2022 Development Wishlist

[ita]

It's almost Christmas and the end of 2021. This year has been up and down, but we have heard a lot of interesting rumor and and seen several projects get going in the City. What do you want to see happen in 2022? Here's my top 5, in no particular order (I have to limit myself as there is so much fodder for this topic):

• An anchor tenant is announced for the rumored 2000 employee office building in Millwork Commons

• Streetcar financing is secured and final engineering/design is completed

• Baby Bob actually, and finally, goes vertical

• The Chamber of Commerce finds a president and CEO that will continue to build on David Brown's efforts to make our City more desirable for businesses and young people

• We get a 7+ story mass timber building announcement and rendering for the Builder's District

[NEDodger]

My Top 5:

- A 50-story building is announced for the long-vacant old Union Pacific lot.
- Project NeXt is officially announced, with a groundbreaking at UNMC.
- There is movement on the College Baseball Hall of Fame going forward in Omaha, with a spot in North Downtown/the Millworks being selected.
- The Henry Doorly Zoo announces that a wildlife-themed resort hotel will open on the grounds, managed by a Hilton/Hyatt/Marriott.
- I'll second ita's point on the new Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.

[Busguy2010]

My wishes

-We find out what will happen at the SW corner of 72nd & Farnam
-It is finally decided that the streetcar will happen, and funding is secured... Construction starts in 2023.
-Housing prices deflate. I bet it won't happen this year, but I wish it would. Also that they quit tearing down perfectly livable houses for other developments.
-Corona virus lets off the gas even just a little bit.
-I agree, a tower announcement of any kind would be cool.

That's all I got for now. I know, not all development related, but, ya know, we've been wishing for a lot of this stuff for decades.

[Bob from Omaha]

European Village
Minard amusement park
Conagra moves back, tail between its legs

[Louie]

European Village
Minard amusement park
Conagra moves back, tail between its legs

Also Marina City

[ita]

My Top 5:

- A 50-story building is announced for the long-vacant old Union Pacific lot.
- Project NeXt is officially announced, with a groundbreaking at UNMC.
- There is movement on the College Baseball Hall of Fame going forward in Omaha, with a spot in North Downtown/the Millworks being selected.
- The Henry Doorly Zoo announces that a wildlife-themed resort hotel will open on the grounds, managed by a Hilton/Hyatt/Marriott.
- I'll second ita's point on the new Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.

Ah, how could I forget about Project NExT. That would actually my most anticipated! It would be awesome if we could at least get a rendering of what the towers will look like.

I have never even thought about a wildlife themed hotel at the zoo. I guess Animal Kingdom has their resort. Have there ever been discussions about that?

My wishes

-We find out what will happen at the SW corner of 72nd & Farnam
-It is finally decided that the streetcar will happen, and funding is secured... Construction starts in 2023.
-Housing prices deflate. I bet it won't happen this year, but I wish it would. Also that they quit tearing down perfectly livable houses for other developments.
-Corona virus lets off the gas even just a little bit.
-I agree, a tower announcement of any kind would be cool.

That's all I got for now. I know, not all development related, but, ya know, we've been wishing for a lot of this stuff for decades.

Streetcar construction in 2023 would be awesome. I am not confident prices will go down any time soon, but I would hope for some stabilization in the market that we do not see another 10%+ increase in prices over 2022 like we saw this year.

European Village
Minard amusement park
Conagra moves back, tail between its legs

Also Marina City

Don't tease! We had a pretty good, maybe real rumor about a possible amusement park in the area. Maybe it's Minard behind these Rapid City vs. Omaha rumors!

[Busguy2010]

Streetcar construction in 2023 would be awesome. I am not confident prices will go down any time soon, but I would hope for some stabilization in the market that we do not see another 10%+ increase in prices over 2022 like we saw this year.

I think realistically we could at most get an announcement and maybe get some preliminary work started like utility movement and such by about this time next year... But my gut says it won't happen that quick. It took ORBT over a year from very first signs of construction to opening day, and the schedule was pushed back several times. I don't remember the amount of time from announcement to construction beginning... But I'd guess 18-24 months from announcement to first day of service. So if they announced it today, I'd say we could be riding streetcars by mid-late 2025 or early 2026. My guess. And that's if they announce soon. I'm not confident the streetcar is on the forefront right now.

For housing prices, I'm betting they will continue to go up in 2023. Some economists think the bubble will pop in 2024 or 2025. I don't have the link, but I read an article that very interestingly pointed out, since the early 1800's (so basically the very beginning of a "housing market"), it has risen and fallen cyclically every 18 or so years, with a few longer outliers. Last crash was in 2008, so that means we are getting closer. Hope it happens sooner than later, because it's getting into loony toons territory.

I bet as soon as Coronavirus reaches endemic status, and we are starting to move on from it (hospitals aren't at capacity, people aren't really dying from it that often, it's not as severe, it evolves into the common cold, and it isn't the first thing talked about on the news), we then have another recession like, or worse than 2008. Can't catch a break. My guess is we see the light at the end of the tunnel with the virus by spring 2025, but the tunnel let's out the side of a cliff in the form of perhaps a new president, a housing market crash, and recession. I know, I paint a real rosey picture, but that would all coincide perfectly.

[NEDodger]

I have never even thought about a wildlife themed hotel at the zoo. I guess Animal Kingdom has their resort. Have there ever been discussions about that?

I don't recall one being discussed, unfortunately. However, to me it makes sense for a few reasons:

1.) It's the number one attraction in the state, and if I recall the only lodging anywhere nearby is a run-down Comfort Inn.
2.) With all of the expansions taking place at the zoo (even non-attraction based, such as having the schooling on site), I would think this is a natural progression.
3.) The theming would be something unique for the city and could create more of a "theme park"/multi-day experience, which would help push people buying more gifts, "ride tickets", IMAX showings, etc..

[ita]

I have never even thought about a wildlife themed hotel at the zoo. I guess Animal Kingdom has their resort. Have there ever been discussions about that?

I don't recall one being discussed, unfortunately. However, to me it makes sense for a few reasons:

1.) It's the number one attraction in the state, and if I recall the only lodging anywhere nearby is a run-down Comfort Inn.
2.) With all of the expansions taking place at the zoo (even non-attraction based, such as having the schooling on site), I would think this is a natural progression.
3.) The theming would be something unique for the city and could create more of a "theme park"/multi-day experience, which would help push people buying more gifts, "ride tickets", IMAX showings, etc..

All good points. I wonder if this has been contemplated at all by the zoo's leadership. It could be a very unique amenity and entertainment option. They do already allow 'camping', at least before covid, at the African Grasslands and the Aquarium. Might as well step up the lodging game. If they did build something like that, where could a good spot for it be? The Animal Kingdom Lodge backs right to giraffes and elephants.

[Bob from Omaha]

European Village
Minard amusement park
Conagra moves back, tail between its legs

Also Marina City

Don't tease me. Seriously though, it would have been pretty cool. The thing is that by now it would be somewhere around 50 years old.

[ita]

European Village
Minard amusement park
Conagra moves back, tail between its legs

Also Marina City

Don't tease me. Seriously though, it would have been pretty cool. The thing is that by now it would be somewhere around 50 years old.

I thought I saw a couple images or illustrations of the Marina City plans, but I can't find them now. Does anyone have images to share? I thought it was a neat concept.

[Louie]

European Village
Minard amusement park
Conagra moves back, tail between its legs

Also Marina City

Don't tease me. Seriously though, it would have been pretty cool. The thing is that by now it would be somewhere around 50 years old.

I thought I saw a couple images or illustrations of the Marina City plans, but I can't find them now. Does anyone have images to share? I thought it was a neat concept.

There's an image here:https://omaha.com/news/hansen-architect ... 7c0d0.html

But I recall a hand-drawn one as well, can't seem to find it.

[Garrett]

European Village
Minard amusement park
Conagra moves back, tail between its legs

Also Marina City

Don't tease me. Seriously though, it would have been pretty cool. The thing is that by now it would be somewhere around 50 years old.

I thought I saw a couple images or illustrations of the Marina City plans, but I can't find them now. Does anyone have images to share? I thought it was a neat concept.

There's an image here:https://omaha.com/news/hansen-architect ... 7c0d0.html

But I recall a hand-drawn one as well, can't seem to find it.

There are illustrations of Marina city and other old plans in the 2008 downtown master plan.

[ricko]

My Top 5:

- A 50-story building is announced for the long-vacant old Union Pacific lot.
- Project NeXt is officially announced, with a groundbreaking at UNMC.
- There is movement on the College Baseball Hall of Fame going forward in Omaha, with a spot in North Downtown/the Millworks being selected.
- The Henry Doorly Zoo announces that a wildlife-themed resort hotel will open on the grounds, managed by a Hilton/Hyatt/Marriott.
- I'll second ita's point on the new Chamber of Commerce President and CEO.

Never gave it much thought, but your resort hotel idea for the zoo makes a lot of sense. Maybe add a conference center or first-rate indoor/outdoor water park to make it more appealing.

It's been mentioned on a number of threads before, but what exactly does Omaha need to do to become a magnet for the skilled under 30 crowd? Denver, Nashville, and Austin seem to have that draw; and to a lesser extent, Asheville N.C., Raleigh, Columbus (OH), Richmond and a few others. What factors make them attractive?

[Garrett]

It's been mentioned on a number of threads before, but what exactly does Omaha need to do to become a magnet for the skilled under 30 crowd? Denver, Nashville, and Austin seem to have that draw; and to a lesser extent, Asheville N.C., Raleigh, Columbus (OH), Richmond and a few others. What factors make them attractive?

I don't think Richmond or Asheville necessarily belong in that list, as Omaha grew faster than both. As for the others, I'd say it's some combination of natural location for Denver, being home to flagship universities for Austin, Raleigh and Columbus, or a big center for culture in Nashville. Having good workplaces will also help of course. A lot of it also just comes down to how a city is perceived nationally. We really can't do much with our location. UNO and Creighton are growing, but they aren't flagship level. I think developments in Blackstone, Benson, and even Little Bohemia, along with the continued focus on Indie music with Maha, are helping on the cultural front.

[Garrett]

1. At least one new substantial office focused high rise, along with two new substantial residential developments downtown, be they at the library site, Lanoha site, or somewhere else.

2. Progress on new developments for Turner Park East

3. New BRT and streetcar plans announced.

4. Progress in developing new urban centers in Bellevue, La Vista, and Papillion, along with steel rising for Heartwood Preserve's center.

5. A new zoo master plan now that the old one is basically complete, perhaps one with a resort hotel as has been mentioned.

6. A different proposal for the civic site that isn't so ho-hum

7. New announcements for the Med Center, which can hopefully spark new residential investments in the surrounding area.

[Omaha Cowboy]

It's been mentioned on a number of threads before, but what exactly does Omaha need to do to become a magnet for the skilled under 30 crowd? Denver, Nashville, and Austin seem to have that draw; and to a lesser extent, Asheville N.C., Raleigh, Columbus (OH), Richmond and a few others. What factors make them attractive?

I don't think Richmond or Asheville necessarily belong in that list, as Omaha grew faster than both. As for the others, I'd say it's some combination of natural location for Denver, being home to flagship universities for Austin, Raleigh and Columbus, or a big center for culture in Nashville. Having good workplaces will also help of course. A lot of it also just comes down to how a city is perceived nationally. We really can't do much with our location. UNO and Creighton are growing, but they aren't flagship level. I think developments in Blackstone, Benson, and even Little Bohemia, along with the continued focus on Indie music with Maha, are helping on the cultural front.

^ This…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Omaha Cowboy]

I might add to several others list’s-

An announcement for a full service grocery store in the downtown core…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[NEDodger]

All good points. I wonder if this has been contemplated at all by the zoo's leadership. It could be a very unique amenity and entertainment option. They do already allow 'camping', at least before covid, at the African Grasslands and the Aquarium. Might as well step up the lodging game. If they did build something like that, where could a good spot for it be? The Animal Kingdom Lodge backs right to giraffes and elephants.

Great question. I think it would have to be somewhere along 10th Street for access, so:

1.) Directly west of the Desert Dome, on the "small" parking lot east of 10th. This would give direct access to the zoo, so you could do something like "hotel guests get in one hour early / stay one hour later" similar to a Disney park; or

2.) Between the "Alaska Food Compound" and I-80. That gives you access to a lesser-used parking lot on the other side of 10th Street and to ricko's point about a conference center (which makes sense), you could maybe connect that to the Alaska compound because i THINK there is something smaller-scale like that already in there?

[Busguy2010]

An announcement for a full service grocery store in the downtown core…

That would be another most exciting one for me.

[Omaha Cowboy]

An announcement for a full service grocery store in the downtown core…

That would be another most exciting one for me.

Right there with you on that…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Cermak]

* Some sort of highrise in downtown or Midtown. At least 12 stories tall if it’s office and 15 floors if residential. But hopefully it will be much taller than that. Omaha has struggled to build highrises downtown in the last 15 years. Will 2022 be the start of a downtown highrise building boom ?

* An announcement of Dillard’s moving to Westroads.

* An announcement of Nordstrom Rack opening a store in West Omaha.

* Orbt bus route expansion.

* At least a start of a redevelopment plan for the OakView mousetrap and mall.

[blackrock]

Nice wishlist items! My top five:

1. The Zoo announces a partnership with Lauritzen Gardens. The Gardens expands, opens a sweet new conservatory with a butterfly and insect exhibit, and they add a wetlands/bird sanctuary on the other side of the railroad tracks like down at Fontenelle Forest. I don’t know that could even happen, but hey - it’s a wish list.

2. A 400 footer downtown is announced and we’re all ecstatic, but then that’s followed quickly by the announcement of a couple of 300-footers in mid-town, because MOO desperately needs new digs and has the cash to build some residential space.

3. Nebraska Medicine finally rolls out plans on the NExT project.

4. The city announces they will undo the I480 mistake. It will go back to a street-level main thoroughfare and we’ll all rejoice. I hope.

5. Zoning laws change, allowing and encouraging more missing-middle housing, and a new boom in redevelopment is sparked. Also sparked: renewed heated debates on design standards and gentrification. And where is that light rail system?!?

[ita]

Nice wishlist items! My top five:

1. The Zoo announces a partnership with Lauritzen Gardens. The Gardens expands, opens a sweet new conservatory with a butterfly and insect exhibit, and they add a wetlands/bird sanctuary on the other side of the railroad tracks like down at Fontenelle Forest. I don’t know that could even happen, but hey - it’s a wish list.

2. A 400 footer downtown is announced and we’re all ecstatic, but then that’s followed quickly by the announcement of a couple of 300-footers in mid-town, because MOO desperately needs new digs and has the cash to build some residential space.

3. Nebraska Medicine finally rolls out plans on the NExT project.

4. The city announces they will undo the I480 mistake. It will go back to a street-level main thoroughfare and we’ll all rejoice. I hope.

5. Zoning laws change, allowing and encouraging more missing-middle housing, and a new boom in redevelopment is sparked. Also sparked: renewed heated debates on design standards and gentrification. And where is that light rail system?!?

I live your list. Number 5 is a nice goal, new zoning that allows for greater diversity of housing options would be amazing. Relatedly, expanded transit and bike and ped infrastructure is a must.

[Brad]

Need some Life on Farnam Street. Between the Landmark Parking Garage and the 3-Story State office Building, Farnam street is just dead. Needs to be an immediate priority for Omaha. Should have been a priority before the Library!

[Stargazer]

Of course it's no less likely (ie just as much of a fantasy) than blackrock's removal of I-480.. I'd rather see a tunnel like that of Phoenix's Deck Park Tunnel to allow for development between Midtown and East Park (or whatever they're calling it now).

[ita]

Need some Life on Farnam Street. Between the Landmark Parking Garage and the 3-Story State office Building, Farnam street is just dead. Needs to be an immediate priority for Omaha. Should have been a priority before the Library!

That's a good point. Any ideas, other than totally demolishing and replacing the state building or landmark parking garage? I was thinking getting rid of the street parking in front of the landmark and making that area food truck spaces instead.

[Brad]

Need some Life on Farnam Street. Between the Landmark Parking Garage and the 3-Story State office Building, Farnam street is just dead. Needs to be an immediate priority for Omaha. Should have been a priority before the Library!

That's a good point. Any ideas, other than totally demolishing and replacing the state building or landmark parking garage? I was thinking getting rid of the street parking in front of the landmark and making that area food truck spaces instead.

Well I should have been more clear. The Landamark parking Garage doesn't go anywhere near that far north. Most of that area is Data Center. If they could some how get Retail on the ground floor, that would be fantastic. The state building just needs to go and start over.

[Garrett]

Of course it's no less likely (ie just as much of a fantasy) than blackrock's removal of I-480.. I'd rather see a tunnel like that of Phoenix's Deck Park Tunnel to allow for development between Midtown and East Park (or whatever they're calling it now).

You could probably do a cap from Harney to Dodge.

[Dundeemaha]

I'd love to see a single townhouse/rowhouse development in downtown or midtown include backyards. Probably unrealistic though.

[ita]

Of course it's no less likely (ie just as much of a fantasy) than blackrock's removal of I-480.. I'd rather see a tunnel like that of Phoenix's Deck Park Tunnel to allow for development between Midtown and East Park (or whatever they're calling it now).

You could probably do a cap from Harney to Dodge.

I don't a lot about highway caps (but I just started down a rabbit hole about them, thanks to your posts). I like this idea a lot though. Projects I have briefly looked utilize the caps for both development or public space. Public space would be the easier/cheaper option, but if you had the choice, how would you have these caps used? What kind of development would be appropriate for the area? Capping I-480 from Dodge to Harney would essentially create 3-4 city blocks worth of usable land; that's about 4-6 acres of land. There could be a little bit of both with that much land.

[ita]

I'd love to see a single townhouse/rowhouse development in downtown or midtown include backyards. Probably unrealistic though.

If you count Millwork Commons, there is some planned townhouse/rowhouse development planned. I don't know if there will to attached yards, but that's one on the horizon. Aside from that, maybe we could be townhouses somewhere in west downtown, like the Quarters area, or whatever it's called.

[ita]

Need some Life on Farnam Street. Between the Landmark Parking Garage and the 3-Story State office Building, Farnam street is just dead. Needs to be an immediate priority for Omaha. Should have been a priority before the Library!

That's a good point. Any ideas, other than totally demolishing and replacing the state building or landmark parking garage? I was thinking getting rid of the street parking in front of the landmark and making that area food truck spaces instead.

Well I should have been more clear. The Landamark parking Garage doesn't go anywhere near that far north. Most of that area is Data Center. If they could some how get Retail on the ground floor, that would be fantastic. The state building just needs to go and start over.

You're right. I was thinking the street parking stalls on the north side of the data center.

[Garrett]

Of course it's no less likely (ie just as much of a fantasy) than blackrock's removal of I-480.. I'd rather see a tunnel like that of Phoenix's Deck Park Tunnel to allow for development between Midtown and East Park (or whatever they're calling it now).

You could probably do a cap from Harney to Dodge.

I don't a lot about highway caps (but I just started down a rabbit hole about them, thanks to your posts). I like this idea a lot though. Projects I have briefly looked utilize the caps for both development or public space. Public space would be the easier/cheaper option, but if you had the choice, how would you have these caps used? What kind of development would be appropriate for the area? Capping I-480 from Dodge to Harney would essentially create 3-4 city blocks worth of usable land; that's about 4-6 acres of land. There could be a little bit of both with that much land.

I mean given we're speaking in wild hypotheticals, I would want some form of public space. It would be the intersection of midtown and downtown. A new central library, some form of museum, perhaps a museum like one dedicated to Omaha/Nebraskan history more so than the more broad themes of the Durham. Don't know if I'd want residential since it is still above a highway and there are health effects there.

[iamjacobm]

1. GLM opens on time.

2. Break ground on the garage and apts just west of the Cottonwood Hotel.

3. Get Phase 2 of the Mercantile announced.

4. At least one of the tower rumors shakes out.

5. Crossroads goes vertical.

6. Lanoha's portion of Heartwood breaks ground.

7. Avenue One moves from infrastructure to ground up development.

8. Plans announced for the land by TopGolf at Westroads.

9. White Lotus gets ground broken on their hundreds of mixed-income housing scattered throughout DT and get a clearer picture of their Civic plans.

10. Lots more infill announced, build baby build.

11. 40th and Hamilton next commercial corridor to see fresh investment.

12. More detail on the 24th and Lake mixed-use development.

[Bob from Omaha]

European Village
Minard amusement park
Conagra moves back, tail between its legs

Also Marina City

Don't tease me. Seriously though, it would have been pretty cool. The thing is that by now it would be somewhere around 50 years old.

I thought I saw a couple images or illustrations of the Marina City plans, but I can't find them now. Does anyone have images to share? I thought it was a neat concept.

https://urbanplanning.cityofomaha.org/omaha-master-plan

At the bottom are some renderings and other info.

[Garrett]

11. 40th and Hamilton next commercial corridor to see fresh investment.

I swear Omaha has way more neighborhood business districts than I ever realized. Didn't even know about this one till now.

[iamjacobm]

11. 40th and Hamilton next commercial corridor to see fresh investment.

I swear Omaha has way more neighborhood business districts than I ever realized. Didn't even know about this one till now.

Great looking little commercial corridor. Hargiss Stringed Instruments is an incredibly cool business located there. I am going off memory here, but I think they moved here from Benson just when Benson took off. There was an Olympia Cycles shop on this corner for a long time, but it closed a few years ago. There is a small theater that is open on the block too.

I'll admit I just recently thought about this corner again b/c a lot a block west of this corner is on the planning board agenda next month. No details posted yet, but it's a big vacant lot, and "Hamilton Village" is the name referenced. Sounds like development.

When I lived in the Joslyn area I always thought that area would take off eventually, a finite amount of these old corners yet, but like you said some more still out there. I'll have to do some digging, but there were talks of trying to develop the old Walnut Hill reservoir on this corner too. Might have been half a decade old by now.

[ita]

Of course it's no less likely (ie just as much of a fantasy) than blackrock's removal of I-480.. I'd rather see a tunnel like that of Phoenix's Deck Park Tunnel to allow for development between Midtown and East Park (or whatever they're calling it now).

You could probably do a cap from Harney to Dodge.

I don't a lot about highway caps (but I just started down a rabbit hole about them, thanks to your posts). I like this idea a lot though. Projects I have briefly looked utilize the caps for both development or public space. Public space would be the easier/cheaper option, but if you had the choice, how would you have these caps used? What kind of development would be appropriate for the area? Capping I-480 from Dodge to Harney would essentially create 3-4 city blocks worth of usable land; that's about 4-6 acres of land. There could be a little bit of both with that much land.

I mean given we're speaking in wild hypotheticals, I would want some form of public space. It would be the intersection of midtown and downtown. A new central library, some form of museum, perhaps a museum like one dedicated to Omaha/Nebraskan history more so than the more broad themes of the Durham. Don't know if I'd want residential since it is still above a highway and there are health effects there.

Yes, everything is hypothetical in this thread. Public space for sure would be nice. Turner Park is only a couple blocks away, but the west part of downtown is devoid of public space. It would be a really nice amenity for the area.

Wow, I like the central/main library suggestion. Too bad all arrows are pointing to 72nd and Dodge. Could the OPD and/or OFD HQ's be located here? I would stick them next to Dino's Storage between Dodge and Douglas. I don't know how that would work with S 28th Street being a one way. You would need the campus to span north to south so there is access to both Dodge and Douglas.

[ita]

11. 40th and Hamilton next commercial corridor to see fresh investment.

I swear Omaha has way more neighborhood business districts than I ever realized. Didn't even know about this one till now.

Great looking little commercial corridor. Hargiss Stringed Instruments is an incredibly cool business located there. I am going off memory here, but I think they moved here from Benson just when Benson took off. There was an Olympia Cycles shop on this corner for a long time, but it closed a few years ago. There is a small theater that is open on the block too.

I'll admit I just recently thought about this corner again b/c a lot a block west of this corner is on the planning board agenda next month. No details posted yet, but it's a big vacant lot, and "Hamilton Village" is the name referenced. Sounds like development.

When I lived in the Joslyn area I always thought that area would take off eventually, a finite amount of these old corners yet, but like you said some more still out there. I'll have to do some digging, but there were talks of trying to develop the old Walnut Hill reservoir on this corner too. Might have been half a decade old by now.

There have been rumors about developing Walnut Hill for a while now, but the last thing I hear was a couple, few years ago. I am looking forward to seeing what is planned for Hamilton Village though. It will be nice to see a new development in that area.