River's Edge Development (Playland Park)

[EastCB]

So council bluffs is settling for the Baxter plan, 7 stories for the tower site. Disappointed but I get it. It's about 200 apartments, so it's sa good number of units added to the riverfront. Public discussion is scheduled for the 24th. Lots b, d, and e will be developed by Broadmoor, townhome style apartment mostly. They are also planning for additional retail space, so that will be nice.

This makes me wonder if the future plans to turn the golf course into a neighborhood will work. A streetcar would fuel some development but I think Council Bluffs is just kind of a cursed place to develop because of the interstate making it feel like islands of development.

I understand the concern and it's totally legitimate. There is a trail connecting River's Edge and Dodge Park, but under the interstate needs some sprucing up to make that transition more seamless.

I think (and hoping) that the Streetcar and UNMC NExT changes the equation. I think whether Dodge Park is successful will depend on our expectations. I really want incredibly dense, walkable, livable residential district. In my mind, that's more than more 4+1 and/or suburban style apartment complexes. I want to see new urbanism, missing middle type housing, some residential towers, and buildings in the size of what's being proposed by Baxter at River's edge. By my calculations, this is a 90 acre property (I couldn't find actual numbers, just a rough measure via Google Maps). I think it needs to be built to house a few thousand, at least. I may be very disappointed by the ultimate outcome, but I am looking forward to what happens across the river.

The property is 146 acres.

[ita]

So council bluffs is settling for the Baxter plan, 7 stories for the tower site. Disappointed but I get it. It's about 200 apartments, so it's sa good number of units added to the riverfront. Public discussion is scheduled for the 24th. Lots b, d, and e will be developed by Broadmoor, townhome style apartment mostly. They are also planning for additional retail space, so that will be nice.

This makes me wonder if the future plans to turn the golf course into a neighborhood will work. A streetcar would fuel some development but I think Council Bluffs is just kind of a cursed place to develop because of the interstate making it feel like islands of development.

I understand the concern and it's totally legitimate. There is a trail connecting River's Edge and Dodge Park, but under the interstate needs some sprucing up to make that transition more seamless.

I think (and hoping) that the Streetcar and UNMC NExT changes the equation. I think whether Dodge Park is successful will depend on our expectations. I really want incredibly dense, walkable, livable residential district. In my mind, that's more than more 4+1 and/or suburban style apartment complexes. I want to see new urbanism, missing middle type housing, some residential towers, and buildings in the size of what's being proposed by Baxter at River's edge. By my calculations, this is a 90 acre property (I couldn't find actual numbers, just a rough measure via Google Maps). I think it needs to be built to house a few thousand, at least. I may be very disappointed by the ultimate outcome, but I am looking forward to what happens across the river.

The property is 146 acres.

Thanks. I could not find it just searching around, I should have checked the GIS. So, it's even bigger than I thought. I think 3-4000 should be a minimum. That would put the density around 12k/sq. mi., if my math is correct.

[EastCB]

Also, Harrah's owns the former Westwood Golf Course just south of the Dodge Park Course. I'm sure it could be added to the site for the right price!

[Garrett]

So council bluffs is settling for the Baxter plan, 7 stories for the tower site. Disappointed but I get it. It's about 200 apartments, so it's sa good number of units added to the riverfront. Public discussion is scheduled for the 24th. Lots b, d, and e will be developed by Broadmoor, townhome style apartment mostly. They are also planning for additional retail space, so that will be nice.

This makes me wonder if the future plans to turn the golf course into a neighborhood will work. A streetcar would fuel some development but I think Council Bluffs is just kind of a cursed place to develop because of the interstate making it feel like islands of development.

I understand the concern and it's totally legitimate. There is a trail connecting River's Edge and Dodge Park, but under the interstate needs some sprucing up to make that transition more seamless.

I think (and hoping) that the Streetcar and UNMC NExT changes the equation. I think whether Dodge Park is successful will depend on our expectations. I really want incredibly dense, walkable, livable residential district. In my mind, that's more than more 4+1 and/or suburban style apartment complexes. I want to see new urbanism, missing middle type housing, some residential towers, and buildings in the size of what's being proposed by Baxter at River's edge. By my calculations, this is a 90 acre property (I couldn't find actual numbers, just a rough measure via Google Maps). I think it needs to be built to house a few thousand, at least. I may be very disappointed by the ultimate outcome, but I am looking forward to what happens across the river.

The property is 146 acres.

Thanks. I could not find it just searching around, I should have checked the GIS. So, it's even bigger than I thought. I think 3-4000 should be a minimum. That would put the density around 12k/sq. mi., if my math is correct.

Streetcars need around 30 residents per acre at a minimum so your math basically checks out there

[ita]

So council bluffs is settling for the Baxter plan, 7 stories for the tower site. Disappointed but I get it. It's about 200 apartments, so it's sa good number of units added to the riverfront. Public discussion is scheduled for the 24th. Lots b, d, and e will be developed by Broadmoor, townhome style apartment mostly. They are also planning for additional retail space, so that will be nice.

This makes me wonder if the future plans to turn the golf course into a neighborhood will work. A streetcar would fuel some development but I think Council Bluffs is just kind of a cursed place to develop because of the interstate making it feel like islands of development.

I understand the concern and it's totally legitimate. There is a trail connecting River's Edge and Dodge Park, but under the interstate needs some sprucing up to make that transition more seamless.

I think (and hoping) that the Streetcar and UNMC NExT changes the equation. I think whether Dodge Park is successful will depend on our expectations. I really want incredibly dense, walkable, livable residential district. In my mind, that's more than more 4+1 and/or suburban style apartment complexes. I want to see new urbanism, missing middle type housing, some residential towers, and buildings in the size of what's being proposed by Baxter at River's edge. By my calculations, this is a 90 acre property (I couldn't find actual numbers, just a rough measure via Google Maps). I think it needs to be built to house a few thousand, at least. I may be very disappointed by the ultimate outcome, but I am looking forward to what happens across the river.

The property is 146 acres.

Thanks. I could not find it just searching around, I should have checked the GIS. So, it's even bigger than I thought. I think 3-4000 should be a minimum. That would put the density around 12k/sq. mi., if my math is correct.

Streetcars need around 30 residents per acre at a minimum so your math basically checks out there

That's a good point; I wasn't even thinking about density needed to support a streetcar, just density generally.

[ita]

For anyone, wanting to see the plans for Moselle and the Broadmoor sites, you can find them at https://councilbluffs.novusagenda.com/a ... tingID=537

[skinzfan23]

Maybe I am missing something, but the Broadmoor plan looks pretty bland for that area and only 50 apts. At least the Moselle plan has 200 units and 7 stories.

[ita]

Maybe I am missing something, but the Broadmoor plan looks pretty bland for that area and only 50 apts. At least the Moselle plan has 200 units and 7 stories.

Yeah...pretty low density on the Broadmoor plans. It must be the size of the lots and what is contemplated by the master plan for the sites, but I think they could have done some 4+1's like some we have in midtown.

[thenewguy]

In the renderings, it shows 10 floors

[ita]

In the renderings, it shows 10 floors

Yeah, but if you read the floorplans, it only goes to 7. I think the renderings are only for reference of the design not how many floors it's will actually be.

[thenewguy]

In the renderings, it shows 10 floors

Yeah, but if you read the floorplans, it only goes to 7. I think the renderings are only for reference of the design not how many floors it's will actually be.

ah, gotcha. I was hoping it was a happy mistake

[ita]

In the renderings, it shows 10 floors

Yeah, but if you read the floorplans, it only goes to 7. I think the renderings are only for reference of the design not how many floors it's will actually be.

ah, gotcha. I was hoping it was a happy mistake

Same; I scoured that proposal to figure out how tall it is supposed to be because renderings contradicted each other. While not not a high rise, I am glad it will be a little more than the usual.

[Athomsfere]

Broadmore: For sale townhomes? I really hope so. I want to see us build more purchasble homes in the core and nearby so badly.

Mosselle appears all rent units, so less exciting despite the height IMO.

[ita]

Broadmore: For sale townhomes? I really hope so. I want to see us build more purchasble homes in the core and nearby so badly.

Mosselle appears all rent units, so less exciting despite the height IMO.

There might be for sale townhomes. I think it is Parcel C in their proposal for 12 3 story 2 bedroom townhomes. I assume they are for sale as the other parcels are specified apartment units.

By the way, here is the link to the resolutions that were reviewed with additional links to the proposals:

https://councilbluffs.novusagenda.com/a ... tingID=537

[ita]

Midland Business Journal's recent publication had a 2022 year in review. According to their reporting, phase 4 construction will start in Spring 2023, so something to look forward to across the River in 2023.

[omahahawk]

Thanks for posting this. I was beginning to wonder when this would start as it will be one of the best features on the river. Since the rock climbing portion is going to be built to pre-Olympic specs I wonder about the possibility of this site ever hosting an actual Olympic trial for this type of event.

[orangeboots]

The city council is going to accept 4.9 million from the state for this project this week. Hope this will get things moving.

[ita]

The city council is going to accept 4.9 million from the state for this project this week. Hope this will get things moving.

Nice update. According to the resolution, the city isn't paying anything towards the project. That's a pretty amazing.

[Dusty]

What are all the metal railings around the building? Is this just aesthetics or for a function?
I thought they were going to do a high ropes course. Maybe the railings are zip line rails?

[ita]

What are all the metal railings around the building? Is this just aesthetics or for a function?
I thought they were going to do a high ropes course. Maybe the railings are zip line rails?

Really late response, but the metal structures are for the roll glider structure. It's between a zip line and gravity coaster. The website currently doesn't list a high ropes course. https://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/2435/R ... Phase-Four

[omahahawk]

I wonder where this project stands right now. I know they have sold the naming rights but it seems like those wood chip piles have been sitting there for a really long time. I am assuming it's like so many other things right now with supply chain and labor issues. But hopefully we will see some progress this summer and maybe get a timeline update.

[ita]

I wonder where this project stands right now. I know they have sold the naming rights but it seems like those wood chip piles have been sitting there for a really long time. I am assuming it's like so many other things right now with supply chain and labor issues. But hopefully we will see some progress this summer and maybe get a timeline update.

Spring 2023 is the supposed start. Maybe we'll start seeing things happening in April?

[Omahayngin]

Any updates?

[orangeboots]

Last I heard they were waiting for permits from the Corps. That is not a huge surprise to me. The corps has 1 speed and it is definitely not fast.

[nativeomahan]

Hanafan Park was designed and developed for the purpose of hosting fairly large outdoor concerts and other events. Is it being utilized this year for many such events?

[ita]

Part of City Council meeting yesterday was to confirm moving forward with Amendment 6 to the Playland urban renewal plan. It includes authorization of a water main extension to reach parts of Broadmoors portion of the future phase. Amendment states that Broadmoor is planning to finish the 50 multifamily units by June 30, 2027. There is nothing regarding the Moselle/Baster site.

https://councilbluffs.novusagenda.com/a ... tingID=634

[Renovator2559]

Hanafan Park was designed and developed for the purpose of hosting fairly large outdoor concerts and other events. Is it being utilized this year for many such events?

I don't see this event area used for events, except maybe a football game etc.
At the current development state of the area, the event area feels redundant to HoA, GLM and LCL event areas and even then across the river from HoA a few days ago, I could hear a killer rock outdoor concert on Harrah's.

Maybe Hanafan will get all the use it needs once the nearby developments are constructed or maybe CB can convert the open greenspaces into a better amenity or expand the kids playground?

[thenewguy]

they do have a concert or two that at the start of the summer here that has the skyline as a nice back drop. They have held the first responders night there a few times, and the police helicopter and different law enforcement agencies have come as an outreach to the community. It's very cool, but you are right, it is under utilized. In a way, though, it's kind of nice because the lawn is generally in good shape (save for the occasional dog or deer droppings you may encounter). Every time I've been down there to stroll the bridge, there are people walking around and using the park for kites or playing catch.

[Renovator2559]

Part of City Council meeting yesterday was to confirm moving forward with Amendment 6 to the Playland urban renewal plan. It includes authorization of a water main extension to reach parts of Broadmoors portion of the future phase. Amendment states that Broadmoor is planning to finish the 50 multifamily units by June 30, 2027. There is nothing regarding the Moselle/Baster site.

https://councilbluffs.novusagenda.com/a ... tingID=634

There's currently digging and the ground being prepared in one of the Briadmoor lots, does anyone know what project this may be?

[ita]

https://councilbluffs.novusagenda.com/a ... tingID=662

More infrastructure work up for approval. Per the Staff Report, a second water main extension is necessary to accommodate future residential development. Frist estimate was too high, but they found another way that is significantly cheaper. Hopefully, this is done asap and we see the next round of residential go up here.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

Finally, site prep is happening along the riverfront skywalk

[skinzfan23]

Hopefully they got the fire under control first.

[Brad]

Hopefully they got the fire under control first.

Hopefully they let it burn and clean up the shore line...

[thenewguy]

there is some heavy machinery onsite under the approach on the iowa side. Even a gravel road that leads towards the trees.

[ita]

there is some heavy machinery onsite under the approach on the iowa side. Even a gravel road that leads towards the trees.

I was there yesterday. I should have taken more pics, but it looks like they cleared a lot of trees/foilage and created trails or something.

[thenewguy]

there is some heavy machinery onsite under the approach on the iowa side. Even a gravel road that leads towards the trees.

I was there yesterday. I should have taken more pics, but it looks like they cleared a lot of trees/foilage and created trails or something.

they definitely did remove a lot of trees out of there. Those piles of mulch are pretty big!

[ita]

there is some heavy machinery onsite under the approach on the iowa side. Even a gravel road that leads towards the trees.

I was there yesterday. I should have taken more pics, but it looks like they cleared a lot of trees/foilage and created trails or something.

they definitely did remove a lot of trees out of there. Those piles of mulch are pretty big!

Yeah, lot's of mulch! Here's a pic from the Omaha side from Friday of the construction crew and what they did on the Riverfront. Lot's of clearing of trees and grading done.

[ita]

Here's the most recent renderings, outline of Phase 4 that was reviewed by city council this week: https://councilbluffs.novusagenda.com/a ... temID=7028

New dog park and playground added to the plan. The playground is kind of in a weird spot because I think the streetcar bridge would be right on the south side of it, but it's probably intentional that way.

[skinzfan23]

I didn't realize that they were building an overlook extending out to the river as well. It looks like it will be further south than the old overlook on the Omaha side. Too bad they aren't aligning it with the current overlook on the Omaha side.

[GrowUpFrances]

Awesome, glad they are adding the playground and dog park! More activities/amenities on that side of the river will make the entire riverfront more vibrant.