Old Union Pacific Headquarters Lot

[BobbiDon]

Feels weird for me to even post about speculative development when we had such exciting news today. However, whatever the future holds for Lanoha site, I just hope the block ends up being parceled up a bit. Would be nice to create some variation in height and design, as opposed to all the super block developments.

[Athomsfere]

Feels weird for me to even post about speculative development when we had such exciting news today. However, whatever the future holds for Lanoha site, I just hope the block ends up being parceled up a bit. Would be nice to create some variation in height and design, as opposed to all the super block developments.

Agreed. 1/4 block developments would be perfect, but even 1/2 would be not bad.

Put Lincoln's new condo highrise on there too!

[daveoma]

I was just thinking if it would be advantageous for the city to do a subsequent land swap with the State of Nebraska: swap the former UP HQ site with with the State of Nebraska building on 1313 Farnam. Perhaps the State could be persuaded to build a newer building on the old UP HQ site, and the city could sell 1313 Farnam site to another developer. Another company could have a lot of visibility on the left side of the post card skyline view.

[NEDodger]

I was just thinking if it would be advantageous for the city to do a subsequent land swap with the State of Nebraska: swap the former UP HQ site with with the State of Nebraska building on 1313 Farnam. Perhaps the State could be persuaded to build a newer building on the old UP HQ site, and the city could sell 1313 Farnam site to another developer. Another company could have a lot of visibility on the left side of the post card skyline view.

I've been pretty vocal about my hatred of that building on here, but I don't think there's need for much space. The State building currently also contains a bunch of Kiewit conference rooms that I don't believe are being used anymore. Really, the State offices should just be a part of any development on the Civic site as they wouldn't take up much room.

[daveoma]

I was just thinking if it would be advantageous for the city to do a subsequent land swap with the State of Nebraska: swap the former UP HQ site with with the State of Nebraska building on 1313 Farnam. Perhaps the State could be persuaded to build a newer building on the old UP HQ site, and the city could sell 1313 Farnam site to another developer. Another company could have a lot of visibility on the left side of the post card skyline view.

I've been pretty vocal about my hatred of that building on here, but I don't think there's need for much space. The State building currently also contains a bunch of Kiewit conference rooms that I don't believe are being used anymore. Really, the State offices should just be a part of any development on the Civic site as they wouldn't take up much room.

I like that idea too

[MadJack]

I wonder if a skinny condo high-rise would work as part of the old UPRR site development? Seems like tall, thin condo buildings are popular in major cities these days.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I wonder if a skinny condo high-rise would work as part of the old UPRR site development? Seems like tall, thin condo buildings are popular in major cities these days.

I like the idea here..

You could even fit in a 2-3 tower development based on that concept to fill out the parcel with skinny 300-400 ft towers…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[iamjacobm]

Pretty weak site for condos IMO.

[Linkin5]

Pretty weak site for condos IMO.

Jason Townsend agrees.

[jomaha9]

I still think the best use for this lot is a hotel. It's about equal distance from the Old Market and the CHI Center/Schwab Field. With close proximity to large businesses and the likelihood the Doubletree is beyond its useful life, I could see a larger hotel rise up on this site (with mixed use retail).

[Omaha Cowboy]

Well, the city owns the property now..So nothing’s off the table..Including the potential for skinny condo tower(s)..

In the end, my hope is we hear of a development plan for this site before the end of the year…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

Well, the city owns the property now..So nothing’s off the table..Including the potential for skinny condo tower(s)..

In the end, my hope is we hear of a development plan for this site before the end of the year…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

It could have condos, a hotel, and an office building. We need more multi-use city blocks. It can be a single developer, but with a few buildings on it. I would be sorely disappointed though if it becomes another Gavilon building.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Well, the city owns the property now..So nothing’s off the table..Including the potential for skinny condo tower(s)..

In the end, my hope is we hear of a development plan for this site before the end of the year…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

It could have condos, a hotel, and an office building. We need more multi-use city blocks. It can be a single developer, but with a few buildings on it. I would be sorely disappointed though if it becomes another Gavilon building.

I highly, HIGHLY doubt what gets built there is a Gavilon type building. I shutter at the mere mention, lol..

This property, imo, is too high profile, too important a parcel to not have a significant, skyline enhancing building (or buildings). And whatever is proposed, doesn’t need to be a 700 footer either. A 350-400 foot highrise development would help fill out our skyline quite nicely..

I just can’t conceive the city would settle on anything less than a significant, tall development for 1416 Dodge…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

Well, the city owns the property now..So nothing’s off the table..Including the potential for skinny condo tower(s)..

In the end, my hope is we hear of a development plan for this site before the end of the year…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

It could have condos, a hotel, and an office building. We need more multi-use city blocks. It can be a single developer, but with a few buildings on it. I would be sorely disappointed though if it becomes another Gavilon building.

I highly, HIGHLY doubt what gets built there is a Gavilon type building. I shutter at the mere mention, lol..

This property, imo, is too high profile, too important a parcel to not have a significant, skyline enhancing building (or buildings). And whatever is proposed, doesn’t need to be a 700 footer either. A 350-400 foot highrise development would help fill out our skyline quite nicely..

I just can’t conceive the city would settle on anything less than a significant, tall development for 1416 Dodge…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Haha, sorry for bringing up the Gavilon building. Decent looking building but really should have been reserved for something taller.

Ideally, the City breaks up the lot and sells to a few developers. I honestly would settle for another Capitol District-like development, ie. single developer, but 3-4 structures with mixed uses, but with more height and density (pedestrian passageways versus large 'town square') and more residential. Condo or apartment towers can have fairly small floorplates, so, we could fit a few and still have room for an office building and requisite garage. You wouldn't need a lot of retail either. Anyway, this will (as it has been) an interesting lot to watch. I would not be surprised that we get an announcement for this one in 2025.

[nebport5]

If we're talking a mixed use condo high rise...it would be a good spot for a proper grocery store. Especially the kind that has a hot bar where the huge labor force in the two block plus radius could take in a quick lunch.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Well, the city owns the property now..So nothing’s off the table..Including the potential for skinny condo tower(s)..

In the end, my hope is we hear of a development plan for this site before the end of the year…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

It could have condos, a hotel, and an office building. We need more multi-use city blocks. It can be a single developer, but with a few buildings on it. I would be sorely disappointed though if it becomes another Gavilon building.

I highly, HIGHLY doubt what gets built there is a Gavilon type building. I shutter at the mere mention, lol..

This property, imo, is too high profile, too important a parcel to not have a significant, skyline enhancing building (or buildings). And whatever is proposed, doesn’t need to be a 700 footer either. A 350-400 foot highrise development would help fill out our skyline quite nicely..

I just can’t conceive the city would settle on anything less than a significant, tall development for 1416 Dodge…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Haha, sorry for bringing up the Gavilon building. Decent looking building but really should have been reserved for something taller.

Ideally, the City breaks up the lot and sells to a few developers. I honestly would settle for another Capitol District-like development, ie. single developer, but 3-4 structures with mixed uses, but with more height and density (pedestrian passageways versus large 'town square') and more residential. Condo or apartment towers can have fairly small floorplates, so, we could fit a few and still have room for an office building and requisite garage. You wouldn't need a lot of retail either. Anyway, this will (as it has been) an interesting lot to watch. I would not be surprised that we get an announcement for this one in 2025.

Lol, Gavilon almost always gives me the shakes..

I like your Capitol District idea with more height/density to round out the skyline..I also like nebport5’s idea of a full service grocery store located as part of a condo high rise..

I’m certainly hoping for an announcement before the end of the year…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Omaha Cowboy]

From today's W-H-

“A vacant lot in the heart of downtown Omaha has for nearly two decades sat earmarked for projects that never broke ground — a missing piece in the increasingly ambitious growth of the city’s urban core.

That may soon change. There's recent local and national interest in the site of the former Union Pacific Railroad headquarters as a prime spot for development, said Kevin Andersen, a deputy chief of staff with the Mayor's Office.

The square block at 14th and Dodge Streets has remained vacant since Union Pacific moved its headquarters across the street in 2004 and the site was fully cleared in 2008.

The Mutual project, estimated to cost about $443 million, would drastically change Omaha’s skyline and bring thousands of workers downtown. It's a project the scale of which meets the expectations Lanoha and the city previously had for the former Union Pacific lot that sits two blocks away.

When Lanoha bought the vacant property in 2014, he floated a plan that featured a glass structure 10 to 25 stories high that would be heavy on offices but include retail space and condos.

That plan later evolved into a $200 million high-rise with two towers up to 30 stories high.

The project would have fulfilled an unofficial commitment to city officials to erect a tall structure on the site that enhanced the city's skyline and brought more jobs to Omaha's downtown.“..

The complete W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/with-massi ... c4bdc.html

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[NEDodger]

I don’t see this being a majority-commercial lot anymore. However, this is a lot that should maintain some height. What I would love to see is a bit of mix between residential and a throwback to the Medical Arts Building. The vast majority of this being a residential tower, but the first 2 or 3 stories being a mix of medical professionals. With the growing residential population downtown, make this a convenient center for different medical services - dentists, eye doctors, a chiropractor, a physical therapist office, maybe have a CVS or Walgreens on the first floor, etc..

[Doctor Fate]

I don’t see this being a majority-commercial lot anymore. However, this is a lot that should maintain some height. What I would love to see is a bit of mix between residential and a throwback to the Medical Arts Building. The vast majority of this being a residential tower, but the first 2 or 3 stories being a mix of medical professionals. With the growing residential population downtown, make this a convenient center for different medical services - dentists, eye doctors, a chiropractor, a physical therapist office, maybe have a CVS or Walgreens on the first floor, etc..

I think this will be a mostly residential tower as well. The mayor said they want this have height and that it is one of the locations being looked at for a full service grocery store.

I like the idea of having medical services here too though. That is something essential.

[Doctor Fate]

From today's W-H-

“A vacant lot in the heart of downtown Omaha has for nearly two decades sat earmarked for projects that never broke ground — a missing piece in the increasingly ambitious growth of the city’s urban core.

That may soon change. There's recent local and national interest in the site of the former Union Pacific Railroad headquarters as a prime spot for development, said Kevin Andersen, a deputy chief of staff with the Mayor's Office.

The square block at 14th and Dodge Streets has remained vacant since Union Pacific moved its headquarters across the street in 2004 and the site was fully cleared in 2008.

The Mutual project, estimated to cost about $443 million, would drastically change Omaha’s skyline and bring thousands of workers downtown. It's a project the scale of which meets the expectations Lanoha and the city previously had for the former Union Pacific lot that sits two blocks away.

When Lanoha bought the vacant property in 2014, he floated a plan that featured a glass structure 10 to 25 stories high that would be heavy on offices but include retail space and condos.

That plan later evolved into a $200 million high-rise with two towers up to 30 stories high.

The project would have fulfilled an unofficial commitment to city officials to erect a tall structure on the site that enhanced the city's skyline and brought more jobs to Omaha's downtown.“..

The complete W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/with-massi ... c4bdc.html

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I aasume "national interest" means a national developer?

[Doctor Fate]

After reading that World Herald article that Cowboy posted, I asked a contact that I have in the Omaha CRE industry and they said there are rumors that the Fiserv project might still moved forward and a likely spot would be the old UP site. They said the biggest obstacles is how slow Fiserv is to commit to a return-to-the-office time.

[NEDodger]

After reading that World Herald article that Cowboy posted, I asked a contact that I have in the Omaha CRE industry and they said there are rumors that the Fiserv project might still moved forward and a likely spot would be the old UP site. They said the biggest obstacles is how slow Fiserv is to commit to a return-to-the-office time.

That would be freaking amazing. Even if it's not the tower that MofO is, if they could take 12 floors of a building there, maybe another 6 for a parking garage, some other retail/offices on lower floors, etc.., this would be huge. Anything above 25 floors there would be a home run.

[ita]

After reading that World Herald article that Cowboy posted, I asked a contact that I have in the Omaha CRE industry and they said there are rumors that the Fiserv project might still moved forward and a likely spot would be the old UP site. They said the biggest obstacles is how slow Fiserv is to commit to a return-to-the-office time.

That would be freaking amazing. Even if it's not the tower that MofO is, if they could take 12 floors of a building there, maybe another 6 for a parking garage, some other retail/offices on lower floors, etc.., this would be huge. Anything above 25 floors there would be a home run.

So fiserv is still a potential downtown office user? That's great. Would love to see a mixed use development there with some height (25 stories would be amazing). There are more and more highrises with mixed uses. Shoot, the Landmark was converted to part hotel/office/retail. Also, I would like to see a couple/few tall structures vs a block filling tower.

[Omaha Cowboy]

After reading that World Herald article that Cowboy posted, I asked a contact that I have in the Omaha CRE industry and they said there are rumors that the Fiserv project might still moved forward and a likely spot would be the old UP site. They said the biggest obstacles is how slow Fiserv is to commit to a return-to-the-office time.

That would be freaking amazing. Even if it's not the tower that MofO is, if they could take 12 floors of a building there, maybe another 6 for a parking garage, some other retail/offices on lower floors, etc.., this would be huge. Anything above 25 floors there would be a home run.

So fiserv is still a potential downtown office user? That's great. Would love to see a mixed use development there with some height (25 stories would be amazing). There are more and more highrises with mixed uses. Shoot, the Landmark was converted to part hotel/office/retail. Also, I would like to see a couple/few tall structures vs a block filling tower.

As I’ve indicated many times over the years on the forum- from the time the city obtained original ownership of this property, and through 2 different property owners since- Townsend then Lanoha, there’s been an unofficial understanding that the city has wanted a significant, skyline enhancing development here..now that things have come full circle, and the city owns the property again, we can almost count on this eventually happening..and whatever gets built, it doesn’t need to be 634-700 feet like FNC and the proposed Mutual tower..but I believe a tower development, mixed use, in the 25-30 story, 350-400 foot range would be an impressive addition and would round out the skyline quite nicely..

We’ll see what shakes out..but it’s good to know things are cooking…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Bob from Omaha]

I never cease to be amazed that there hasn't been a high rise (20-30 story) residential tower built downtown. I believe I saw one proposed for Lincoln and isn't there one being built there currently? Maybe I'm way off base but a high rise with class A amenities seems like a no brainer. Yes, there have been renovated residential buildings downtown but a new one with garage parking just seems logical.

[skinzfan23]

100% agree, I am surprised that a 20 story residential building hasn’t been built downtown. I am pretty sure Omaha has people with money that would move into it in a heartbeat.

[Athomsfere]

100% agree, I am surprised that a 20 story residential building hasn’t been built downtown. I am pretty sure Omaha has people with money that would move into it in a heartbeat.

River front, and the Old Market also has some great condos for people with money, $1,000,000 - around $3 million.

They don't move super fast though. I don't know if they should even.

But I agree, a high rise residential feels very overdue. Especially with the new master plan to bring 30k to live in the core.

[omahahawk]

Finally, a little more news downtown on downtown development. Seems like it has been a pretty slow news cycle for the past month. Did the cryptic rumor department have any new intel?

[Omaha Cowboy]

Finally, a little more news downtown on downtown development. Seems like it has been a pretty slow news cycle for the past month. Did the cryptic rumor department have any new intel?

Nothing new at this point- other than, as the W-H piece yesterday confirms, things are at least cooking at this site..

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[MadJack]

After reading that World Herald article that Cowboy posted, I asked a contact that I have in the Omaha CRE industry and they said there are rumors that the Fiserv project might still moved forward and a likely spot would be the old UP site. They said the biggest obstacles is how slow Fiserv is to commit to a return-to-the-office time.

Fiserv is still interested in downtown and likes the old UP headquarters site, however, they have other facilities around the country that need upgrading before the Omaha office does (it's fairly new). My guess is that Fiserv could end up downtown but an announcement would be a couple/few years out. There are 3 or 4 other companies seriously considering downtown. Keep your fingers crossed.

[Athomsfere]

After reading that World Herald article that Cowboy posted, I asked a contact that I have in the Omaha CRE industry and they said there are rumors that the Fiserv project might still moved forward and a likely spot would be the old UP site. They said the biggest obstacles is how slow Fiserv is to commit to a return-to-the-office time.

Fiserv is still interested in downtown and likes the old UP headquarters site, however, they have other facilities around the country that need upgrading before the Omaha office does (it's fairly new). My guess is that Fiserv could end up downtown but an announcement would be a couple/few years out. There are 3 or 4 other companies seriously considering downtown. Keep your fingers crossed.

Who might those be?

I feel like Fiserv might have a reason to jump the gun, if they were serious. Consolidating to one, more efficient property can often shorten timelines if the rest of the things align correctly too.

Not that I expect this change.

[omahahawk]

Finally, a little more news downtown on downtown development. Seems like it has been a pretty slow news cycle for the past month. Did the cryptic rumor department have any new intel?

Nothing new at this point- other than, as the W-H piece yesterday confirms, things are at least cooking at this site..

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Thanks. I was just kind of meaning in general from the cryptic rumor department, not necessarily specific to this site. I guess ever since they announced the Mutual and Street Car projects I have been hungry to hear more details every week though I know this will be an ongoing process for the next year or so before any steel goes in the ground. At least we know we there are few milestones coming up at the end of the month with the Mutual TIF and creation of the Streetcar Authority. Hopefully we will learn more throughout the year as other milestones approach, not just with these projects but others like the Baby Bob as well.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Finally, a little more news downtown on downtown development. Seems like it has been a pretty slow news cycle for the past month. Did the cryptic rumor department have any new intel?

Nothing new at this point- other than, as the W-H piece yesterday confirms, things are at least cooking at this site..

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Thanks. I was just kind of meaning in general from the cryptic rumor department, not necessarily specific to this site. I guess ever since they announced the Mutual and Street Car projects I have been hungry to hear more details every week though I know this will be an ongoing process for the next year or so before any steel goes in the ground. At least we know we there are few milestones coming up at the end of the month with the Mutual TIF and creation of the Streetcar Authority. Hopefully we will learn more throughout the year as other milestones approach, not just with these projects but others like the Baby Bob as well.

I completely agree with what you’re saying. And you’d like to get more intel updates on a weekly basis for sure..but things are cooking and there are several City Council hurdles both projects need to clear (streetcar and Mutual Tower project)..but all signs are looking very good for City Council approvals..

I’m also pretty certain, in the coming months, we’ll hear more intel regarding this 1416 Dodge parcel, the Baby Bob etc..and if we hear any intel from the “Cryptic Rumor Department” be rest assured- I’ll share it here…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Omaha Cowboy]

After reading that World Herald article that Cowboy posted, I asked a contact that I have in the Omaha CRE industry and they said there are rumors that the Fiserv project might still moved forward and a likely spot would be the old UP site. They said the biggest obstacles is how slow Fiserv is to commit to a return-to-the-office time.

Fiserv is still interested in downtown and likes the old UP headquarters site, however, they have other facilities around the country that need upgrading before the Omaha office does (it's fairly new). My guess is that Fiserv could end up downtown but an announcement would be a couple/few years out. There are 3 or 4 other companies seriously considering downtown. Keep your fingers crossed.

Who might those be?

I feel like Fiserv might have a reason to jump the gun, if they were serious. Consolidating to one, more efficient property can often shorten timelines if the rest of the things align correctly too.

Not that I expect this change.

As MadJack pointed out- the mayor, as recently as a couple of weeks ago on Grow Omaha, stated multiple companies have serious interest in locating downtown..she would not reveal the company names, but I have utmost trust this is true..

Hopefully we’ll hear more regarding 1416 Dodge, the closer we get to the demolition of the W Dale Clark. We just have to be patient. Like I stated in an earlier post, at least we know things are cooking…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[NEDodger]

The laziness on display here is disgusting.

You all have the power to put pressure on a huge headquarters development going onto this lot.

Say it with me: "BRAD WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY INTERNATIONAL TOWER" NOW!

[mgoett]

I second that

[Brad]

Say it with me: "BRAD WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY INTERNATIONAL TOWER" NOW!

I second that

LOL! I like it! Here is my budget:

BWP-TOWER.jpg

[BRoss]

Lol nice

[NEDodger]

Lol, to be fair it’d be the most development on that lot in 15 years.

[skinzfan23]

Where is the street level retail?