Heartland of America Park

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:47 am

Was listening to a Grow Omaha episode from 8/29/2020 and Jeff mentioned that there were preliminary high rise proposals being floated around for the area just south of the freeway and north of Heartland of America. I know that past master plans for the area have shown high rises there but I wonder if there is renewed interest?

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Tue Sep 15, 2020 12:24 pm

Doctor Fate wrote: Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:47 am Was listening to a Grow Omaha episode from 8/29/2020 and Jeff mentioned that there were preliminary high rise proposals being floated around for the area just south of the freeway and north of Heartland of America. I know that past master plans for the area have shown high rises there but I wonder if there is renewed interest?

I’m at the point that even a sharp looking 12 or 14 story building would be much welcomed. Seems so incredibly hard for Omaha to add any new height DT. Sometimes you just need to roll the dice.

mcarch · Post by **mcarch** » Tue Sep 22, 2020 12:46 pm

SiliconFarmer wrote: Thu Sep 03, 2020 12:37 pm nope, just a fraction of what it used to be

That is sad! It used to be one of the tallest fountains in the world at one point.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Sep 22, 2020 6:04 pm

Doctor Fate wrote: Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:47 am Was listening to a Grow Omaha episode from 8/29/2020 and Jeff mentioned that there were preliminary high rise proposals being floated around for the area just south of the freeway and north of Heartland of America. I know that past master plans for the area have shown high rises there but I wonder if there is renewed interest?

I can’t help but think there is and will be.. Once this project is completed in a few years, this entire area will be a hot point of destination and I’d think a number of developers realize this.. and would want to get in while the gettin’ is good...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Wed Sep 23, 2020 12:12 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Sep 22, 2020 6:04 pm
Doctor Fate wrote: Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:47 am Was listening to a Grow Omaha episode from 8/29/2020 and Jeff mentioned that there were preliminary high rise proposals being floated around for the area just south of the freeway and north of Heartland of America. I know that past master plans for the area have shown high rises there but I wonder if there is renewed interest?
I can’t help but think there is and will be.. Once this project is completed in a few years, this entire area will be a hot point of destination and I’d think a number of developers realize this.. and would want to get in while the gettin’ is good...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I just listened to that episode, I think they were just referring to the initial renderings and what will hopefully be there someday. But I do agree I definitely think there will be residential and at least one high rise residential that is built because of this.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Sep 23, 2020 7:53 am

Linkin5 wrote: Wed Sep 23, 2020 12:12 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Sep 22, 2020 6:04 pm
Doctor Fate wrote: Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:47 am Was listening to a Grow Omaha episode from 8/29/2020 and Jeff mentioned that there were preliminary high rise proposals being floated around for the area just south of the freeway and north of Heartland of America. I know that past master plans for the area have shown high rises there but I wonder if there is renewed interest?
I can’t help but think there is and will be.. Once this project is completed in a few years, this entire area will be a hot point of destination and I’d think a number of developers realize this.. and would want to get in while the gettin’ is good...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
I just listened to that episode, I think they were just referring to the initial renderings and what will hopefully be there someday. But I do agree I definitely think there will be residential and at least one high rise residential that is built because of this.

Yeah, that’s how I understood it too..

I think we’re all hopeful as the Riverfront plan continues through their phases of completion, we’ll hear of perhaps several residential/mixed use high rise proposals over the course of the next several years..

Fingers crossed anyway

...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Post by **Brad** » Fri Oct 16, 2020 8:31 am

Few Aerials from Yesterday:

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Fri Oct 16, 2020 8:37 am

Great pictures Brad. It’s still shocking to see how different everything is.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Oct 16, 2020 8:38 am

Brad wrote: Fri Oct 16, 2020 8:31 am Few Aerials from Yesterday:

Those pics look great Brad

.. And they show the massive scope of the Riverfront revitalization project and the progress being made..

Can’t wait for the completion in 2024.. $300 million buys an impressive transformation...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

ItsAllAboutMe · Post by **ItsAllAboutMe** » Fri Oct 16, 2020 10:03 am

FYI - https://www.ojb.com/project/gene-leahy- ... riverfront

Earlier plans with interesting renderings for the Council bluffs side.
https://www.ojb.com/project/gene-leahy- ... riverfront

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Oct 16, 2020 10:32 am

ItsAllAboutMe wrote: Fri Oct 16, 2020 10:03 am FYI - https://www.ojb.com/project/gene-leahy- ... riverfront

Earlier plans with interesting renderings for the Council bluffs side.
https://www.ojb.com/project/gene-leahy- ... riverfront

This link from the OBJ project web site shows a glimpse of possible future mixed use, office and residential mid to high rise structures at the front door of the GLM phase of the riverfront revitalization plan. Tap to rendering #4 to view it-

https://www.ojb.com/project/missouri-ri ... talization

Ciao..LiO...Peace

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Sat Oct 17, 2020 12:09 am

From Brad’s views, the park is going to be HUGE ! Of course, hopefully some of it will be filled-in with buildings.

ita · Post by **ita** » Sat Oct 17, 2020 2:25 pm

GetUrban wrote: Sat Oct 17, 2020 12:09 am From Brad’s views, the park is going to be HUGE ! Of course, hopefully some of it will be filled-in with buildings.

That's what I am hoping to. I love the aerial of Heartland where you can see where the Conagra/Hines lots are going to be located. You can also tell that Phase 1a, the apartment/retail/parking garage building, is going to be massive.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 9:49 pm

Aerial from last night. You can see the new shore on the north (Right) side of the lake starting construction.

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 10:21 pm

Cool shot, Brad. I’m out of town and looking at this from my smartphone - is the white “L” shape west of the lake the rebuilt street grid or just some other construction stuff?

Post by **Brad** » Thu Jul 01, 2021 9:25 pm

NEDodger wrote: Wed Jun 30, 2021 10:21 pm Cool shot, Brad. I’m out of town and looking at this from my smartphone - is the white “L” shape west of the lake the rebuilt street grid or just some other construction stuff?

Thanks. I have more to come.

Yes, its the new streets going back in. Will be nice to have that connectivity back.

Post by **Brad** » Wed Nov 10, 2021 9:15 pm

Aerial Photo Update:

1.

2.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Nov 10, 2021 9:23 pm

Wow..

Fantastic aerial work Brad.. So much going on in the downtown core

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Dec 30, 2021 12:52 pm

From the most recent newsletter about the pier:

Throughout the planning and construction process, The RiverFront project's primary goal has been to reconnect the city and its people with the neighboring Missouri River. Thanks to the iconic Farnam Pier in Heartland of America Park, visitors will have a better waterfront view than ever before.

Standing at roughly 235-feet-long, this picturesque destination will extend from the Farnam Promenade, out and over the railroad tracks, and above the Missouri River's edge.

The pier entrance consists of an accessible ramp, stairs, and some scenic seating. As guests stroll down and onto the pier, decorative ribs will extend up to approximately 27-feet high, with color changing lights that will compliment the nearby Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Closer to the edge, the ribs open to reveal a breathtaking panoramic of the Missouri River, with a transparent enclosure at the very end, giving guests an extended line-of-sight at the water below.

The Farnam Pier will begin to noticeably take shape throughout the next year. The RiverFront's construction team will immediately focus on installing key infrastructure, and when the river is low, pile will be driven into the ground to support the pier's massive frame. Once those steps are complete, installing the physical pier will require the largest crane to ever be used in downtown Omaha.

As the Farnam Pier forms above the Missouri River, it will serve as an important reminder of The RiverFront project's goals. This iconic amenity will showcase Omaha's connection to the Missouri River, while providing an all-encompassing view of the city's naturally surrounding landscape.

Post by **Brad** » Thu Dec 30, 2021 1:04 pm

ita wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 12:52 pm From the most recent newsletter about the pier:

Once those steps are complete, installing the physical pier will require the largest crane to ever be used in downtown Omaha.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Dec 30, 2021 1:07 pm

Brad wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 1:04 pm
ita wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 12:52 pm From the most recent newsletter about the pier:

Once those steps are complete, installing the physical pier will require the largest crane to ever be used in downtown Omaha.

When I read that in the newsletter, I had the same reaction, lol…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Thu Dec 30, 2021 1:12 pm

Brad wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 1:04 pm
ita wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 12:52 pm From the most recent newsletter about the pier:

Once those steps are complete, installing the physical pier will require the largest crane to ever be used in downtown Omaha.

Booking helicopter dates now?

I'm very excited for this though. Parks that can incorporate well with natural environments are my favorites.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Thu Dec 30, 2021 1:32 pm

Do they have renderings out for it?

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Dec 30, 2021 2:28 pm

Louie wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 1:32 pm Do they have renderings out for it?

This is the only one I've seen.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Fri Dec 31, 2021 8:29 am

What was the previous largest crane? Was that the First National building or was that just the tallest?

Vitruvius · Post by **Vitruvius** » Fri Dec 31, 2021 2:16 pm

Will the public be allowed to walk completely around the lake now? Or will the iron fence going down into it still be in place?

Post by **Brad** » Sun Jan 02, 2022 5:33 pm

Vitruvius wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 2:16 pm Will the public be allowed to walk completely around the lake now? Or will the iron fence going down into it still be in place?

The iron fence has been open for over a decade.

Vitruvius · Post by **Vitruvius** » Sun Jan 02, 2022 6:29 pm

Brad wrote: Sun Jan 02, 2022 5:33 pm
Vitruvius wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 2:16 pm Will the public be allowed to walk completely around the lake now? Or will the iron fence going down into it still be in place?
The iron fence has been open for over a decade.

just recalling the past absurdity.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Jan 03, 2022 10:34 am

This isn't anything too exciting, but it looks like the City is clearing some existing issues regarding alleys and old street rights through the lot north of HOA that has been long identified for a possible residential mid/high rise. Also, the city is extending Douglas to connect with Riverfront Drive.

https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... ary/14.pdf

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Jan 03, 2022 7:28 pm

From today’s W-H-

“Just north of the bustling redevelopment of Gene Leahy Mall in downtown Omaha, construction has begun on what could become one of the area’s most popular year-round attractions.

A skate ribbon is taking shape as part of the $400 million public-private overhaul of Omaha’s three downtown riverfront parks.

The skate ribbon will be about the length of a football field, said Katie Bassett, vice president of parks for the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority.

It will resemble Chicago’s Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon, a design planners of Omaha’s skate ribbon drew inspiration from, Bassett said.

The amenity is expected to open with the Heartland of America Park in summer 2023 and will offer ice skating in the winter and roller blading in the summer.“..

The complete W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/heartland- ... -top-story

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Stargazer · Post by **Stargazer** » Mon Jan 03, 2022 11:05 pm

I guess everyone already knew this, I don't stop by enough.. I'm terribly depressed that they cut out the portion of the project covering the rail line.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Tue Jan 04, 2022 7:49 am

Stargazer wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 11:05 pm I guess everyone already knew this, I don't stop by enough.. I'm terribly depressed that they cut out the portion of the project covering the rail line.

Yeah it was one of the best parts of the project.

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue Jan 04, 2022 10:55 am

Linkin5 wrote: Tue Jan 04, 2022 7:49 am
Stargazer wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 11:05 pm I guess everyone already knew this, I don't stop by enough.. I'm terribly depressed that they cut out the portion of the project covering the rail line.
Yeah it was one of the best parts of the project.

While I miss the skatepark and basketball courts, this was the biggest loss in terms of what's changed from the original concept of the three parks. It would have been neat. Hopefully the pier turns out as cool as they are describing it.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:10 pm

ita wrote: Thu Dec 30, 2021 12:52 pm From the most recent newsletter about the pier:

Throughout the planning and construction process, The RiverFront project's primary goal has been to reconnect the city and its people with the neighboring Missouri River. Thanks to the iconic Farnam Pier in Heartland of America Park, visitors will have a better waterfront view than ever before.

Standing at roughly 235-feet-long, this picturesque destination will extend from the Farnam Promenade, out and over the railroad tracks, and above the Missouri River's edge.

The pier entrance consists of an accessible ramp, stairs, and some scenic seating. As guests stroll down and onto the pier, decorative ribs will extend up to approximately 27-feet high, with color changing lights that will compliment the nearby Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Closer to the edge, the ribs open to reveal a breathtaking panoramic of the Missouri River, with a transparent enclosure at the very end, giving guests an extended line-of-sight at the water below.

The Farnam Pier will begin to noticeably take shape throughout the next year. The RiverFront's construction team will immediately focus on installing key infrastructure, and when the river is low, pile will be driven into the ground to support the pier's massive frame. Once those steps are complete, installing the physical pier will require the largest crane to ever be used in downtown Omaha.

As the Farnam Pier forms above the Missouri River, it will serve as an important reminder of The RiverFront project's goals. This iconic amenity will showcase Omaha's connection to the Missouri River, while providing an all-encompassing view of the city's naturally surrounding landscape.

Breathtaking!?

like from falling in the damm river? Well I bet Brad can make an eastern gaze at the Muddy Mo "breathtaking" but this paragraph reads like a trashy romance novel. Ribs with color changing lights!? Please No!!

Tasteful lighting? Yes!

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:16 pm

Stargazer wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 11:05 pm I guess everyone already knew this, I don't stop by enough.. I'm terribly depressed that they cut out the portion of the project covering the rail line.

Ok what exactly got cut? They're still doing the sexy pier? Old rendering?

Post by **Brad** » Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:31 pm

nebport5 wrote: Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:16 pm
Stargazer wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 11:05 pm I guess everyone already knew this, I don't stop by enough.. I'm terribly depressed that they cut out the portion of the project covering the rail line.
Ok what exactly got cut? They're still doing the sexy pier? Old rendering?

They were going to put the railroad tracks in a tunnel and have a green lawn over the top of it. The pier just started construction, not sure how "sexy" it is?

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 1:25 pm

Brad wrote: Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:31 pm
nebport5 wrote: Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:16 pm
Stargazer wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 11:05 pm I guess everyone already knew this, I don't stop by enough.. I'm terribly depressed that they cut out the portion of the project covering the rail line.
Ok what exactly got cut? They're still doing the sexy pier? Old rendering?
They were going to put the railroad tracks in a tunnel and have a green lawn over the top of it. The pier just started construction, not sure how "sexy" it is?

Here's an old presentation of HAP. Also, something that got cut...water taxis? What!? I totally forgot about it.

https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnew ... 21.pdf.pdf

OmahaOmaha · Post by **OmahaOmaha** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 4:24 pm

I’m glad they didn’t put the railroad tracks in a tunnel. Some us like watching trains. I think we have enough lawns in Downtown Omaha anyway.

Post by **Brad** » Mon Jan 10, 2022 9:03 pm

OmahaOmaha wrote: Mon Jan 10, 2022 4:24 pm I’m glad they didn’t put the railroad tracks in a tunnel. Some us like watching trains. I think we have enough lawns in Downtown Omaha anyway.

I don't think the intent was to ever hide the trains. They wanted a better flow between the parks and the riverfront.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Tue Jan 11, 2022 9:56 pm

Brad wrote: Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:31 pm
nebport5 wrote: Sun Jan 09, 2022 11:16 pm
Stargazer wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 11:05 pm I guess everyone already knew this, I don't stop by enough.. I'm terribly depressed that they cut out the portion of the project covering the rail line.
Ok what exactly got cut? They're still doing the sexy pier? Old rendering?
They were going to put the railroad tracks in a tunnel and have a green lawn over the top of it. The pier just started construction, not sure how "sexy" it is?

I forgot to put "sexy" in quotes.