Grain elevators 35th & I80 to Vinton

bldgengineer2015 · Post by **bldgengineer2015** » Mon Oct 02, 2023 2:08 pm

EricHaley wrote: Mon Oct 02, 2023 12:23 pm
almighty_tuna wrote: Mon Oct 02, 2023 11:54 am
Louie wrote: Mon Oct 02, 2023 11:23 am
almighty_tuna wrote: Mon Oct 02, 2023 10:55 am
EricHaley wrote: Mon Oct 02, 2023 10:52 am
almighty_tuna wrote: Mon Oct 02, 2023 10:49 am Good luck to them. Though, as ugly as those elevators are as they stand now, I loved when whoever it was did the huge art banners on it. It really is a unique spot for that kind of thing and wish it was utilized as such.
They're currently in the process of painting a huge mural on the silos
Which side?? I drove downtown yesterday afternoon and must have completely missed it if it's on the west side.
East side
Ah, okay. Hope they do the west side, too! I'll have to take the interstate back home some time and take a look.
https://www.ketv.com/article/south-omah ... l/45363796

The grain silos in the KETV article are not the ones that are being referenced in the planning board item. The planning board silos are North of I-80 on 35th and Vinton. The ones in the KETV article are located at 29th and D.

Renovator2559 · Post by **Renovator2559** » Mon Oct 02, 2023 8:57 pm

I saw the artwork and it does make the grain elevators a bit better. I know people want to remove these grain elevators but don't these grain elevators serve as storage for grain and the distribution of the freight via the rail tracks and its approximation to i80? Do we just push the construction of the same grain silo somewhere else?

Also, this area that some are suggesting in developing, is near i80 and near an industrial park which benefits of the N&S, W&E rail connections; as well as i80W/E, 75N/S. Unless all of the industrial area is removed, this area will be low in value; low value it may be for residential but as an industrial corridor, this area is quite valuable for industrial.

I think a bigger concern, is the polluted air created by this industrial plant called "Progressive Protein" (which converts packing waste into feed), after passing the i480 interchange. The nasty smells emitted by this industrial plant within the vicinity of South Omaha residents, is terrible

Also right next to this plant are two crematoriums, Paws & Remember of Nebraska and Elmore Crematory. Do crematoriums emit nasty smells too?

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Mon Oct 02, 2023 9:50 pm

Perhaps this thread could be retitled to better specify the grain elevators we're talking about and also be a bit less opinionated on their aesthetics? haha

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Tue Oct 03, 2023 7:22 am

I didn't think the grain elevators were still being used? They had plans at one time to convert them into apartments or a climbing gym or something didn't they?

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Thu Oct 05, 2023 11:37 am

We drove by this urban artwork yesterday and it looks quite nice.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Oct 09, 2023 11:07 am

https://omaha.com/news/local/business/d ... p-homepage

Per this article, the silos closest to the highway are likely to stay up. The center tower and those closest to Vinton would be torn down. The developer also bought the industrial property north of Vinton across the street and will be part of the development. Some mixed use elements are contemplated including possible bike shop, coffee shop, or brewery.

PotatoeEatsFish · Post by **PotatoeEatsFish** » Mon Oct 09, 2023 11:13 am

This is so dumb they have more than enough space to build around there yet in the Omaha tradition they have to tear it down!

PotatoeEatsFish · Post by **PotatoeEatsFish** » Mon Oct 09, 2023 11:15 am

Get ready for another 5 story fake brick facade apartment building starting at 1.2k. But it’s okay because they have a coffee shop on the ground floor literally no one will use and will keep swapping out failing shops every year! We need more of that for sure!

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Mon Oct 09, 2023 11:31 am

honest question: do the elevators still get used? Do they generate any revenue?

Ultimately, I always thought the climbing gym was a great idea. Could have one indoors for winter, outdoors for summer. Put rope trails across between the buildings... And you could even have a brewery in the bottom, theme it like the rockies, and theme the bar with a rocky mountain/alps type of vibe. Could even pour water down the side of the exterior in the winter and do ice climbs

almighty_tuna · Post by **almighty_tuna** » Mon Oct 09, 2023 11:44 am

thenewguy wrote: Mon Oct 09, 2023 11:31 am Ultimately, I always thought the climbing gym was a great idea.

I know it's been discussed before, but many years ago the east-facing silos on the NW "corner" of the 80/480/75 interchange did have a brief stint as a climbing wall. Being a straight vertical climb it was challenging for sure. I made it ~80ft, but my eldest daughter made it the full 100ft. IIRC many of the upper holds are still bolted on, but the lower ones were removed for safety after the project was abandoned.

Post by **Brad** » Mon Oct 09, 2023 12:15 pm

thenewguy wrote: Mon Oct 09, 2023 11:31 am honest question: do the elevators still get used? Do they generate any revenue?

I believe they stopped using them as Grain Silos in the late 1990's.

There is an aerial photo showing railcars at the elevator in 1993, and the tracks were still in place in 1998. By 2001 the tracks north of the elevator had been removed.

iamjacobm · Post by **iamjacobm** » Mon Oct 09, 2023 5:41 pm

Won't be at this scale b/c the traffic on the Beltline in ATL is dramatically higher than any trail in Omaha, but there are some really cool projects around that trail where the retail opens up to the bike path instead of the street or parking lot. Again we aren't going to fill a ton of suites here regularly, but a brewery to hop off the trail to would be cool.

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.7552066 ... &entry=ttu

Post by **Brad** » Mon Oct 09, 2023 9:49 pm

Just happen to photograph these when I was filming the latest Grow Omaha Construction Update.

1.

881A4726.jpg

2.

881A4730.jpg

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Mon Oct 09, 2023 10:42 pm

From the sound of it I expect the two sets closest to the interstate to remain, with the tower set and everything north gone.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 9:30 am

When they say multi family units, they are referring to apartments, correct? (as opposed to multiple houses)

Post by **Brad** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 10:10 am

Greg S wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 9:30 am When they say multi family units, they are referring to apartments, correct? (as opposed to multiple houses)

Correct.

Houses = Single Family Detached
Duplexes and Row houses = Single Family Attached
Apartments = Mutli Family

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 10:15 am

Great opportunity to add some density here. Any mention of how many stories?
Right next to Field Club trail and 1 block from nearest transit line (32 Ave and Vinton)

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 10:31 am

I hope some of it is for sale, at least. Right on the trail, great place for some condos...

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 6:22 pm

Iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be coming down

The iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be getting knocked down to make room for housing.

PotatoeEatsFish · Post by **PotatoeEatsFish** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:08 pm

Coyote wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 6:22 pm
Iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be coming down

The iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be getting knocked down to make room for housing.

Over my dead body. I’m not letting Omaha |expletive| up for the millionth time. This ends now.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:12 pm

PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:08 pm
Coyote wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 6:22 pm
Iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be coming down

The iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be getting knocked down to make room for housing.
Over my dead body, someone tell me who the developer is and where they are located. I’m not letting Omaha |expletive| up for the millionth time. This ends now.

That’s… dramatic.

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:47 pm

PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:08 pm
Coyote wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 6:22 pm
Iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be coming down

The iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be getting knocked down to make room for housing.
Over my dead body, someone tell me who the developer is and where they are located. I’m not letting Omaha |expletive| up for the millionth time. This ends now.

These are unused silos that are eyesores and provide no historical value. What exactly are you upset about?

PotatoeEatsFish · Post by **PotatoeEatsFish** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:52 pm

NEDodger wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:47 pm
PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:08 pm
Coyote wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 6:22 pm
Iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be coming down

The iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be getting knocked down to make room for housing.
Over my dead body, someone tell me who the developer is and where they are located. I’m not letting Omaha |expletive| up for the millionth time. This ends now.
These are unused silos that are eyesores and provide no historical value. What exactly are you upset about?

Because they actually give the city character? I’m sorry I don’t want Omaha to look like a mass of characterless square buildings in 40 years.

S.O.Boy · Post by **S.O.Boy** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 9:13 pm

Nobody wants the liability, they pose.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 9:16 pm

Iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be coming down

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 9:18 pm

PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:52 pm
NEDodger wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:47 pm
PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:08 pm
Coyote wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 6:22 pm
Iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be coming down

The iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be getting knocked down to make room for housing.
Over my dead body, someone tell me who the developer is and where they are located. I’m not letting Omaha |expletive| up for the millionth time. This ends now.
These are unused silos that are eyesores and provide no historical value. What exactly are you upset about?
Because they actually give the city character? I’m sorry I don’t want Omaha to look like a mass of characterless square buildings in 40 years.

The parts closest to the interstate are planned to remain standing.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 10:16 pm

I'm actually amazed anyone would want these standing as anything other than some ironic twist...

I always thought they were an eyesore.

Actual question though, apparently people like them: What are the costs to convert these to apartments versus brownfield development? I suspect about as high as new construction without the benefits of properly engineered HVAC and windows?

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 10:42 pm

Demolition, housing in the works for site of grain elevator silos by Interstate 80 in Omaha

Developers are making plans to demolish at least part of the concrete grain elevator silos by Interstates 80 and 480. The city of Omaha Planning Department approved Community Redevelopment Area and Extremely Blighted Area designations for areas near 34th and Vinton, which would allow developers at Diacon to apply for tax increment financing — pending approval from city council.

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Tue Oct 10, 2023 11:29 pm

Athomsfere wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 10:16 pm I'm actually amazed anyone would want these standing as anything other than some ironic twist...

I always thought they were an eyesore.

Actual question though, apparently people like them: What are the costs to convert these to apartments versus brownfield development? I suspect about as high as new construction without the benefits of properly engineered HVAC and windows?

Maybe even higher. I don't know how structurally sound they are for human occupancy after being in disuse for so long?

ita · Post by **ita** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 12:29 am

What kind of housing do you all want to see here? I know multifamily generally means more apartments, but this is a well established neighborhood with a decent amount of home owners. Maybe they build some townhomes on the north side of Vinton and 4 story apartments on the south side adjacent to the remaining silos? I think incorporating some commercial space is good for the neighborhood and is building off of the field club trail. This could be a nice option for UNMC employees as well; it's about 2 miles from the campus via the trail that will be connected by pedestrian/bike improvements in the near future and like others have mentioned a couple blocks from the bus route.

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 7:31 am

I know developers have shown interest in the past. They estimated the cost to demolish the silos were over a million dollars. Then the developers back out. Construction costs have gone up since then.

I feel like every year or two someone climbs to the top and tags the whole top with graffiti. Then we have to pay someone to paint back over it. From the video, you can see sections of it crumbling. It's become a structural liability at this point.

I will love to see a nice mix of housing options that are not single family homes. Apartments, rowhouses, condos, some retail mixed in. Just make sure it has some nice density.

Maybe they can make a tribute to the silos. Make a large entrance to the area. On each side will be 2 small silos replicas as a nod to the past.

fitandgreen · Post by **fitandgreen** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 7:51 am

PotatoeEatsFish wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:08 pm
Coyote wrote: Tue Oct 10, 2023 6:22 pm
Iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be coming down

The iconic grain silos off I-80 in Omaha could be getting knocked down to make room for housing.
Over my dead body. I’m not letting Omaha |expletive| up for the millionth time. This ends now.

Wow!!! Omaha desperately needs more people like you in their thoughts and passionate care for the history, character, and integrity of the city!!!

It is completely shameful and disgusting that so many Omahans have zero ability to even recognize what’s truly important around them, and take action to save it, then actively make it better, to make the city a truly unique, beautiful, and desirable destination!!!

Thank you!!

I completely agree about these. To all the naysayers reading this, please stop and think for moment! It’s not just these “iconic” grain silos. It’s them, and it’s every thing - from large to small, that your city has willfully destroyed over the past century. Omahans have a deliberate, well documented pattern of choosing to decimate and rip apart the very fabric of their own city. This is abhorrent. The rest of the world cringes when it sees something like this. Europe isn’t ‘Europe’ because they tear down everything historic, in any way, shape, or form. It’s very upsetting to know that even so many of the people on this forum really don’t appreciate and care to preserve what makes Omaha... Omaha, or it’s public spaces for that matter.

These silos are historic. They are a part of history, a part of the fabric of the city, and a part of many of it’s citizens lives and memories, even if just as a familiar landmark. It all counts, and all adds up. Maybe they’re not on the level of the Eiffel Tower, but do they have to be? It’s all those little, special, unique places that give a city it’s spatial charm. It’s character, and imagery. If these, and other places that have also fallen victim to pure greed and corruption, were preserved for future generations, and improved beyond anything we have seen for them, imagine... what could Omaha be like someday?

These silos are not an eyesore. They have potential, just waiting to be tapped, and they’re just waiting allowed to shine. The options on how to make them exceptional are abundant.

Omaha could be so proud of it’s heritage. It could look so cool!

Even if the naysayers don’t see the historic and intrinsic value in places such as these, why should they side with those who wish to ruin it for all who do appreciate it?

I sincerely hope that someday, Omaha learns from it’s mistakes, and actually learns from them. I also hope this, as the news even said, “iconic” landmark, can survive against the coming onslaught of opportunistic greed.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 8:04 am

My goodness..

Not to discount anyone’s opinion here..

But-

This thread is turning into a reality TV show..

Ciao..LiO…Peace

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 8:38 am

I never thought I'd witness an uproar over grain silos coming down. Do I think it'd be cool to repurpose a couple of them? Sure. But if they don't, it's not a big deal. You can drive 10 minutes in almost any direction and see grain silos. If the ones at this location specifically can be razed and turn it into housing or businesses that will generate revenue, then why not? They have been sitting for years...

TransitOriented · Post by **TransitOriented** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 8:49 am

ita wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 12:29 am What kind of housing do you all want to see here?

Apartments, lot's of em

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 9:01 am

ita wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 12:29 am What kind of housing do you all want to see here? I know multifamily generally means more apartments, but this is a well established neighborhood with a decent amount of home owners. Maybe they build some townhomes on the north side of Vinton and 4 story apartments on the south side adjacent to the remaining silos? I think incorporating some commercial space is good for the neighborhood and is building off of the field club trail. This could be a nice option for UNMC employees as well; it's about 2 miles from the campus via the trail that will be connected by pedestrian/bike improvements in the near future and like others have mentioned a couple blocks from the bus route.

For me, yes. Townhomes. Preferably 2bd and 2 bath, up to 4bd, 3 bath. Get some young professionals or families in there on the trail.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 9:43 am

thenewguy wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 8:38 am I never thought I'd witness an uproar over grain silos coming down. Do I think it'd be cool to repurpose a couple of them? Sure. But if they don't, it's not a big deal. You can drive 10 minutes in almost any direction and see grain silos. If the ones at this location specifically can be razed and turn it into housing or businesses that will generate revenue, then why not? They have been sitting for years...

Exactly where I am. Calling these iconic, or historic seems a big stretch. I love riding past these and seeing the murals on the FCT. But I wouldn't miss them if it meant getting more homes in the area.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 9:55 am

And again, a significant portion of the structure is going to stay standing, the parts close to the interstate that everyone sees.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 10:05 am

Garrett wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2023 9:55 am And again, a significant portion of the structure is going to stay standing, the parts close to the interstate that everyone sees.

Exactly. The “meat and potatoes” of what some are calling “iconic”..

I look forward to seeing what the future holds for development here…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

OracleOfOmaha · Post by **OracleOfOmaha** » Wed Oct 11, 2023 10:24 am

There is nothing iconic about these, that is very funny.

Just drive to any small town in America and you can find plenty of grain silos, many that are in better condition than these.

Very weird to defend some unused concrete silos as an affront to abandoning the past.

Do you just want these empty silos to stay as is? Do they become more valuable cause a local artist put a mural on it?