Oak View Mall (144 & West Center Rd)

[Greg S]

To this day I still can't grasp the midwestern shift to "Lifestyle Centers" (the fancy title they give to places such as Village Pointe and Shadow Lake). Our weather is less than desirable a decent chunk out of the year... let's even say it's only 3 months (25% of the year). That's a big portion of retail business all things considered.

My thought too. Plus I am apt to stop in other stores at Westroads, when I go to Village Pointe or Shadow Lake its a case of get in and get out.

I grew up here so there isn't 3 full months where I don't venture out, or where the weather would stop me from going to VP or Gretna Outlets (or any other outdoor shopping). If the weather is that bad, I'm not going anywhere, including indoor malls, I will just wait for better weather.

I was used to go to the malls a ton in the 80's while in high school and college. I was at Westroads at Christmas, and I think I went into maybe 2 stores other than the one I went there to go to (Vans). And was in each for maybe 5 minutes. Oak View is even worse. When I go there now I do like some stated about Village Pointe, I go into Dillards, and then immediately leave, nothing in that mall other than a couple places in the food court are worth my time.


Greg

[djc311]

To this day I still can't grasp the midwestern shift to "Lifestyle Centers" (the fancy title they give to places such as Village Pointe and Shadow Lake). Our weather is less than desirable a decent chunk out of the year... let's even say it's only 3 months (25% of the year). That's a big portion of retail business all things considered.

My thought too. Plus I am apt to stop in other stores at Westroads, when I go to Village Pointe or Shadow Lake its a case of get in and get out.

I grew up here so there isn't 3 full months where I don't venture out, or where the weather would stop me from going to VP or Gretna Outlets (or any other outdoor shopping). If the weather is that bad, I'm not going anywhere, including indoor malls, I will just wait for better weather.

I was used to go to the malls a ton in the 80's while in high school and college. I was at Westroads at Christmas, and I think I went into maybe 2 stores other than the one I went there to go to (Vans). And was in each for maybe 5 minutes. Oak View is even worse. When I go there now I do like some stated about Village Pointe, I go into Dillards, and then immediately leave, nothing in that mall other than a couple places in the food court are worth my time.


Greg

I hear what you're saying and agree to an extent. There are not 3 full months that are miserable outdoors every single day. However, if it's pouring (or even heavily raining) outside and I need (or want perhaps is the better description) to run to some stores, back when malls were amazing and had the stores people wanted to go to, then I'd much rather be in a mall. If there's a minus 10 wind chill and I need/want to go somewhere to shop, again I'd prefer to go indoors rather than park on a weekend in BFE at VP and wander down to the opposite end of the outdoor center. Going indoors then back outside, then indoors and back outside isn't fun for me if the weather isn't pleasant.

There's no doubt VP has advantages today - they have the only retail stores of select brands that many people enjoy shopping for.

I'm probably in the minority here, which is perfectly OK. However it simply doesn't make sense to me.

[ChadJK]

Something called "Chicago Dog 42" is opening up in the food court in late July. It's a locally owned concept that will feature authentic Chicago Vienna beef hot dogs (and the bright green relish, and sport peppers, etc). They're working with Rotellas to source fresh-baked poppyseed buns that mimic the ones that you get at hot dog stands in the windy city, which I thought was interesting.



Always like to see unique local places get off the ground -- and Oak View desperately needs some local investment to stop the downward momentum.

Chicago Dog 42 at Oak View Mall has closed.

[Greg S]

Something called "Chicago Dog 42" is opening up in the food court in late July. It's a locally owned concept that will feature authentic Chicago Vienna beef hot dogs (and the bright green relish, and sport peppers, etc). They're working with Rotellas to source fresh-baked poppyseed buns that mimic the ones that you get at hot dog stands in the windy city, which I thought was interesting.



Always like to see unique local places get off the ground -- and Oak View desperately needs some local investment to stop the downward momentum.

Chicago Dog 42 at Oak View Mall has closed.

That's a bummer. Outside of Dillard's that was my number one reason to go. I think the food court there has shown some promise, but can it thrive or even survive with so few stores there attracting shoppers? The only store I make a point to go to Oak View for is Dillards. Normally I go there and then just leave though (unless hungry-then I would usually hit Chicago Dog).

Greg

[Cermak]

Several other Chicago Dog type restaurants have opened in Omaha over the years. They always seem to close after a while. Used to be one in the Old Market back in the 80's and NW Omaha near Maple just west of 680.

[Padre]

Several other Chicago Dog type restaurants have opened in Omaha over the years. They always seem to close after a while. Used to be one in the Old Market back in the 80's and NW Omaha near Maple just west of 680.

There was one in Midtown Crossing my wife and I used to go to. Was sorry to see it close.

[BRoss]

Several other Chicago Dog type restaurants have opened in Omaha over the years. They always seem to close after a while. Used to be one in the Old Market back in the 80's and NW Omaha near Maple just west of 680.

There was one in Midtown Crossing my wife and I used to go to. Was sorry to see it close.

I used to go to that Chicago Dawg too. It started out at 108th and Maple and then moved down there. Was disappointed to see it go.

[Coyote]

I owed to like Chicago Dawgs at Midtown Crossing also a lot, I miss those days…

[Greg S]

Chicago Dog 42 also has a location at Gateway and in Ralston’s Arena, I wonder if those 2 locations are still open?

[djc311]

Several other Chicago Dog type restaurants have opened in Omaha over the years. They always seem to close after a while. Used to be one in the Old Market back in the 80's and NW Omaha near Maple just west of 680.

It's hard to believe a food that can be sold for relatively cheap (maybe not in today's economy, but overall hot dogs are not expensive to produce) can't stay popular. They're trendy for a little while... just like when Chicago Dog originally opened at 108th & Maple by the hair cut place it was busy for maybe a few years, but died off. They relocated a few times which maybe helped.

My dreams of opening a WC Franks that has more Chicago-style dogs on the menu is quickly fading. No one wants hot dogs as a "meal" anymore and kids definitely don't want to play Ms Pac Man (at least not if it cost money).

[ChadJK]

No one wants hot dogs as a "meal" anymore and kids definitely don't want to play Ms Pac Man (at least not if it cost money).

When we lived in Tulsa they had several places to get "coneys." Coney I-Lander was a popular local chain. Those are those small 1/8th-pound or 1/10th-pound hot dogs usually buried in beanless chili. People order 3 or 4 (some people order a lot more... lol). I was surprised when we moved there that it was still a thing after all the years.

[Greg S]

No one wants hot dogs as a "meal" anymore and kids definitely don't want to play Ms Pac Man (at least not if it cost money).

When we lived in Tulsa they had several places to get "coneys." Coney I-Lander was a popular local chain. Those are those small 1/8th-pound or 1/10th-pound hot dogs usually buried in beanless chili. People order 3 or 4 (some people order a lot more... lol). I was surprised when we moved there that it was still a thing after all the years.

My brother used to love in Catoosa, oustide of Tulsa and I loved going to those Coney Islanders. I also ate a lot at Coney Island's in Detroit. Another place that is thriving and selling lots of hot dogs is Portillo's out of Chicago. Hopefully they make it to Omaha.

As far as young people and Ms Pac Man. Was in KC over the weekend for the Chiefs playoff game. Saturday night we went to a place in the Crossroads area (close to their light rail) and we went to a really fun bar called the Up-Down Arcade Bar. It has tons of the old 70's and 80's arcade games. Kind of expected to see my crowd there (OG Gen X) and was surprised that it was over 21 but 90 percent people in their 20's. And was packed. The games weren't free, you had to buy tokens....

I think a WC's would be interesting but I would make sure that you had a bar as well.

Greg

[omaha79]

No one wants hot dogs as a "meal" anymore and kids definitely don't want to play Ms Pac Man (at least not if it cost money).

When we lived in Tulsa they had several places to get "coneys." Coney I-Lander was a popular local chain. Those are those small 1/8th-pound or 1/10th-pound hot dogs usually buried in beanless chili. People order 3 or 4 (some people order a lot more... lol). I was surprised when we moved there that it was still a thing after all the years.

My brother used to love in Catoosa, oustide of Tulsa and I loved going to those Coney Islanders. I also ate a lot at Coney Island's in Detroit. Another place that is thriving and selling lots of hot dogs is Portillo's out of Chicago. Hopefully they make it to Omaha.

As far as young people and Ms Pac Man. Was in KC over the weekend for the Chiefs playoff game. Saturday night we went to a place in the Crossroads area (close to their light rail) and we went to a really fun bar called the Up-Down Arcade Bar. It has tons of the old 70's and 80's arcade games. Kind of expected to see my crowd there (OG Gen X) and was surprised that it was over 21 but 90 percent people in their 20's. And was packed. The games weren't free, you had to buy tokens....

I think a WC's would be interesting but I would make sure that you had a bar as well.

Greg

For a while, when they first opened about 10 years ago, Beercade in Benson served hot dogs. Not sure if they do anymore. The Beercade on 13th seems to partner with Orsi's and people bring that in there. Hot dogs or pizza in a retro arcade is fun and gives it that old school feel. It's fun.

The two Beercade locations here seemingly do very well, and yes, it's not just 40-55 year olds that grew up with those games in there. It's mostly 20 somethings. I think millennials born in the 90's romanticize the 80's, a decade they didn't grow up in, the way that late Gen X'rs romanticized the 70's, a decade they didn't really come of age in either.

Popular culture plays into it. For the last 10 years, it's all been 80's nostalgia on shows like Stranger Things among others. In the 90's when kids born between 1975-1981 were coming of age, it was all 70's nostalgia with things like That 70's Show, Boogie Nights, and Dazed and Confused. Briefly, bell bottoms came back into style. Those that were creating the content at that time did come of age in the 70's and were giving the world a big dose of nostalgia from their youth. Now, those creating the content came of age in the late 80's through the 90's and we are getting that. It's interesting.

[Dusty]

I say we bring Kidzania or something like that to the mall. Dallas was the first one in the US to have one. They used a run down mall for the project.

An interactive place for kids to try different jobs and trades.
https://dallas.kidzaniausa.com/

[djc311]

I say we bring Kidzania or something like that to the mall. Dallas was the first one in the US to have one. They used a run down mall for the project.

An interactive place for kids to try different jobs and trades.
https://dallas.kidzaniausa.com/

Wow, that place looks amazing! Unfortunately it looks like a nightmare to run, LOL.

As a father of 4 girls, I would not be a good candidate to work in that type of environment. Although it does appear they cater to slightly older kids when compared to the Children's Museum. Doesn't appear to have all the finger painting, etc.

The concept definitely seems cool, though!

[Dusty]

Interesting thing is parents are not allowed to engage or take over with the kids. They can watch the kids through a window or go to the adult lounge/bar while the kids run around the mini city and work their assigned jobs.

Helicopter parents would loose their minds! LOL! The kids have to work their jobs to earn city bucks where they can spend it on prizes.

[TransitOriented]

I say we bring Kidzania or something like that to the mall. Dallas was the first one in the US to have one. They used a run down mall for the project.

An interactive place for kids to try different jobs and trades.
https://dallas.kidzaniausa.com/

Go ahead. Info is here : https://kidzania.com/en/franchises

[djc311]

I say we bring Kidzania or something like that to the mall. Dallas was the first one in the US to have one. They used a run down mall for the project.

An interactive place for kids to try different jobs and trades.
https://dallas.kidzaniausa.com/

Go ahead. Info is here : https://kidzania.com/en/franchises

Based upon what I've seen on their website this is easily a few million to launch. The build out looks crazy! It literally is like a mini town with different facades for each venue. If I'm looking at it correctly it also appears like they can make pizzas, chocolate and probably some other stuff. So then you have more equipment to support those tasks.

Definitely looks cool - and if you can't creep on your kids then that's even better! If the "bar" you mentioned is a real bar, then damn this place has everything.

[ChadJK]

What was in the southeast corner of 144th & Center before Oak View Mall was built?

[Garrett]

What was in the southeast corner of 144th & Center before Oak View Mall was built?

DOGIS.org is a great resource for their historical imagery. Looks like a general form of the streets in this area were taking shape in 1982. Millard North Middle and Cather both pop up in the 1973 shot, and the neighborhood to the east of them was developing in 1962 while the farm on the site appears to still be there.

[BRoss]

What was in the southeast corner of 144th & Center before Oak View Mall was built?

DOGIS.org is a great resource for their historical imagery. Looks like a general form of the streets in this area were taking shape in 1982. Millard North Middle and Cather both pop up in the 1973 shot, and the neighborhood to the east of them was developing in 1962 while the farm on the site appears to still be there.

It's interesting because in 1982, they laid the streets out differently than what ultimately ended up there. Looks like they were all torn up and redone.

[TransitOriented]

Many of us have had the idea that they should try to redevelop the area, add/convert housing and entertainment options. Grand Island is going to give it a try with their mall. Nearly 300 residential units. Should be interesting.
https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/03/21 ... gest-city/

[Garrett]

I mean I wouldn't give the Grand Island proposal too much credit. It's not so much mixed use as it is some apartments located near a slightly smaller mall.

[ita]

Garrett hit the nail on the head comparing Oak View and GI's project. Oak View could be much more, particularly as a transit center for Millard and with the existing nearby businesses and amenities, like the health center/clinic.

[mrsticka]

Oak View Mall should've had a south wing when it was originally built in 1990-91. I created a hypothetical directory of what it might have looked like had they done so. Same with the food court. I don't know what all was in there when it first opened in '91, so don't mistake my list of restaurants/vendors for what was actually there. Some of them were, but not all of them.

[OmahaRedWing]

Anyone know when Famous Footwear closed out there? It wasn't in the mall but in the plaza surrounding it near where Dick's used to be. Kind of bummed, it had the biggest selection.

[Greg S]

Was at B and B Theater this week. Noticed that the space in the strip mall that used to house Famous Footwear out there is being taken over by the National Safety Council Nebraska Chapter. Looks like they might be relocating from east of 120th and L location.

Seems like Oak View is slowly transitioning away from retail.

[Cermak]

Was at B and B Theater this week. Noticed that the space in the strip mall that used to house Famous Footwear out there is being taken over by the National Safety Council Nebraska Chapter. Looks like they might be relocating from east of 120th and L location.

Seems like Oak View is slowly transitioning away from retail.

Interesting, thanks for the update.

[ashleyreads]

Looks like El Alambre has closed its Oakview food court location after 6 years of operation. They still have their Harrison location.

[almighty_tuna]

Looks like El Alambre has closed its Oakview food court location after 6 years of operation. They still have their Harrison location.

Thanks for the info and welcome to the forums, ashleyreads!

[omaha79]

Was at B and B Theater this week. Noticed that the space in the strip mall that used to house Famous Footwear out there is being taken over by the National Safety Council Nebraska Chapter. Looks like they might be relocating from east of 120th and L location.

Seems like Oak View is slowly transitioning away from retail.

Kind of the Center or Southroads playbook at that point

[djc311]

My wife ran into Oak View with my daughter to go to Build-a-Bear. Surprised that's still there considering the state of the mall. Also, the "build a bear" store at Westroads is nowhere near comparable to the branded chain.

Nonetheless, she said the food court was almost empty, more jewelry stores are gone - Lids (the hat store) was gone, I guess they shoved some play equipment into the space where the seasonal calendar/toy store goes in, which adds zero value to the mall (who spends the money to set that stuff up anyway?)

I grew up near Crossroads and seeing that mall basically fall apart was quite sad - going to Lewis & Clark Jr. High, my friends and I would head over to Crossroads after school regularly. Thankfully I was associated with a group of kids that wasn't known for causing trouble.

Now with Oakview going down the toilet we all know it's only time before it either becomes completely vacant OR demolished. I've said it a hundred times but I'm still shocked that with our inconsistent climate and somewhat crappy winters that the consumer base here prefers these outdoor "lifestyle centers". I have nothing against Village Pointe, NEX, etc... but it does confuse me a bit that people prefer these over enclosed malls. Parking at the outdoor shops, especially VP, is not enjoyable. Trying to park at the front door of a store at Shadow Lake or VP anytime during the day is impossible.

We all know that the reality is any of these terrible shootings or disturbances could occur anywhere, enclosed or otherwise (ie another gun toting threat at Westroads yesterday). Unfortunately it's probably only time before someone chooses to do the same at VP, NEX, Shadow Lake or elsewhere. But I suppose that if there is constant concern of this occurring at Westroads then I can see people wanting to go to VP instead.

Anyway, I guess I'm simply ranting about the demise of our enclosed malls. My understanding was Crossroads and/or The Center Mall were some of the earliest malls built in the US. It stinks to see them shutter.

[Stan]

My wife ran into Oak View with my daughter to go to Build-a-Bear. Surprised that's still there considering the state of the mall. Also, the "build a bear" store at Westroads is nowhere near comparable to the branded chain.

Nonetheless, she said the food court was almost empty, more jewelry stores are gone - Lids (the hat store) was gone, I guess they shoved some play equipment into the space where the seasonal calendar/toy store goes in, which adds zero value to the mall (who spends the money to set that stuff up anyway?)

I grew up near Crossroads and seeing that mall basically fall apart was quite sad - going to Lewis & Clark Jr. High, my friends and I would head over to Crossroads after school regularly. Thankfully I was associated with a group of kids that wasn't known for causing trouble.

Now with Oakview going down the toilet we all know it's only time before it either becomes completely vacant OR demolished. I've said it a hundred times but I'm still shocked that with our inconsistent climate and somewhat crappy winters that the consumer base here prefers these outdoor "lifestyle centers". I have nothing against Village Pointe, NEX, etc... but it does confuse me a bit that people prefer these over enclosed malls. Parking at the outdoor shops, especially VP, is not enjoyable. Trying to park at the front door of a store at Shadow Lake or VP anytime during the day is impossible.

We all know that the reality is any of these terrible shootings or disturbances could occur anywhere, enclosed or otherwise (ie another gun toting threat at Westroads yesterday). Unfortunately it's probably only time before someone chooses to do the same at VP, NEX, Shadow Lake or elsewhere. But I suppose that if there is constant concern of this occurring at Westroads then I can see people wanting to go to VP instead.

Anyway, I guess I'm simply ranting about the demise of our enclosed malls. My understanding was Crossroads and/or The Center Mall were some of the earliest malls built in the US. It stinks to see them shutter.

I think you're right that it makes absolutely no sense that we would prefer outdoor shopping malls with the harsh winters we have, but it's more about the reality of shopping and that we prefer buying stuff online more than going out. We could really benefit from an indoor waterpark the size of Oakview though. I'd go there all the time in the winter to help with the doldrums.

[mrsticka]

Oak View Mall's food court in December 2009. It was doing pretty well then.
https://live.staticflickr.com/4041/4180 ... 8e34_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4039/4180 ... 9150_b.jpg

[Omaha Cowboy]

Oak View Mall's food court in December 2009. It was doing pretty well then.
https://live.staticflickr.com/4041/4180 ... 8e34_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4039/4180 ... 9150_b.jpg

It is a shame to see what the Mall component of the Oakview Mousetrap has devolved to…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[mrsticka]

Oak View Mall's food court in December 2009. It was doing pretty well then.
https://live.staticflickr.com/4041/4180 ... 8e34_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4039/4180 ... 9150_b.jpg

It is a shame to see what the Mall component of the Oakview Mousetrap has devolved to…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Oak View has only 2 wings. One that leads to Dillard's and the other led to Younker's for years. Now it's a Rush Market. What if JCPenney's and Sears also had their own wings that lead to them? Oak View would be a 4-way cross mall if that was the case.

[Cermak]

Oak View Mall's food court in December 2009. It was doing pretty well then.
https://live.staticflickr.com/4041/4180 ... 8e34_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4039/4180 ... 9150_b.jpg

Oak View in its heyday was a pretty nice mall. It just had a short shelf life. Some people have said and I probably agree Village Point opening was the beginning of the end for Oak View. I hope this property can be redeveloped soon. Would hate to have a dead mall at this location for to long. To good of a location to have it sit and rot.

[NEDodger]

Oak View Mall's food court in December 2009. It was doing pretty well then.
https://live.staticflickr.com/4041/4180 ... 8e34_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4039/4180 ... 9150_b.jpg

Oak View in its heyday was a pretty nice mall. It just had a short shelf life. Some people have said and I probably agree Village Point opening was the beginning of the end for Oak View. I hope this property can be redeveloped soon. Would hate to have a dead mall at this location for to long. To good of a location to have it sit and rot.

Agreed. My hope is that Crossroads is a success so the same thing can be done here. Bulldoze it all and start anew.

[mrsticka]

I remember when Oak View opened in 1991. We were still living in Omaha then. I thought it was a pretty cool place. Went there with my mom and sister again in 1999. It seemed to be doing pretty well still. The last time I was at Oak View was August 2001 shortly before 9/11.

All those times I'd been to Oak View, I never once went to the food court. Never got anything to eat there. Now I wish I had.

[ChadJK]

I used to hit up Oak View Mall's Food Court for the occasional lunch when I was craving Amigos. It was the only Amigos in West Omaha for the longest time (the only other Omaha Amigos back then was 84th & Dodge). I also ate at Champs Americana a few times back in the day. I seem to recall the food was good (for my 1990s palate), but the service was consistently inattentive.