Missouri River Commons (Riverfront Development)

[Coyote]

Crews dredging out Omaha's Riverfront marina from 2019 flooding

KETV NewsWatch 7
City of Omaha said FEMA dollars paid for the project.

[ita]

https://public.earthcam.net/omahariverf ... glm/view_1

I wanted to repost a link to this website that features the construction camera's for the Riverfront Redevelopment. While it is fun to check on the progress of L&C and HOA parks, since GLM is finished, that camera is still live and you can check out how many people are there at any given time. The feed provides updates every 30 minutes. You can see how many people attend events, or see if there are visitors on a random weekday. It's nice to see that the park is being utilized and people are still enjoying it a couple months since opening. Also, night shots look awesome when the park is lit up, but it only stays on until 11 AM.

[ita]

Here is some nice coverage of the Riverfront development from an online landscape architecture publication with some sweet pictures of the project:

Gene Leahy Mall | Omaha, USA | OJB Landscape Architecture

The renovated Gene Leahy Mall in downtown Omaha, Nebraska is one of the largest new urban parks in the U.S.A. and a tangible investment in healthy and vibrant placemaking. The project is the first of three parks to open over the next 18 months for the Omaha Riverfront Revitalization Project, a 72-acre park in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. Aptly named to reflect its position adjacent to the Missouri River, The RiverFront consists of three massive, activated parks—Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America, and Lewis & Clark Landing—that will make the river more accessible to the community while also providing welcoming outdoor spaces and fostering critical connections within the city. These parks reestablish connections between downtown Omaha and the Missouri River.

The opening of the environmentally conscious and amenities-rich Gene Leahy Mall marks the completion of OJB’s first phase of planning, design, and construction with the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) of Omaha, which will operate the parks. The RiverFront’s two other parks, Lewis & Clark Landing and Heartland of America Park, are slated to open in 2023.

Gene Leahy Mall is located at the center of downtown and serves as a vital outdoor gathering place in the heart of the city. Previously, this space was an underutilized greenbelt sunken 13 feet below city streets, dominated by a lagoon that ran through the middle, occupying much of the space and limiting public use. OJB’s transformation entailed raising the existing open space to the street level, adding a plethora of new gathering and activity spaces, including over 50,000 square feet of lawn to bring public activity back to the forefront. The park is now a central element of the downtown core, strengthening connections between the Old Market and the Capitol District.

I have been to the GLM a few times and didn't know this section of the park existed.

[Brad]

with some sweet pictures of the project

About 1/2 the "MECA" photos are mine.

[ita]

with some sweet pictures of the project

About 1/2 the "MECA" photos are mine.

Nice, the author picked the best.

[jjjjhskr]

It would be neat to tie in a new Children's Museum to the GLM. Maybe a mid-rise on that block between GLM and the MOO tower where the Children's Museum would occupy the bottom few floors with a signature pedestrian bridge connection between the second floor and the GLM over 13th Street. Even cooler if it was integrated on the banks of HOAP

Yes! Adding a childrens art museum as part of it would be even better. Makes Omaha an even better place to raise a family. Many cities have them.

[ita]

MLK Pedestrian Bridge closes in October, undergoing repairs

A popular bridge is undergoing repairs and will be closed until next year.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Pedestrian Bridge serves as an access point between the CHI Health Center and the Missouri Riverfront.

The bridge is often used by runners, walkers, and bicyclists to travel from downtown Omaha toward the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

It will close on October 28 and won’t re-open until early 2023. This is part of the ongoing construction efforts within the Lewis & Clark Landing.

I didn't know this was even open during construction of L&C. Anyway, I am glad this bridge is getting some love as part of this project.

[Athomsfere]

MLK Pedestrian Bridge closes in October, undergoing repairs

A popular bridge is undergoing repairs and will be closed until next year.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Pedestrian Bridge serves as an access point between the CHI Health Center and the Missouri Riverfront.

The bridge is often used by runners, walkers, and bicyclists to travel from downtown Omaha toward the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

It will close on October 28 and won’t re-open until early 2023. This is part of the ongoing construction efforts within the Lewis & Clark Landing.

I didn't know this was even open during construction of L&C. Anyway, I am glad this bridge is getting some love as part of this project.

Dang, I love that bridge! Even though I haven't been taking that route since the Luminarium shut down a lot of the river front.

I do wish we were way better at cutting off foot / bike traffic though. It's so frustrating to lose not just a path, for construction or whatever, that's normal. But then have no real alternatives.

[ita]

The Riverfront website added an interactive map. I noticed that Lewis and Clark no longer has any sports courts. Initially, it seemed like basketball courts would be there, then pickleball. Either would be fine, but now, nothing. I wonder if a skate park is in the works?

[ItsAllAboutMe]

Perfect new camera location to watch the progress along Lewis and Clark landing.https://public.earthcam.net/omahariverf ... l_2/view_1

[ita]

Perfect new camera location to watch the progress along Lewis and Clark landing.https://public.earthcam.net/omahariverf ... l_2/view_1

That's awesome! Improvements are looking good. You couldn't really see what was going on there from the prior angles.

We were at the bridge on Sunday afternoon with out of town family and there were quite a few people walking around. We also drove by GLM and it was super busy. Probably the decent weather, but this gives me hope that the additional parks opening next year is going to continue to bring more and more people downtown on a regular basis.

[ita]

Riverfront email update indicated that HOA and L&C are due for completion late summer 2023. Sounds like a similar July opening, like that GLM this year. Too bad if we can't get them before the CWS. Other than that, it kind of sounds like the sports courts, other that the sand volleyball courts are not part of the initial opening.

[NEDodger]

Riverfront email update indicated that HOA and L&C are due for completion late summer 2023. Sounds like a similar July opening, like that GLM this year. Too bad if we can't get them before the CWS. Other than that, it kind of sounds like the sports courts, other that the sand volleyball courts are not part of the initial opening.

Yeah, being open for the CWS would be huge. Here’s hoping that if they can’t finish it, that maybe they can hold off on a portion and just complete it after the CWS? I think it’d be great to get coverage/footage between innings if the new riverfront.

[almighty_tuna]

Sure, it'd be nice press for 2023, but it'll be open in 2024, the coverage will be no less valuable, and will also feature prominent skyscraper construction. But let's take a step back and look at some upcoming milestones from the lens (no pun intended) of b-roll footage that's commented on between innings and pitching changes.

2023: Plenty of GLM coverage, including a lot of "the head", with teasers about how cool the rest of it will be when the CWS returns in 2024. Plus, Baby Bob under construction
2024: Skyline shots w/the MoO tower under construction, features on the Luminarium, HoA park, Baby Bob, and streetcar previews, Council Bluffs' adventure tower
2025: A nearly complete MoO tower, streetcar under construction, CB's adventure tower pier over the water
2026: MoO is complete, features on getting to the CWS using the streetcar, more downtown construction that I'm sure we have no idea is on its way.

I think we'll be just fine over the next while for exciting things happening during the CWS.

[ita]

Sure, it'd be nice press for 2023, but it'll be open in 2024, the coverage will be no less valuable, and will also feature prominent skyscraper construction. But let's take a step back and look at some upcoming milestones from the lens (no pun intended) of b-roll footage that's commented on between innings and pitching changes.

2023: Plenty of GLM coverage, including a lot of "the head", with teasers about how cool the rest of it will be when the CWS returns in 2024. Plus, Baby Bob under construction
2024: Skyline shots w/the MoO tower under construction, features on the Luminarium, HoA park, Baby Bob, and streetcar previews, Council Bluffs' adventure tower
2025: A nearly complete MoO tower, streetcar under construction, CB's adventure tower pier over the water
2026: MoO is complete, features on getting to the CWS using the streetcar, more downtown construction that I'm sure we have no idea is on its way.

I think we'll be just fine over the next while for exciting things happening during the CWS.

I love your summary; there is a lot going on downtown to look forward to! I think the Luminarium is opening earlier 2023, so that may be highlighted next year? Do you think Joslyn's modern art expansion gets some camera time in 2024/25? Here are some fun one's that may or may not happen; 2024-2025, new residential, office, high rises at the Mercantile, 2025-2026, Lot B project construction next door to the Chuck.

[ita]

Riverfront email update indicated that HOA and L&C are due for completion late summer 2023. Sounds like a similar July opening, like that GLM this year. Too bad if we can't get them before the CWS. Other than that, it kind of sounds like the sports courts, other that the sand volleyball courts are not part of the initial opening.

Yeah, being open for the CWS would be huge. Here’s hoping that if they can’t finish it, that maybe they can hold off on a portion and just complete it after the CWS? I think it’d be great to get coverage/footage between innings if the new riverfront.

According to the mayor in this weekend's grow Omaha show, opening is shooting for July, which is supposedly ahead of schedule. So, it'll miss CWS, but glad to hear there's no delays.

[Coyote]

Native American sculpture to be unveiled at The RiverFront in Omaha

Omaha’s RiverFront will add an important piece of Native American history and culture next week as an addition to Lewis and Clark Landing. The Chief Big Elk statue will be dedicated later this summer. Before it moves to its permanent home, the statue will be hosted at KANEKO downtown. The sculpture is currently comprised of clay, with some finishing touches being added within the coming weeks. The piece will be cast in bronze before its permanent placement at the RiverFront. The statue will be on display at KANEKO from Feb. 8 through the 12th, from 1 to 5 p.m. daily, free of charge. The RiverFront is set to reopen late this summer, with Lewis and Clark landing and Heartland of America Park being the final phases.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

I’m glad we’re getting a piece of native history in the park. I wish there was more Native American art worked into new projects, I feel like Omaha really just forgot where the name comes from.

[Coyote]

The Chief Big Elk sculpture will be placed at Lewis & Clark Landing

The RiverFront's first new sculpture — which will be displayed at Lewis & Clark Landing — was unveiled Wednesday afternoon. The sculpture is a "life-and-a-half-size" rendition of the Omaha Tribe's Chief Big Elk.

Chief Big Elk was the last blood chief of the Omaha Tribe and led his people during tumultuous times. The sculpture will be installed in the summer of 2023.


Big Elk sculpture on display at KANEKO
“For native people, it’s really empowering. It gives us a feeling that we’re no longer invisible.”

“For native people, it’s really empowering. It gives us a feeling that we’re no longer invisible.” At 10 feet tall, what the artist calls “life-and-a-half size,” the sculpture of Chief Big Elk is hard to miss. “I was really trying to portray the great leadership and courage Chief Big Elk had,” said artist Benjamin Victor. “As a tribal chief, he was a warrior first, but he was also a visionary who saw the problems that were to come.” Victor has been working on the sculpture for about six months. He wants people to see the strength and dignity of the last blood chief of the Omaha tribe.

“It’s great to recognize and to think back to that history and understand we need to be mindful of our indigenous people in this area and respect the land...that they were here on first,” Victor said. Judi Gaiashkibos, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs, tells 6 News the sculpture will give Native children something to look up to. “Most people think we don’t exist anymore,” Gaiashkibos said. “A lot of people think we’re all gone and dead, but there are a lot of urban Indians that live here in the City of Omaha, so they can come here and they can feel a sense of connection to past history. We’re the first people, but we’ll always be here.”

“Hopefully it will give recognition in the space where people [can] study and learn that these people were already here before the settlement came and they lived on this land,” Gaiashkibos said. “They loved this land, and it was a part of them spiritually.” The sculpture is currently on display at KANEKO at 11th and Jones through Feb. 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is free. The sculpture will be dedicated at Lewis and Clark Landing later this summer. The Chief Big Elk sculpture is made of clay, with some finishing touches still to come before the piece will be cast in bronze. The artwork will then go to its permanent home on Lewis and Clark Landing on the RiverFront.

Chief Big Elk sculpture taking shape at the KANEKO

Chief Big Elk sculpture taking shape at the KANEKO, destined for Lewis & Clark Landing at The RiverFront.

[skinzfan23]

That is beautiful!!!

[Coyote]

John Pappan, who was in the OWH article about Big Elk, was with me in Black Elk Speaks at Dana College 20 years ago, this was a good drama.

[thenewguy]

There are slides now attached to the big orange eggs adjacent to luminarium

[skinzfan23]

There are slides now attached to the big orange eggs adjacent to luminarium

The tall one looks to be 2-3 stories high, are they stainless steel?

[thenewguy]

Yes. I assume it's gonna get warm when it is summer time...I'll remember to bring a potato sack for the kids when they make it to the tip:)

[stadsborgare]

I wonder what part of the Landing Big Elk is gonna go? I've looked at the site map and I can't tell...

[Coyote]

New art piece pays tribute to Native Americans of Omaha and the Midwest



Fox 42's Rose Todd reports on a new Native American art piece that will soon be part of the newly renovated Lewis and Clark Landing in Omaha.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

I wonder what part of the Landing Big Elk is gonna go? I've looked at the site map and I can't tell...

I think it may be located near the South West corner of the Keiwit Luminarium. If you zoom in on the web link and scroll to the bottom of the page you can see a platform with bolts where something fairly large will be installed. It's in the very bottom left of the page. https://public.earthcam.net/omahariverf ... l_2/view_1

[Brad]

Is this green the final color?

RIVERFRONT.JPG

[Linkin5]

If so that looks really cool

[skinzfan23]

Is this green the final color?

RIVERFRONT.JPG

I just checked the camera now and it looks like they "washed" off the green and its a gray color now.

[Dusty]

I feel like we are watching an episode of Bob Ross painting. Look! Green sidewalks! Pretty green sidewalks! I love it!
Wait...we are painting over them now!

[Chungus]

Is this green the final color?

RIVERFRONT.JPG

I just checked the camera now and it looks like they "washed" off the green and its a gray color now.

It's an acid-based product that is applied to concrete to expose the internal aggregate giving it a more rough texture. They have different strengths of the product so each one is a different color so you don't mix them up if you're using more than one.

[Coyote]

RiverFront renovations nearing completion in Omaha
Douglas Street Extension opens Friday



Lewis and Clark Landing and Heartland of America Park are getting ready to open in just a couple of months. If you have driven nearby -- you’ve likely seen the changes in progress. “All the heavy infrastructure has been done, the sewer systems, the sub drains, and the foundations,” said Katie Bassett with MECA. “Now, we’re putting on the makeup of the park.” This means there will be lots of trees, plants, decorative sidewalks, and tree logs to sit on.

[ita]

Skating ribbon and urban beach coming this summer to downtown Omaha's riverfront parks

Emily Nitcher
The amount of park space in downtown Omaha will more than quadruple when two riverfront parks reopen this summer.

After years of construction, Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing are set to open in late summer. Officials will be able to provide a firmer reopening date next month, said Katie Bassett, vice president of parks for the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority.

Together, the Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing cover 72 acres. But the Gene Leahy Mall, which opened to the public last summer, accounts for just 14 of those acres.

The new playground in Lewis & Clark Landing is four times as large as the one in Gene Leahy Mall, Bassett said. And the lawn in Heartland of America Park is twice the size of the Gene Leahy Mall’s lawn.
...
But it leaves the fountain, which has new lights and a programming system, as the centerpiece. Bassett said the fountain will be turned back on shortly before the park reopens.

In the past, gondola rides were offered at the lake and Bassett said that’s something officials are working to bring back.

[Coyote]

Omaha officials share details on newest updates to the Riverfront Revitalization Project



The final two components of the Riverfront Revitalization Project are nearly done. Which means the Lewis and Clark Landing and the Heartland of America Park are now getting closer to opening. With the parks' main infrastructure already completed, construction has mainly focused on elements that help beautify the park. Adding things such as playground equipment, and landscaping as the parks prepare to open late this summer.

Starting with the largest of the three parks in the project, The Heartland of America Park, progress has been made on the upcoming skate ribbon, lake side amphitheater with seating, and bocce ball courts.

[nativeomahan]

I’m excited to visit these parks once they are completed. My biggest hope is that the city will take the trouble to maintain them so when people visit in 2 or 3 years they will look more mature but every bit as nice.

[ita]

I’m excited to visit these parks once they are completed. My biggest hope is that the city will take the trouble to maintain them so when people visit in 2 or 3 years they will look more mature but every bit as nice.

MECA manages the riverfront parks. So far they are doing a good job with GLM. They have their own people picking up trash and stuff.

[ita]

https://omaha.com/news/local/opening-da ... 2e96c.html

I think this has been mentioned before:

Jessica Wade
In addition to the city’s $50 million contribution to the three-park project, collectively called The RiverFront, an additional $10 million from the city likely will be used to expand a trail system along the riverfront.

Would be nice if that riverfront trail on the Omaha continued south.

[Renovator2559]

Does anyone know if the Conagra campus side of the HoA park will be open for visitors to pass through and exit through the Conagra campus?

[ita]

Looks like the Earthcam link for the Riverfront Redevelopment projects are dead now. It's too bad, but with less than two months before the scheduled August 18th date, we don't have to wait too long before we see the final product.