Old Union Pacific Headquarters Lot

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Wed Oct 12, 2022 10:20 pm

nebport5 wrote: Wed Oct 12, 2022 11:07 am
And Hines is lukewarm at best on their would be condo tower. I think the city will and should push for at least a 400 footer here. Given the market for the foreseeable future a mixed use project makes the most sense here.

I know someone who spoke with Hines, and Hines said they are leaning towards an apartment tower instead of the condo tower.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Oct 12, 2022 10:24 pm

Doctor Fate wrote: Wed Oct 12, 2022 10:20 pm
nebport5 wrote: Wed Oct 12, 2022 11:07 am
And Hines is lukewarm at best on their would be condo tower. I think the city will and should push for at least a 400 footer here. Given the market for the foreseeable future a mixed use project makes the most sense here.
I know someone who spoke with Hines, and Hines said they are leaning towards an apartment tower instead of the condo tower.

That sounds like what someone else heard for the tower on the Conagra campus / Mercantile tower.

Regardless, either is good. At least some condos would be better though.

ricko · Post by **ricko** » Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:41 am

Maybe a “rent to buy” setup would work. I guess my cynicism goes back to an earlier era in Omaha when the whole idea of condos was foreign to Omahans. I personally love condo life. No yard work. No leaf raking/snow shoveling. I have access to a gym, pool, community garden, tons of restaurants, services and shopping near by, which I can literally walk to. There are even spaces where I can do car repairs on property, and a community car wash area. I don’t understand why there wouldn’t be a rush to buy them, especially empty nester types; retired or nearly so. I never understood why an elderly person would want all the work, upkeep and expense associated with owning a single family home.

It would be interesting to find out how many of you actually live in condos, or are planning to buy one.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Thu Oct 13, 2022 7:44 am

ricko wrote: Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:41 am Maybe a “rent to buy” setup would work. I guess my cynicism goes back to an earlier era in Omaha when the whole idea of condos was foreign to Omahans. I personally love condo life. No yard work. No leaf raking/snow shoveling. I have access to a gym, pool, community garden, tons of restaurants, services and shopping near by, which I can literally walk to. There are even spaces where I can do car repairs on property, and a community car wash area. I don’t understand why there wouldn’t be a rush to buy them, especially empty nester types; retired or nearly so. I never understood why an elderly person would want all the work, upkeep and expense associated with owning a single family home.

It would be interesting to find out how many of you actually live in condos, or are planning to buy one.

Even since I moved to Omaha, 8 years ago, we have come along way it seems to me.

For me, my first choice was buying a condo, but couldn't find one that was perfect for us. So we ended up buying a townhouse near Dundee. I consider the two to be competitive. A condo shopper might buy a townhouse, and someone looking for a townhouse might buy a condo. They have all the same benefits that you mentioned.

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Thu Oct 13, 2022 8:07 am

Athomsfere wrote: Wed Oct 12, 2022 7:00 pm Not to mention, you could probably keep an AirBnB full more often, and at a high price near downtown Omaha vs the Haymarket if it was your second or third home.

I don't know if this is a plus or minus, but most of the downtown properties (condor or rental) prohibit short term rentals / AirBnB. Probably a plus for quality of life / general upkeep of the buildings / sense of neighborhood, but it certainly prevents the big $ from scooping up properties to rent out....

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Thu Oct 13, 2022 8:54 am

Ben wrote: Thu Oct 13, 2022 8:07 am
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Oct 12, 2022 7:00 pm Not to mention, you could probably keep an AirBnB full more often, and at a high price near downtown Omaha vs the Haymarket if it was your second or third home.

I don't know if this is a plus or minus, but most of the downtown properties (condor or rental) prohibit short term rentals / AirBnB. Probably a plus for quality of life / general upkeep of the buildings / sense of neighborhood, but it certainly prevents the big $ from scooping up properties to rent out....

I knew a few AirBnB operators downtown. There were talks that Omaha was going to legislate them somehow, but I think that fell through. Apartments have always had subletting clauses, and would generally bar short term rentals.

For condos, it's up to the HOA to write it in, and enforce it. What I've seen though: The operators skirt it by saying something like "If any one asks, you are here visiting me, your friend Athomsfere"...

halgy · Post by **halgy** » Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:49 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Thu Oct 13, 2022 8:54 am
Ben wrote: Thu Oct 13, 2022 8:07 am
Athomsfere wrote: Wed Oct 12, 2022 7:00 pm Not to mention, you could probably keep an AirBnB full more often, and at a high price near downtown Omaha vs the Haymarket if it was your second or third home.

I don't know if this is a plus or minus, but most of the downtown properties (condor or rental) prohibit short term rentals / AirBnB. Probably a plus for quality of life / general upkeep of the buildings / sense of neighborhood, but it certainly prevents the big $ from scooping up properties to rent out....
I knew a few AirBnB operators downtown. There were talks that Omaha was going to legislate them somehow, but I think that fell through. Apartments have always had subletting clauses, and would generally bar short term rentals.

For condos, it's up to the HOA to write it in, and enforce it. What I've seen though: The operators skirt it by saying something like "If any one asks, you are here visiting me, your friend Athomsfere"...

I live in a condo downtown and my HOA forbids AirBnB. I personally have no issue with AirBnB, as long as the hosts are thoughtful about it (and lets face it, thoughtless neighbors are disruptive regardless of if they're renting their place out). The HOA board tried to basically ban rentals altogether recently, but luckily the amendment failed (so really the problem is the grumpy old people on my board). I wouldn't mind being able to rent out my place over CWS to make some quick cash, or maybe even buying a neighboring unit as an investment property.

I love living in my condo, but I got lucky and found a unit that met basically all of my requirements (though it took me a couple years). I've kept checking Redfin for the last 3 years (since I moved in), and haven't really seen anything else come up that met my wants better. I do wish they'd build some more midrange units to have some options, or failing that build some high-end options which would loosen up the current middle-high end a bit.

Or failing that, just build more of whatever; I care more about downtown flourishing than I care about perfectly matching my theoretical future wants (I'm quite happy where I am for a while).

WorldStreet · Post by **WorldStreet** » Fri Oct 14, 2022 12:26 am

ricko wrote: Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:41 am It would be interesting to find out how many of you actually live in condos, or are planning to buy one.

We have a condo in central Shanghai where in most years, we stay six - seven months. We also have a house in east Omaha where we live the other half of the year. We would be interested in selling the house in Omaha and moving to a mid-rise or high-rise condo in Omaha either in downtown or near the future streetcar.

This leads to an off-topic question. Most relatively new condos in Shanghai are reinforced with concrete, making them rather soundproof from neighbors. Do modern condos in the US also have materials that make them much more soundproof than the apartments in Omaha that I used to live in?

bricknose · Post by **bricknose** » Fri Oct 14, 2022 6:11 am

WorldStreet wrote: Fri Oct 14, 2022 12:26 am
ricko wrote: Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:41 am It would be interesting to find out how many of you actually live in condos, or are planning to buy one.
We have a condo in central Shanghai where in most years, we stay six - seven months. We also have a house in east Omaha where we live the other half of the year. We would be interested in selling the house in Omaha and moving to a mid-rise or high-rise condo in Omaha either in downtown or near the future streetcar.

This leads to an off-topic question. Most relatively new condos in Shanghai are reinforced with concrete, making them rather soundproof from neighbors. Do modern condos in the US also have materials that make them much more soundproof than the apartments in Omaha that I used to live in?

I live in the Midtown Crossing apartments and usually I hear not a peep from my neighbors. And that’s impressive, because one neighbor has a constantly-screaming toddler. Her non-stop noise is muffled to the volume of a faint whisper.

I assume the same is also true of the MC condos.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Fri Oct 14, 2022 8:33 am

WorldStreet wrote: Fri Oct 14, 2022 12:26 am
ricko wrote: Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:41 am It would be interesting to find out how many of you actually live in condos, or are planning to buy one.
We have a condo in central Shanghai where in most years, we stay six - seven months. We also have a house in east Omaha where we live the other half of the year. We would be interested in selling the house in Omaha and moving to a mid-rise or high-rise condo in Omaha either in downtown or near the future streetcar.

This leads to an off-topic question. Most relatively new condos in Shanghai are reinforced with concrete, making them rather soundproof from neighbors. Do modern condos in the US also have materials that make them much more soundproof than the apartments in Omaha that I used to live in?

It depends a lot in the US in my experience. And Omaha is no different. My townhouse is pretty soundproof, mostly.

When we were looking, MTC's condos are probably as good as it gets.

Post by **BRoss** » Fri Oct 14, 2022 10:17 am

WorldStreet wrote: Fri Oct 14, 2022 12:26 am
ricko wrote: Thu Oct 13, 2022 12:41 am It would be interesting to find out how many of you actually live in condos, or are planning to buy one.
We have a condo in central Shanghai where in most years, we stay six - seven months. We also have a house in east Omaha where we live the other half of the year. We would be interested in selling the house in Omaha and moving to a mid-rise or high-rise condo in Omaha either in downtown or near the future streetcar.

This leads to an off-topic question. Most relatively new condos in Shanghai are reinforced with concrete, making them rather soundproof from neighbors. Do modern condos in the US also have materials that make them much more soundproof than the apartments in Omaha that I used to live in?

I had a condo at MTC. It was pretty quiet.

mgoett · Post by **mgoett** » Thu Oct 27, 2022 10:19 am

How long before a substantial tower at up site gets announced. I am guessing 6 months.

PotatoeEatsFish · Post by **PotatoeEatsFish** » Thu Oct 27, 2022 11:11 am

I think this is more a rumor topic unless you know something we don’t. I wouldn’t expect a UP site announcement until steel is up at the library. I think the next big announcements will be the Heartland Park hotel and possible residential tower. I don’t think we’ll get those till the spring at the earliest.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:41 am

Mayor teased on grow Omaha that there is a lot of interest for this lot, likely mixed use development. City still wants something big. RFP will be issued soon, whenever that is.

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Mon Jan 09, 2023 12:35 pm

ita wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:41 am Mayor teased on grow Omaha that there is a lot of interest for this lot, likely mixed use development. City still wants something big. RFP will be issued soon, whenever that is.

Listening to this episode right now and Jeff mentioned a high end hotel, penthouses/condos/ apartments, office, retail mixed-use and the mayor said that there are people who already have that in mind for the old UP site. Pretty interesting. On the Urban Core Strategic Planning doc last year, it was implied that the city wanted a 400 footer on that site.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Jan 09, 2023 5:22 pm

ita wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:41 am Mayor teased on grow Omaha that there is a lot of interest for this lot, likely mixed use development. City still wants something big. RFP will be issued soon, whenever that is.

An RFP is a “Request for Proposal”.. Basically, in this case, asking developers interested in building on the parcel, to submit their proposal for their development idea..the city will review each and ultimately decide which one to accept..

Asking for RFP’s also means the city is closer to providing the media/public what the tentative plans for the development have been narrowed down to. We should actually, and no joke intended, hear something within 60-90 days..at the latest, I’d say, before we get to July 4th…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Bob from Omaha · Post by **Bob from Omaha** » Mon Jan 09, 2023 5:49 pm

Another huge internet retailer? A tall skinny condo project? An amusement park? A high rise European Village?
Inquiring minds want to know. #minard

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Jan 09, 2023 5:59 pm

The difference here, is the city is now the parcel owner running the RFP show..

Seriously something to be pretty excited about..to finally get some RFP’s and movement on this prime block, which has be devoid of being developed for far too long…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Mon Jan 09, 2023 6:10 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 5:22 pm
ita wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:41 am Mayor teased on grow Omaha that there is a lot of interest for this lot, likely mixed use development. City still wants something big. RFP will be issued soon, whenever that is.
An RFP is a “Request for Proposal”.. Basically, in this case, asking developers interested in building on the parcel, to submit their proposal for their development idea..the city will review each and ultimately decide which one to accept..

Asking for RFP’s also means the city is closer to providing the media/public what the tentative plans for the development have been narrowed down to. We should actually, and no joke intended, hear something within 60-90 days..at the latest, I’d say, before we get to July 4th…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Whenever, not whatever.

iamjacobm · Post by **iamjacobm** » Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:41 pm

Last time the city posted an RFP for this lot the project likely got killed by the GFC (or probably more likely a lousy developer). Not that I am being superstitious or anything.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:52 pm

iamjacobm wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:41 pm Last time the city posted an RFP for this lot the project likely got killed by the GFC (or probably more likely a lousy developer). Not that I am being superstitious or anything.

LOL I agree.

It’s too bad at that time, America First’s RFP wasn’t vertical enough- and we know who the city ended up selecting instead

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Jan 10, 2023 6:15 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:52 pm
iamjacobm wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:41 pm Last time the city posted an RFP for this lot the project likely got killed by the GFC (or probably more likely a lousy developer). Not that I am being superstitious or anything.
LOL I agree.

It’s too bad at that time, America First’s RFP wasn’t vertical enough- and we know who the city ended up selecting instead …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Was the Wallstreet Tower? Or after that?

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jan 10, 2023 6:26 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Tue Jan 10, 2023 6:15 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:52 pm
iamjacobm wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 9:41 pm Last time the city posted an RFP for this lot the project likely got killed by the GFC (or probably more likely a lousy developer). Not that I am being superstitious or anything.
LOL I agree.

It’s too bad at that time, America First’s RFP wasn’t vertical enough- and we know who the city ended up selecting instead …

Ciao..LiO…Peace
Was the Wallstreet Tower? Or after that?

The city went with Townsend and the Wallstreet Tower proposal..

Which we all know turned out to be a disaster…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Tue Jan 10, 2023 7:08 pm

Does anyone have any old rendering of Americas First Credit Union’s proposal?

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jan 10, 2023 8:32 pm

Louie wrote: Tue Jan 10, 2023 7:08 pm Does anyone have any old rendering of Americas First Credit Union’s proposal?

That will be hard to find.. Years ago it was posted here, but I think the image has been deleted. But it was proposed to be a 14 story “midrise” structure..The city has always wanted (and still does) a skyline enhancing, significant “tall” development on this parcel..

I personally think a highrise in the 350-400 foot range would be perfect for this location and a real eye catcher..Which would add balance to the skyline..

Edit- I went back through the old Wallstreet Tower thread and on page 10, there were the renderings of both the America’s First and Townsend Wallstreet Tower proposals. Unfortunately, the America’s First proposal rendering is unavailable…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 11:14 am

Louie wrote: Tue Jan 10, 2023 7:08 pm Does anyone have any old rendering of Americas First Credit Union’s proposal?

I tried to sleuth it out as well. Even the way back machine seems to not be able to find it...

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 11:36 am

Update: Apparently the OWH historical archives remove all images?

Well, that was a waste of $$

WouldaCouldaShoulda · Post by **WouldaCouldaShoulda** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 2:03 pm

The two proposals…

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 2:06 pm

WouldaCouldaShoulda wrote: Wed Jan 11, 2023 2:03 pm The two proposals…

Awesome.

In hindsight, mixed preferences. Either would have been good there. But man that Wallstreet would have been great looking.

ozbone69 · Post by **ozbone69** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 2:08 pm

So there was Wallstreet, Americas First and this Lanoha Development proposal that all failed to break ground huh?

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 2:33 pm

ozbone69 wrote: Wed Jan 11, 2023 2:08 pm So there was Wallstreet, Americas First and this Lanoha Development proposal that all failed to break ground huh?

Lanoha had a different rendering when they first announced too. And then the photoshopped in half WST proposal before that.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Jan 11, 2023 4:10 pm

That last Lanoha was probably my favorite. I do hope whatever lands here is not just tall, but interesting like that.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Sat Jan 14, 2023 1:06 pm

A few in color:

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Jan 14, 2023 2:36 pm

nebport5 wrote: Sat Jan 14, 2023 1:06 pm A few in color:

Thanks for finding this- here is the 14 story America’s First rendering..This brings back some memories from 2005..Again, not significant (tall) enough for the city to go with..

Can’t wait to see the new RFP renderings at some point (hopefully) this year…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Sat Jan 14, 2023 3:02 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Sat Jan 14, 2023 2:36 pm
nebport5 wrote: Sat Jan 14, 2023 1:06 pm A few in color:

Thanks for finding this- here is the 14 story America’s First rendering..This brings back some memories from 2005..Again, not significant (tall) enough for the city to go with..

Can’t wait to see the new RFP renderings at some point (hopefully) this year…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

This would have been a corporate tower for America First Credit Union?

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Jan 14, 2023 3:37 pm

Doctor Fate wrote: Sat Jan 14, 2023 3:02 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Sat Jan 14, 2023 2:36 pm
nebport5 wrote: Sat Jan 14, 2023 1:06 pm A few in color:

Thanks for finding this- here is the 14 story America’s First rendering..This brings back some memories from 2005..Again, not significant (tall) enough for the city to go with..

Can’t wait to see the new RFP renderings at some point (hopefully) this year…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
This would have been a corporate tower for America First Credit Union?

Yes- that was their RFP rendering submitted to the city back in 2005.. Of course, the city selected the Wallstreet Tower RFP/rendering submitted by Townsend. Unfortunately, as we are all painfully aware, that was an epic fail…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 2:54 pm

I’m very interested in how many RFP’s there sill be..

I wonder if “a lot of interest” in this parcel, as the mayor states, reflects 5 or 6 developers/developments, which the city can whittle down to the final 2. I’m very interested to see what winds up as the final chosen development for this parcel. We know it needs to be significant and tall (per what the city has always wanted)..I’m still thinking we’ll get mixed use residential/hospitality/office-retail..within a high rise design in that 350-400 foot range…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 5:08 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Sun Jan 15, 2023 2:54 pm I’m very interested in how many RFP’s there sill be..

I wonder if “a lot of interest” in this parcel, as the mayor states, reflects 5 or 6 developers/developments, which the city can whittle down to the final 2. I’m very interested to see what winds up as the final chosen development for this parcel. We know it needs to be significant and tall (per what the city has always wanted)..I’m still thinking we’ll get mixed use residential/hospitality/office-retail..within a high rise design in that 350-400 foot range…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Yes, 350' I think would be the minimum to standout from U.P.C. (317'). And if there's a condo or hotel penthouse 50 extra sexy feet would be justified. Still a little bitter about U.P.'s would be 25 stories. Had that happened might we be speculating on 400-450 feet? There was talk twenty years ago about U.P. having the ability to expand their 19 stories. I can't imagine that would be on the table in the the foreseeable future. Just some H.O.C. rambling.

Doctor Fate · Post by **Doctor Fate** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 5:55 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Sun Jan 15, 2023 2:54 pm I’m very interested in how many RFP’s there sill be..

I wonder if “a lot of interest” in this parcel, as the mayor states, reflects 5 or 6 developers/developments, which the city can whittle down to the final 2. I’m very interested to see what winds up as the final chosen development for this parcel. We know it needs to be significant and tall (per what the city has always wanted)..I’m still thinking we’ll get mixed use residential/hospitality/office-retail..within a high rise design in that 350-400 foot range…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

The mayor said on Grow Omaha that developers wanted to put a mixed-use upscale hotel, office, residential, retail building on this site. And based on the doc last year by the Urban Planning Committee, the building they had on the site was quite a bit taller than the UP HQ. It look at least 400 ft and I would think that was intentional, signaling what they want there.

I'm excited see these RFPs this year, hopefully.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Sun Jan 15, 2023 6:26 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Sun Jan 15, 2023 2:54 pm I’m very interested in how many RFP’s there sill be..

I wonder if “a lot of interest” in this parcel, as the mayor states, reflects 5 or 6 developers/developments, which the city can whittle down to the final 2. I’m very interested to see what winds up as the final chosen development for this parcel. We know it needs to be significant and tall (per what the city has always wanted)..I’m still thinking we’ll get mixed use residential/hospitality/office-retail..within a high rise design in that 350-400 foot range…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I would certainly love to see all of the proposals and their developers. It would reflect on hopefully other potential developments we could see in the city.