The Builders District (15th and Mike Fahey)

[ita]

I thought it was interesting that Jay mentioned a potential amenity/service that people in the "immediate area" would greatly approve of.

Potential grocery store???

I caught that too. He used vague language, but I got the same impression that it was a grocery store. He also used similar language when discussing his effort with the Chamber's Urban Core Committee, focusing Ng on public transportation and emphasizing that they are looking at implementing 'urban circulator.' I think that term is long associated with 'streetcar' in these parts, but maybe they are looking at something else? Anyway, I think Noddle's pulling away from Heartwood preserve is a good thing as it seems that they are more interested in improving the urban Core and helping their projects there suceed.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I thought it was interesting that Jay mentioned a potential amenity/service that people in the "immediate area" would greatly approve of.

Potential grocery store???

We can only hope ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Omaha Cowboy]

Anyway, I think Noddle's pulling away from Heartwood preserve is a good thing as it seems that they are more interested in improving the urban Core and helping their projects there suceed.

Agreed..

And Noddle has a track record of seeing projects through to completion...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[ita]

Anyway, I think Noddle's pulling away from Heartwood preserve is a good thing as it seems that they are more interested in improving the urban Core and helping their projects there suceed.

Agreed..

And Noddle has a track record of seeing projects through to completion...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

This is the biggest plus about Noddle doing things in downtown, they get it done. With several projects falling through or not gaining traction in downtown over the last couple decades, like wallstreet tower/Lanoha tower, HDR, and civic center, it is great to see downtown getting some wins lately. Noddle being involved in the urban core, particularly in the long maligned North Downtown area, is a great thing for the City because there is a very good chance they will see the project through to completion.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Anyway, I think Noddle's pulling away from Heartwood preserve is a good thing as it seems that they are more interested in improving the urban Core and helping their projects there suceed.

Agreed..

And Noddle has a track record of seeing projects through to completion...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

This is the biggest plus about Noddle doing things in downtown, they get it done. With several projects falling through or not gaining traction in downtown over the last couple decades, like wallstreet tower/Lanoha tower, HDR, and civic center, it is great to see downtown getting some wins lately. Noddle being involved in the urban core, particularly in the long maligned North Downtown area, is a great thing for the City because there is a very good chance they will see the project through to completion.

And if not for Noddle, Aksarben Village would never have become the urban “mixed use village” success it is today...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[ita]

Kiewit's downtown move triggers chain reaction

Cindy Gonzalez
Omaha's north downtown area has gained about 600 workers now that Kiewit Corp. is settling into its newly built $76 million worldwide headquarters.

Construction of the Fortune 500 company's seven-story corporate offices and parking garage at 15th and Mike Fahey Streets wrapped up a few months ahead of schedule, said the Kiewit Building Group's Bob Kula.

He said the workforce since January has been enjoying floor-to-ceiling window views of Creighton University, the ball park of the College World Series, the downtown skyline and the budding Builder's District of which Kiewit is a part.

Cindy also covers the old Kiewit building and what's happening there. One of the major changes is it's getting a paint job, charcoal gray.

This is huge for North Downtown and other pieces will follow, including a reported 5-story office building starting this year.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Also from the W-H piece-

“Real estate developer Jay Noddle, who worked on the Kiewit campus projects, says his company plans to start construction — perhaps late this year — on yet another office building to the south of Kiewit grounds.

"The Builder's District is like our next canvas in Omaha," said Noddle, who led redevelopment of areas including Aksarben Village and River's Edge in Council Bluffs.“..

With a development team headed by Jay Noddle, you know things will get done, He’s a mover and shaker..and his development presence in North Downtown is a fantastic sign for enhanced, dense, livable/walkable developments for this area in the future..

If only Noddle’s team was interested in taking the mantle from Lanoha..and took their crack at developing the Old UP site.. One could only wish...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Louie]

Would that 5 story building be on the parking lot directly south of Kiewit? The one on the north half of Happy Bar's block.

[skinzfan23]

I like the continued effort here, but I sure wish they would work to keep the Happy Bar building. I don't see how that can't be rehabbed.

[Jins123]

Reading new condos and apartments in this article too, good to see for that desired DT grocery store. Anybody seeing any tea leaves on the potential for that in this area in this article?

[Omaha Cowboy]

Reading new condos and apartments in this article too, good to see for that desired DT grocery store. Anybody seeing any tea leaves on the potential for that in this area in this article?

I think the biggest nugget, is Kiewit’s corporate HQ’s in North Downtown bringing 600+ employees to the area..helping to spur more new residential development..

I believe it’s only a matter of time that a full service grocery store opens in the North Downtown area. If not for the Pandemic, we might have had an announcement by now.. But I’m thinking within the next 6-12 months we will hear word of this type of development..or something very close to it, like a Cubbies..

It’s the inevitable next step...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[nebport5]

If downtown can not get a decent sized full service grocery store in the future I'd love to see something at least double the size of the former Patrick's. In Denver last October Whole Foods opened their second Ideal Market concept in the Cap Hill neighborhood. See here... Ideal Market I think this concept would do well with North Downtown dwellers and Creightonians alike. Meanwhile, as DT population increases it still allows for something more financially accessible like a scaled down Hy-Vee. And on that note, call it the chicken or the egg scenario, but it sure seems to me more people would live downtown if there were more amenities, no.1 being full service grocery!

[ita]

Timber office buildings, 3D-printed homes could come to Omaha, but labor woes cloud market

I just pulled this small part about the builders district. I am so happy someone is taking the plunge on mass timber. I am especially glad it's downtown. I wonder how they get around the building code if they plan any real height on the office building. I have been in contact about Councilman Rowe about adopting the newest building code increasing limitation on mass timber, but it hasn't been done yet.

Cindy Gonzalez
Noddle is planning to construct a commercial structure made of the cross-laminated mass timber product in downtown’s Builders District. While timber was a common material in old structures, Noddle said it’s been “fine-tuned” and making a comeback as more eco-friendly.

“It’s more sustainable,” he said. “It’s cool, and a little more responsible.”

Noddle also said legislative changes have made condominium development easier, so he anticipates more condos.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Jay Noddle indicated on Grow Omaha this morning that indeed a timber structure (office building with a ground floor food hall) will likely break ground for construction between Memorial Day and July 4th next year..sounds like a cool building concept..

Noddle also indicated another building will break ground (possible condos) at some point to the north and west of the Kiewit HQ’s..he indicated with so many projects going on within our downtown core, it’s important to phase in (stagger) development announcements incrementally..

Great to get nuggets of development intel every time Jay’s on the show…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[GetUrban]

[mod][/mod]

Timber office buildings, 3D-printed homes could come to Omaha, but labor woes cloud market

I just pulled this small part about the builders district. I am so happy someone is taking the plunge on mass timber. I am especially glad it's downtown. I wonder how they get around the building code if they plan any real height on the office building. I have been in contact about Councilman Rowe about adopting the newest building code increasing limitation on mass timber, but it hasn't been done yet.

Cindy Gonzalez
Noddle is planning to construct a commercial structure made of the cross-laminated mass timber product in downtown’s Builders District. While timber was a common material in old structures, Noddle said it’s been “fine-tuned” and making a comeback as more eco-friendly.

“It’s more sustainable,” he said. “It’s cool, and a little more responsible.”

Noddle also said legislative changes have made condominium development easier, so he anticipates more condos.

Omaha has finally adopted the 2018 IBC which goes into effect in Omaha on January 1, 2022, but you’re right that they need to go ahead an adopt the 2021 IBC since it addresses CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) based on more current research and technology and allows greater height for Type IV Heavy Timber, including CLT. I believe the 2018 IBC still would limit CLT to 5 stories or 85 feet in height. It looks like the 2021 IBC would allow for max height of 18 stories or 270 Feet for type IV-A which would be a game changer. (See page 10 for an informative diagram)

https://www.awc.org/pdf/education/des/ ... -color.pdf

[ita]

[mod][/mod]

Timber office buildings, 3D-printed homes could come to Omaha, but labor woes cloud market

I just pulled this small part about the builders district. I am so happy someone is taking the plunge on mass timber. I am especially glad it's downtown. I wonder how they get around the building code if they plan any real height on the office building. I have been in contact about Councilman Rowe about adopting the newest building code increasing limitation on mass timber, but it hasn't been done yet.

Cindy Gonzalez
Noddle is planning to construct a commercial structure made of the cross-laminated mass timber product in downtown’s Builders District. While timber was a common material in old structures, Noddle said it’s been “fine-tuned” and making a comeback as more eco-friendly.

“It’s more sustainable,” he said. “It’s cool, and a little more responsible.”

Noddle also said legislative changes have made condominium development easier, so he anticipates more condos.

Omaha has finally adopted the 2018 IBC which goes into effect in Omaha on January 1, 2022, but you’re right that they need to go ahead an adopt the 2021 IBC since it addresses CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) based on more current research and technology and allows greater height for Type IV Heavy Timber, including CLT. I believe the 2018 IBC still would limit CLT to 5 stories or 85 feet in height. It looks like the 2021 IBC would allow for max height of 18 stories or 270 Feet for type IV-A which would be a game changer. (See page 10 for an informative diagram)

https://www.awc.org/pdf/education/des/ ... -color.pdf

Yes, I believe your assessment is correct. I have been in contact with City Council about this issue since they have the authority to adopt a building code and any updates. I am hoping they move on adopting the 2021 IBC as soon as possible just for the CLT limitation increases.

[ita]

Per Grow Omaha, Noddle will start on a mass timber 5 story office/retail building across the street from Kiewit this summer, hopefully before Labor Day.

[Athomsfere]

Per Grow Omaha, Noddle will start on a mass timber 5 story office/retail building across the street from Kiewit this summer, hopefully before Labor Day.

Is there a new one out? I don't remember that tidbit.

[ita]

Per Grow Omaha, Noddle will start on a mass timber 5 story office/retail building across the street from Kiewit this summer, hopefully before Labor Day.

Is there a new one out? I don't remember that tidbit.

Yeah, from this past Saturday. It was their call in show, but the builder's district announcement was part of the Noddle Development spotlight.

[Stan]

Per Grow Omaha, Noddle will start on a mass timber 5 story office/retail building across the street from Kiewit this summer, hopefully before Labor Day.

Might be a given, but Kiewit will be building this.

[ita]

Per Grow Omaha, Noddle will start on a mass timber 5 story office/retail building across the street from Kiewit this summer, hopefully before Labor Day.

Might be a given, but Kiewit will be building this.

Thanks for the update. Do you know if they will start construction this summer?

[Stan]

Per Grow Omaha, Noddle will start on a mass timber 5 story office/retail building across the street from Kiewit this summer, hopefully before Labor Day.

Might be a given, but Kiewit will be building this.

Thanks for the update. Do you know if they will start construction this summer?

I don't have that information since it was just awarded this past month, but I would guess earth works will begin later this summer/early fall. The Illuminarium should be move in ready around October/November so that will free up resources.

[ita]

Per Grow Omaha, Noddle will start on a mass timber 5 story office/retail building across the street from Kiewit this summer, hopefully before Labor Day.

Might be a given, but Kiewit will be building this.

Thanks for the update. Do you know if they will start construction this summer?

I don't have that information since it was just awarded this past month, but I would guess earth works will begin later this summer/early fall. The Illuminarium should be move in ready around October/November so that will free up resources.

I appreciate the additional insight into the timeline. It should be a nice addition to Omaha's downtown building stock. I can't wait to see the renderings.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Per Grow Omaha, Noddle will start on a mass timber 5 story office/retail building across the street from Kiewit this summer, hopefully before Labor Day.

Might be a given, but Kiewit will be building this.

Thanks for the update. Do you know if they will start construction this summer?

I don't have that information since it was just awarded this past month, but I would guess earth works will begin later this summer/early fall. The Illuminarium should be move in ready around October/November so that will free up resources.

I appreciate the additional insight into the timeline. It should be a nice addition to Omaha's downtown building stock. I can't wait to see the renderings.

I believe the time frame for construction was supposed to be late summer..So that makes sense..

I had a date sometime after Labor Day in mind for this project to kick off. This will definitely be a unique addition to North Downtown…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[iamjacobm]

TIF for Noddle’s building across from Kiewit before the planning board next week. Should get more details when the docs are uploaded.

[iamjacobm]

Looks nice.

https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... ust/08.pdf

[Louie]

I can't tell, are they knocking down the buildings on the south end of the lot?

[Stan]

I can't tell, are they knocking down the buildings on the south end of the lot?

As I'm right across the street currently, I would assume definitely on demo for that whole block based on that concept.

[iamjacobm]

I can't tell, are they knocking down the buildings on the south end of the lot?

As I read it the building to the south will eventually be torn down for a parking garage, but not this building specifically.

[Coyote]

$57 million office and retail structure on deck for north downtown
Omaha’s Builder’s District
Developer says it is on pace to be area’s first timber commercial structure

OMAHA — A nearly $57 million office and retail project, on pace to be the city’s first timber commercial structure in modern times, is to start rising yet this year in the Builder’s District of north downtown Omaha. Developer Noddle Cos. is requesting city approval of public tax increment financing, about 10% of the price tag, to launch the project southwest of 15th and Mike Fahey Streets. As proposed, the four-story building would span 115,000 square feet — and contain mostly offices, with about 14,000 square feet of street-level space for retail, restaurants and other commercial uses. Topping off the project are rooftop decks. Between those decks, which cover two wings of the overall structure, will be an open plaza with gathering areas and trees.



The complex at 1501 Mike Fahey St. is to span some 115,000 square feet. (Courtesy of Noddle Cos.)

Neighbor to Kiewit headquarters

Known in city documents as the 1501 Mike Fahey plan, the project is located within the developing Builder’s District, currently anchored by the seven-story worldwide headquarters of Kiewit Corp. The Fortune 500 company finished its nearly $90 million corporate offices in 2021. Jay Noddle, CEO of Noddle Cos., told the Nebraska Examiner that the 1501 complex kicks off the next wave of the Builder’s District that later is also to include a condo project, apartments and an urban park.



An urban park and a pocket park are in the plans for the Builder’s District in north downtown Omaha. (Courtesy of Noddle Cos.)

“What this means is the Builder’s District is ready for the next round of development,” Noddle said. “We are really excited about it. We’ve got a lot of interest in the development, and in this next building in particular.” No tenants have been publicly identified for the multi-tenant 1501 complex, which is to begin construction in September. Noddle said “serious” negotiations are ongoing.

According to planning documents, the 1501 is to be built on four parcels and an alleyway that spreads over nearly an acre. Not far away are public amenities such as the ballpark that’s home to the College World Series, to the east. The developing Millwork Commons neighborhood is to the north. Creighton University has a growing presence in the area. Because the 1501 is in an area designated by the city as extremely blighted, it qualifies for tax increment financing. The developer says in city paperwork that the project would not be feasible without TIF. The TIF request is to be presented to the Planning Board on Wednesday for its recommendation, after which it goes on to the City Council.

If approved, new property tax revenue generated as a result of the project would be directed to pay off a 20-year TIF loan. After the TIF period expires, the property tax revenue then would start flowing to traditional recipients, such as local school districts and other local governments.



A pocket park in the Builder’s District. (Courtesy of Noddle Cos.)

Projected to wrap up by 2024

Noddle Cos. estimates the final valuation of the 1501 project, when completed, to be nearly $37 million. City planners said in a memo that the project is consistent with several goals in the city’s master plan, including promoting jobs, encouraging private investment and providing activities and destinations within the downtown and riverfront areas. It said the project furthers the master plan vision for redevelopment of the north downtown area into “one of Omaha’s most exciting, urban neighborhoods” that is “characterized by pedestrian-oriented, mixed use development.” According to the application, the developer expects the 1501 project to create 232 non-construction jobs.



Builder’s District, a future look, when fully built. (Courtesy of Noddle Cos.)

Parking is to be designated on an existing surface lot on the block west of the project site until that site is developed and a new parking structure is built immediately south of the 1501 project. Site and remediation work is to begin in advance of the anticipated September construction start and the project, according to city applications, would wrap up by 2024. Noddle said he believes the 1501 would be the metro area’s first modern commercial structure made substantially of a contemporary mass timber product. (Another timber commercial property is planned by Hines near 9th and Farnam Streets, but that developer says construction will wait for tenants to be signed on.)

Noddle said that the 1501 will not be 100% mass timber but that visible parts would be the timber product he describes as more sustainable and responsible than a more typical newly constructed building. Moreover, said Noddle, growth of the Builder’s District “balances out” the downtown urban core, where much attention has been paid of late to the renovated Gene Leahy Mall and proposed $600 million Mutual of Omaha tower that will replace the W. Dale Clark Library at 15th and Farnam Streets. “The Builder’s District demonstrates there can and will be a lot of very viable and successful development in the core that is not necessarily on the street car route,” Noddle said.

[skinzfan23]

I like this development overall but still hate that they plan to tear down the Happy Bar and the big Sol’s building. Wish those buildings could be rehabbed and reused.

[Athomsfere]

I like this development overall but still hate that they plan to tear down the Happy Bar and the big Sol’s building. Wish those buildings could be rehabbed and reused.

Agreed, there is some nice old infill there that are able to be rehabbed. But this is a pretty great project too, with a pretty short timeline.

Exciting times.

[nebport5]

Certainly a nice in fill-project. It'll be interesting to see how it unfolds yet I don't see a full service grocery being a part of this with 14k Sqf of total retail space. Wohlner's in Midtown is 16.2K Sqf and I certainly wouldn't call them "full service". Sure most would take almost any small grocery in this area but it wouldn't be the game changing "grail of grocery" that most of us are looking for to serve downtown. I suspect we're still some time away from such a commitment from any grocer for a project of that magnitude. Noodle is surely aware of this thus offices and housing make the most sense for now. More housing and foot traffic though is another step forward.

[Coyote]

Developers eye an 'urban park' with movie screen for north downtown Omaha



Developers eye an 'urban park' with movie screen for north downtown Omaha

[ita]

I like this development overall but still hate that they plan to tear down the Happy Bar and the big Sol’s building. Wish those buildings could be rehabbed and reused.

I think the happy bar is being saved, but big sol's is a goner. You can see the happy bar's building in the pocket park picture.

[skinzfan23]

That would be great to at least save that. But as I mentioned in another thread, the city is preserving that tiny vet building on 48th and Dodge but can’t save the big Sol’s building?

[ita]

That would be great to at least save that. But as I mentioned in another thread, the city is preserving that tiny vet building on 48th and Dodge but can’t save the big Sol’s building?

Noddles not in the business of restoring old buildings. I don't like losing it either. It's a nice big building that could be redeveloped. And I am not sure what this park they are replacing it with is good for. I guess green space? the current rendering is weird, it basically a stage and not much else. The real park they're building with sports courts, dog park, etc. is supposedly right down the street.

[TransitOriented]

That would be great to at least save that. But as I mentioned in another thread, the city is preserving that tiny vet building on 48th and Dodge but can’t save the big Sol’s building?

Brad says that building is on the historical register. You need to get Sol's on the historical register.

[Stan]

That would be great to at least save that. But as I mentioned in another thread, the city is preserving that tiny vet building on 48th and Dodge but can’t save the big Sol’s building?

Noddles not in the business of restoring old buildings.

It's kind of like with Heartworm Preserve that had all those old houses where the new buildings currently stand. I think it would have made that whole development more hip for the younger crowds had they converted those homes into theme bars like Rainey Street in Austin.

[mcarch]

Was at the Planning Board Meeting on August 3rd. Everything that was on the Agenda for the 1501 Mike Fahey Building was Approved.