Oak View Mall (144 & West Center Rd)

[Busguy2010]

The periodic gloom and doom here cracks me up-

Might as well get the wrecking ball ready and bulldoze the entire area lol..I’m sure much to the delight of many..

SMH..

Moving on for now …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

You are forever the optimist about Oakview, Cowboy. I used to hope some life could be breathed into Crossroads, much in the way your sentiments about Oakview indicate... I see the writing on the wall... There are several indicators of a dying mall, obvious ones: empty bays, mom and pop shops, losing anchors, minimal to no investment... Same old story across the country, and even just in the city. Are there any unicorns of dying malls in America? Ones that are on their way out, and then saw an actual successful renaissance? It definitely wouldn't be the norm.

And that's not to say I didn't love Oakview growing up. Just since the recession, it never was the same in my book.

[Omaha Cowboy]

The periodic gloom and doom here cracks me up-

Might as well get the wrecking ball ready and bulldoze the entire area lol..I’m sure much to the delight of many..

SMH..

Moving on for now …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

You are forever the optimist about Oakview, Cowboy.

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[SANKNEY]

I think many people would like to be optimistic about Oak View, but the writing is on the wall. Dillard's will leave. As another post mentioned, they are also working on a Lincoln store, but the Westroads move is definitely happening. I know there has been talk of a new tenant in the Sear's location at Oak View.-unfortunately, not the case. This is another larger tenants storage area at the moment. I believe most local people would love to see Oak View succeed but until it changes hands, the national tenants will continue to leave Oak View as their leases expire.

[NEDodger]

The owner is the problem. Tax-evading slum lords don’t bring properties back to life.

[omaha79]

I think many people would like to be optimistic about Oak View, but the writing is on the wall. Dillard's will leave. As another post mentioned, they are also working on a Lincoln store, but the Westroads move is definitely happening. I know there has been talk of a new tenant in the Sear's location at Oak View.-unfortunately, not the case. This is another larger tenants storage area at the moment. I believe most local people would love to see Oak View succeed but until it changes hands, the national tenants will continue to leave Oak View as their leases expire.

Oak View has the mall equivalent of a terminal illness. There is optimism and realism. There are moments of hope where it looks like things are getting better, but the overall trajectory of the facility is still following the dead mall playbook and I've never seen a mall in this marketplace come out of that spiral. And, that's exceedingly unlikely with a slumlord owner. But, slumlord owners come with the territory when you have a dying mall. If it felt like it was a prime opportunity, you'd have better ownership groups that would have bid on the facility. They didn't.

[djc311]

This mall as we knew it with name brand retailers will die - it's the truth and there's no other way around it, unless someone comes along and buys it and pumps positive $$$ into it.

It's just sad it's happening this way... a slow, miserable Crossroads-esque demise with no estimated end date. My hope is that when it's officially closed and dead that someone does tear it down asap. Would rather see a mound of dirt than a structure that's falling apart. I'm sure surrounding businesses would prefer an empty lot with potential for redevelopment as well.

[riceweb]

And even Crossroads was only re-developable with incentives and the city taking on demolition and infrastructure work, right?

The finance math doesn't work to redevelop these giant properties unless the city can make them at least as cost-equivalent as a greenfield project. Ideally, the city would have a version of TIF where we assist with clearing a space and making any transit/street grid improvements. It could be a lever we use against sprawl while removing blighted properties from our real-estate statistics.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I don’t think the Southroads Mall was ever demolished, touched up a bit, but still stands..

If the Oakview Mall component meets its death, I’m not certain the structure would ever be totally demolished. Potentially altered, but I’d say not completely demolished..

If the Mall actually survives as a spot for at least some retail, “The Don” will remember some of you naysayers in this room- and for that, I will collect …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[almighty_tuna]

Someone's getting ravioli in their gas tank!

[Omaha Cowboy]

Someone's getting ravioli in their gas tank!

..

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[djc311]

Someone's getting ravioli in their gas tank!

That's alright... I'm married to an Italian and love pasta... so make sure you add extra sauce.

[TransitOriented]

If the Mall actually survives as a spot for at least some retail, “The Don” will remember some of you naysayers in this room- and for that, I will collect …

When is the last time you have actually been inside the mall?

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I don’t think the Southroads Mall was ever demolished, touched up a bit, but still stands..

You mean Southroads Technology Park? Home to such tech companies as Bob's Fitness Center and Grace Bible Church?



You're right though. It still stands..

[Omaha Cowboy]

I don’t think the Southroads Mall was ever demolished, touched up a bit, but still stands..

You mean Southroads Technology Park? Home to such tech companies as Bob's Fitness Center and Grace Bible Church?



You're right though. It still stands..

Lol- right on. Which is why I have doubts the mall structure would ever be demolished. Altered a bit perhaps, but not demolished..

I frequent the Oakview Mousetrap area quite frequently. To answer a question- I was inside the mall just 2 weekends ago, visited Finish Line, and had a Dog at Chicago Dog 42 (which was quite good by the way). Not completely understanding the motives behind asking when “actually the last time I was in the mall”- suffice it to say, I do go there from time to time, when needed- it’s close to my residence- But not too often. I actually haven’t been inside the beloved Westroads Mall for nearly a year..

In any case, I know there are probably only about 40-45 stores left standing in the Mall component. It has the look of “last rites life support” all over it. Maybe it will die, but maybe it won’t..

That shoe hasn’t fallen yet. I sense there are some in our crowd who would celebrate its death..I personally hope it has a rejuvenation cycle left (Surprise!)..

But unless any of us are actual “insiders”, none of us really know…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Busguy2010]

That shoe hasn’t fallen yet. I sense there are some in our crowd who would celebrate its death..I personally hope it has a rejuvenation cycle left (Surprise!)..

I don't think you're talking about me specifically, but I do think, after seeing the slow death of Crossroads and all the writing on the wall at Oakview, would it not be better to have a more swift redevelopment action than a slowly dying mall in your back yard? I have a lot of memories at Oakview when it was good, but that's been a long time. At this time, it really doesn't mean that much to me either way, because I live nowhere near it. And also, I have doubts Omaha could really support another redevelopment of that scale for several years now anyway. I just think its going to sit and slowly rot away just like Crossroads did.

[djc311]

Wipe it out and build an IKEA! Although it's not likely a good fit for their logistics strategy since they try to drop them near interstates (KC, Minneapolis, etc).

I can't see anything coming along and saving the structure in its current state as an enclosed shopping mall. Too many vacancies, too much updating and modernization required to bring the inside up to par with current design standards and too many open bays. I'm shocked they still have a Finish Line! Maybe this can survive since the location at Village Pointe closed up. However, isn't Champs (the shoe store) gone now? Not to be confused with Champps Americana restaurant that I actually enjoyed at Oak View.

If/when it closes down altogether I will certainly be sad. It will be the shortest life of an enclosed mall in our market.

[Omaha Cowboy]

[quote="Omaha Cowboy" post_id=354642 time=<a href="tel:1658877973">1658877973</a> user_id=218]
That shoe hasn’t fallen yet. I sense there are some in our crowd who would celebrate its death..I personally hope it has a rejuvenation cycle left (Surprise!)..

I don't think you're talking about me specifically, but I do think, after seeing the slow death of Crossroads and all the writing on the wall at Oakview, would it not be better to have a more swift redevelopment action than a slowly dying mall in your back yard?
[/quote]

You? No. But I suspect there are a few in the crowd here who would cheer Oakview’s demise (for whatever reason) and of course, that’s okay- everyone has their opinion's and we can’t always agree..

The mall area is sort of tucked away from a prominent intersection. Structurally, I don’t find it inoffensive..Certainly, it would be great to see some sort of plan- development or redevelopment, whatever the case may be. It’s very possible the mall component will go the way of Southroads eventually.. But we know also the Oakview Mousetrap is more than just the enclosed mall piece..

The mall is definitely in a holding pattern. The biggest question, for me at least, is if/when Dillard’s closes up shop. There really hasn’t been much definitive about this happenstance lately. But whatever comes of it, will be the next big piece of news for the mall component…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Omaha Cowboy]

Wipe it out and build an IKEA! Although it's not likely a good fit for their logistics strategy since they try to drop them near interstates (KC, Minneapolis, etc).

However, isn't Champs (the shoe store) gone now? Not to be confused with Champps Americana restaurant that I actually enjoyed at Oak View.

If/when it closes down altogether I will certainly be sad. It will be the shortest life of an enclosed mall in our market.

Champs is still there…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[TransitOriented]

I frequent the Oakview Mousetrap area quite frequently. To answer a question- I was inside the mall just 2 weekends ago, visited Finish Line, and had a Dog at Chicago Dog 42 (which was quite good by the way). Not completely understanding the motives behind asking when “actually the last time I was in the mall”- suffice it to say, I do go there from time to time, when needed- it’s close to my residence- But not too often.

Asking because you always talk about the mousetrap but rarely the mall itself. So I just wanted to make sure you have actually been in there recently. The mousetrap seems to have two new business moving in / doing construction over by the Babies R Us / Guitar Center area.

after seeing the slow death of Crossroads and all the writing on the wall at Oakview, would it not be better to have a more swift redevelopment action than a slowly dying mall in your back yard?

I don't quite understand this comment. Who would create a redevelopment plan and for whom? You want to present a plan to the owners of the mall on how they should redevlop their business? Are you going to secure funding for that redevelopment?

[riceweb]

I believe city govts can serve a roll in clearing roadblocks to redevelopment if there are opportunities to reduce sprawl, increase livability, add jobs, etc. I can envision Oak View becoming a transit-oriented district with greenspace and trails, but it will never get there without the city taking an active role.

[Busguy2010]

after seeing the slow death of Crossroads and all the writing on the wall at Oakview, would it not be better to have a more swift redevelopment action than a slowly dying mall in your back yard?

I don't quite understand this comment. Who would create a redevelopment plan and for whom? You want to present a plan to the owners of the mall on how they should redevlop their business? Are you going to secure funding for that redevelopment?

See:

And also, I have doubts Omaha could really support another redevelopment of that scale for several years now anyway.

And:

I just think its going to sit and slowly rot away just like Crossroads did.

[Busguy2010]

I believe city govts can serve a roll in clearing roadblocks to redevelopment if there are opportunities to reduce sprawl, increase livability, add jobs, etc. I can envision Oak View becoming a transit-oriented district with greenspace and trails, but it will never get there without the city taking an active role.

This is what I want to see happen. But the fact of the matter is Oakview is NOT dead yet. I looked at the directory and there are surprisingly still a handful of national brands that you'd see at any mall. Still, I see the writing on the wall, and those brands will fall off one by one like they do at any dying mall. I think this process will take several years, so any talk of razing it any time soon are pointless. BUT, like I and many others have stated, its clear to see its going through the dying process.

[riceweb]

This is what I want to see happen. But the fact of the matter is Oakview is NOT dead yet. I looked at the directory and there are surprisingly still a handful of national brands that you'd see at any mall. Still, I see the writing on the wall, and those brands will fall off one by one like they do at any dying mall. I think this process will take several years, so any talk of razing it any time soon are pointless. BUT, like I and many others have stated, its clear to see its going through the dying process.

Agreed, razing Oak View is definitely not a priority. I'm sure there's still significant sales tax collection driven by Oak View tenants, and demo'ing the structure takes those dollars away for years.

Furthermore, I think the city should continue to prioritize upzoning within and around the 680 loop before tackling suburban projects, because the ROI is probably higher in terms of realizing transit/livability/walkability goals. For instance, I'd be pushing to develop empty lots in North Downtown and the Stadium district, building affordable in the enormous parking lots and underutilized big-box stores along 90th between Maple and Fort, and I'd make damn sure that Crossroads is actually built up to its potential. Only then does it make sense to shift focus to the 'burbs.

[djc311]

This is what I want to see happen. But the fact of the matter is Oakview is NOT dead yet. I looked at the directory and there are surprisingly still a handful of national brands that you'd see at any mall. Still, I see the writing on the wall, and those brands will fall off one by one like they do at any dying mall. I think this process will take several years, so any talk of razing it any time soon are pointless. BUT, like I and many others have stated, its clear to see its going through the dying process.

Agreed, razing Oak View is definitely not a priority. I'm sure there's still significant sales tax collection driven by Oak View tenants, and demo'ing the structure takes those dollars away for years.

Furthermore, I think the city should continue to prioritize upzoning within and around the 680 loop before tackling suburban projects, because the ROI is probably higher in terms of realizing transit/livability/walkability goals. For instance, I'd be pushing to develop empty lots in North Downtown and the Stadium district, building affordable in the enormous parking lots and underutilized big-box stores along 90th between Maple and Fort, and I'd make damn sure that Crossroads is actually built up to its potential. Only then does it make sense to shift focus to the 'burbs.

Maybe the property will get lucky and a buyer will come in and redevelop it and not have to rely upon help from the city like Crossroads, Downtown or other blighted areas that qualify for TIF.

I am glad to see someone came in and revamped the movie theater. Wonder what will go over in the area where Babies R Us and the other outskirt stores are located?

[ChadJK]

I am glad to see someone came in and revamped the movie theater.

It's both uplifting and concerning at the same time. If AMC couldn't make a theater succeed there, then how will B&B? Once the novelty of it wears off and everyone is done going once or twice to check the place out, what is its long-term viability How many times have we seen, for example, a new restaurant open where 2 or 3 previous restaurants failed just to fail also? I'm hoping they succeed, but if I had money burning a hole in my pocket and they were looking for investors I would pass.

[djc311]

I am glad to see someone came in and revamped the movie theater.

It's both uplifting and concerning at the same time. If AMC couldn't make a theater succeed there, then how will B&B? Once the novelty of it wears off and everyone is done going once or twice to check the place out, what is its long-term viability How many times have we seen, for example, a new restaurant open where 2 or 3 previous restaurants failed just to fail also? I'm hoping they succeed, but if I had money burning a hole in my pocket and they were looking for investors I would pass.

Great point - in retrospect I was very surprised to see another company want to come in and open it back up as a movie theater. With ACX and Village Pointe closer to us than Oak View, I won't go to the newly opened theater unless they have something that's worth the trip. Thus far I've heard their prices are very high, but I think that applies to most theaters on Fri/Sat/Sun movies anymore.

[Greg S]

I have been to the new theater. Prices are comparable to other theaters in town and they do have the $5 movies on Tuesday's with free popcorn like other theaters.

We saw Thor in one of their Grand Screens. Screen was fantastic but I think the sound was far better than any other theater in town. They also have great seats. They do a real nice job of not overloading the rows and have a little more room between the rows. The seats can also be heated (bottom and back) for those that get cold in a theater.

I don't know how to describe it well but each row had ends to it that made it seem more like a suite.

They are still working on the interior. I know they are adding a bar, and when I asked they alluded to other amenities that they didn't disclose.

B and B has succeeded where others have failed. I know they took over an Alamo location in KC and upgraded it as well.

I normally go to Marcus and occasionally ACX. Will definitely go to B and B as much as Marcus now. I really liked it and will be seeing Fast Times at Ridgemont High there this coming Tuesday for $5 (Marcus isn't showing it Tuesday and is charging $13 for it). It's the 40th anniversary of it's release.

Greg

[riceweb]

It's both uplifting and concerning at the same time. If AMC couldn't make a theater succeed there, then how will B&B?

Different business models, different eras. AMC has a ton of debt, and B&B comes in and buys this theater property at fire-sale prices, I'm assuming, and doesn't likely have a ton of old debt. Also, B&B might not have the same ROI requirements as AMC, which is a public company.

In short, you can't really tell much from AMC leaving and B&B coming in. Only time will tell if B&B is able to succeed there.

[Greg S]

Did Oakview reduce their hours?

Saw a movie at B and B Theater out there tonight. When we came out just after 8:30, the mall was already closed.


Greg

[Garrett]

Did Oakview reduce their hours?

Saw a movie at B and B Theater out there tonight. When we came out just after 8:30, the mall was already closed.


Greg

Looks like it closes at 7 on weekdays, 8 on weekends, though even Westroads closes at 8.

[Greg S]

Did Oakview reduce their hours?

Saw a movie at B and B Theater out there tonight. When we came out just after 8:30, the mall was already closed.


Greg

Looks like it closes at 7 on weekdays, 8 on weekends, though even Westroads closes at 8.

I don't think everything at Westroads closes at 8. I know Von Maur and Dick's are open until 9.

Greg

[Omaha Cowboy]

Did Oakview reduce their hours?

Saw a movie at B and B Theater out there tonight. When we came out just after 8:30, the mall was already closed.


Greg

Looks like it closes at 7 on weekdays, 8 on weekends, though even Westroads closes at 8.

I don't think everything at Westroads closes at 8. I know Von Maur and Dick's are open until 9.

Greg

Mall hours at Westroads are 10am-8pm (11am-7pm on Sunday’s) per their website..

While it’s true Von Maur and Dick’s are open until 9pm, pretty much every other store located within the Westroads Mall closes at 6, 7, or 8pm (not including the AMC Theater)-

https://www.westroadsmall.com/en/visit.html

https://www.westroadsmall.com/en/directory/

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ChadJK]

Malls used to be 10-9 M-F and roughly 12-5/7 Sun back in the day. Part of the stores' lease agreement was to be open mall hours (no closing early). I suppose the shorter hours make sense. I worked at Westroads in the mid 90s and the 8-9 hour was boring as heck.

[TransitOriented]

OakView was pretty busy over the weekend. Temperature was good inside the mall also.

[ita]

OakView was pretty busy over the weekend. Temperature was good inside the mall also.

We went last weekend to check out the craft fair. Parking lot on the south side was pretty full, the most I have seen. Lot's of vacancies still, but they have a couple new food options, Chinese and Indian, at the food court.

[skinzfan23]

Glad to hear, we went to Westroads the previous weekend and it was busy but not as busy as usual the Christmas season. Usually we have to drive around to look for a parking spot but there were plenty available this year.

[Cermak]

I was at Oak View today, I thought the Dillard's wing looked ok but the old Younkers wing is nearly vacant. If Dillard's ever leaves that will probably be it for Oak View. I was also at Valley West Mall this week in West Des Moines, it was once the top mall in Iowa, it only has a Penny's anchor left and in my opinion looks worse than OakView. I heard the mall is bankrupt and will most likely be demolished at some point.

[djc311]

To this day I still can't grasp the midwestern shift to "Lifestyle Centers" (the fancy title they give to places such as Village Pointe and Shadow Lake). Our weather is less than desirable a decent chunk out of the year... let's even say it's only 3 months (25% of the year). That's a big portion of retail business all things considered.

You hate to be sexist and make stereotypes but my wife loves Village Pointe. I think of it as being "OK", but to me it's not a place I have to go to. Of course that is unless I NEED to go to the Apple store or any other VP-specific retailer. Perhaps women who like to shop regularly prefer places like this? I'd rather shop indoors especially during Christmas time. I think I've been to VP more for the movie theater than any other reason.

I suppose it's me getting older (47) and growing up with Crossroads, Westroads, Oakview and even The Center Mall being big attractions in our area that makes it difficult to understand. Parking can be a bear anywhere, but Westroads has a small garage and a lot of surface parking and Crossroads had a huge garage. Of course Oakview has a plethora of parking as well. However, on almost any given weekend you can drive down Dodge St and see vehicles parked on the grass in front of Scheels (and that's after they added more parking).

I don't get it, TBH. Retail has taken a huge dive and I DO understand the reasons there (internet). Therefore fewer stores and facilities to accommodate them are needed.

If they devised a way to build some type of retractable or removable structure over the walkways at VP, Shadow Lake, Nebraska Crossing, etc so you could heat them somehow in the extremely cold months then that could help their argument. Otherwise, if all things were equal and a place like Westroads had the exact same stores as VP and both were approximately the same distance from me, I'd prefer to go to Westroads most of the year (or even Oakview if it wasn't a dump and empty).

The hoodrats can be an issue at enclosed malls for sure - Crossroads really suffered from that, then Oakview and now they do hang out at Westroads quite a bit. Security can address a lot of that, though.

OK, I'm off my soapbox for now.

[S.O.Boy]

To this day I still can't grasp the midwestern shift to "Lifestyle Centers" (the fancy title they give to places such as Village Pointe and Shadow Lake). Our weather is less than desirable a decent chunk out of the year... let's even say it's only 3 months (25% of the year). That's a big portion of retail business all things considered.

My thought too. Plus I am apt to stop in other stores at Westroads, when I go to Village Pointe or Shadow Lake its a case of get in and get out.

[Stargazer]

...and even The Center Mall being big attractions

Okay, I'm 10 years your elder and I never remember the Center being a big attraction. (I hear from my father that it was briefly a popular destination before the Crossroads emerged on the scene).