Gene Leahy Mall Remodel

[nativeomahan]

The LED screen underneath the 10th Street bridge was seriously damaged within days of the mall reopening last summer. It remained covered up in plywood for months until repairs could be made.
Yes, it makes my blood boil too. The parents ought to be held responsible if the minors are apprehended. It’s almost always minors.

[skip]

The LED screen underneath the 10th Street bridge was seriously damaged within days of the mall reopening last summer. It remained covered up in plywood for months until repairs could be made.
Yes, it makes my blood boil too. The parents ought to be held responsible if the minors are apprehended. It’s almost always minors.

Obviously, it's terrible that people think it's okay to vandalize nice equipment (or vandalize in general), but I said to my wife the first-time walking through the park that I bet the LED screen and speakers will be vandalized first.

First off, the speakers are unnecessary and an easy target being ground level. I don't need the Gin Blossoms playing every step I take in a park. There are sooooo many speakers in that park which I truly don't think there should be any. The ones that are used for the concerts make sense, but speakers playing mall music constantly throughout the day does not. We may technically be at a Gene Leahy Mall, but it shouldn't be playing mall music. At parks, people want to hear birds chirping and people talking/enjoying the park. It gives kids an easy target to vandalize with the speakers being scattered everywhere throughout the park at ground level.

Second, the LED light covered in plexiglass looks terrible. Obviously, the plexiglass wasn't there before, but the screen is an easy ground level target for vandalism. Literally everyone is able to reach the speakers and the LED screen. For such expensive equipment, I would figure they would be at least somewhat out of reach from park-goers. What did they expect?

[djc311]

The LED screen underneath the 10th Street bridge was seriously damaged within days of the mall reopening last summer. It remained covered up in plywood for months until repairs could be made.
Yes, it makes my blood boil too. The parents ought to be held responsible if the minors are apprehended. It’s almost always minors.

Obviously, it's terrible that people think it's okay to vandalize nice equipment (or vandalize in general), but I said to my wife the first-time walking through the park that I bet the LED screen and speakers will be vandalized first.

First off, the speakers are unnecessary and an easy target being ground level. I don't need the Gin Blossoms playing every step I take in a park. There are sooooo many speakers in that park which I truly don't think there should be any. The ones that are used for the concerts make sense, but speakers playing mall music constantly throughout the day does not. We may technically be at a Gene Leahy Mall, but it shouldn't be playing mall music. At parks, people want to hear birds chirping and people talking/enjoying the park. It gives kids an easy target to vandalize with the speakers being scattered everywhere throughout the park at ground level.

Second, the LED light covered in plexiglass looks terrible. Obviously, the plexiglass wasn't there before, but the screen is an easy ground level target for vandalism. Literally everyone is able to reach the speakers and the LED screen. For such expensive equipment, I would figure they would be at least somewhat out of reach from park-goers. What did they expect?

I still have yet to make it down to the revamped park.

My two cents are this - Village Pointe, Nebraska Crossing and even the Zoo have exposed speakers throughout their property. It's pathetic that teenage boys (or perhaps twenty-somethings) have to be so ignorant & disrespectful that they decide damaging these items in a public park is "fun".

Are they necessary to have there? Like you said, probably not. Should they be able to be there - yes.

Reminds me of being a kid and my dad telling me 40 years ago that if he ever caught me vandalizing something that he'd do the same to me.

Such a joke that there are idiots out there doing this - I think someone needs to smack them around a little!

[thenewguy]

need to hire a brute squad to bust some heads.

[Dusty]

My two cents are this - Village Pointe, Nebraska Crossing and even the Zoo have exposed speakers throughout their property. It's pathetic that teenage boys (or perhaps twenty-somethings) have to be so ignorant & disrespectful that they decide damaging these items in a public park is "fun".

Are they necessary to have there? Like you said, probably not. Should they be able to be there - yes.

Reminds me of being a kid and my dad telling me 40 years ago that if he ever caught me vandalizing something that he'd do the same to me.

Such a joke that there are idiots out there doing this - I think someone needs to smack them around a little!

Umm...roller derby girls. Skate around the rink, knock some vandals off their feet.

Maybe they should have installed less speakers and more cameras to catch the bad behavior.

[djc311]

My two cents are this - Village Pointe, Nebraska Crossing and even the Zoo have exposed speakers throughout their property. It's pathetic that teenage boys (or perhaps twenty-somethings) have to be so ignorant & disrespectful that they decide damaging these items in a public park is "fun".

Are they necessary to have there? Like you said, probably not. Should they be able to be there - yes.

Reminds me of being a kid and my dad telling me 40 years ago that if he ever caught me vandalizing something that he'd do the same to me.

Such a joke that there are idiots out there doing this - I think someone needs to smack them around a little!

Umm...roller derby girls. Skate around the rink, knock some vandals off their feet.

Maybe they should have installed less speakers and more cameras to catch the bad behavior.

[Linkin5]

Fate .. frankly, I’d get it done.

You really miss the whole gist of my arguments. Is it willingness to stay in good graces with Dad?

Really, it is difficult to give specific answer to your questions until my questions have specific answers. To wit ... why does it take so long? And the only answer has been Dad telling me “because mom said so”.

I have seen them dig a hole, fill the whole. Dig a hole in the same spot, fill it again. And then did the whole a third time.
The section from 10th to 14th was fallow from May through September. Nobody to explain that. In October, they start digging again.

Completion dates change. Why? “Because mom said so”. It’s a drought year so we can’t blame the weather.

Dad is proud to point out signage that proclaims a “2022 Completion”. Not only a year later than originally promised, but they have given themselves a 12 month window. The end of 2022 ... 2 years away! Project start .. winter 2019.

Basically, they are telling you it is almost 4 years to build an essentially flat Park that is 4 blocks long. The Öresund Bridge from Copenhagen to Sweden was built in 4 years. 7 miles. Under sea tunnels, built an island, and special railroad lines. Is the GLM equally complicated?

So, when you have specific and actual reasons (not speculation)

This post was gold

[Doctor Fate]

Fate .. frankly, I’d get it done.

You really miss the whole gist of my arguments. Is it willingness to stay in good graces with Dad?

Really, it is difficult to give specific answer to your questions until my questions have specific answers. To wit ... why does it take so long? And the only answer has been Dad telling me “because mom said so”.

I have seen them dig a hole, fill the whole. Dig a hole in the same spot, fill it again. And then did the whole a third time.
The section from 10th to 14th was fallow from May through September. Nobody to explain that. In October, they start digging again.

Completion dates change. Why? “Because mom said so”. It’s a drought year so we can’t blame the weather.

Dad is proud to point out signage that proclaims a “2022 Completion”. Not only a year later than originally promised, but they have given themselves a 12 month window. The end of 2022 ... 2 years away! Project start .. winter 2019.

Basically, they are telling you it is almost 4 years to build an essentially flat Park that is 4 blocks long. The Öresund Bridge from Copenhagen to Sweden was built in 4 years. 7 miles. Under sea tunnels, built an island, and special railroad lines. Is the GLM equally complicated?

So, when you have specific and actual reasons (not speculation)

This post was gold

LOL I remember that rant

[Omaha Cowboy]

Fate .. frankly, I’d get it done.

You really miss the whole gist of my arguments. Is it willingness to stay in good graces with Dad?

Really, it is difficult to give specific answer to your questions until my questions have specific answers. To wit ... why does it take so long? And the only answer has been Dad telling me “because mom said so”.

I have seen them dig a hole, fill the whole. Dig a hole in the same spot, fill it again. And then did the whole a third time.
The section from 10th to 14th was fallow from May through September. Nobody to explain that. In October, they start digging again.

Completion dates change. Why? “Because mom said so”. It’s a drought year so we can’t blame the weather.

Dad is proud to point out signage that proclaims a “2022 Completion”. Not only a year later than originally promised, but they have given themselves a 12 month window. The end of 2022 ... 2 years away! Project start .. winter 2019.

Basically, they are telling you it is almost 4 years to build an essentially flat Park that is 4 blocks long. The Öresund Bridge from Copenhagen to Sweden was built in 4 years. 7 miles. Under sea tunnels, built an island, and special railroad lines. Is the GLM equally complicated?

So, when you have specific and actual reasons (not speculation)

This post was gold

LOL I remember that rant

Lol. I think it’s was pretty “cool” for him to refer to me as both mom and dad in the same post. Whatever.. Me being a dude and all. But this guy was always off his rocker as it related to the Riverfront Redevelopment Plan. Almost seemed to be cracking up over it. Same with his hate for the Kiewit HQ’s building in North Downtown..But that’s another story..

Funny too, this guy flew the coop in Nov 2020 right after the presidential election. Hasn’t posted since..

All things considered, this forum is all the better for it..

2020 was a strange year in more ways than just the Pandemic..

Anyway..

Fast forward to today, Omaha has a fantastic 3 phased Riverfront Developed park space that really is a masterpiece of Urban planning and development…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Garrett]

The Gene Leahy Mall component has been awarded a 2023 Honor Award by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Remaking a 1970’s Downtown Park Into a New Public Realm

Although a large-scale project, it links appropriately to the surrounding open spaces and community edges while gracefully dividing the land into unique and meaningful places. The grand gestures are well-scaled, highly social, and memorable.

[Athomsfere]

The Gene Leahy Mall component has been awarded a 2023 Honor Award by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Remaking a 1970’s Downtown Park Into a New Public Realm

Although a large-scale project, it links appropriately to the surrounding open spaces and community edges while gracefully dividing the land into unique and meaningful places. The grand gestures are well-scaled, highly social, and memorable.

Awesome, I wonder if the other parks will get one next year

Also, when I was at the new parks earlier this week, a giant coach bus pulled in and a group was being led around the park. I had a suspicion it was some regional city peer's council or similar checking out how awesome Omaha is doing for these projects.

[thenewguy]

the plant list alone is staggering...

[Cermak]

Well deserved. The park is off the charts and stunning.

[ita]

The Gene Leahy Mall component has been awarded a 2023 Honor Award by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Remaking a 1970’s Downtown Park Into a New Public Realm

Although a large-scale project, it links appropriately to the surrounding open spaces and community edges while gracefully dividing the land into unique and meaningful places. The grand gestures are well-scaled, highly social, and memorable.

Awesome, I wonder if the other parks will get one next year

That was my exact thoughts when I first came across the ASLA story. So good so far from a critical reception standpoint for GLM adding another feather in the cap; with all three parks done, hoping the overall project gets even more recognition in 2024.

[Omaha Cowboy]

The Gene Leahy Mall component has been awarded a 2023 Honor Award by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Remaking a 1970’s Downtown Park Into a New Public Realm

Although a large-scale project, it links appropriately to the surrounding open spaces and community edges while gracefully dividing the land into unique and meaningful places. The grand gestures are well-scaled, highly social, and memorable.

Awesome, I wonder if the other parks will get one next year

Also, when I was at the new parks earlier this week, a giant coach bus pulled in and a group was being led around the park. I had a suspicion it was some regional city peer's council or similar checking out how awesome Omaha is doing for these projects.

Thanks for sharing this Garrett ..

And I wonder the same- if Heartland of America and Lewis & Clark Landing will share a similar award next year…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[skinzfan23]

Obviously the weather was great today but the park was absolutely packed. We spent at least 3 hrs down there and it’s so great to see so many different people down there. All 3 parks had tons of people, easily a few thousand overall, but it never felt crowded except for the playground near the river.

[Garrett]

Obviously the weather was great today but the park was absolutely packed. We spent at least 3 hrs down there and it’s so great to see so many different people down there. All 3 parks had tons of people, easily a few thousand overall, but it never felt crowded except for the playground near the river.

Good to hear they’re getting a lot of use on these nice days! The renovation really was the start of a new era for downtown

[Cermak]

Obviously the weather was great today but the park was absolutely packed. We spent at least 3 hrs down there and it’s so great to see so many different people down there. All 3 parks had tons of people, easily a few thousand overall, but it never felt crowded except for the playground near the river.

Good to hear they’re getting a lot of use on these nice days! The renovation really was the start of a new era for downtown

I drove by it last Sunday the 25th of February, I also couldn’t believe how crowded it was, just lots of people at the mall, it was really impressive to see this. Of course the weather was beautiful that day as well.

[MadJack]

I too was downtown yesterday afternoon and noticed how busy the parks were. Also very encouraging -- the crowd spilled over into the Old Market. That was about as busy as I've seen the Old Market in a long time.

[skinzfan23]

I too was downtown yesterday afternoon and noticed how busy the parks were. Also very encouraging -- the crowd spilled over into the Old Market. That was about as busy as I've seen the Old Market in a long time.

Good to hear...I could tell it was busy over there. I was downtown on Saturday for the Creighton game and then yesterday for the park. Both days, both the car and pedestrian traffic were amazing. Really felt like a huge city. There were several events going on at CHI (Creighton game, dance competition and Omaha Home and Garden Show), I think there was a concert at the Holland and also the Steelhouse as well. Between all that and the amazing weather, it was a good time to be down there.

[Louie]

I too was downtown yesterday afternoon and noticed how busy the parks were. Also very encouraging -- the crowd spilled over into the Old Market. That was about as busy as I've seen the Old Market in a long time.

Good to hear...I could tell it was busy over there. I was downtown on Saturday for the Creighton game and then yesterday for the park. Both days, both the car and pedestrian traffic were amazing. Really felt like a huge city. There were several events going on at CHI (Creighton game, dance competition and Omaha Home and Garden Show), I think there was a concert at the Holland and also the Steelhouse as well. Between all that and the amazing weather, it was a good time to be down there.

Love it when there are multiple events going on downtown. It really gets buzzing.

[halgy]

It always puts a smile on my face when I see the park busy. It makes downtown feel so much more vibrant and like an actual city. Now I just hope that the increased foot traffic jumpstarts even more development down here.

[Renovator2559]

It always puts a smile on my face when I see the park busy. It makes downtown feel so much more vibrant and like an actual city. Now I just hope that the increased foot traffic jumpstarts even more development down here.

Wow, I was going to write about how it makes me smile too! This weekend Downtown Omaha was very lit!

[Coyote]

New artwork on display at Omaha's Gene Leahy Mall



New artwork is on display at Omaha's Gene Leahy Mall.

[thenewguy]

It always puts a smile on my face when I see the park busy. It makes downtown feel so much more vibrant and like an actual city. Now I just hope that the increased foot traffic jumpstarts even more development down here.

honestly, i don't think i've been down there (or just driving by) when there aren't a lot of people. And now there seems to always been food trucks. I figure if the business wasn't there, they wouldn't be there, so that's a great sign.

[Renovator2559]

honestly, i don't think i've been down there (or just driving by) when there aren't a lot of people. And now there seems to always been food trucks. I figure if the business wasn't there, they wouldn't be there, so that's a great sign.

The most popular days are usually Friday, Sat and Sun, especially in the later hours. Business is good for food trucks, some of them have long lines.

Driving around is probably not best way to paint an accurate picture on how active the parks are.

I go to the Riverfront frequently as it's a huge benefit for those of us that live in the walkable districts in the downtown, midtown area. I also like using the park for jogging. Just this Saturday we had the performance pavilion being used for dancing.

[Renovator2559]

The assortment of food truck vendors continue to grow at the Riverfront, this was on Friday.

My favorite upscale coffee barista truck wasn't there. I don't drink coffee but will make an exception to their low sugar cold iced Chai latte, honestly one of the best cold chais. With a similar flavor profile as rice drink with cinnamon.











By far this is the most well done video on the Riverfront. This is the one that I generally share with others that don't know about the Riverfront. By far this video is masterfully done.

[skinzfan23]

I am still curious to see how it handles the taste of Omaha next weekend. That will be the first major event to use the heartland of America park new space.

[thenewguy]

honestly, i don't think i've been down there (or just driving by) when there aren't a lot of people. And now there seems to always been food trucks. I figure if the business wasn't there, they wouldn't be there, so that's a great sign.

The most popular days are usually Friday, Sat and Sun, especially in the later hours. Business is good for food trucks, some of them have long lines.

Driving around is probably not best way to paint an accurate picture on how active the parks are.

I go to the Riverfront frequently as it's a huge benefit for those of us that live in the walkable districts in the downtown, midtown area. I also like using the park for jogging. Just this Saturday we had the performance pavilion being used for dancing.

i think you may have mis-read/understood what i posted. I'm in agreement with you, I'm saying that I've never NOT seen it busy, either being IN the park, or just passing BY the park. There always seems to be a strong headcount.

And you are right about that video you posted, it really shows off the area nicely!

[Renovator2559]

Perfect! And I just got done having a good lunch at the Riverfront, kids sure are having fun right now, now that they are out of school. There's plenty of people right now. It always brings me joy to see the success of this community project, and seeing the community enjoying themselves and having fun!

[skinzfan23]

MECA reported that 3,000,000 people have visited since the parks reopened. That’s amazing!

[Renovator2559]

I sure miss the Riverfront, after being out of the US.

[nativeomahan]

MECA reported that 3,000,000 people have visited since the parks reopened. That’s amazing!

I’m guessing that I am maybe 20 of those people.

[skinzfan23]

New sod is being placed today:

From their Facebook page:

[Louie]

New sod is being placed today:

From their Facebook page:

Was it dying?

[Brad]

New sod is being placed today:

Was it dying?

I saw someone on Facebook saying some concert or festival "Destroyed" it...

[skinzfan23]

I saw someone on Facebook saying some concert or festival "Destroyed" it...

There have been several down there this summer that have really torn it up. Same thing happened every year at Aksarben when Maha was there. Hopefully the festivals have insurance or are responsible to pay for the new sod.

[Louie]

Perhaps there is a more permanent solution with the regularity of concerts down there.

[FishFighter92]

Perhaps there is a more permanent solution with the regularity of concerts down there.

How does midtown crossing do it?

[skinzfan23]

Does Midtown Crossing have as many events.