Gene Leahy Mall Remodel

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 8:05 am

Gene Leahy Mall at the RiverFront opens Friday

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 12:03 pm

ribbon cutting

ita · Post by **ita** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 12:40 pm

stadsborgare wrote: Fri Jul 01, 2022 12:03 pm ribbon cutting

Awesome! That's really exciting. My wife wants to go down this weekend, so GLM here we come. One downtown park down, 3 to go.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 12:57 pm

stadsborgare wrote: Fri Jul 01, 2022 12:03 pm ribbon cutting

Nice pic

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 12:57 pm

skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 10:47 pm

Very cool

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 1:15 pm

Happening now: Omaha's Gene Leahy Mall ribbon cutting

KETV NewsWatch 7

Omaha's renovated Gene Leahy Mall is hosting a ribbon cutting Friday to commemorate the park’s official opening to the public

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 1:29 pm

Yeah, but is it really a ribbon cutting if the new Gene Leahy Mall doesn't include an Olive Garden?

nebraska · Post by **nebraska** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 2:43 pm

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 3:48 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Fri Jul 01, 2022 12:57 pm
skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Jun 30, 2022 10:47 pm
Very cool …

It was pretty nice to see this displayed on the building and the band shell as they practiced God Bless America!

omahahawk · Post by **omahahawk** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 4:34 pm

Anyone else notice the cam views from the Burlington are not available right now? Wondering if this is temporary or permanent.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 6:29 pm

Sights and sounds of the new Gene Leahy Mall

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 8:15 pm

Just got back from my first visit there. Pretty crazy but I don’t think they got any details wrong in the entire thing. There was a vibrancy to downtown Omaha that I’ve never seen before.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 8:40 pm

omahahawk wrote: Fri Jul 01, 2022 4:34 pm Anyone else notice the cam views from the Burlington are not available right now? Wondering if this is temporary or permanent.

Looks completely packed!

This is the view from WOWT citycam right now:

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 11:12 pm

Linkin5 wrote: Fri Jul 01, 2022 8:15 pm Just got back from my first visit there. Pretty crazy but I don’t think they got any details wrong in the entire thing. There was a vibrancy to downtown Omaha that I’ve never seen before.

Yep, it turned out fantastic! There were so many people down there. I knew it was going to be beautiful and lots off cool features but I never expected to see the number of staff working the park, that was crazy! I have photographed big events at both the CHI Health Center and Charles Schwab Field. MECA seemed to run that park tonight just like their two venues with staff everywhere.

The Video Board under the 10th street bridge was amazing. Whoever thought of that was smart!

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jul 01, 2022 11:39 pm

Quick video wall video:

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sat Jul 02, 2022 12:02 am

Was able to visit the park tonight. I would say it exceeded my expectations. It just seemed so different from the old park with way more to do. Really a showplace for Omaha.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Sat Jul 02, 2022 12:27 am

Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic.

I was blown away by just how much of an improvement and asset this new park is.

My kids were bonkers over the play areas, I LOVED the video wall under 10th, the art is great, the fire pit areas are waaaay cool, the food trucks were a great addition. The only thing I regret is not bringing a frisbee or football to toss.

The water features are such a great add, especially the splash area. And my favorite, going back to when I was a kid, are the slides. This is such a great area, I really hope the city bands together to keep it great!

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Jul 02, 2022 10:43 am

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Jul 02, 2022 11:01 am

Omahacritic wrote: Mon May 18, 2020 9:28 pm Because the project is such an engineering marvel. All that water current. All the wind sheer worries. All the math required to master the Metal stress, and looking for bedrock.

They can build 3 miles of Freeway faster than they are building this project. But a Freeway must be so much more simple than 1/2 mile of dirt.
It’s dirt, a bit of grading, a bit of drainage, then finish it.

Heck yeah! Moving that dirt is complicated. Flew kids in from MIT to write a Doctorate on this complicated project.

I think now, with the fantastic opening of the GLM portion of the Riverfront Redevelopment plan, it’s time to look back, reflect and “appreciate” one of the many the “hot takes” from our resident complainer during the spring/Summer/fall of 2020 (for reference sake, go back to pages 27-31 in this thread- it’s a real treat)..

He’s been awol on our forum since Nov/2020, but I hope he’s doing okay. Perhaps he’s still a downtown Omaha resident and *maybe* he’s enjoying the new park opening this weekend; and wondering why he threw so many tantrums over the timeline just 2 short years ago

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Jul 02, 2022 11:13 am

Refreshing preview: Omaha's Gene Leahy Mall Reopens

In Omaha downtown, Gene Leahy Mall, a public park reopens today (July 1, 2022) after a overhaul construction, which lasted 3 years.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Sat Jul 02, 2022 11:30 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 11:01 am
Omahacritic wrote: Mon May 18, 2020 9:28 pm Because the project is such an engineering marvel. All that water current. All the wind sheer worries. All the math required to master the Metal stress, and looking for bedrock.

They can build 3 miles of Freeway faster than they are building this project. But a Freeway must be so much more simple than 1/2 mile of dirt.
It’s dirt, a bit of grading, a bit of drainage, then finish it.

Heck yeah! Moving that dirt is complicated. Flew kids in from MIT to write a Doctorate on this complicated project.
I think now, with the fantastic opening of the GLM portion of the Riverfront Redevelopment plan, it’s time to look back, reflect and “appreciate” one of the many the “hot takes” from our resident complainer during the spring/Summer/fall of 2020 (for reference sake, go back to pages 27-31 in this thread- it’s a real treat)..

He’s been awol on our forum since Nov/2020, but I hope he’s doing okay. Perhaps he’s still a downtown Omaha resident and *maybe* he’s enjoying the new park opening this weekend; and wondering why he threw so many tantrums over the timeline just 2 short years ago …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Go look at pages 16 where I discussed my ideas of redoing the park and then page 18 when the new plans were actually announced about 3 years later haha. These plans were very polarizing for the forum back in 2017.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Jul 02, 2022 12:14 pm

Garrett wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 11:30 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 11:01 am
Omahacritic wrote: Mon May 18, 2020 9:28 pm Because the project is such an engineering marvel. All that water current. All the wind sheer worries. All the math required to master the Metal stress, and looking for bedrock.

They can build 3 miles of Freeway faster than they are building this project. But a Freeway must be so much more simple than 1/2 mile of dirt.
It’s dirt, a bit of grading, a bit of drainage, then finish it.

Heck yeah! Moving that dirt is complicated. Flew kids in from MIT to write a Doctorate on this complicated project.
I think now, with the fantastic opening of the GLM portion of the Riverfront Redevelopment plan, it’s time to look back, reflect and “appreciate” one of the many the “hot takes” from our resident complainer during the spring/Summer/fall of 2020 (for reference sake, go back to pages 27-31 in this thread- it’s a real treat)..

He’s been awol on our forum since Nov/2020, but I hope he’s doing okay. Perhaps he’s still a downtown Omaha resident and *maybe* he’s enjoying the new park opening this weekend; and wondering why he threw so many tantrums over the timeline just 2 short years ago …

Ciao..LiO…Peace
Go look at pages 16 where I discussed my ideas of redoing the park and then page 18 when the new plans were actually announced about 3 years later haha. These plans were very polarizing for the forum back in 2017.

Ha! Your 2014 post was certainly Nostradamus-esqe!.. Being a proponent of the Riverfront Redevelopment plan since it’s announcement in 2018, I’m glad the GLM component was raised to street level. Although it was a polarizing decision that some disagreed with, it was a needed upgrade and I think today, we are seeing the fruits of that vision..

Nice call

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Jul 02, 2022 1:34 pm

A glimpse at the new Gene Leahy Mall in Omaha.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sat Jul 02, 2022 6:38 pm

I for one am going to miss the twin towers when they become obstructed by the MofO tower. I always liked the way they look when viewed from the mall. It's Omaha's signature view. Not that I'm against the mutual tower, and I understand progress and change happens.

ita · Post by **ita** » Sat Jul 02, 2022 8:37 pm

So we made it out and one word review of the new GLM: awesome.

Post by **Brad** » Sat Jul 02, 2022 10:59 pm

ita wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 8:37 pm So we made it out and one word review of the new GLM: awesome.

I would agree. I have been working down there for 2 says now and I have walked around the entire mall over and over and over and I still don't think I have walked every path, trail, bridge, etc. Hearing everyone's reactions while walking around, everyone is amazed.

ita · Post by **ita** » Sun Jul 03, 2022 7:38 am

Brad wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 10:59 pm
ita wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 8:37 pm So we made it out and one word review of the new GLM: awesome.
I would agree. I have been working down there for 2 says now and I have walked around the entire mall over and over and over and I still don't think I have walked every path, trail, bridge, etc. Hearing everyone's reactions while walking around, everyone is amazed.

Just walking around, I could hear all the comments of "wow, look at that", or "this (insert amenity) is great." There was some really positive energy there. I do not have any doubt there will continue to be plenty of people visiting the park, especially on weekends, after this event heavy opening weekend.

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Sun Jul 03, 2022 9:24 am

A construction worker informs me that a Kaneko sculpture will be installed here.

In case you were wondering what that was...

GetUrban · Post by **GetUrban** » Sun Jul 03, 2022 10:01 am

Cermak wrote: Sat Jul 02, 2022 6:38 pm

I for one am going to miss the twin towers when they become obstructed by the MofO tower. I always liked the way they look when viewed from the mall. It's Omaha's signature view. Not that I'm against the mutual tower, and I understand progress and change happens.

I can understand how people might miss that long-lasting signature view that was common for so many years in Omaha’s history, but this new GLM itself is a great example of how the urban fabric of a city can be improved into an even more iconic public space. Architecturally, the twin towers never have been considered as a particularly high-caliber or ground-breaking design. I won’t really mind at all if their view from GLM is blocked by the more iconic Moo tower and what ever is eventually built on the lot east of the Moo tower. Also, keep in mind the twins are slated to get an upgrade too, whether you like the new design or not. I hope to experience the new GLM myself real soon.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Jul 03, 2022 1:41 pm

Gene Leahy Mall at The Riverfront (Updated and open) 7/2/2022

The Gene Leahy Mall at The Riverfront is now open to the public.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Jul 03, 2022 2:36 pm

Chronicle: Gene Leahy Mall Part 1

Chronicle: Gene Leahy Mall Part 1

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Jul 03, 2022 2:38 pm

Chronicle: Gene Leahy Mall Part 2

Chronicle: Gene Leahy Mall Part 2

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Jul 03, 2022 2:42 pm

Chronicle: Gene Leahy Mall Part 3

Chronicle: Gene Leahy Mall Part 3

Chungus · Post by **Chungus** » Sun Jul 03, 2022 10:55 pm

I got to see the new park on Saturday. I've been to many of the new urban parks around the country and this one takes the cake. This is absolutely one of the best new parks in the country and probably even the world. Not being dramatic either. I knew the project would be amazing but it completely surpassed my expectations. Also, glad to see Doug Bisson front and center at the ribbon cutting. He's been an incredible advocate for this project, the street car, and all things Omaha forever.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Jul 04, 2022 12:07 am

Chungus wrote: Sun Jul 03, 2022 10:55 pm I got to see the new park on Saturday. I've been to many of the new urban parks around the country and this one takes the cake. This is absolutely one of the best new parks in the country and probably even the world. Not being dramatic either. I knew the project would be amazing but it completely surpassed my expectations. Also, glad to see Doug Bisson front and center at the ribbon cutting. He's been an incredible advocate for this project, the street car, and all things Omaha forever.

Good to hear. I’m looking forward to seeing the park first hand tomorrow afternoon…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Post by **Brad** » Mon Jul 04, 2022 12:39 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Jul 04, 2022 12:07 am Good to hear. I’m looking forward to seeing the park first hand tomorrow afternoon…

I'll be down there again tomorrow photographing from 6-10:30. My 4th Day in a row.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Mon Jul 04, 2022 1:16 am

Brad wrote: Mon Jul 04, 2022 12:39 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Jul 04, 2022 12:07 am Good to hear. I’m looking forward to seeing the park first hand tomorrow afternoon…
I'll be down there again tomorrow photographing from 6-10:30. My 4th Day in a row.

Found a good spot for a new postcard shot yet?

arjavrawal · Post by **arjavrawal** » Mon Jul 04, 2022 1:21 pm

Took a walk down there yesterday morning, and honestly, it looks pretty good. I heard a variety of reactions, the most common of which was, "it's awesome, but will people use it?"

I sure hope so. I know I will. Just waiting for them to install the free WiFi so I can monopolize a chair in the mornings.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Jul 04, 2022 6:29 pm

Brad wrote: Mon Jul 04, 2022 12:39 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Jul 04, 2022 12:07 am Good to hear. I’m looking forward to seeing the park first hand tomorrow afternoon…
I'll be down there again tomorrow photographing from 6-10:30. My 4th Day in a row.

I spent 90 minutes walking/experiencing and enjoying the GLM earlier this afternoon. Folks- it’s absolutely fantastic. So inviting, so welcoming for everyone..

I’ve been to most of the great urban parks in major US cities and this one, now, ranks right up there at top 5. It’s amenity driven, it’s walkable, it’s welcoming, there are so many and varied places to sit and rest your feet or enjoy lunch, dinner or a picnic. Words cannot fully describe how inviting and wonderful this urban space is for people of all ages..

Magnificent

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Mon Jul 04, 2022 8:46 pm

Another big crowd tonight. 4 nights in a row now. This park is a game changer.