Mutual of Omaha Tower (14th & Farnam)

[nebport5]

There has not been much speculation or talk particularly about the West Leahy Lot. I wonder if the city/mayor already have a plan here dependent upon the future library lot development. Or is it more attractive for the right developer to take a crack at both lots?

[Omaha Cowboy]

There has not been much speculation or talk particularly about the West Leahy Lot. I wonder if the city/mayor already have a plan here dependent upon the future library lot development. Or is it more attractive for the right developer to take a crack at both lots?

I’d think they would go hand in hand..There’d likely be connectivity between the two.. But I’m just spitballing on this. I don’t even have a cryptic rumor on that series of questions…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Tornado]

It's looking more and more like the over-under bets should pertain to the duration this lot sits empty not how many floors a shaky rumored mid-high rise building will be. I'm just hoping the location alone will prevent this lot from sitting as long as the Lanoha site.

[ita]

I wonder who they are? I'm worried we won't even have a tower half the height of the 700 footer rumored earlier.

I thought the 700' tower was rumored for the UP/Lanoha site?

It was..the rumored 700 ft tower was not part of the library site rumor. The 700 ft tower was rumored for the Lanoha (old UP) property.. The rumor for the library site, is for a 15-20 story mid-high rise building…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I'm putting the over-under at 12.5 stories for the library site and I'm leaning towards the under.

I'm just worried it's gonna get tossed to an under experienced developer like this Spruce Capital nonsense and we'll end up with a bad 4 over 1.

We all will be surprised, but not really, when the big plan is from Lanoha. Even better, Lockwood development will build a nice strip mall with drive thru endcaps.

It’s easy to be skeptical about this potential development. But, the city owns the land and if we believe our mayor, a significant high rise, a skyline enhancing development is the desire. That basically came out of Stothert's mouth during her November 15th press conference. So 12.5 stories or lower, completely belies her statements..

I’m just going to try and remain optimistic and try and sniff around to find out any additional “rumor” intel..we should hear (hopefully) what’s proposed by the first week in March if we follow the timeline for an announcement per what was told to the W-H…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I am really trying to be optimistic, but I can't help but joke about this situation. I hope that we see a skyline defining development, but if spruce capital is a serious candidate, I am worried. And I might be totally wrong think spruce can't do it, but I just can't find evidence that supports the contrary.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I wonder who they are? I'm worried we won't even have a tower half the height of the 700 footer rumored earlier.

I thought the 700' tower was rumored for the UP/Lanoha site?

It was..the rumored 700 ft tower was not part of the library site rumor. The 700 ft tower was rumored for the Lanoha (old UP) property.. The rumor for the library site, is for a 15-20 story mid-high rise building…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I'm putting the over-under at 12.5 stories for the library site and I'm leaning towards the under.

I'm just worried it's gonna get tossed to an under experienced developer like this Spruce Capital nonsense and we'll end up with a bad 4 over 1.

We all will be surprised, but not really, when the big plan is from Lanoha. Even better, Lockwood development will build a nice strip mall with drive thru endcaps.

It’s easy to be skeptical about this potential development. But, the city owns the land and if we believe our mayor, a significant high rise, a skyline enhancing development is the desire. That basically came out of Stothert's mouth during her November 15th press conference. So 12.5 stories or lower, completely belies her statements..

I’m just going to try and remain optimistic and try and sniff around to find out any additional “rumor” intel..we should hear (hopefully) what’s proposed by the first week in March if we follow the timeline for an announcement per what was told to the W-H…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I am really trying to be optimistic, but I can't help but joke about this situation. I hope that we see a skyline defining development, but if spruce capital is a serious candidate, I am worried. And I might be totally wrong think spruce can't do it, but I just can't find evidence that supports the contrary.

The “cryptic rumor” intel I’ve heard just tonight, was a solid confirmation of 15-20 stories at the library site (consistent with what we’ve heard all long for this parcel) and that it’s not out of the question Mutual may still be a player in this lIbrary site plan..now that Fiserv is out of the equation..which would then take the speculation Mutual is a player in the Lanoha 700 ft tower rumor out of that equation..

Lips are tight, and I think there’s a bit of a “deflection tactic” going on.. As always, we’ll see…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Bob from Omaha]

Library site-park
Lanoha site-park
Former civic site-park
Former owh printing plant site-parking lot with two sad little picnic tables and a plaque honoring Mayor Stothert(Yeah, I know, it isn't the former printing plant site but it will be)

Omaha: Enjoy our parks!

[nebport5]

From what we know of Spruce and said associates I wouldn't doubt they could pull off a 15-20 story residential tower(with hopefully ground level retail). 15-20 seems a bit small for Mutual unless we're talking about a Union Pacific style big box.

[ita]

I wonder who they are? I'm worried we won't even have a tower half the height of the 700 footer rumored earlier.

I thought the 700' tower was rumored for the UP/Lanoha site?

It was..the rumored 700 ft tower was not part of the library site rumor. The 700 ft tower was rumored for the Lanoha (old UP) property.. The rumor for the library site, is for a 15-20 story mid-high rise building…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I'm putting the over-under at 12.5 stories for the library site and I'm leaning towards the under.

I'm just worried it's gonna get tossed to an under experienced developer like this Spruce Capital nonsense and we'll end up with a bad 4 over 1.

We all will be surprised, but not really, when the big plan is from Lanoha. Even better, Lockwood development will build a nice strip mall with drive thru endcaps.

It’s easy to be skeptical about this potential development. But, the city owns the land and if we believe our mayor, a significant high rise, a skyline enhancing development is the desire. That basically came out of Stothert's mouth during her November 15th press conference. So 12.5 stories or lower, completely belies her statements..

I’m just going to try and remain optimistic and try and sniff around to find out any additional “rumor” intel..we should hear (hopefully) what’s proposed by the first week in March if we follow the timeline for an announcement per what was told to the W-H…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I am really trying to be optimistic, but I can't help but joke about this situation. I hope that we see a skyline defining development, but if spruce capital is a serious candidate, I am worried. And I might be totally wrong think spruce can't do it, but I just can't find evidence that supports the contrary.

The “cryptic rumor” intel I’ve heard just tonight, was a solid confirmation of 15-20 stories at the library site (consistent with what we’ve heard all long for this parcel) and that it’s not out of the question Mutual may still be a player in this lIbrary site plan..now that Fiserv is out of the equation..which would then take the speculation Mutual is a player in the Lanoha 700 ft tower rumor out of that equation..

Lips are tight, and I think there’s a bit of a “deflection tactic” going on.. As always, we’ll see…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Cool, 15-20 is great. I am excited to see what's proposed.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I wonder who they are? I'm worried we won't even have a tower half the height of the 700 footer rumored earlier.

I thought the 700' tower was rumored for the UP/Lanoha site?

It was..the rumored 700 ft tower was not part of the library site rumor. The 700 ft tower was rumored for the Lanoha (old UP) property.. The rumor for the library site, is for a 15-20 story mid-high rise building…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I'm putting the over-under at 12.5 stories for the library site and I'm leaning towards the under.

I'm just worried it's gonna get tossed to an under experienced developer like this Spruce Capital nonsense and we'll end up with a bad 4 over 1.

We all will be surprised, but not really, when the big plan is from Lanoha. Even better, Lockwood development will build a nice strip mall with drive thru endcaps.

It’s easy to be skeptical about this potential development. But, the city owns the land and if we believe our mayor, a significant high rise, a skyline enhancing development is the desire. That basically came out of Stothert's mouth during her November 15th press conference. So 12.5 stories or lower, completely belies her statements..

I’m just going to try and remain optimistic and try and sniff around to find out any additional “rumor” intel..we should hear (hopefully) what’s proposed by the first week in March if we follow the timeline for an announcement per what was told to the W-H…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I am really trying to be optimistic, but I can't help but joke about this situation. I hope that we see a skyline defining development, but if spruce capital is a serious candidate, I am worried. And I might be totally wrong think spruce can't do it, but I just can't find evidence that supports the contrary.

The “cryptic rumor” intel I’ve heard just tonight, was a solid confirmation of 15-20 stories at the library site (consistent with what we’ve heard all long for this parcel) and that it’s not out of the question Mutual may still be a player in this lIbrary site plan..now that Fiserv is out of the equation..which would then take the speculation Mutual is a player in the Lanoha 700 ft tower rumor out of that equation..

Lips are tight, and I think there’s a bit of a “deflection tactic” going on.. As always, we’ll see…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Cool, 15-20 is great. I am excited to see what's proposed.

I’m right there with you on that …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Doctor Fate]

The “cryptic rumor” intel I’ve heard just tonight, was a solid confirmation of 15-20 stories at the library site (consistent with what we’ve heard all long for this parcel) and that it’s not out of the question Mutual may still be a player in this lIbrary site plan..now that Fiserv is out of the equation..which would then take the speculation Mutual is a player in the Lanoha 700 ft tower rumor out of that equation..

Lips are tight, and I think there’s a bit of a “deflection tactic” going on.. As always, we’ll see…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Cool, 15-20 is great. I am excited to see what's proposed.

I really hope it's more than just 15 stories. That would only make it about the same height as the twins.

Fingers crossed on this.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

Not to be a pesimist but we've seen a LOT of renderings of towers over the past 10 years and not a single one was built.

I'm hoping that they truly have an anchor already locked in because that's the only way we'll ever get a tower actually built.

[Athomsfere]

Not to be a pesimist but we've seen a LOT of renderings of towers over the past 10 years and not a single one was built.

I'm hoping that they truly have an anchor already locked in because that's the only way we'll ever get a tower actually built.

Or they are building it purely on what they see Omaha needs, and expect the tenants to come once built.

[blueskyomaha]

Not to be a pesimist but we've seen a LOT of renderings of towers over the past 10 years and not a single one was built.

I'm hoping that they truly have an anchor already locked in because that's the only way we'll ever get a tower actually built.

Or they are building it purely on what they see Omaha needs, and expect the tenants to come once built.

Isn't this being attempted in the Capital District? More than 40K s.f. of vacant, new office space is available for lease.

[Athomsfere]

Isn't this being attempted in the Capital District? More than 40K s.f. of vacant, new office space is available for lease.

I believe you are correct, but also I think it came online in 2020. Perhaps not the best indicator of what class A should be doing once the pandemic is over...

[Omaha Cowboy]

What I’m hearing from my trusted sources, is there are a lot of moving parts and what if’s regarding this library plan..and there is a lot of activity behind the scenes..

Based on this, my impression is there is a plan actively in the works, but there are a lot of variables to be worked out and a lot of tight lips. I wouldn’t be surprised if we heard nothing for 6 months as opposed to the 6 weeks Stothert intimated in the W-H piece yesterday..

There is something to the cliche- “Patience is a virtue”…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Doctor Fate]

What I’m hearing from my trusted sources, is there are a lot of moving parts and what if’s regarding this library plan, and there is a lot of activity behind the scenes..

Based on this, my impression is there is a plan actively in the works, but there are a lot of variables to be worked out and a lot of tight lips. I wouldn’t be surprised if we heard nothing for 6 months as opposed to the 6 weeks Stothert intimated in the W-H piece yesterday..

There is something to the cliche- “Patience is a virtue”…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I am not intending to sound like a downer here, but this seems to be a consistent pattern for any potential or rumored high rise developments in Omaha since the UP headquarters. A lot of movement and kicking up dust, then the dust settles and there's only a "Stay Patient" sign.

[Omaha Cowboy]

What I’m hearing from my trusted sources, is there are a lot of moving parts and what if’s regarding this library plan, and there is a lot of activity behind the scenes..

Based on this, my impression is there is a plan actively in the works, but there are a lot of variables to be worked out and a lot of tight lips. I wouldn’t be surprised if we heard nothing for 6 months as opposed to the 6 weeks Stothert intimated in the W-H piece yesterday..

There is something to the cliche- “Patience is a virtue”…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I am not intending to sound like a downer here, but this seems to be a consistent pattern for any potential or rumored high rise developments in Omaha since the UP headquarters. A lot of movement and kicking up dust, then the dust settles and there's only a "Stay Patient" sign.

I completely understand the sentiment.. But I’m also not completely optimistic we’ll hear news on this sooner rather than later..

I hope I’m wrong…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[daveoma]

I agree. If we were talking about something that had actual historical significance, I'd understand. But just because something is old doesn't mean something is valuable. There are quite a few locations that a modernized library would better service the public, like on the UP parcel. It's location near central/Joslyn would be a better fit than where it is. My wife works at CPP and the library really isn't a destination for those who wish to actually use it for its intended purpose.

Agreed..

And comparing the potential razing of W Dale Clark to Jobbers Canyon or the Fontenelle Hotel? C’mon.. not even remotely an apples to apples comparison.. I get why some are up in arms over razing buildings, I’m not a fan usually of it either.. But IMO this downtown library has lost function, is extremely high cost to retain..and in the end, I don’t find it a unique architectural gem that most would kick themselves over once it is razed…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

We were back in Omaha over the weekend for my mom's wedding. Went to the Old Market to eat at M's Pub (phenomenal) and my wife (she is from the DC area) was looking at buildings and commenting positively on the way there. When we passed the library, she said, "Ew!" and then was silent until we got to the Old Market. I think that sums up most people's views of the library.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

I'll be very happy when that eye sore, W Dale Clark Library, is gone. I'm more concerned with having the 2-block development being architecturally iconic then I am with how tall the structures are.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I'll be very happy when that eye sore, W Dale Clark Library, is gone. I'm more concerned with having the 2-block development being architecturally iconic then I am with how tall the structures are.

I think I’ll agree with you here..

With one tweak- give me an architecturally iconic 20 story structure as part of this 2-block development..

Perfect …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[nebport5]

I'll be very happy when that eye sore, W Dale Clark Library, is gone. I'm more concerned with having the 2-block development being architecturally iconic then I am with how tall the structures are.

I think I’ll agree with you here..

With one tweak- give me an architecturally iconic 20 story structure as part of this 2-block development..

Perfect …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Yes to both. IIRC the original First National Center designs were more Trans America inspired. Something like that(albeit shorter) would work on the library site adding some skyline impacting height without blocking out some density like a renovated CPP. In thinking about the library lot and West Leahy lot being possibly developed simultaneously I immediately think skywalk over 14th St. Of course with the right tenant and design. Given the co-vid climate of remote workers I'm also increasingly thinking a modest residential "high rise" is the most viable over a giant office tower at any site.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I'll be very happy when that eye sore, W Dale Clark Library, is gone. I'm more concerned with having the 2-block development being architecturally iconic then I am with how tall the structures are.

I think I’ll agree with you here..

With one tweak- give me an architecturally iconic 20 story structure as part of this 2-block development..

Perfect …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Yes to both. IIRC the original First National Center designs were more Trans America inspired. Something like that(albeit shorter) would work on the library site adding some skyline impacting height without blocking out some density like a renovated CPP. In thinking about the library lot and West Leahy lot being possibly developed simultaneously I immediately think skywalk over 14th St. Of course with the right tenant and design. Given the co-vid climate of remote workers I'm also increasingly thinking a modest residential "high rise" is the most viable over a giant office tower at any site.

I like where you’re going here. Nice idea …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[GrowUpFrances]

I'll be very happy when that eye sore, W Dale Clark Library, is gone. I'm more concerned with having the 2-block development being architecturally iconic then I am with how tall the structures are.

Agreed. Imagine if the new Joslyn addition were built to the block west of the new GLM. I would love to see a concept like that—a stunning, world-class building that becomes a new postcard representation of Omaha. Maybe a new children's museum that stairsteps up to a taller structure?

[ItsAllAboutMe]

Lets hope for the really tall structures at the Lanoha site and maybe the state building to the south of the mall. No Vortex tower please!

[PotatoeEatsFish]

Lets hope for the really tall structures at the Lanoha site and maybe the state building to the south of the mall. No Vortex tower please!

Something like Vortex is actually what this site is perfect for. Allows to still have the Affects of the twins and creates an iconic landmark which the mall could use.

Of course a design much less 50s space age though.

[nebport5]

I like the idea of a clocktower here that perhaps references FNC, The Woodmen and UPC.

Hard pass on the Vortex. It looks like something from Mars Attacks! I can't imagine an improved design that would make me root for such a thing anywhere near DTO. Maybe near Gretna/Ashland. What a great overlooking view of Lake Ricketts it would be.

[Omaha Cowboy]

From today’s W-H-

“The Omaha Public Library Board voted Thursday to approve two lease agreements needed for the relocation of the city's downtown library.

The vote brings the city one step closer to moving out of the W. Dale Clark Library — the city's largest — before the planned demolition of the building begins in the fall.

The 45-year-old downtown library will be razed to make way for a redevelopment that hasn't yet been announced by city officials.

Thursday's meeting brought several people to the W. Dale Clark in protest of the planned move. They shared concerns over an alleged lack of transparency and community input. Some questioned the quick timeline of the move.”..

The complete W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/omaha-publ ... the-latest

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[guy4omaha]

Just bring back the Lormung Lo lagoon.

[Brad]

Just bring back the Lormung Lo lagoon.

That dude accomplished a lot in the 3.5 days he was mayor...

[Omaha Cowboy]

Never thought I’d read a Lormong Lo reference in this thread, lol..

In any case, for those who have never heard who he was, here is his Wikipedia page-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lormong_Lo

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Cermak]

I remember the name, that’s to bad he died relatively young.

[ita]

Thanks for brining him up. I had never heard of him until yesterday. He is a significant figure In Omaha's history, even for the short time he served in public office. I hope they have something named after him in the park.

[nebport5]

Surely someone still has a rendering of Lormong's Lagoon?

[buildomaha]

Just thought it might be nice for everyone to take a quick stroll through these comments. Yes, I know it’s twitter, but maybe we could leave this decision up to the people who publicly own this space?

[PotatoeEatsFish]

Just thought it might be nice for everyone to take a quick stroll through these comments. Yes, I know it’s twitter, but maybe we could leave this decision up to the people who publicly own this space?

It's just the woke idiots forgetting the library is moving 5 blocks away. They really just saw they were tearing it down and couldn't do 30 seconds of research. This whole uproar is just people looking for something to complain about, I even saw one person trying to tie in libraries giving out mask to Jean closing the library. I hope an announcement comes soon because this controversy is obnoxious when we have all been aware the library was going to be torn down since they started working on The Mall. Clearly this new library is temporary which they have made clear is just a solution for wanting to kick start Mall development leading to a new main branch. Nebraskans can't handle change, what's new?

[OutoftheCanyon]

City Council votes Tuesday so, hopefully, we could see an announcement anytime after that. I bet Jean wants to hang her hat on this and she only has 3 years left till she is out of office. My money is on a 700' tower here and if that is correct she will want as much of it vertical and enclosed prior to her leaving office.

[HskrFanMike]

My money right now is that we'll have a third bulldozed patch of weeds downtown in 2024 to match the Civic and Wall Street Tower/Lanoha boondoggles.

[nebport5]

City Council votes Tuesday so, hopefully, we could see an announcement anytime after that. I bet Jean wants to hang her hat on this and she only has 3 years left till she is out of office. My money is on a 700' tower here and if that is correct she will want as much of it vertical and enclosed prior to her leaving office.

What makes you think she plans on leaving?

[guy4omaha]

Never thought I’d read a Lormong Lo reference in this thread, lol..

It's kinda what I do . . . even though I don't post as much anymore.

[buildomaha]

Just thought it might be nice for everyone to take a quick stroll through these comments. Yes, I know it’s twitter, but maybe we could leave this decision up to the people who publicly own this space?

It's just the woke idiots forgetting the library is moving 5 blocks away. They really just saw they were tearing it down and couldn't do 30 seconds of research. This whole uproar is just people looking for something to complain about, I even saw one person trying to tie in libraries giving out mask to Jean closing the library. I hope an announcement comes soon because this controversy is obnoxious when we have all been aware the library was going to be torn down since they started working on The Mall. Clearly this new library is temporary which they have made clear is just a solution for wanting to kick start Mall development leading to a new main branch. Nebraskans can't handle change, what's new?

I actually think it’s pretty healthy debate (until namecalling starts) on what to do with a valuable piece public property. Omahans have seen our fair share of buildings and land handed over to a few wealthy individuals for their gain.