Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 8:54 pm

Doctor Fate wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 7:29 pm
ita wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 7:22 pm
Doctor Fate wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 6:57 pm
ita wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:12 pm During the Grow Omaha show, the mentioned a potential price tag of $150 million. Is this the first time potential cost has been mentioned? Anyway, seems high for a bunch of 4+1's.

Edit: Just to the Civic Site part. So, White Lotus is still tied to this project.
The Mayor also said that the SE corner of the development has not been planned because they are still looking to add a civic component there.
Yeah, that's right; that caught my ear as well! State offices, maybe? Goodbye big red monster?
Fingers crossed on that one!

That would be a big red monster cherry on top to be rid of that thing. It makes too much sense, though. Especially with the streetcar line going up Farnam.

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 9:23 pm

NEDodger wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 8:54 pm
Doctor Fate wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 7:29 pm
ita wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 7:22 pm
Doctor Fate wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 6:57 pm
ita wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:12 pm During the Grow Omaha show, the mentioned a potential price tag of $150 million. Is this the first time potential cost has been mentioned? Anyway, seems high for a bunch of 4+1's.

Edit: Just to the Civic Site part. So, White Lotus is still tied to this project.
The Mayor also said that the SE corner of the development has not been planned because they are still looking to add a civic component there.
Yeah, that's right; that caught my ear as well! State offices, maybe? Goodbye big red monster?
Fingers crossed on that one!
That would be a big red monster cherry on top to be rid of that thing. It makes too much sense, though. Especially with the streetcar line going up Farnam.

And the docs that ita posted in a another thread showed a potential future 350+ footer on what looks to be the State site:

URBAN CORE HOUSING AND MOBILITY REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 12:54 pm

Been a minute since we’ve heard anything, but the OWH says the city is officially selling the land to White Lotus now, who in turn are looking at expanding the project since the streetcar has been announced

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 1:25 pm

From the W-H piece Tuesday-

“Under a proposal considered by the City Council, about 7 acres of land between 17th and 19th Streets along Capitol Avenue would be sold to a development group for about $1.5 million.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert more than a year ago announced that the city had signed an agreement to sell the property to a development group called Civic Corner. It's being led by White Lotus Group, an Omaha company with a history of developing large-scale projects.

While redevelopment plans have not yet been finalized, housing is a key focus for the property. Civic Corner plans to build a mix of 268 market-rate apartment units, about 120 affordable units, and about 25 townhouses that will be for sale.

Jay Kline, a representative of White Lotus, told council members Tuesday that the development group is now considering an expansion to its original plan.

"Due to the more recent announcements regarding the significant reinvestment in the urban core, mostly the streetcar, we are looking at potentially increasing the scale of our plans to make it even larger," Kline said.“..

The W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... 2da9f.html

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 1:30 pm

This is very good news. I remember the skepticism around this announcement last year.

Greg

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 1:40 pm

Greg S wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 1:30 pm This is very good news. I remember the skepticism around this announcement last year.

Greg

Yes- I was certainly skeptical about the original plan when it was announced beginning of May 2021..But, I’m really interested to see what the final, expanded plans are and some renderings..

It’d be great to see dirt moving by this time next year..although that might be a bit optimistic…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 1:55 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 1:25 pm
"Due to the more recent announcements regarding the significant reinvestment in the urban core, mostly the streetcar, we are looking at potentially increasing the scale of our plans to make it even larger," Kline said.“..

The W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... 2da9f.html

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I mean, it should have been a bigger plan in the first place IMO. 7 acres of very prime land, and only 400 living spaces?

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 2:13 pm

When did White Lotus take ownership from this over Tetrad? I guess since Walter Scott passed away?

iamjacobm · Post by **iamjacobm** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 2:49 pm

Coyote wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 2:13 pm When did White Lotus take ownership from this over Tetrad? I guess since Walter Scott passed away?

Tetrad had worked on the previous proposal, but as far as I know they didn’t come to terms with the city and never took ownership. City went back out to new developers after that deal didn’t move forward.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 3:05 pm

iamjacobm wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 2:49 pm
Coyote wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 2:13 pm When did White Lotus take ownership from this over Tetrad? I guess since Walter Scott passed away?
Tetrad had worked on the previous proposal, but as far as I know they didn’t come to terms with the city and never took ownership. City went back out to new developers after that deal didn’t move forward.

And White Lotus became the new development group per the mayor’s announcement beginning of May 2021…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

ita · Post by **ita** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 3:43 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 1:55 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 1:25 pm
"Due to the more recent announcements regarding the significant reinvestment in the urban core, mostly the streetcar, we are looking at potentially increasing the scale of our plans to make it even larger," Kline said.“..

The W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... 2da9f.html

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I mean, it should have been a bigger plan in the first place IMO. 7 acres of very prime land, and only 400 living spaces?

I am glad to hear they are reconsidering what they are building here. Hoping for taller buildings there, maybe a midrise condo building? The article also states white lotus is trying to partner with other developers, both local and national. This might get real interesting by next summer when some of their permits are due.

Another wrinkle to this project is that the developers states the streetcar has promoted them t reconsider the scope of their project. I think the civic site is outside of the three block radius that will be the special streetcar TIF district. So they will be able to benefit from the project but not need to pay into it.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 4:26 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 3:05 pm
iamjacobm wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 2:49 pm
Coyote wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 2:13 pm When did White Lotus take ownership from this over Tetrad? I guess since Walter Scott passed away?
Tetrad had worked on the previous proposal, but as far as I know they didn’t come to terms with the city and never took ownership. City went back out to new developers after that deal didn’t move forward.
And White Lotus became the new development group per the mayor’s announcement beginning of May 2021…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Who you know back of Tetrad? Did his son David (Walter Scott) take owner of the company, I grew up down the street from his children David and Amy Scott?

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 4:32 pm

The whole proposal needs to be reconsidered, particularly apartments and townhomes right next to 480.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 4:54 pm

ita wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 3:43 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 1:55 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 1:25 pm
"Due to the more recent announcements regarding the significant reinvestment in the urban core, mostly the streetcar, we are looking at potentially increasing the scale of our plans to make it even larger," Kline said.“..

The W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/govt-and-p ... 2da9f.html

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I mean, it should have been a bigger plan in the first place IMO. 7 acres of very prime land, and only 400 living spaces?
I am glad to hear they are reconsidering what they are building here. Hoping for taller buildings there, maybe a midrise condo building? The article also states white lotus is trying to partner with other developers, both local and national. This might get real interesting by next summer when some of their permits are due.

Another wrinkle to this project is that the developers states the streetcar has promoted them t reconsider the scope of their project. I think the civic site is outside of the three block radius that will be the special streetcar TIF district. So they will be able to benefit from the project but not need to pay into it.

Just playing with the area a tiny bit even.

6 stories around the perimeter, some rowhouses in purple and a mid-rise tower...

Would be a drastic changer to the density feeling there.

I'd love for them to do better than even that though. Meet their 50% goals with higher density, and fill in the rest over time. Maybe take every ounce of TOD and street car benefit they can. It's still only 2 blocks to the ORBT and 3 to the Farnam, and 4 to the bike lane.

TransitOriented · Post by **TransitOriented** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:29 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 4:54 pm 6 stories around the perimeter, some rowhouses in purple and a mid-rise tower...

Any specific reason why it should be 6 stories? Why not 8, or 36?

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:43 pm

TransitOriented wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:29 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 4:54 pm 6 stories around the perimeter, some rowhouses in purple and a mid-rise tower...
Any specific reason why it should be 6 stories? Why not 8, or 36?

A couple reasons.

6 is still possible to do with wood and 5 over 1. So kind of a free upgrade from 4 stories.

I have doubts over the 7 acres we'd see much more.

6 stories for miles and miles is good enough for cities like Paris, so it feels like a reasonable height for real density.

That's basically it. I'd love for any of my quick eyeball test in paint to turn out too low and unambitious for White Lotus though.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 9:07 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:43 pm
TransitOriented wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:29 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 4:54 pm 6 stories around the perimeter, some rowhouses in purple and a mid-rise tower...
Any specific reason why it should be 6 stories? Why not 8, or 36?
A couple reasons.

6 is still possible to do with wood and 5 over 1. So kind of a free upgrade from 4 stories.

I have doubts over the 7 acres we'd see much more.

6 stories for miles and miles is good enough for cities like Paris, so it feels like a reasonable height for real density.

That's basically it. I'd love for any of my quick eyeball test in paint to turn out too low and unambitious for White Lotus though.

Most of NYC is 6 stories. It’s a good human scale density.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 9:41 pm

Garrett wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 9:07 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:43 pm
TransitOriented wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:29 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 4:54 pm 6 stories around the perimeter, some rowhouses in purple and a mid-rise tower...
Any specific reason why it should be 6 stories? Why not 8, or 36?
A couple reasons.

6 is still possible to do with wood and 5 over 1. So kind of a free upgrade from 4 stories.

I have doubts over the 7 acres we'd see much more.

6 stories for miles and miles is good enough for cities like Paris, so it feels like a reasonable height for real density.

That's basically it. I'd love for any of my quick eyeball test in paint to turn out too low and unambitious for White Lotus though.
Most of NYC is 6 stories. It’s a good human scale density.

Somehow NYC and the north east have still eluded my travels. I always picture the row houses and brownstones somehow...

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 11:54 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 9:41 pm
Garrett wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 9:07 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:43 pm
TransitOriented wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 8:29 pm
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Jul 20, 2022 4:54 pm 6 stories around the perimeter, some rowhouses in purple and a mid-rise tower...
Any specific reason why it should be 6 stories? Why not 8, or 36?
A couple reasons.

6 is still possible to do with wood and 5 over 1. So kind of a free upgrade from 4 stories.

I have doubts over the 7 acres we'd see much more.

6 stories for miles and miles is good enough for cities like Paris, so it feels like a reasonable height for real density.

That's basically it. I'd love for any of my quick eyeball test in paint to turn out too low and unambitious for White Lotus though.
Most of NYC is 6 stories. It’s a good human scale density.
Somehow NYC and the north east have still eluded my travels. I always picture the row houses and brownstones somehow...

Those exist in some neighborhoods but even then hit the 3-4-5 story mark

ItsAllAboutMe · Post by **ItsAllAboutMe** » Thu Jul 21, 2022 11:57 am

Is there anyone on this forum that is excited for what is being considered for this site?

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Thu Jul 21, 2022 12:21 pm

ItsAllAboutMe wrote: Thu Jul 21, 2022 11:57 am Is there anyone on this forum that is excited for what is being considered for this site?

I think all of us are a little. But hoping for a more dense project than what was originally proposed.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Thu Jul 21, 2022 2:32 pm

ItsAllAboutMe wrote: Thu Jul 21, 2022 11:57 am Is there anyone on this forum that is excited for what is being considered for this site?

In its current format? No.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Thu Jul 21, 2022 3:34 pm

Linkin5 wrote: Thu Jul 21, 2022 2:32 pm
ItsAllAboutMe wrote: Thu Jul 21, 2022 11:57 am Is there anyone on this forum that is excited for what is being considered for this site?
In its current format? No.

Once upon a time excited for what could be developed here? Yes. I can give White Lotus a covid pass given raw material costs. I can't give them a pass on the initial or even amended plans that are not smart urban development or in the best interests of citizens. I blame the city too for not being involved enough for what and how development here should unfold. Reconsidering their plans in light of the streetcar sounds encouraging in theory yet remember the agreement with the city is to obtain building permits by 2023. I'll bet Jean will be sympathetic towards giving W.L. more time.

As to the question in the "Baby Bob" thread of what gets built first I think you can say the Civic will be a distant third and Crossroads second.

mcarch · Post by **mcarch** » Mon Aug 08, 2022 7:09 pm

[/quote]

Just playing with the area a tiny bit even.

6 stories around the perimeter, some rowhouses in purple and a mid-rise tower...

Would be a drastic changer to the density feeling there.

I'd love for them to do better than even that though. Meet their 50% goals with higher density, and fill in the rest over time. Maybe take every ounce of TOD and street car benefit they can. It's still only 2 blocks to the ORBT and 3 to the Farnam, and 4 to the bike lane.

[/quote]

Love it! Although, I doubt we will get anything like this. I'm sure the plan will be all low-rise, probably 4 floors at max, which I find to be a waste of density, especially downtown.

Bomaha · Post by **Bomaha** » Mon Aug 08, 2022 11:10 pm

You know what could fit on that site......a large portion of the Interlace in Singapore.

Interlace

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Aug 09, 2022 2:41 pm

mcarch wrote: Mon Aug 08, 2022 7:09 pm

Just playing with the area a tiny bit even.

6 stories around the perimeter, some rowhouses in purple and a mid-rise tower...

Would be a drastic changer to the density feeling there.

I'd love for them to do better than even that though. Meet their 50% goals with higher density, and fill in the rest over time. Maybe take every ounce of TOD and street car benefit they can. It's still only 2 blocks to the ORBT and 3 to the Farnam, and 4 to the bike lane.

[/quote]

Love it! Although, I doubt we will get anything like this. I'm sure the plan will be all low-rise, probably 4 floors at max, which I find to be a waste of density, especially downtown.
[/quote]

I agree, probably 5 over 1 too. but we might be pleasantly surprised if all the current work sees the success we expect for the immediate surrounding areas.

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Sun Jan 08, 2023 7:29 pm

The mayor mentioned on Grow Omaha what sounded like a new plan that would bring the street grid back to this plot.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Sun Jan 08, 2023 7:46 pm

Linkin5 wrote: Sun Jan 08, 2023 7:29 pm The mayor mentioned on Grow Omaha what sounded like a new plan that would bring the street grid back to this plot.

Well, I do like that. The less super blocks, the better.

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:14 pm

Mayor just said we would see an updated plan on the May planning board agenda. Mark your calendars!

Flyer14 · Post by **Flyer14** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:22 pm

ita wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:14 pm Mayor just said we would see an updated plan on the May planning board agenda. Mark your calendars!

Marked! Bring on the anticipation!

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:26 pm

Can't wait

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:47 pm

Any guesses regarding changes to the plan? I am hoping for more units (I personally want upwards of 1000 units here), more height (maybe a couple 8+ story buildings), and some nice public spaces, like a pocket park and/or pedestrian plaza(s).

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:54 pm

ita wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:14 pm Mayor just said we would see an updated plan on the May planning board agenda. Mark your calendars!

Do you have a link?

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 7:44 pm

Doctor Fate wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:54 pm
ita wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:14 pm Mayor just said we would see an updated plan on the May planning board agenda. Mark your calendars!
Do you have a link?

It was in today's state of the city address. I was watching it online live.

Night Train · Post by **Night Train** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 7:45 pm

She mentions it right around the 16:23 mark. https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-mayo ... 3/43378144

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 8:03 pm

ita wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 7:44 pm It was in today's state of the city address. I was watching it online live.

Night Train wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 7:45 pm She mentions it right around the 16:23 mark. https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-mayo ... 3/43378144

Thanks! Didn't know that was today.

skip · Post by **skip** » Tue Mar 21, 2023 8:33 pm

ita wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:47 pm Any guesses regarding changes to the plan? I am hoping for more units (I personally want upwards of 1000 units here), more height (maybe a couple 8+ story buildings), and some nice public spaces, like a pocket park and/or pedestrian plaza(s).

Exactly what I was thinking. Hoping for some mid-rises nearing 10 stories with plenty of residential. Originally, they were focusing on including a grocery store in this development - I wonder if that is still the case.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:56 am

Night Train wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 7:45 pm She mentions it right around the 16:23 mark. https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-mayo ... 3/43378144

It's actually around the 9:30 mark.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:59 am

skip wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 8:33 pm
ita wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:47 pm Any guesses regarding changes to the plan? I am hoping for more units (I personally want upwards of 1000 units here), more height (maybe a couple 8+ story buildings), and some nice public spaces, like a pocket park and/or pedestrian plaza(s).
Exactly what I was thinking. Hoping for some mid-rises nearing 10 stories with plenty of residential. Originally, they were focusing on including a grocery store in this development - I wonder if that is still the case.

I'm not sure where you're getting that from? The last publicly announced design said nothing of grocery.

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Wed Mar 22, 2023 1:11 am

nebport5 wrote: Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:59 am
skip wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 8:33 pm
ita wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:47 pm Any guesses regarding changes to the plan? I am hoping for more units (I personally want upwards of 1000 units here), more height (maybe a couple 8+ story buildings), and some nice public spaces, like a pocket park and/or pedestrian plaza(s).
Exactly what I was thinking. Hoping for some mid-rises nearing 10 stories with plenty of residential. Originally, they were focusing on including a grocery store in this development - I wonder if that is still the case.
I'm not sure where you're getting that from? The last publicly announced design said nothing of grocery.

When Tetrad had this site, Hy-Vee was in talks for the development.

Developer Working to bring Hy-Vee to former Civic Auditorium Site