River's Edge Development (Playland Park)

Dundeemaha · Post by **Dundeemaha** » Tue May 04, 2021 11:16 am

PWL73316 wrote: Tue May 04, 2021 10:49 am
Brad wrote: Thu Apr 29, 2021 11:31 pm Assuming "Provides an intimate experience with nature" means cleaning up all the homeless camps in said forest?
Been an issue for like 20 years (that I know of, maybe time immemorial...). I don't know if there is an easy solution aside from a constant law enforcement presence?

The only way to end homelessness is to provide free housing for everyone.

buildomaha · Post by **buildomaha** » Tue May 04, 2021 1:38 pm

Dundeemaha wrote: Tue May 04, 2021 11:16 am
PWL73316 wrote: Tue May 04, 2021 10:49 am
Brad wrote: Thu Apr 29, 2021 11:31 pm Assuming "Provides an intimate experience with nature" means cleaning up all the homeless camps in said forest?
Been an issue for like 20 years (that I know of, maybe time immemorial...). I don't know if there is an easy solution aside from a constant law enforcement presence?
The only way to end homelessness is to provide free housing for everyone.

Bingo.
You can’t legislate homelessness out of existence just by banning homelessness, you have to actually solve the root cause.

PWL73316 · Post by **PWL73316** » Tue May 04, 2021 3:22 pm

I had a longer post mostly typed but this isn't really the place to solve homelessness.

Suffice to say here, just giving free housing is as ineffective a solution as just banning it. It will help a small fraction but not really make a difference in the big picture. The people who camp in the woods along the river as a 'home' are not people who are down on their luck and just need a hand up, for the most part.

omahahawk · Post by **omahahawk** » Wed May 12, 2021 7:06 am

Thanks for posting all this stuff about the CB plans Ita. I had either kind of forgotten about this observation tower and the other amenities or wasn't sure what the full scope of the project was. The plans sound great and though they appear to be about 3 million short of the total funds needed I think was this was the case with the Bob Kerry bridge too when it started construction. I believe they secured the remaining funds as they proceeded. Hoping that will be the case here too and that the entire project comes to fruition. Looking forward to seeing movement on this I am guessing some time in mid to late November this year after Eagle nesting season as was also the case with the Bob.

ita · Post by **ita** » Wed May 12, 2021 9:19 am

omahahawk wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 7:06 am Thanks for posting all this stuff about the CB plans Ita. I had either kind of forgotten about this observation tower and the other amenities or wasn't sure what the full scope of the project was. The plans sound great and though they appear to be about 3 million short of the total funds needed I think was this was the case with the Bob Kerry bridge too when it started construction. I believe they secured the remaining funds as they proceeded. Hoping that will be the case here too and that the entire project comes to fruition. Looking forward to seeing movement on this I am guessing some time in mid to late November this year after Eagle nesting season as was also the case with the Bob.

No problem. Until recently, I was concerned that CB wouldn't be able to pursue their side of the riverfront revitalization project because I hadn't heard anything about it since 2018, when they first announced the project. As you said, I am not worried about the project, they will be able to make up the current shortfall. The CB side will be a very nice complement to Omaha's riverfront. I am hoping all of this activity will spur further development at or near the riverfront, particularly Lots A and B and the several lots around Riverfront Plaza and Gallus's campus. Crossing my fingers!

EastCB · Post by **EastCB** » Fri May 14, 2021 9:33 pm

I am hoping this activity will spur development in CB and not Omaha. I am sure that is what Iowa West thinks too. They are not doing this for Omaha!!

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Sat May 15, 2021 2:19 pm

EastCB wrote: Fri May 14, 2021 9:33 pm I am hoping this activity will spur development in CB and not Omaha. I am sure that is what Iowa West thinks too. They are not doing this for Omaha!!

Why not both? Having vibrant riverfronts on both sides is mutually beneficial.

ita · Post by **ita** » Sat May 15, 2021 11:26 pm

Linkin5 wrote: Sat May 15, 2021 2:19 pm
EastCB wrote: Fri May 14, 2021 9:33 pm I am hoping this activity will spur development in CB and not Omaha. I am sure that is what Iowa West thinks too. They are not doing this for Omaha!!
Why not both? Having vibrant riverfronts on both sides is mutually beneficial.

Agreed. The cities coordinated on the plans, so I would hope both were expecting that revitalization on one side is going to benefit the other. While I do hope this all spurs development on Omaha's side, I am wanting all this to push rivers edge to another level as well, maybe finally getting those condo/apartment tower(s) up and get better activation of the area between rivers edge and the casino?

omahahawk · Post by **omahahawk** » Sun May 16, 2021 1:35 pm

What I am hoping is that all 3 components of phase 4 actually come to fruition. Right now that looks to the be the case and I will be watching this one closely as I believe this really does provide a point of destination and a tangible reason for people to cross the bridge that people had originally and mistakenly once dubbed a bridge to nowhere. Would like to see this spur development of some small businesses like a coffee shop or small eateries on the CB side, even more reason to make the walk over as if the walk itself was not enough. What is good for CB is good for OMA and vice versa.

ita · Post by **ita** » Sun May 16, 2021 3:58 pm

omahahawk wrote: Sun May 16, 2021 1:35 pm What I am hoping is that all 3 components of phase 4 actually come to fruition. Right now that looks to the be the case and I will be watching this one closely as I believe this really does provide a point of destination and a tangible reason for people to cross the bridge that people had originally and mistakenly once dubbed a bridge to nowhere. Would like to see this spur development of some small businesses like a coffee shop or small eateries on the CB side, even more reason to make the walk over as if the walk itself was not enough. What is good for CB is good for OMA and vice versa.

We're on the same wavelength. It would be nice to nice the ground floor retail component be filled out at the Iowa West building. If more residential is built out, it would be great to see service or retail oriented businesses there.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Jun 14, 2021 3:14 pm

So I missed this update on the Moselle residential project. During the February 22, 2021 meeting, City Council approved an amendment to the agreement between the City and the developer. The specifics of the project haven't changed, but that the 'minimum improvements', defined as the initial residential tower, should have started on June 7, 2021, with a scheduled completion date of April 30, 2023. Cost of the single tower is projected to be $60,000,000.00. So, can any verify if anything is going on at the project site? The developer was supposed to submit new site plans to the City 60 days after signing the amendment, so I assume sometime in late April or early May. I can't find anything though on whether that was submitted. I assume they weren't, otherwise we would have seen something somewhere.

You can pull the Legal Minutes at this website (https://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/2142/Agendas-Minutes) for the meeting. Information is found on Pages 387-413.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:45 am

Unusual sculpture finds permanent home in Council Bluffs

Known for unique sculptures and public art placed all around the city, Council Bluffs is welcoming another piece.

“Looking up,” was placed on the River’s Edge by the Iowa entrance of the Bob Kerry Pedestrian bridge on April 13, where it will now reside for the rest of its days. The 33-foot-tall silver statue depicts a very tall man peering up into the sky, seeming watching the stars or passing clouds.
...
The piece is technically new to the area, but it’s familiar to many. That’s because an almost identical version - a shorter twin - of this statue sat in the same spot for about a year, and then left in December.

“The original was on Park Avenue in New York and on lakefront in Chicago,” Mainwaring said. “PACE, which is our local arts consortium, arranged to bring it here through an anonymous donor and it was on display here in Council Bluffs until it went back to the donor’s collection.”
...
Once the sculpture left, the community missed his presence, Mainwaring says. The anonymous donor commissioned sculptor Tom Friedman to create a site-specific permanent statue for the River’s Edge area. The donation was matched by the Iowa West Foundation.

I didn't know it ever left. I am glad they got a permanent piece though, we love that weird statute at the riverfront.

omahahawk · Post by **omahahawk** » Thu Sep 02, 2021 10:37 am

Portion of Council Bluffs trail north from Bob Kerrey Bridge is closed until spring

Part of a trail on the Council Bluffs side of the Missouri River will be closed until spring.

The portion of the trail that heads north from the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is closed for a levee restoration project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said Ashley Kruse, communications director with the City of Council Bluffs.

The levee restoration project will repair a handful of areas along the river that were damaged from flooding in 2019.

https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/fitn ... deb23.html

Finding this article in the OWH yesterday made me wonder if Phase Four of the CB riverfront is about to start. Looks like they're trying to repair some flood damage from 2019. However, I don't think they have started on the Woodlands Restoration stage yet and was thinking now might be an opportune time to do so. According to https://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/riversedge this was supposed to start sometime this year still with the Tree Top walk starting in 2022. Anybody have any further information if this project is still on schedule and when clearing might start? Very much looking forward to this one as well.

JDJase · Post by **JDJase** » Thu Sep 02, 2021 2:10 pm

That's interesting as the Heartland Marathon is coming up in 3 weeks and that portion of the trail makes up like half of the course.

Also I still find it very frustrating how few long-range trails there are in the downtown area.

Taco · Post by **Taco** » Fri Sep 03, 2021 2:57 pm

JDJase wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 2:10 pm That's interesting as the Heartland Marathon is coming up in 3 weeks and that portion of the trail makes up like half of the course.

Also I still find it very frustrating how few long-range trails there are in the downtown area.

If Heartland goes back to their usual pre-flooding course then they would still be able to do their course uninterrupted. If they did not hear this was coming then they continue to challenge HITS as the least professional Marathon organizers around. I agree with you though. Hopefully this involves the Council Bluffs riverfront re-do because this is a significant closure for a lengthy time.

Dundeemaha · Post by **Dundeemaha** » Sat Sep 04, 2021 11:01 pm

From their site:

Due to construction and closures along the course, we are reworking the courses and will provide an update soon. Course will still cross both Nebraska and Iowa.

I think they just found out.

GrowUpFrances · Post by **GrowUpFrances** » Mon Sep 13, 2021 11:28 am

omahahawk wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 10:37 am Portion of Council Bluffs trail north from Bob Kerrey Bridge is closed until spring

Part of a trail on the Council Bluffs side of the Missouri River will be closed until spring.

The portion of the trail that heads north from the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge is closed for a levee restoration project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, said Ashley Kruse, communications director with the City of Council Bluffs.

The levee restoration project will repair a handful of areas along the river that were damaged from flooding in 2019.
https://omaha.com/livewellnebraska/fitn ... deb23.html

Finding this article in the OWH yesterday made me wonder if Phase Four of the CB riverfront is about to start. Looks like they're trying to repair some flood damage from 2019. However, I don't think they have started on the Woodlands Restoration stage yet and was thinking now might be an opportune time to do so. According to https://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/riversedge this was supposed to start sometime this year still with the Tree Top walk starting in 2022. Anybody have any further information if this project is still on schedule and when clearing might start? Very much looking forward to this one as well.

I was at the pedestrian bridge this morning and noticed some work happening on the CB side. Perhaps this work is beginning?

BIGO88 · Post by **BIGO88** » Fri Oct 01, 2021 6:00 pm

Looks like the final phase is starting here and the giant Pelican should be making its way to the riverfront here soon.

https://nonpareilonline.com/lifestyles/ ... d7d7a.html

Post by **Brad** » Fri Oct 01, 2021 8:19 pm

GrowUpFrances wrote: Mon Sep 13, 2021 11:28 am
I was at the pedestrian bridge this morning and noticed some work happening on the CB side. Perhaps this work is beginning?

Not sure, but last time I was down there, they had a lot of survey stakes north of the bridge and there was a big washout up not sure if they are fixing the shoreline or actually starting some construction.

omahahawk · Post by **omahahawk** » Sat Oct 02, 2021 8:46 am

According to BIGO88's article supposedly they are incorporating the beginning of phase 4 construction along with the flood mitigation. Hopefully this is true. Looking forward to this portion as much as anything that is going on on the Omaha side.

ita · Post by **ita** » Sat Oct 02, 2021 11:50 am

omahahawk wrote: Sat Oct 02, 2021 8:46 am According to BIGO88's article supposedly they are incorporating the beginning of phase 4 construction along with the flood mitigation. Hopefully this is true. Looking forward to this portion as much as anything that is going on on the Omaha side.

https://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/Docume ... -Sept-2021

This is the official release. This is definitely happening and is as exciting as Omaha's riverfront redevelopment.

ita · Post by **ita** » Fri Nov 05, 2021 1:41 pm

Trivium Life Services, a non-profit that provides services related to mental health, addiction, and disabilities, moved in the office building as of November 1. Looks like a nice office space.

PotatoeEatsFish · Post by **PotatoeEatsFish** » Sat Nov 06, 2021 10:19 am

Are there any updates on the apartment tower(s)? Someone said they presented something to the city council months ago did they not release the notes or anything?

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Fri Nov 12, 2021 11:05 am

Just a few quick photos I took yesterday:

ita · Post by **ita** » Sun Nov 14, 2021 4:11 pm

PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Sat Nov 06, 2021 10:19 am Are there any updates on the apartment tower(s)? Someone said they presented something to the city council months ago did they not release the notes or anything?

The last thing I saw about the apartment/condo high rise was was in the Spring, that there was an amendment to the agreement with the City. The developer was supposed to start by June of this year. Obviously that did not happen. Since then I haven't seen anything at the city council or planning level about it.

ita · Post by **ita** » Fri Nov 19, 2021 11:56 am

PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Sat Nov 06, 2021 10:19 am Are there any updates on the apartment tower(s)? Someone said they presented something to the city council months ago did they not release the notes or anything?

I asked one of the councilmen about this project since the developer was supposed to start in June. He said that the project is probably dead as is and that a new developer will be sought for the site. I hope they can find someone who can build something with similar height.

PotatoeEatsFish · Post by **PotatoeEatsFish** » Fri Nov 19, 2021 12:20 pm

ita wrote: Fri Nov 19, 2021 11:56 am
PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Sat Nov 06, 2021 10:19 am Are there any updates on the apartment tower(s)? Someone said they presented something to the city council months ago did they not release the notes or anything?
I asked one of the councilmen about this project since the developer was supposed to start in June. He said that the project is probably dead as is and that a new developer will be sought for the site. I hope they can find someone who can build something with similar height.

Something more simple would be easy, I always thought the original proposal was way too optimistic

ita · Post by **ita** » Fri Nov 19, 2021 12:42 pm

PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Fri Nov 19, 2021 12:20 pm
ita wrote: Fri Nov 19, 2021 11:56 am
PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Sat Nov 06, 2021 10:19 am Are there any updates on the apartment tower(s)? Someone said they presented something to the city council months ago did they not release the notes or anything?
I asked one of the councilmen about this project since the developer was supposed to start in June. He said that the project is probably dead as is and that a new developer will be sought for the site. I hope they can find someone who can build something with similar height.
Something more simple would be easy, I always thought the original proposal was way too optimistic

True. Maybe if they knocked it down a few floors, make them 8-10 story towers. I know I keep bringing mass timber construction, but I think some mid-rise residential buildings made from mass timber would fit well with what they are doing with Phase 4, with the more nature focused amenities on the riverfront. Maybe something like this from Portland (Carbon12, 8k sq. ft. footprint, 8 stories, 14 condos):

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Sun Nov 21, 2021 2:50 pm

That building is gorgeous.

EastCB · Post by **EastCB** » Sun Nov 21, 2021 7:16 pm

Linkin5 wrote: Sun Nov 21, 2021 2:50 pm That building is gorgeous.

I hope you are not serious.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Nov 30, 2021 1:59 pm

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Nov 30, 2021 2:04 pm

omahahawk · Post by **omahahawk** » Wed Dec 01, 2021 10:40 pm

Thanks for the sharing the videos. If only it comes together this well.

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue Feb 15, 2022 1:35 pm

I just reviewed yesterday's city council meeting agenda. They reviewed approval for RFP's to develop the remaining 6 lots at River's Edge. This includes Lot A, for which they are still wanting, minimum, a mid-rise (10-12 story) residential building. Hopefully, they can find another developer for that property. I would like to see two towers, but one would be fine too. Any suggestions for a local developer that might be able to get a midrise or too at River's Edge? Is Shamrock still in the game? I just hope it's not Lanoha.

omahahawk · Post by **omahahawk** » Wed Feb 16, 2022 12:02 am

I'm just waiting for more information on the tree walk/observation tower/pier construction. Wonder if this is still on track because I haven't heard anything in the media about it for months.

ita · Post by **ita** » Wed Feb 16, 2022 12:27 am

omahahawk wrote: Wed Feb 16, 2022 12:02 am I'm just waiting for more information on the tree walk/observation tower/pier construction. Wonder if this is still on track because I haven't heard anything in the media about it for months.

It was addressed in the RFP; timeline is mostly unchanged from the Phase 4 website, except the treetop walk is now slated for 2023, along with the observation tower and climbing adventure course and Belles playground is opening this year I stead of 2021.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Feb 21, 2022 10:35 am

omahahawk wrote: Wed Feb 16, 2022 12:02 am I'm just waiting for more information on the tree walk/observation tower/pier construction. Wonder if this is still on track because I haven't heard anything in the media about it for months.

I was here this past weekend and it looked like they've done a great deal of grading and clearing (the 'woodland restoration' part of the project) up the north side of the bridge where the tree walk, observation tower and trails will be. Speaking of the trails, there were over a dozen large mounds of mulch on site. I would suspect they will start putting down the mulch trails in the spring.

omahahawk · Post by **omahahawk** » Wed Mar 09, 2022 9:19 pm

Thanks for the pic on this. You do a lot to keeps tabs on all the topics.

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Mar 10, 2022 9:25 am

omahahawk wrote: Wed Mar 09, 2022 9:19 pm Thanks for the pic on this. You do a lot to keeps tabs on all the topics.

No problem! I really want to keep track of the development at River's Edge. I want to see that midrise condo happen and I think the stuff their planning with their riverfront will be a really nice amenity for downtown Omaha.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Apr 07, 2022 4:45 pm

River's Edge Park is ready for adventure

Southwest Iowa Nonprofit for Collective Impact recently unveiled the final designs for its River’s Edge Phase Four development, which includes a 138-foot tall multi-level observation tower with activities like a 50-foot climbing wall, a simulated caving experience and a roller glider.

MidAmerican Energy donated $5 million to the project -- half of the projected $10 million cost -- which secured for them the tower’s naming rights.

Funded entirely by private donations, SINC’s Phase Four also includes a treetop walkway and a pier. The estimated budget for Phase Four is $50 million, with the Iowa West Foundation leading the way with a donation of $15 million.

The climbing wall at the tower is designed to meet the requirements of a pre-Olympic site for speed climbing. The roll-glide apparatus slides patrons down one of two 480-foot tracks, suspended in the air by a specialized harness. Visitors can also climb through 400 lineal feet of simulated cave environments.

SINC is also preparing to open another River's Edge attraction this summer: Belle’s Play Garden will feature a series of Missouri River-inspired play and educational elements, interpretive seating and surface textures, and native flora. The garden will feature a 15-foot-tall pelican play feature with climbing structures, a slide, intimate enclosures, and a lookout perch.