is torn down, if they must. The homeless could easily become a problem at 72nd and Dodge too. It’s more of a security and shelter issue that needs to be dealt with all over town. The Dodge Street traffic at 72nd and 90th can get really congested already. I’m not sure someone living out by 180th & L is going to want to fight the traffic to get to a “main” branch at 72nd & Dodge. Seriously, with today’s technology, all branches across the whole Metro should be treated more equally as far as what is offered at each branch. Maybe the “main” branch would offer access to a large collection of one-of-a-kind paper publications (rare printed books) and the other branches would each have more common books and publications, the same across all branches.

[JDJase]

I would absolutely visit the new main library if it moves near the Crossroads.

Just out of curiosity, what specifically does the main library have that you would like to go for but won't because of the homeless people?

Better proximity to jobs and home as well as better parking.

? Definitely has nothing to do with my question. I want to know what, exactly, the MAIN library has, that a branch library does not have, that people would say "oh I would love to utilize that but I won't because it's downtown". Because so far the argument for "better access" has been based on amenities that can be/are fulfilled by branch libraries. Such as

If you visit libraries now it is much more people who lack access to computers or other technology at home.

Main libraries are the holders of rare works, genealogical documents, gallery for local arts, historical documents and collections for the state and city, etc. - items that aren't frequently used, which is not their intention - and that's not going to change by moving the library. That is the reason basically every city has its main library in its civic core and has branch libraries for the services most of the public will use (computer access, mass print books, reference). As I said in another thread, moving the main library out of downtown would be just as silly as moving city hall to Old Mill.

I just think a city government moving one of its own civic institutions out of the core just raises a huge red flag about how the city views its own downtown, and in the long run gives developers more reason to do the same. Let's tell these developers allegedly planning multiple towers downtown that they're really better off out west. While we're at it lets halt construction on the Luminarium and Joslyn expansion and tell them "downtown sucks too may homeless too little parking you should move out west."

Heritage should be focused on upgrading the branch libraries if better access to new technologies for the public is their true concern. Let's not forget that discussion of moving the main library was never born out of some problem with the public's lack of access to amenities of the main library; it was born out of the fact that the library is on prime real estate that people want developed. Moving the main library out of downtown is a solution in search of a problem.

Also, the idea that the parking situation is going to be better at 72nd and Dodge (especially if it gets crammed into the Do Space location) than it is downtown is laughable. Unless the forum is suddenly going to be advocating knocking down a half dozen buildings in that area for surface parking. Downtown parking is only a "pain" for people who don't want to pay 25 cents/hr and have to parallel park, or *gasp* $3/hr for a garage.

[bigredmed1]

Downtown Omaha is best thought of as a part of the city. It is no more important than any other commercial center.

[Vitruvius]

I would absolutely visit the new main library if it moves near the Crossroads.

Just out of curiosity, what specifically does the main library have that you would like to go for but won't because of the homeless people?

Better proximity to jobs and home as well as better parking.

? Definitely has nothing to do with my question. I want to know what, exactly, the MAIN library has, that a branch library does not have, that people would say "oh I would love to utilize that but I won't because it's downtown". Because so far the argument for "better access" has been based on amenities that can be/are fulfilled by branch libraries. Such as

If you visit libraries now it is much more people who lack access to computers or other technology at home.

Main libraries are the holders of rare works, genealogical documents, gallery for local arts, historical documents and collections for the state and city, etc. - items that aren't frequently used, which is not their intention - and that's not going to change by moving the library. That is the reason basically every city has its main library in its civic core and has branch libraries for the services most of the public will use (computer access, mass print books, reference). As I said in another thread, moving the main library out of downtown would be just as silly as moving city hall to Old Mill.

I just think a city government moving one of its own civic institutions out of the core just raises a huge red flag about how the city views its own downtown, and in the long run gives developers more reason to do the same. Let's tell these developers allegedly planning multiple towers downtown that they're really better off out west. While we're at it lets halt construction on the Luminarium and Joslyn expansion and tell them "downtown sucks too may homeless too little parking you should move out west."

Heritage should be focused on upgrading the branch libraries if better access to new technologies for the public is their true concern. Let's not forget that discussion of moving the main library was never born out of some problem with the public's lack of access to amenities of the main library; it was born out of the fact that the library is on prime real estate that people want developed. Moving the main library out of downtown is a solution in search of a problem.

Also, the idea that the parking situation is going to be better at 72nd and Dodge (especially if it gets crammed into the Do Space location) than it is downtown is laughable. Unless the forum is suddenly going to be advocating knocking down a half dozen buildings in that area for surface parking. Downtown parking is only a "pain" for people who don't want to pay 25 cents/hr and have to parallel park, or *gasp* $3/hr for a garage.

I agree completely!

[omahacacher]

I would absolutely visit the new main library if it moves near the Crossroads.

Just out of curiosity, what specifically does the main library have that you would like to go for but won't because of the homeless people?

Meeting with volunteers in regard to genealogy research.

[nebport5]

I would absolutely visit the new main library if it moves near the Crossroads.

Just out of curiosity, what specifically does the main library have that you would like to go for but won't because of the homeless people?

Better proximity to jobs and home as well as better parking.

? Definitely has nothing to do with my question. I want to know what, exactly, the MAIN library has, that a branch library does not have, that people would say "oh I would love to utilize that but I won't because it's downtown". Because so far the argument for "better access" has been based on amenities that can be/are fulfilled by branch libraries. Such as

If you visit libraries now it is much more people who lack access to computers or other technology at home.

Main libraries are the holders of rare works, genealogical documents, gallery for local arts, historical documents and collections for the state and city, etc. - items that aren't frequently used, which is not their intention - and that's not going to change by moving the library. That is the reason basically every city has its main library in its civic core and has branch libraries for the services most of the public will use (computer access, mass print books, reference). As I said in another thread, moving the main library out of downtown would be just as silly as moving city hall to Old Mill.

I just think a city government moving one of its own civic institutions out of the core just raises a huge red flag about how the city views its own downtown, and in the long run gives developers more reason to do the same. Let's tell these developers allegedly planning multiple towers downtown that they're really better off out west. While we're at it lets halt construction on the Luminarium and Joslyn expansion and tell them "downtown sucks too may homeless too little parking you should move out west."

Heritage should be focused on upgrading the branch libraries if better access to new technologies for the public is their true concern. Let's not forget that discussion of moving the main library was never born out of some problem with the public's lack of access to amenities of the main library; it was born out of the fact that the library is on prime real estate that people want developed. Moving the main library out of downtown is a solution in search of a problem.

Also, the idea that the parking situation is going to be better at 72nd and Dodge (especially if it gets crammed into the Do Space location) than it is downtown is laughable. Unless the forum is suddenly going to be advocating knocking down a half dozen buildings in that area for surface parking. Downtown parking is only a "pain" for people who don't want to pay 25 cents/hr and have to parallel park, or *gasp* $3/hr for a garage.

I agree completely!

I'll second that, well said.

On 72nd & Dodge being more accessible: It is already one of the most congested intersections and wait 'til Crossroads finally comes to fruition. That spot was a pain in the arse to get in and out of even back when it was a Border's.

[nebport5]

Downtown Omaha is best thought of as a part of the city. It is no more important than any other commercial center.

Point taken. However, given current city leadership you could argue DTO is less important. To return to the thread topic, consider the mediocre plan that many here hope never materializes.

[iamjacobm]

Downtown Omaha is best thought of as a part of the city. It is no more important than any other commercial center.

Point taken. However, given current city leadership you could argue DTO is less important. To return to the thread topic, consider the mediocre plan that many here hope never materializes.

I see very little evidence to support that claim considering the once-in-a-generation type of public/private investment in DTO's parks, museums, and civic facilities happing at the moment. The city's leaders both public and private have driven a massive amount of money into DTO investments like the Riverfront Revitalization, the courthouse expansion, the Kiewit Science museum, the Joslyn expansion, the Steelhouse music venue all happening essentially at the same time. We are seeing investment in the cultural and civic amenities downtown at a scale that we may not see again in our lifetimes.

[nebport5]

Downtown Omaha is best thought of as a part of the city. It is no more important than any other commercial center.

Point taken. However, given current city leadership you could argue DTO is less important. To return to the thread topic, consider the mediocre plan that many here hope never materializes.

I see very little evidence to support that claim considering the once-in-a-generation type of public/private investment in DTO's parks, museums, and civic facilities happing at the moment. The city's leaders both public and private have driven a massive amount of money into DTO investments like the Riverfront Revitalization, the courthouse expansion, the Kiewit Science museum, the Joslyn expansion, the Steelhouse music venue all happening essentially at the same time. We are seeing investment in the cultural and civic amenities downtown at a scale that we may not see again in our lifetimes.

Perhaps I could've stated that better considering I agree with you. Yes, there are many great projects(and people behind them) happening simultaneously. My comment was directed at the mayor's office. How many of those projects would've happened anyway? Compared to past mayors who have more bullish on DTO, the efforts have been underwhelming. Civic Square, if it's really a legit plan, is the obvious example of urban cluelessness.

[NEDodger]

Like who? Jim Suttle? He struck out on the old UP site and I don't recall anything awe-inspiring from him. Mike Fahey? Sure, he got the NCAA to give us a long contract for the CWS (as if the event would be at the same level in any other city anyways...), but he had so little faith in downtown that he lowballed the size of the convention center hotel. We could have had a 30 story hotel rather than the Great Wall of Hilton.

Hal Daub is the only one in the past 40 years that you could argue was a bona fide visionary - freaking shame that Fahey beat him, and that Suttle blocked a comeback.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

I don't think most people know that Jim Suttle was a very accomplished Engineer & was on the board for HDR. Omaha is very fortunate that he was Mayor during the 2011 floods. The city quickly built a massive, temporary, pumping station in the back lots of the CHI.

[bigredmed1]

I don't think most people know that Jim Suttle was a very accomplished Engineer & was on the board for HDR. Omaha is very fortunate that he was Mayor during the 2011 floods. The city quickly built a massive, temporary, pumping station in the back lots of the CHI.

Suttle was an engineer, but also a democrat and one that was so beholden to the machine that loves to tax west Omaha that he did a bunch of blindingly stupid acts in Millard that it was a wonder that Stothert didn’t beat him by more. He may have been a good engineer, but he was not a good mayor and when it came to retail politics, he really stunk.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

I don't think most people know that Jim Suttle was a very accomplished Engineer & was on the board for HDR. Omaha is very fortunate that he was Mayor during the 2011 floods. The city quickly built a massive, temporary, pumping station in the back lots of the CHI.

Suttle was an engineer, but also a democrat and one that was so beholden to the machine that loves to tax west Omaha that he did a bunch of blindingly stupid acts in Millard that it was a wonder that Stothert didn’t beat him by more. He may have been a good engineer, but he was not a good mayor and when it came to retail politics, he really stunk.

[Linkin5]

I don't think most people know that Jim Suttle was a very accomplished Engineer & was on the board for HDR. Omaha is very fortunate that he was Mayor during the 2011 floods. The city quickly built a massive, temporary, pumping station in the back lots of the CHI.

Suttle was an engineer, but also a democrat and one that was so beholden to the machine that loves to tax west Omaha that he did a bunch of blindingly stupid acts in Millard that it was a wonder that Stothert didn’t beat him by more. He may have been a good engineer, but he was not a good mayor and when it came to retail politics, he really stunk.

Man you’re really making me love Suttle right now.

[ita]

Part of the increasingly heightened focus on downtown/midtown, particularly among groups like the Chamber and Heritage, is that having a vibrant downtown can help recruit and retain younger people that Omaha/Nebraska struggles in retaining and recruiting, among other things. Furthermore, downtown really isn't just another commercial location. It is also our cultural and political center. Treating it otherwise would make us even less competitive for much needed people resources, even among similar sized cities. I can go on about why downtown (not just ours, but every city's or town's) is special, but I will stop here.

[Athomsfere]

Part of the increasingly heightened focus on downtown/midtown, particularly among groups like the Chamber and Heritage, is that having a vibrant downtown can help recruit and retain younger people that Omaha/Nebraska struggles in retaining and recruiting, among other things. Furthermore, downtown really isn't just another commercial location. It is also our cultural and political center. Treating it otherwise would make us even less competitive for much needed people resources, even among similar sized cities. I can go on about why downtown (not just ours, but every city's or town's) is special, but I will stop here.

I also agree with this.

Also, apparently Nebraska now has the lowest unemployment in US history at I think 1.9%.

There are a lot of people who don't want just a cheaper life, but a higher quality of life at X salary. A vibrant downtown is probably the single best place to start, where a car is only a luxury a lot of households don't need for day to day life.

[NEDodger]

I don't think most people know that Jim Suttle was a very accomplished Engineer & was on the board for HDR. Omaha is very fortunate that he was Mayor during the 2011 floods. The city quickly built a massive, temporary, pumping station in the back lots of the CHI.

That’s a reactive move, not a visionary one for downtown. Great for Jim to be an engineer (I’m not sure how hands on he was for that, as the city has its own engineers as well) but he did nothing for downtown.

[nebport5]

Like who? Jim Suttle? He struck out on the old UP site and I don't recall anything awe-inspiring from him. Mike Fahey? Sure, he got the NCAA to give us a long contract for the CWS (as if the event would be at the same level in any other city anyways...), but he had so little faith in downtown that he lowballed the size of the convention center hotel. We could have had a 30 story hotel rather than the Great Wall of Hilton.

Hal Daub is the only one in the past 40 years that you could argue was a bona fide visionary - freaking shame that Fahey beat him, and that Suttle blocked a comeback.

Suttle may not of had great success but it was clear he was trying. He was also pro streetcar. IIRC you are not a proponent however, I think you'd still agree about what the proposed Farnam/Harney route could do for Midtown. Fahey was more of a fiscal conservative than his party affiliation would've suggested. Yes, we're all a bit salty about the would be 30 story Marriott. Of course Daub stands out in recent times. You got the feeling had he not lost the election he would've gotten it done(and more).

To iamjacobm's point it is a great many people to get these awe inspiring projects to materialize. Whether, they're successful or not you at least want a mayor who is trying and gets it. Currently, it's a struggle to even get permanent bike lanes in the urban core. For a city it's size, Omaha continues to lag behind in bike infrastructure.

I agree with ita too, having a strong urban core shouldn't be undervalued. A strong vibrant DTO does benefit the greater metro. Trickle down...ah never mind.


Getting back on topic, I hope Jean proves me wrong and something yet awe inspiring eventually develops at Civic Square. It's a massive potentially game changing canvas.

[Garrett]

I don't think most people know that Jim Suttle was a very accomplished Engineer & was on the board for HDR. Omaha is very fortunate that he was Mayor during the 2011 floods. The city quickly built a massive, temporary, pumping station in the back lots of the CHI.

Suttle was an engineer, but also a democrat and one that was so beholden to the machine that loves to tax west Omaha that he did a bunch of blindingly stupid acts in Millard that it was a wonder that Stothert didn’t beat him by more. He may have been a good engineer, but he was not a good mayor and when it came to retail politics, he really stunk.

I know it’s hard to believe, but political parties aren’t incredibly relevant when it comes to mayors. Daub and Stothert are both republicans, yet are radically different mayors. Simply saying “Well Suttle was a Democrat so therefore blah blah blah” is a vast oversimplification of the matter. Stothert ran on the anger of the restaurant tax, and yet here it still is years later with her support.

[bigredmed1]

I don't think most people know that Jim Suttle was a very accomplished Engineer & was on the board for HDR. Omaha is very fortunate that he was Mayor during the 2011 floods. The city quickly built a massive, temporary, pumping station in the back lots of the CHI.

Suttle was an engineer, but also a democrat and one that was so beholden to the machine that loves to tax west Omaha that he did a bunch of blindingly stupid acts in Millard that it was a wonder that Stothert didn’t beat him by more. He may have been a good engineer, but he was not a good mayor and when it came to retail politics, he really stunk.

I know it’s hard to believe, but political parties aren’t incredibly relevant when it comes to mayors. Daub and Stothert are both republicans, yet are radically different mayors. Simply saying “Well Suttle was a Democrat so therefore blah blah blah” is a vast oversimplification of the matter. Stothert ran on the anger of the restaurant tax, and yet here it still is years later with her support.

Stothert came out of Millard. People that Suttle screwed over and dismissed. The bolus of votes from the working class areas of Millard gave her a big edge. True that the restaurant tax was generally important, but with scattered site housing and the swimming pool debacles, the Dems were going to pay and they did.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

I don't think most people know that Jim Suttle was a very accomplished Engineer & was on the board for HDR. Omaha is very fortunate that he was Mayor during the 2011 floods. The city quickly built a massive, temporary, pumping station in the back lots of the CHI.

Suttle was an engineer, but also a democrat and one that was so beholden to the machine that loves to tax west Omaha that he did a bunch of blindingly stupid acts in Millard that it was a wonder that Stothert didn’t beat him by more. He may have been a good engineer, but he was not a good mayor and when it came to retail politics, he really stunk.

I know it’s hard to believe, but political parties aren’t incredibly relevant when it comes to mayors. Daub and Stothert are both republicans, yet are radically different mayors. Simply saying “Well Suttle was a Democrat so therefore blah blah blah” is a vast oversimplification of the matter. Stothert ran on the anger of the restaurant tax, and yet here it still is years later with her support.

Stothert came out of Millard. People that Suttle screwed over and dismissed. The bolus of votes from the working class areas of Millard gave her a big edge. True that the restaurant tax was generally important, but with scattered site housing and the swimming pool debacles, the Dems were going to pay and they did.

Not sure how the "Dems paid" but as a lifelong independent I don't see the Mayor's party affiliation as being all that relevant. I simply pointed out a very big positive for having Suttle as the mayor at during the flooding crisis. I know my taxes have gone through the roof during the current Mayor's run. That being said I think she has done an overall good job.

Hopefully the civic site will deliver in a big way.

[Omaha Cowboy]

As Garrett stated, correctly, in an earlier post- “political parties aren’t incredibly relevant when it comes to mayors”..

I could give a rats a$$ what the mayor’s party affiliation is. Long timers here know how much I enjoyed the visionary passion of Hal Daub, and supported him 100% when he ran for re-election in 2001 and in 2008 when he ran a final time against Suttle. Fahey caught mucho criticism from me here, especially his first term..as has our current mayor Stothert..When the mayors office deserves criticism, they’ll get it from me..REGARDLESS of party affiliation..the same goes for doling out positive credit when it’s deserved..

We don’t talk party politics on this forum..and again, that rhetoric is especially irrelevant when we’re discussing the performance of our local elected officials..

So moving forward, let’s please get back on topic..

Your cooperation is much appreciated…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[GetUrban]

As Garrett stated, correctly, in an earlier post- “political parties aren’t incredibly relevant when it comes to mayors”..

I could give a rats a$$ what the mayor’s party affiliation is. Long timers here know how much I enjoyed the visionary passion of Hal Daub, and supported him 100% when he ran for re-election in 2001 and in 2008 when he ran a final time against Suttle. Fahey caught mucho criticism from me here, especially his first term..as has our current mayor Stothert..When the mayors office deserves criticism, they’ll get it from me..REGARDLESS of party affiliation..the same goes for doling out positive credit when it’s deserved..

We don’t talk party politics on this forum..and again, that rhetoric is especially irrelevant when we’re discussing the performance of our local elected officials..

So moving forward, let’s please get back on topic..

Your cooperation is much appreciated…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I think it’s incredibly important, for the success of the city as a whole, to keep partisan politics out of city hall. There are too many people from all spectrums and points of view in Omaha for one majority political group to wield all of the power. I know this is wishful thinking, but I have always voted for the candidate I felt would move the city forward as a whole, regardless of party, although I do favor a strong vibrant downtown, For example, I voted for Daub over Fahey back in the day.

[daveoma]

With the $100’s of millions already going into downtown (GLM, Luminarium, Riverfront etc.) with more 100’s of millions to come, it seems like a no-brainer to put the flagship “main” branch downtown. The Civic site already has a parking garage that is easily accessible from I-480/I-80 and west-O. So the new branch could be built at the civic site before the Dale Clark library is torn down, if they must. The homeless could easily become a problem at 72nd and Dodge too. It’s more of a security and shelter issue that needs to be dealt with all over town. The Dodge Street traffic at 72nd and 90th can get really congested already. I’m not sure someone living out by 180th & L is going to want to fight the traffic to get to a “main” branch at 72nd & Dodge. Seriously, with today’s technology, all branches across the whole Metro should be treated more equally as far as what is offered at each branch. Maybe the “main” branch would offer access to a large collection of one-of-a-kind paper publications (rare printed books) and the other branches would each have more common books and publications, the same across all branches.

I agree with this. The rare documents should be kept inside a main branch location at the Civic for all the reasons listed, and because the site use close to Creighton and the Central High. Students can benefit from being in close proximity to the branch and in the future, the city could sell the site to OPS or Creighton.

[nebport5]

Something with an intense use would be best for the Civic site to diffuse the barrier created by 480 between downtown and north downtown. I don’t think a tall tower is it though as, and not to sound like Rock Harbor, the balance with the other tall buildings downtown wouldn’t be great. Maybe if it’s right in Capitol?

Residential uses as planned won’t be great either. There are a lot of negative health impacts to living next to a highway.

It’s a tricky site.

*the above quote taken from another thread*


Yes! Are city planners involved in this?! The DTO master plan calls for a buffer between 480 and the redeveloped Heartland Park. In that case, particularly mid-rise condos, to "shield views of the underside of the I-480 Bridge from park users." (Not to mention noise and carbon monoxide?) However, approximately ten blocks to the west looking at the underside of 480 is a selling point to future townhome owners and market rate renters?

There are some good intentions within this proposed redevelopment but the overall vision is already paved to heck for future residents. I fear the financial commitment to do this right is driving the fear of return and thus design. Given the size and scope of redeveloping this site it quite naturally should occur in carefully measured phases. In the absence of a well calculated vision, perhaps it's best to waive the white(lotus) flag until more civic-minded designs prevail.

[buildomaha]

As many have pointed out previously on this topic, this site probably won’t be successful in the hands of a single developer. This is the equivalent of almost four downtown blocks, and I think that is the bare minimum for the way the land should be split. I think dense residential on the southern portion of the site sounds great thought!

[iamjacobm]

Not much new info, but this is being laid over until the February 15th City Council meeting.

https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/image ... 0082v2.pdf

[nebport5]

Not much new info, but this is being laid over until the February 15th City Council meeting.

https://cityclerk.cityofomaha.org/image ... 0082v2.pdf

“The primary objectives of the City of Omaha’s Master Plan and Community Development Program are to encourage additional investment and development within inner city neighborhoods ; and to eliminate conditions which are detrimental to public health, safety and welfare, by developing underutilized property within these neighborhoods;…”

And then create unhealthy living conditions by building townhouses and market rate apartments directly adjacent to a freeway.

[nebport5]

The resolution for Civic site was approved yesterday. Interesting that when the city planning director Fanslau was questioned on a specific plan he would only say "we're working on it" and only referenced the associated document. There was no mention of White Lotus but, Fanslau said "we have a developer in mind". More vagueness.

[Big E]

And then create unhealthy living conditions by building townhouses and market rate apartments directly adjacent to a freeway.

Valid point. I vote we tear down 480.

[Garrett]

And then create unhealthy living conditions by building townhouses and market rate apartments directly adjacent to a freeway.

Valid point. I vote we tear down 480.

Don't tempt me

[ita]

The resolution for Civic site was approved yesterday. Interesting that when the city planning director Fanslau was questioned on a specific plan he would only say "we're working on it" and only referenced the associated document. There was no mention of White Lotus but, Fanslau said "we have a developer in mind". More vagueness.

That's weird, so white lotus is not attached to this anymore? The resolution hasn't changed the general layout of the site, but if this is still up in the air, I hope we get buildings with more height here.

[nebport5]

The resolution for Civic site was approved yesterday. Interesting that when the city planning director Fanslau was questioned on a specific plan he would only say "we're working on it" and only referenced the associated document. There was no mention of White Lotus but, Fanslau said "we have a developer in mind". More vagueness.

That's weird, so white lotus is not attached to this anymore? The resolution hasn't changed the general layout of the site, but if this is still up in the air, I hope we get buildings with more height here.

I don't know that White Lotus is out but if you listen to the council meeting, the choice of words were odd and cryptic. Also interesting to note is that now the townhouses could go on either side of the development.

[ita]

The resolution for Civic site was approved yesterday. Interesting that when the city planning director Fanslau was questioned on a specific plan he would only say "we're working on it" and only referenced the associated document. There was no mention of White Lotus but, Fanslau said "we have a developer in mind". More vagueness.

That's weird, so white lotus is not attached to this anymore? The resolution hasn't changed the general layout of the site, but if this is still up in the air, I hope we get buildings with more height here.

I don't know that White Lotus is out but if you listen to the council meeting, the choice of words were odd and cryptic. Also interesting to note is that now the townhouses could go on either side of the development.

To further fan the flames that plans for the Civic Site is still evolving from the rather ho hum renderings we got from White Lotus initially, here is a portion of the rendering from the City's urban core redevelopment plan. It looks like the office building and lows rise apartment building off Dodge are rendered as before, but the north half is rendered with buildings with more height, at least that's a how I am seeing it. I know it's just a rendering, but the steel casting site rendering from last year had a pedestrian bridge with a streetcar, and here we are with a recently announced streetcar project. Haha. Anyway, maybe this project isn't doomed for 4+1 buildings on the north end by the highway.

[ita]

During the Grow Omaha show, the mentioned a potential price tag of $150 million. Is this the first time potential cost has been mentioned? Anyway, seems high for a bunch of 4+1's.

Edit: Just to the Civic Site part. So, White Lotus is still tied to this project.

[Doctor Fate]

During the Grow Omaha show, the mentioned a potential price tag of $150 million. Is this the first time potential cost has been mentioned? Anyway, seems high for a bunch of 4+1's.

Edit: Just to the Civic Site part. So, White Lotus is still tied to this project.

The Mayor also said that the SE corner of the development has not been planned because they are still looking to add a civic component there.

[ita]

During the Grow Omaha show, the mentioned a potential price tag of $150 million. Is this the first time potential cost has been mentioned? Anyway, seems high for a bunch of 4+1's.

Edit: Just to the Civic Site part. So, White Lotus is still tied to this project.

The Mayor also said that the SE corner of the development has not been planned because they are still looking to add a civic component there.

Yeah, that's right; that caught my ear as well! State offices, maybe? Goodbye big red monster?

[Doctor Fate]

During the Grow Omaha show, the mentioned a potential price tag of $150 million. Is this the first time potential cost has been mentioned? Anyway, seems high for a bunch of 4+1's.

Edit: Just to the Civic Site part. So, White Lotus is still tied to this project.

The Mayor also said that the SE corner of the development has not been planned because they are still looking to add a civic component there.

Yeah, that's right; that caught my ear as well! State offices, maybe? Goodbye big red monster?

Fingers crossed on that one!