Mercantile (Conagra campus development)

[almighty_tuna]

Heyyy!! Welcome back!

[Coyote]

What’s this? My old friend Wags posting pics again?!..
Seriously, welcome back Josh- Great pics

Yes, welcome Josh, how is Denver?

[Brad]

I leave town for a week and the Wags shows up posting photos.... LOL

[iamjacobm]

Found a few goodies.

Looks like almost 800 parking stalls for the office building, but almost entirely below grade which is nice. I would assume some of it would be open to the public.



Looks like we can confirm the long mentioned Flagship Group being an anchor at the Brickline.



They are still using the initial master plan from the previously approved planning docs so I would figure this is largely what they are still working towards.



Lastly some impressive company for the T3 branded mass timber office buildings across the world.

[skinzfan23]

I like the overall master plan but think it’s weird that the hotel has parking, hopefully it’s a garage, otherwise I would think they could use one of the garages.

[djc311]

So is it going to be Blue, Roja and the Blatt? I figured the Blatt would stay put since it's over by the baseball park.

I hopped on to their website to see what other options they have and I knew about Plank... but they have several concepts they haven't even brought to Omaha (which is a little interesting since their all from here). They have a mini bowling champagne bar, a Tex-Asian place and a couple others. Perhaps they'll bring something new to market.

[Louie]

So is it going to be Blue, Roja and the Blatt? I figured the Blatt would stay put since it's over by the baseball park.

I hopped on to their website to see what other options they have and I knew about Plank... but they have several concepts they haven't even brought to Omaha (which is a little interesting since their all from here). They have a mini bowling champagne bar, a Tex-Asian place and a couple others. Perhaps they'll bring something new to market.

Blue would be a little close to their OM location. Roja makes plenty of sense though.

[ita]

I like the overall master plan but think it’s weird that the hotel has parking, hopefully it’s a garage, otherwise I would think they could use one of the garages.

Honestly, a project like this needs shared/public parking, though I understand that some office users or hotel companies might want private parking lots. We recently stayed in a hotel at Iowa River Landing. We parked in the shared parking structure and had to walk a few steps to the hotel. We survived. Hopefully, any and all parking structures are open to the public, especially with it's proximity to Old Market and HOA.

[Athomsfere]

I like the overall master plan but think it’s weird that the hotel has parking, hopefully it’s a garage, otherwise I would think they could use one of the garages.

Honestly, a project like this needs shared/public parking, though I understand that some office users or hotel companies might want private parking lots. We recently stayed in a hotel at Iowa River Landing. We parked in the shared parking structure and had to walk a few steps to the hotel. We survived. Hopefully, any and all parking structures are open to the public, especially with it's proximity to Old Market and HOA.

Agreed. Shared parking is great for visitors of the area, including the hotel. I know in Chicago for example I've parked a block or two near the "Magic Mile" for hotel parking. For me, it saves sometimes real $$ per night, and also gives me a chance to walk and grab food on the way to the hotel. It also encourages me to fly to Chicago instead of drive so I don't have to deal with parking at all.

[43county]

So is it going to be Blue, Roja and the Blatt? I figured the Blatt would stay put since it's over by the baseball park.

I hopped on to their website to see what other options they have and I knew about Plank... but they have several concepts they haven't even brought to Omaha (which is a little interesting since their all from here). They have a mini bowling champagne bar, a Tex-Asian place and a couple others. Perhaps they'll bring something new to market.

It will be new concepts. I know the names and, vaguely, the concepts, but not sure if it's public yet. Steakhouse/grill, Mediterranean, and Italian from what I've told.

[NEDodger]

So is it going to be Blue, Roja and the Blatt? I figured the Blatt would stay put since it's over by the baseball park.

I hopped on to their website to see what other options they have and I knew about Plank... but they have several concepts they haven't even brought to Omaha (which is a little interesting since their all from here). They have a mini bowling champagne bar, a Tex-Asian place and a couple others. Perhaps they'll bring something new to market.

It will be new concepts. I know the names and, vaguely, the concepts, but not sure if it's public yet. Steakhouse/grill, Mediterranean, and Italian from what I've told.

I’m not poo-pooing those choices, but I really would have been interested to see something like the mini bowling place djc referenced. I think an “activity” place like the axe throwing bar or the duckpin bowling in Blackstone would do very well in the Old Market. Just adds a little variety to the area.

[NEDodger]

So is it going to be Blue, Roja and the Blatt? I figured the Blatt would stay put since it's over by the baseball park.

I hopped on to their website to see what other options they have and I knew about Plank... but they have several concepts they haven't even brought to Omaha (which is a little interesting since their all from here). They have a mini bowling champagne bar, a Tex-Asian place and a couple others. Perhaps they'll bring something new to market.

It will be new concepts. I know the names and, vaguely, the concepts, but not sure if it's public yet. Steakhouse/grill, Mediterranean, and Italian from what I've told.

I’m not poo-pooing those choices, but I really would have been interested to see something like the mini bowling place djc referenced. I think an “activity” place like the axe throwing bar nearby or the duckpin bowling in Blackstone would do very well in the Old Market. Just adds a little variety to the area.

[ita]

Found a few goodies.

Looks like almost 800 parking stalls for the office building, but almost entirely below grade which is nice. I would assume some of it would be open to the public.

I was looking into the other T3 projects from the DLR Group website. The Atlanta one has 61 parking stalls, 61! Based on the Tenant Manual, tenants are supposed to use the district's parking garages. I can't even tell if the Minneapolis one has any. Between the Brickline and potential T3 building, there will be something like 1500 stalls. I hope all these stalls are open to the public and/or will be shared with future developments in the Mercantile. Additionally, it seems like these T3 buildings are hit or miss with several years of lead time awaiting possible tenants. Hopefully, Hines will be able to secure major tenants with in a couple years to get this off the ground.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

I’m excited for Roja coming back downtown. I hate when restaurants move to West O and get rid of their downtown location.

[Garrett]

I’m excited for Roja coming back downtown. I hate when restaurants move to West O and get rid of their downtown location.

I believe in this case the West O location was the original.

[Linkin5]

I’m excited for Roja coming back downtown. I hate when restaurants move to West O and get rid of their downtown location.

Based on the prior response it will not be a Roja.

[mcarch]

Found a few goodies.

Looks like almost 800 parking stalls for the office building, but almost entirely below grade which is nice. I would assume some of it would be open to the public.



Looks like we can confirm the long mentioned Flagship Group being an anchor at the Brickline.



They are still using the initial master plan from the previously approved planning docs so I would figure this is largely what they are still working towards.



Lastly some impressive company for the T3 branded mass timber office buildings across the world.

Where did you find these photos? Is there a PDF somewhere out there?

[ita]

Former chunk of downtown Omaha Conagra campus soon to open as Brickline at the Mercantile

Cindy Gonzalez
When a $500 million redevelopment plan was first announced for obsolete parts of Conagra’s downtown campus, two things hadn’t happened yet: the COVID-19 pandemic and the makeover of Gene Leahy Mall.

Now, five years later, both those events to some degree have bolstered the outlook for the initial housing component slated to open in the next few months — as the Brickline at the Mercantile.

Adjacent to the Brickline is the newly renovated and bustling Leahy Mall, which has led to mounting interest in the 375-apartment complex near 10th and Farnam Streets, said Brad Soderwall of Hines. That Houston-based, privately owned global real estate company is leading the effort to rebuild the northern part of what was once the Fortune 500 Conagra’s worldwide headquarters.

The increase in remote working ushered in by the pandemic has also raised the appeal of the Brickline’s half-dozen specially designed live-work dwellings.

“People are intrigued,” Soderwall said. “They’re watching and waiting.”
...
The broader vision, to be done in phases, called for nine new structures containing 500,000 square feet of office space, more than 80,000 square feet of retail space, a boutique hotel and about 900 new residences.

A hallmark of the plan, as laid out early on, was a two-block-long plaza extending Harney Street from 10th Street to the Heartland of America lake. It was to be lined with new housing, restaurants, offices and green space — creating what the developer described as a 24-7 live work and play community.

In updating the plan, Soderwall told the Nebraska Examiner that the next building after the Brickline likely will be an office structure made largely of modern mass timber, a new-to-Omaha construction product.
...
Soderwall said details and timeline for the remainder of the Mercantile redevelopment are flexible and will depend on market demand.

However, he anticipates that a hotel might be among the next buildings and could sprout on the southeast corner of 10th and Harney Streets.

The master plan contemplates a residential tower on the west side of the lake, but Soderwall said those dwellings most likely would be apartments rather than for-sale condos.

[skinzfan23]

[Athomsfere]

I just hope the brickline is priced right to keep these tenants down there.

[Coyote]

The Brickline at the Mercantile apartments and retail space opening later this year. View looking north near 10th and Harney Streets. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

[Brad]

Forgot to post this one from last week. Sweet looking storm behind it.

[ita]

I just have a couple random thoughts about this one. The next phase at Conagra is a 'key hotel.' We've heard about 2-300 rooms. It's planned to be built next to Embassy Suites. Original plans called for 280 parking spaces. I don't know if this is in the cards, but it would have been nice if they planned for a bigger garage to share with Embassy Suites. The same group that owns that hotel, the Atrium Group, owns the surface lot south of Embassy Suites, a whole city block. If they shared a new garage at the potential 'key hotel' site, the Atrium Group, could sell off the surface lot for future development.

I was also thinking about the T3 office building. Why isn't Conagra moving their operations there? Can Hines work with Conagra and all the tenants in the current low rise office buildings and move them to a brand new T3 office building(s)? That could free up the remaining sites, both with buildings and surface lots for future denser development. Maybe it's wasteful to knock those other buildings down, but since they already did with a couple other buildings, lets totally erase the old, suburban Conagra campus from our skyline.

[Athomsfere]

I just have a couple random thoughts about this one. The next phase at Conagra is a 'key hotel.' We've heard about 2-300 rooms. It's planned to be built next to Embassy Suites. Original plans called for 280 parking spaces. I don't know if this is in the cards, but it would have been nice if they planned for a bigger garage to share with Embassy Suites. The same group that owns that hotel, the Atrium Group, owns the surface lot south of Embassy Suites, a whole city block. If they shared a new garage at the potential 'key hotel' site, the Atrium Group, could sell off the surface lot for future development.

I was also thinking about the T3 office building. Why isn't Conagra moving their operations there? Can Hines work with Conagra and all the tenants in the current low rise office buildings and move them to a brand new T3 office building(s)? That could free up the remaining sites, both with buildings and surface lots for future denser development. Maybe it's wasteful to knock those other buildings down, but since they already did with a couple other buildings, lets totally erase the old, suburban Conagra campus from our skyline.

If we could bring back the grid, and keep one of those buildings I'd be OK with that. Use it as a museum for Omaha follies and how not to build a healthy downtown...

[skinzfan23]

You can see how massive this building is in this pic from the World Herald: (also can't wait to see the Mutual HQ in the background from this view)

[stadsborgare]

The sidewalk along the west end is now open.

[Omaha Cowboy]

The sidewalk along the west end is now open.

Looking great..

Thanks for the pic update …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

The sidewalk along the west end is now open.

While I wish this project was a bit taller, human scale looks good and it seems to fit the surroundings. Thanks for the photo update!

[Trips1]

I just hope the brickline is priced right to keep these tenants down there.

With the prices for the apartments it looks like they are going to be on the higher end.
Studio: 468 sq ft - Starting at $1,025
1 Bed: 752 sq ft - Starting at $1,637
2 Bed: 1,013 sq ft - Starting at $2,208
3 Bed: 1,669 sq ft - Starting at $3,658 ($4,434 for the highest)

[almighty_tuna]

Oof, do those come with complementary colonoscopies?

[Linkin5]

That..is not good.

[ita]

While these are definitely in the higher echelon of the Omaha rental market, particularly for the multiroom units, the market will ultimately decide if these are too high. If people decide not to sign those leases with at those price points, it will force prices down.

[Brad]

Aerial Update! This building is huge...



1.


2.

[Omaha Cowboy]

This is such a massive and dense development..

Great aerial photos Brad …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Athomsfere]

I just hope the brickline is priced right to keep these tenants down there.

With the prices for the apartments it looks like they are going to be on the higher end.
Studio: 468 sq ft - Starting at $1,025
1 Bed: 752 sq ft - Starting at $1,637
2 Bed: 1,013 sq ft - Starting at $2,208
3 Bed: 1,669 sq ft - Starting at $3,658 ($4,434 for the highest)

Ouch. That's a bit up there for rent!

[skinzfan23]

Yeah it is, I could see these prices for a high-rise tower but for this building that seems steep.

[djc311]

I just hope the brickline is priced right to keep these tenants down there.

With the prices for the apartments it looks like they are going to be on the higher end.
Studio: 468 sq ft - Starting at $1,025
1 Bed: 752 sq ft - Starting at $1,637
2 Bed: 1,013 sq ft - Starting at $2,208
3 Bed: 1,669 sq ft - Starting at $3,658 ($4,434 for the highest)

Ouch. That's a bit up there for rent!

Damn, I must get paid way too little... 1 bed well under 1000 sq ft is double my last house pmt.

I get it, it's a different market/customer, but damn that's crazy. I wonder if I worked downtown if I would get paid A LOT more $$$ than I do by not working downtown?!?

[JDJase]

While these are definitely in the higher echelon of the Omaha rental market, particularly for the multiroom units, the market will ultimately decide if these are too high. If people decide not to sign those leases with at those price points, it will force prices down.

Agreed, and I think the prices will ultimately fall. While there certainly are properties downtown in that price range, they're also smaller with fewer units and more niche, and so they don't need to find that many people willing to pay those prices in order to fill up. I'm extremely skeptical that a massive building this size is going to find enough people willing to pay that much to fill the place up. Some other downtown properties built in the mid 2010s also had a market adjustment, i.e back in 2016 a 1 bedroom was going for 1300-1400, but now are 950-1100. So if you're wanting to live here, I'd wait a year lol.

[Doctor Fate]

Are there any rooftop amenities here? That would be big missed opportunity, if not. I lived in a similar building on the outskirts of downtown Salt Lake and we had a heated infinity rooftop pool and hot tub, along with several firepits and a large gym. Offered fantastic views of the skyline, just like it would at this location.

[ita]

AIA awards are being highlighted in the MBJ this week. Sharing this snippet for everyone's amusement and speculation. It's taller than the T3 building renderings (7 versus 9 stories) and employs different design elements including green terraces, but this looks to be in the right spot. Maybe initial renderings were just place holders for the T3 at Mercantile? If so, I am excited to something like this here. Also, hot air balloons downtown launching from HOA park? Kind of made of chuckle.