Aksarben Village (67th & Center)

[bldgengineer2015]

Does that fill in the remaining lots that are left?

I believe on the south side of the HDR garage, but still plenty of land on the north side of the garage.

I believe the north side of the HDR lot is where the permanent dog park and those amenities are going. The south side is reserved for the office building and apartments.

[Garrett]

Does that fill in the remaining lots that are left?

I believe on the south side of the HDR garage, but still plenty of land on the north side of the garage.

I believe the north side of the HDR lot is where the permanent dog park and those amenities are going. The south side is reserved for the office building and apartments.

I don’t think those amenities are gonna be fully permanent, more so just place holders until they have demand/money to develop them.

[Dundeemaha]

Does that fill in the remaining lots that are left?

I believe on the south side of the HDR garage, but still plenty of land on the north side of the garage.

I believe the north side of the HDR lot is where the permanent dog park and those amenities are going. The south side is reserved for the office building and apartments.

I don’t think those amenities are gonna be fully permanent, more so just place holders until they have demand/money to develop them.

According to this post: https://www.eomahaforums.com/viewtopic. ... 00#p346731 With planning board link they're planning to make them "permanent". But just like Stinson they're not really parks so they can always change their mind and develop them.

[Coyote]

Expanded dog park, other enhancements coming to Aksarben Village



A local developer will receive additional tax-increment financing to expand a dog park and add other amenities in Omaha's Aksarben Village.

[Louie]

Boy, they are really phoning in some of these videos at the OWH.

[Habits76]

TIF funding for this project seems like a reach but most of them are IMO

[Trips1]

Does that fill in the remaining lots that are left?

I believe on the south side of the HDR garage, but still plenty of land on the north side of the garage.

I believe the north side of the HDR lot is where the permanent dog park and those amenities are going. The south side is reserved for the office building and apartments.

I don’t think those amenities are gonna be fully permanent, more so just place holders until they have demand/money to develop them.

The lot to the North was originally for the HDR expansion in 10 years. I don't think those plans have changed, only delayed a couple years. You might as well put it to use until then.

[bldgengineer2015]

Jay Noddle stated at the city council meeting yesterday that they have committed to keeping the lots and amenities to the North for a minimum of 25 years. They are going to build a 7 story office building to the south of the parking garage, where the sand volleyball courts are currently.

[Padre]

Does anyone have some the early artist impressions for what was to be build in the Aksarban development? We’ve seen some of the possible future ideas for Crossroads. I wanted to see what was proposed for Aksarban, as opposed to what it actually looks like now. Much of the information that had been on the World Herald website is no longer accessible.

[Brad]

Does anyone have some the early artist impressions for what was to be build in the Aksarban development? We’ve seen some of the possible future ideas for Crossroads. I wanted to see what was proposed for Aksarban, as opposed to what it actually looks like now. Much of the information that had been on the World Herald website is no longer accessible.

Nothing official, Just my memory… for the most part I think it is turning out as expected. However I don’t remember tall buildings like Blue Cross and HDR in the early plans. Also, nobody had ever heard of a food hall when this all started. But I think for the most part the mid rise, commercial and residential all tuned out somewhat close to what was planned.

[garyomaha]

Does anyone have some the early artist impressions for what was to be build in the Aksarban development? We’ve seen some of the possible future ideas for Crossroads. I wanted to see what was proposed for Aksarban, as opposed to what it actually looks like now. Much of the information that had been on the World Herald website is no longer accessible.

I seem to recall some "Disney-esque" type drawings showing lots of people, lots of lights (including Hollywood-type spotlights), lots of pizazz. Admittedly, I'm not a late-night guy so perhaps the area is indeed like that later in the evening, but it's more sedate most of the times I've been around.

[skinzfan23]

Just pulled this from earlier in the thread:

Sign showing site plan from 2005:


Before much development began:


Here was the plan from 2007:


Aerial from 2010:

[Louie]

Definitely a handful of discrepancies, but overall this project played out nicely.

[skinzfan23]

As Brad mentioned, there wasn't a plan for the taller buildings in the development, but I bet we are all sure glad that they did get built. This is probably the nicest and most complete live/work developments in the history of Omaha.

[skinzfan23]

Aksarben senior living facility slated to expand

A senior living facility near Aksarben Village would add about 40 units for assisted or independent living under a proposal presented to the Omaha Planning Board.

The new building, adjacent to the existing facility, would be three stories tall and include a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, according to documents sent to the planning board. The building’s exterior will look similar to the existing building.

The total project is expected to cost nearly $13 million.

[mcarch]

I am glad there are taller structures that happened, otherwise, I think the plan was bland. I do wish, the buildings were more mixed-use rather than separate use. Omaha still hasn't found what mixed-use is, with multiple uses in one building, not just retail and office or retail and apartments.

But with that said, this development, they've stuck to the plan, incorporated taller structures (which I'm so happy for) and it is turning out well. Now they just need a taller apartment building instead of 6 floors.

[Athomsfere]

I am glad there are taller structures that happened, otherwise, I think the plan was bland. I do wish, the buildings were more mixed-use rather than separate use. Omaha still hasn't found what mixed-use is, with multiple uses in one building, not just retail and office or retail and apartments.

But with that said, this development, they've stuck to the plan, incorporated taller structures (which I'm so happy for) and it is turning out well. Now they just need a taller apartment building instead of 6 floors.

I'd love to see the detached sfh eliminated as the base zoning in Omaha. Let families and developers build neighborhood gathering places again that aren't supposed to be city destinations like Aksarben. Aksarben is great, and I expect it will keep growing and adding density.

Also, I'm surprised no one else pointed out that, that aerial shot from 2010 is like 8 years off. That's HDR under construction.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I was in town over the 4th and went to Inner Rail for lunch. I was impressed with that and the HDR addition. Sonny's looked pretty cool too.

But there are still things I'd like to see improved. Connectivity to UNO's stuff and College of St. Mary could be better. There are also handful of spots where if they just positioned a building or parking garage a little differently they could have had space for another full building adjacent, particularly the Gordman's building. Instead there are may spots with dead green space or small surface parking areas that break the continuity of urban form (there's a term for it that I cannot think of right now). They still could place buildings on these spaces, but they'd require a level of ingenuity of design and space allocation ($$$) that no one has really attempted in Omaha yet. It'd also be nice if Stinson Park was more prominently located and not in a corner. This could be remedied with a substantial mixed-use development placed where there is currently arena parking between Center and 67th, but Center is a bit of a barrier and they'd need to implement traffic calming devices there as well as tighten up the roadway, which they are unlikely to do.

[Athomsfere]

I was in town over the 4th and went to Inner Rail for lunch. I was impressed with that and the HDR addition. Sonny's looked pretty cool too.

But there are still things I'd like to see improved. Connectivity to UNO's stuff and College of St. Mary could be better. There are also handful of spots where if they just positioned a building or parking garage a little differently they could have had space for another full building adjacent, particularly the Gordman's building. Instead there are may spots with dead green space or small surface parking areas that break the continuity of urban form (there's a term for it that I cannot think of right now). They still could place buildings on these spaces, but they'd require a level of ingenuity of design and space allocation ($$$) that no one has really attempted in Omaha yet. It'd also be nice if Stinson Park was more prominently located and not in a corner. This could be remedied with a substantial mixed-use development placed where there is currently arena parking between Center and 67th, but Center is a bit of a barrier and they'd need to implement traffic calming devices there as well as tighten up the roadway, which they are unlikely to do.

Yeah, that center to 72nd highway interchange would be a good start for some sort of change. Going under it can be nice on the bike though.

[stormchaser]

I see the "Toast" logo is up on the building across the street from HDR for their new offices in Aksarben (I think they put it up yesterday)...

[Busguy2010]

But there are still things I'd like to see improved.

Admittedly, I'm not well-versed in other more urban landscapes. I've been to Chicago, Minneapolis, KC, Denver, St Louis, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Miami, but that's the extent of my "better-than-Omaha" urban exposure. I think Aksarben is great. Even though every square inch of land isn't utilized to 100% of its urban capacity, I think Aksarben Village is the best urban thing to happen to Omaha ever. And on top of that, it turned out better than it was initially planned. I think for Omaha, its perfect. And I think its splitting hairs to say "well, it could have been better". It could have been better, but barely. It's still excellent.

[Athomsfere]

But there are still things I'd like to see improved.

Admittedly, I'm not well-versed in other more urban landscapes. I've been to Chicago, Minneapolis, KC, Denver, St Louis, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Miami, but that's the extent of my "better-than-Omaha" urban exposure. I think Aksarben is great. Even though every square inch of land isn't utilized to 100% of its urban capacity, I think Aksarben Village is the best urban thing to happen to Omaha ever. And on top of that, it turned out better than it was initially planned. I think for Omaha, its perfect. And I think its splitting hairs to say "well, it could have been better". It could have been better, but barely. It's still excellent.

Ew, I shudder to think of KC as more urban.

[Omaha Cowboy]

But there are still things I'd like to see improved.

I think Aksarben Village is the best urban thing to happen to Omaha ever.

I’ll take that bet, and raise you the Old Market District and throw in the current Riverfront Redevelopment plan (including the recently reopened GLM) for good measure..

But I thoroughly enjoy the AkSarBen Village area..It is definitely a success for urban infill and revitalization for our city east of 72nd St…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Garrett]

But there are still things I'd like to see improved.

I think Aksarben Village is the best urban thing to happen to Omaha ever.

I’ll take that bet, and raise you the Old Market District and throw in the current Riverfront Redevelopment plan (including the recently reopened GLM) for good measure..

But I thoroughly enjoy the AkSarBen Village area..It is definitely a success for urban infill and revitalization for our city east of 72nd St…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Aksarben wins the 2000s, Blackstone wins the 2010s, and I think the 2020s will have a very tough competition for what will be the best.

[Omaha Cowboy]

But there are still things I'd like to see improved.

I think Aksarben Village is the best urban thing to happen to Omaha ever.

I’ll take that bet, and raise you the Old Market District and throw in the current Riverfront Redevelopment plan (including the recently reopened GLM) for good measure..

But I thoroughly enjoy the AkSarBen Village area..It is definitely a success for urban infill and revitalization for our city east of 72nd St…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Aksarben wins the 2000s, Blackstone wins the 2010s, and I think the 2020s will have a very tough competition for what will be the best.

Old Market wins the 1970’s, The original Central Park Mall (renamed the GLM in 1992) wins the 1980’s. Benson would win the 1990’s.. I like where you’re going with this.. For the 2020’s as a catalyst for other developments, I’d say the early favorite is the 3 phased Riverfront Redevelopment plan..

But we’ll see…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Busguy2010]

Good point, each decade has its "best". I'd argue that the 2020's will still see so much development that it would be very difficult to attribute it to any one area like we have before. I say by the time we get to 2029, the streetcar and MofO will probably be the ones that stick out most. Though I get the feeling the whole Farnam corridor will explode once the streetcar is built, so that's why I think there won't be any "one" development. I think it'll be a whole continuous undefinable area.

[Athomsfere]

I think Blackstone is going to win the 2020's. It has come so far since I moved here 7 years ago, and it is gaining steam.
UNMC, the streetcar, MTC down the street. It all adds to fabric of the area in an amazing, organic way.

I wouldn't be surprised if our first real high rise condos end up in the area.

Also, anyone have some info on the history of the building at 122 S 39th St? I love that building for some reason.

[iamjacobm]

I think Blackstone is going to win the 2020's. It has come so far since I moved here 7 years ago, and it is gaining steam.
UNMC, the streetcar, MTC down the street. It all adds to fabric of the area in an amazing, organic way.

I wouldn't be surprised if our first real high rise condos end up in the area.

Also, anyone have some info on the history of the building at 122 S 39th St? I love that building for some reason.

It’s a co-op for retired teachers.

[Athomsfere]

I think Blackstone is going to win the 2020's. It has come so far since I moved here 7 years ago, and it is gaining steam.
UNMC, the streetcar, MTC down the street. It all adds to fabric of the area in an amazing, organic way.

I wouldn't be surprised if our first real high rise condos end up in the area.

Also, anyone have some info on the history of the building at 122 S 39th St? I love that building for some reason.

It’s a co-op for retired teachers.

Interesting. Co-ops are sort of a foreign concept to me, but I love it!

[iamjacobm]

I think Blackstone is going to win the 2020's. It has come so far since I moved here 7 years ago, and it is gaining steam.
UNMC, the streetcar, MTC down the street. It all adds to fabric of the area in an amazing, organic way.

I wouldn't be surprised if our first real high rise condos end up in the area.

Also, anyone have some info on the history of the building at 122 S 39th St? I love that building for some reason.

It’s a co-op for retired teachers.

Interesting. Co-ops are sort of a foreign concept to me, but I love it!

As I understand only retired teachers (maybe only OPS not sure) can buy a unit. Then you can only sell the unit for what it cost you to acquire+the cost of any rehab work you did. Meaning it stays pretty affordable as there isn’t appreciation. I’m sure there’s more nuance to the whole thing, buts that’s the basics I’ve been told.

[ita]

I see the "Toast" logo is up on the building across the street from HDR for their new offices in Aksarben (I think they put it up yesterday)...

Is this a second location or are they moving out of Central Park Plaza? Grow Omaha confirmed that they are leasing 50k sq. ft. and that Aksarben is 100% leased up now.

[stormchaser]

I see the "Toast" logo is up on the building across the street from HDR for their new offices in Aksarben (I think they put it up yesterday)...

Is this a second location or are they moving out of Central Park Plaza? Grow Omaha confirmed that they are leasing 50k sq. ft. and that Aksarben is 100% leased up now.

I'm not 100% sure but I "think" they relocated fully to this location. It sounds like they are having problems convincing people to actually come to work (they've been working from home) so I'm speculating that Toast thought by moving to Aksarben as opposed to downtown, it would be easier for people at least.

I can say this though, the office space has room for ~175 employees and I don't think I've ever seen it with more then 10 people working each day and they've had it open now for a month or 2 (talking to a Toast employee and they confirmed it's a very big issue for them).

[ita]

I see the "Toast" logo is up on the building across the street from HDR for their new offices in Aksarben (I think they put it up yesterday)...

Is this a second location or are they moving out of Central Park Plaza? Grow Omaha confirmed that they are leasing 50k sq. ft. and that Aksarben is 100% leased up now.

I'm not 100% sure but I "think" they relocated fully to this location. It sounds like they are having problems convincing people to actually come to work (they've been working from home) so I'm speculating that Toast thought by moving to Aksarben as opposed to downtown, it would be easier for people at least.

I can say this though, the office space has room for ~175 employees and I don't think I've ever seen it with more then 10 people working each day and they've had it open now for a month or 2 (talking to a Toast employee and they confirmed it's a very big issue for them).

Thanks for the additional insight. I thought I had read regarding the Central Park Plaza tower project (now cancelled) that current tenants were being moved out. I was thinking Toast moving to Aksarben was part of that, but maybe not. I wonder if they have a similar policy as someone like Linkedin, where it's come to the office only if you want to.

[Dundeemaha]

A lot of companies especially in tech are having a problem of finding they've got space for hundreds of people and about a dozen who want to come to the office. WP-Engine's another.

[stormchaser]

Looks like Green Belly in Aksarben closed down - store is locked up with a “for lease” sign up. It surprises me, that place always seemed fairly busy over lunch anyway…

[Brad]

Looks like Green Belly in Aksarben closed down - store is locked up with a “for lease” sign up. It surprises me, that place always seemed fairly busy over lunch anyway…

That's too bad. I go to the 114th location all the time, but never went to Aksarben.

[djc311]

Aksarben is another development where the developers believe they have a gold mine and therefore charge $25-$35/sq ft (or maybe even more), thinking it's justified. Yet places go in and go out.

BTW, is the rolled up ice cream place still over there? That concept seemed like it would be a big "Wow, that's really cool" for about a year or two and then ppl would realize they're spending $12 on a dish of ice cream.

[skinzfan23]

I believe the ice cream place is still open....I am surprised as well, thought it might only last 1-2 years.

[Athomsfere]

Aksarben is another development where the developers believe they have a gold mine and therefore charge $25-$35/sq ft (or maybe even more), thinking it's justified. Yet places go in and go out.

BTW, is the rolled up ice cream place still over there? That concept seemed like it would be a big "Wow, that's really cool" for about a year or two and then ppl would realize they're spending $12 on a dish of ice cream.

They've expanded to a second bay that serves some snacks and tea.

After New Gold Mountain and some dim sum, that's usually our next stop in Aksarben.

[nativeomahan]

We ate dinner last night at Oklahoma Joes. Probably my first visit in 2 years. It was pretty darn good (by Omaha BBQ standards). And the place was mostly full at 8 pm.