Mutual of Omaha Tower (14th & Farnam)

[ita]

Thanks for posting those picture here Brad. I love the pedestrian friendly ground floor. Lots of windows and light for visibility and interest. I am interested to see how the back side of the garage will be adorned. Will it be all glass as well?

[edsas2]

What a great day!

Anybody venture a guess as to when we might see things rise above ground level?

[Brad]

Thanks for posting those picture here Brad. I love the pedestrian friendly ground floor. Lots of windows and light for visibility and interest. I am interested to see how the back side of the garage will be adorned. Will it be all glass as well?

You're welcome! Its great to finally see a close up view!

What a great day!

Anybody venture a guess as to when we might see things rise above ground level?

60-90 days? LOL, just kidding I would hope by summer?

[Omaha Cowboy]

What a great day!

Anybody venture a guess as to when we might see things rise above ground level?

Great day indeed!..

And great question. If we see some good weather days, we might see above ground by late summer/early fall..

Any other guesses on this?…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Coyote]

Mutual of Omaha breaks ground on Omaha's future tallest building

The 44-story headquarters with 800,000 square feet of office space will house thousands of employees, right in front of the renovated Gene Leahy Mall.

[WouldaCouldaShoulda]

Just an observation: For as much as the City and Mutual of Omaha used the streetcar as the cornerstone for this whole project being located on the library block, I don’t see any streetcar tracks or platforms along Farnam Street in that new ground level rendering…

[thenewguy]

What a great day!

Anybody venture a guess as to when we might see things rise above ground level?

Great day indeed!..

And great question. If we see some good weather days, we might see above ground by late summer/early fall..

Any other guesses on this?…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

May 1st?

[Cermak]

It's not everyday Omaha breaks ground on a 600 footer. Seeing this building rise over the next few years is going to be fantastic. Omaha is lucky to be in this situation right now and should be the envy of other cities some peer and some larger.

[Louie]

What a great day!

Anybody venture a guess as to when we might see things rise above ground level?

Great day indeed!..

And great question. If we see some good weather days, we might see above ground by late summer/early fall..

Any other guesses on this?…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

May 1st?

I think May 1st would be pretty optimistic as the below ground work will be very extensive. But definitely in the summer this should start being vertical.

[Brad]

Didn't take long for people to start using the renderings... LOL

[OmahaOmaha]

Already going vertical!

[Coyote]

Mutual of Omaha kicks off construction of skyline-changer
Public incentives in play, but public use limited to garage on nights and weekends

OMAHA — With Wednesday’s ceremonial groundbreaking, Mutual of Omaha kicked off construction of its $600 million new headquarters poised to outstretch all buildings in Nebraska and five other surrounding states. At 677 feet tall, the glassy tower slated to open in 2026 is to include 800,000 square feet of office, meeting and amenity space.

Public use limited to city-funded garage

It is to feature a “sky lobby,” a food court, a fitness center, landscaped terraces and a million square feet for a 2,200-stall city-funded parking garage.



However, aside from garage parking on evenings and weekends, the project approved for more than $60 million in public tax-increment financing won’t offer retail, gathering or other spaces for public use. There will be times that people from outside the insurance and financial services company will be invited to events or meetings, said Mutual CEO James Blackledge. But the skyline-changing structure, at the entrance to the recently revamped Gene Leahy Mall, is to be devoted to its 4,000 or so local employees. “Our investment is actually in our workforce,” Blackledge said. “That’s the central focus of our investment.” During the event that drew top city and business leaders to a downtown tent, Blackledge and Mayor Jean Stothert also touted growth they expect the Mutual project to spur around the city block it will occupy. That block, bounded by 14th, 15th, Douglas and Farnam Streets, is the former site of the city’s main W. Dale Clark Library, which was recently demolished.


Downtown block where Mutual of Omaha plans its new headquarters. Looking west from 14th and Farnam Streets. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

Momentum ‘undeniable’

“The momentum that we have to forever change our urban core is undeniable,” said Stothert. She compared the Mutual plan, which is tied to the planned $300 million-plus modern streetcar system, to a revitalization effort launched a half-century ago with creation of the original downtown mall and lagoon. According to Stothert, more than $4 billion in development over the past five years has been completed, is in progress or is planned stretching from downtown to midtown in the state’s largest city. That includes new facilities at the job-magnet University of Nebraska Medical Center. Blackledge said Mutual, founded in 1909, remains committed to the midtown campus it has called home since about 1940. The area at 33rd and Farnam Streets is along the streetcar route, which Mutual has said was integral to its decision to relocate to downtown. Jason Lanoha, whose development company is involved in reshaping both the downtown and midtown Mutual sites, earlier told the City Council that roughly $400 million was to be invested in the revamp of Mutual’s midtown campus. Said Blackledge: “So from the Med Center to the riverfront, linked by the modern streetcar, really the potential for development is virtually unlimited.”

[brick]

For a $100 million investment by the City, its too bad there really is no public access to the building other than the parking garage. Seems like there should be some restaurant or retail bays, especially on the Farnam side where the streetcar will be. I get that there are some windows at street level, but will probably be looking into some sort of lobby space that will be empty most of the time. Four blocks of building frontage (all four sides of the building) but no real "destinations" for the public to enjoy.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Didn't take long for people to start using the renderings... LOL

That is classic. Glad they’re moving forward, as opposed to using some outdated pic from 1989 lol…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[stadsborgare]

I look forward to construction going vertical, but before that is a really fun phase in itself - the pile-driving! Every cracking pulse that reverberates across the Gene Leahy Mall will be music to my ears when I go down there.

[Brad]

I look forward to construction going vertical, but before that is a really fun phase in itself - the pile-driving! Every cracking pulse that reverberates across the Gene Leahy Mall will be music to my ears when I go down there.

What are you going to do if they drill them?

[stadsborgare]

I look forward to construction going vertical, but before that is a really fun phase in itself - the pile-driving! Every cracking pulse that reverberates across the Gene Leahy Mall will be music to my ears when I go down there.

What are you going to do if they drill them?

Uh......I didn't think of that. In which case I may have to go to Pickleman's more often...

[Doctor Fate]

Are there any cameras for the public to use to view the progress?

[BRoss]

Are there any cameras for the public to use to view the progress?

Someone posted about how they are going to be setting up cameras.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Are there any cameras for the public to use to view the progress?

There will be 3 “time lapse” Webcams strategically placed around the skyscraper construction site so progress can be viewed on line…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Doctor Fate]

Someone posted about how they are going to be setting up cameras.

There will be 3 “time lapse” Webcams strategically placed around the skyscraper construction site so progress can be viewed on line…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Thanks!

[Mapguy]

Seems to me if Mutual doesnt want to pay for a garage downtown, the city shouldnt be obligated to guarantee spots for it.

If its a public garage built with public money both the public and Mutual should be able to purchase monthly passes for parking during the day on a 1st come 1st serve basis.

I cannot tell you how annoyed I was with the City owned UP garage never being open to monthly passes when I lived downtown. Its not a good public private partnership if the private side gets everything they want and the public side gets the scraps of whats left while funding it 100%.

[ChadJK]

I suppose the big downtown companies like Mutual of Omaha can force the city's hand a little. The city wants them and needs them downtown. Otherwise, they'd all head out west, buy a cornfield, and build a sprawling office campus with surface parking. And, they'll take their employees (and the associated downtown revenue) with them. The city doesn't want that and they know that, so perhaps that encourages them to be a bit jerky about it. Didn't the city basically beg FNBO to not abandon downtown many years ago before their skyscraper was built?

[Omaha Cowboy]

Someone posted about how they are going to be setting up cameras.

There will be 3 “time lapse” Webcams strategically placed around the skyscraper construction site so progress can be viewed on line…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Thanks!

You’re welcome..

Can’t wait for these cams to be activated and set up for public viewing…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[stadsborgare]

I did a little research and found that at 677 feet, the Mutual tower would be the 216th-tallest building in the United States, without taking into account, though, of other towers currently under construction around the country that would be taller by 2026.

There would be 30 other states without a building as tall, including Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. It would be the tallest between Chicago and Denver or between Minneapolis and Oklahoma City.

New York City has 90 buildings taller than 677 feet, with several more on the way. Chicago has 33 taller, Texas 23, and California 15.

[skinzfan23]

Obviously no one on here is complaining but anyone in the city that complains about Mutual of Omaha getting a deal to move downtown should look at what’s happening in Des Moines. Several large companies have announced that they are moving their offices into the suburbs for cost-saving measures including Wells Fargo and Nationwide.

This could very easily happen with Omaha and has whether it was to the suburbs or another town.

At least our current mayor and admin understand the importance of a thriving downtown and are trying everything they can to keep it growing!!

[Cermak]

Mutual wins as well putting the building downtown, not just the city. They could of bought Oak View and converted it to offices at a much cheaper cost. It's almost always easier to put something in the suburbs. Instead they are making an investment in the downtown core which will have more benefits for the city in the long term. The downtown core is Omaha's image and Mutual will now be a major part of that image.

[Louie]

Mutual wins as well putting the building downtown, not just the city. They could of bought Oak View and converted it to offices at a much cheaper cost. It's almost always easier to put something in the suburbs. Instead they are making an investment in the downtown core which will have more benefits for the city in the long term. The downtown core is Omaha's image and Mutual will now be a major part of that image.

Doesn't hurt that they have forever connected their legacy to the city via their name.

[almighty_tuna]

Heh, Mutual of Millard just doesn't quite roll off the tongue

[stadsborgare]

Having such a prominent place in the skyline also enhances their image and is forever free advertising. Every time ESPN mentions it on-air during the CWS, Mutual didn't have to pay for it. Every time a visiting fan from out-of-state asks what is that new construction over there, the answer someone gives them is free advertising. If downtown is going to be "the place to be" for every visitor to our city, what with all the nightlife, art and cultural life, food, recreation, etc. then it makes a lot of sense to have your name be featured in the middle off all that, instead of buried in the suburbs.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Having such a prominent place in the skyline also enhances their image and is forever free advertising. Every time ESPN mentions it on-air during the CWS, Mutual didn't have to pay for it. Every time a visiting fan from out-of-state asks what is that new construction over there, the answer someone gives them is free advertising. If downtown is going to be "the place to be" for every visitor to our city, what with all the nightlife, art and cultural life, food, recreation, etc. then it makes a lot of sense to have your name be featured in the middle off all that, instead of buried in the suburbs.

Most definitely agree. You can’t place a price tag on the prominence and free advertising Mutual will get once their Tower HQ’s is completed. It will be the showpiece skyscraper for the city..and it’s presence and commitment to our downtown core should help enhance additional amenity developments..

Win-win for mutual, the city and us (as residents)…

CIO..LiO…Peace

[NEDodger]

Having such a prominent place in the skyline also enhances their image and is forever free advertising. Every time ESPN mentions it on-air during the CWS, Mutual didn't have to pay for it. Every time a visiting fan from out-of-state asks what is that new construction over there, the answer someone gives them is free advertising. If downtown is going to be "the place to be" for every visitor to our city, what with all the nightlife, art and cultural life, food, recreation, etc. then it makes a lot of sense to have your name be featured in the middle off all that, instead of buried in the suburbs.

Most definitely agree. You can’t place a price tag on the prominence and free advertising Mutual will get once their Tower HQ’s is completed. It will be the showpiece skyscraper for the city..and it’s presence and commitment to our downtown core should help enhance additional amenity developments..

Win-win for mutual, the city and us (as residents)…

CIO..LiO…Peace

One of the reasons I have long thought that Omaha Steaks should have a named HQ building downtown, with flagship store at street level.

Would probably be more cost-effective advertising than sending me a mailer every week….

[Kminustwo]

It's finally good to brag to my jealous friends in Minneapolis for once. Mutual will have an imposing presence over the park. And the view from the CWS will be impressive. Many cities across the country are jealous of Omaha.

[Stan]

There would be 30 other states without a building as tall, including Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. It would be the tallest between Chicago and Denver or between Minneapolis and Oklahoma City.

Keep in mind that none of this changes with the new building from the First National Bank Tower. It is already the tallest between Chicago and Denver/Minneapolis and Oklahoma City and doesn't move ranking between states. If they could add 3 more feet, it would be taller than Resorts World in Las Vegas.

[Louie]

There would be 30 other states without a building as tall, including Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. It would be the tallest between Chicago and Denver or between Minneapolis and Oklahoma City.

Keep in mind that none of this changes with the new building from the First National Bank Tower. It is already the tallest between Chicago and Denver/Minneapolis and Oklahoma City and doesn't move ranking between states. If they could add 3 more feet, it would be taller than Resorts World in Las Vegas.

It just means that now Omaha would have the gold and silver medal for this peculiar prize.

[Hawkeye]

Wish the rendering was from this angle instead:

So maybe somethin' sorta, kinda like this?? Admittedly not my absolute best work....but gives you a general idea.

[almighty_tuna]

That looks pretty solid right there! Nice work!

[skinzfan23]

Love it thank you

[ita]

That's awesome! Complements FNBO really nicely and adds to the cluster of high rises east of 14th.

[Hawkeye]

Now we just need Alex Payne to step up and make another film locally. Maybe start in about 18 months when it's partially constructed. We're way overdue for About Schmidt 2.