2024 Wish List

[Coyote]

Time to start a new one once again!

Anybody’s wishes?

[thenewguy]

I'm a simple man. I just want to see some visible progress on the streetcar line so that I know it's really going to happen

Also, it'd be cool to see Mutual make the height of woodmen by the end of the year next year (just the framework, i know it won't be close to done)

[Garrett]

I'm a simple man. I just want to see some visible progress on the streetcar line so that I know it's really going to happen

Also, it'd be cool to see Mutual make the height of woodmen by the end of the year next year (just the framework, i know it won't be close to done)

Relative to the rest of the project I believe the frame is pretty quick. The average skyscraper construction speed across the country is about 300,000 sqft per year, and the frame will be ahead of that speed, so there’s a pretty good chance it’ll be around woodmen.

[Louie]

I'm a simple man. I just want to see some visible progress on the streetcar line so that I know it's really going to happen

Also, it'd be cool to see Mutual make the height of woodmen by the end of the year next year (just the framework, i know it won't be close to done)

Relative to the rest of the project I believe the frame is pretty quick. The average skyscraper construction speed across the country is about 300,000 sqft per year, and the frame will be ahead of that speed, so there’s a pretty good chance it’ll be around woodmen.

My understanding is that the parking garage aspect moves at a much slower space. Is that wrong?

[Garrett]

I'm a simple man. I just want to see some visible progress on the streetcar line so that I know it's really going to happen

Also, it'd be cool to see Mutual make the height of woodmen by the end of the year next year (just the framework, i know it won't be close to done)

Relative to the rest of the project I believe the frame is pretty quick. The average skyscraper construction speed across the country is about 300,000 sqft per year, and the frame will be ahead of that speed, so there’s a pretty good chance it’ll be around woodmen.

My understanding is that the parking garage aspect moves at a much slower space. Is that wrong?

That I can’t speak to, I was just googling how fast we build skyscrapers haha

[Athomsfere]

I'll mix up mine this year:

The three parking lots and the parking lot connected to the CHI clinic in "Downtown" Dundee replaced with 3 or 4 story mixed use buildings: Retail on the ground and condos above.

A ~10 story announcement on at least one of the empty lots near MTC.

An announcement for the MoO campus post move (Probably 26 for that I would assume?)

Annoucement for the Dodge Riverside Golf course to get the Aksarben treatment.

Multi-modal bridge announcement for CB.

Pipe dreams:
Dodge street East of 72nd gets a lane diet, loses the swing lane, and gains a dedicated transit plan. Maybe an El train with greenway below.

Having been forced to go to Village Pointe yesterday: Village Pointe gets the Crossroads treatment.

[Louie]

I'm a simple man. I just want to see some visible progress on the streetcar line so that I know it's really going to happen

Also, it'd be cool to see Mutual make the height of woodmen by the end of the year next year (just the framework, i know it won't be close to done)

Relative to the rest of the project I believe the frame is pretty quick. The average skyscraper construction speed across the country is about 300,000 sqft per year, and the frame will be ahead of that speed, so there’s a pretty good chance it’ll be around woodmen.

My understanding is that the parking garage aspect moves at a much slower space. Is that wrong?

That I can’t speak to, I was just googling how fast we build skyscrapers haha

I appreciate the honesty haha

[Dusty]

-Keep building more dense mixed-use buildings along the major corridors. More rowhouses, condos, and housing that increases walkability.

-Change planning code to eliminate park minimums city wide. Reduce setback laws and lot size requirement for primary residents. Get a development like Wheeler's District in OKC or Mueller in Austin, TX. (Dense suburbia)

-Talk Metro into repositioning a few bus routes to strengthen our bus network. With emphasis of breaking 72nd away as its own line (New line-Aksarben Village to Sorensen Parkway). Getting a 10th street line from Cuming to Zoo.

[nebport5]

I'll mix up mine this year:

The three parking lots and the parking lot connected to the CHI clinic in "Downtown" Dundee replaced with 3 or 4 story mixed use buildings: Retail on the ground and condos above.

A ~10 story announcement on at least one of the empty lots near MTC.

An announcement for the MoO campus post move (Probably 26 for that I would assume?)

Annoucement for the Dodge Riverside Golf course to get the Aksarben treatment.

Multi-modal bridge announcement for CB.

Pipe dreams:
Dodge street East of 72nd gets a lane diet, loses the swing lane, and gains a dedicated transit plan. Maybe an El train with greenway below.

Having been forced to go to Village Pointe yesterday: Village Pointe gets the Crossroads treatment.

It gets leveled and sits empty for years?!

[Athomsfere]

I'll mix up mine this year:

The three parking lots and the parking lot connected to the CHI clinic in "Downtown" Dundee replaced with 3 or 4 story mixed use buildings: Retail on the ground and condos above.

A ~10 story announcement on at least one of the empty lots near MTC.

An announcement for the MoO campus post move (Probably 26 for that I would assume?)

Annoucement for the Dodge Riverside Golf course to get the Aksarben treatment.

Multi-modal bridge announcement for CB.

Pipe dreams:
Dodge street East of 72nd gets a lane diet, loses the swing lane, and gains a dedicated transit plan. Maybe an El train with greenway below.

Having been forced to go to Village Pointe yesterday: Village Pointe gets the Crossroads treatment.

It gets leveled and sits empty for years?!

Levelled maybe. Probably easier than turning it into something good. Unless all that retail was built to add residential on top someday.

[almighty_tuna]

Okay, I'll bite on a 2024 Omaha wish list.

- Discussions/groundwork announced for a new Children's Museum, preferably within walking distance from GLM
- New major e/w bikeway and pedestrian dedicated thoroughfare plan. First Ave, but in Omaha
- The "Big Lake" project gets shelved
- Dedicated USL Championship League stadium announced
- Concerted and very public effort to bring more people to the area and boost the work pool.
- Creation of developer incentives and standards for increased density housing east of Saddle Creek. Caveat; they cannot be "midtown luxury living at it's finest." Can we just get "midtown living at it's pretty nicest"?

And if we're going BIG on the wish list:
- Creation of some sort of Omaha/Lincoln regional economic and transportation authority with actual authority to provide funding for:
- Establishing regular BRT commuter service that coordinates with StarTran and Metro, including service to Eppley
- Aggressively market I80 corridor, including Waverly/Ashland/Greenwood as a 1.4M resident super-MSA (I just made that
term up, it's metric) to large scale employers, tech businesses, tourism

[Dusty]

- Creation of developer incentives and standards for increased density housing east of Saddle Creek. Caveat; they cannot be "midtown luxury living at it's finest." Can we just get "midtown living at it's pretty nicest"?

Great List Tuna!
I will take your comment a step farther. Anything East of 72nd would be a push for density. If you truly want affordable urban living, then developers need to scrap the park garages or excessive parking needs. It's one of the most expensive parts of the build. The complex can always have a few cars on hand for residents to rent for the day. Riding transit and cutting the car parking will lead to affordable urban living!

[Dusty]

I think it would be cool if Omaha could get an oddities museum. A Ripley's Believe it or Not or Omaha's version of strange and weird. Anything to add to our collection of fun things to do. Ripley's has other fun attractions as well: mirror maze, laser maze, wax museum, etc. Or Museum of Illusions would be fun too!

[Garrett]

Ordered approximately from likely to more stretch goals:

Tangible progress on the streetcar with additional funding sources and routes identified for further expansion of the streetcar and ORBT

Concrete plans on a variety of rumors and projects with little information, like Nebraska Crossing Village, CPP, and Union Omaha Stadium

A shift in the zoning code to push for denser redevelopment along commercial and transit corridors

A couple 10+ story residential buildings with at least on above 20.

An effort to get more regional rail, especially to Lincoln, but more likely to KC.

[Trips1]

Omaha:
Condo in the Old Market like the Lied Place in Lincoln (Units under $500k)
School Tax levy drops more than property valuation increase
Streetcar is scrapped for an autonomous vehicle plan
Low Speed Vehicles are allowed on suitable public roads
Blackstone gets a few dedicated geofenced rideshare loading spots (The Matt also needs one during CWS)
More smart stop light intersections
No new special taxing districts

State:
Speed limit increased 5 mph on the interstate
Highway from Fremont to North Bend if finally finished
Auto Manufacturers without a franchises are allowed to sell, lease and service vehicles (Rivian, Tesla, BYD)

[ita]

Since my 2023 wish list was largely unfulfilled, I will pare back my requests for 2024 with some softballs:

- Baby Bob is completed on time and we are able to walk it by this time next year.
- Streetcar progresses as planned with mainline construction starting on time in 2024
- We start seeing vertical construction at Crossroads
- Joslyn reopens and the new modern art wing becomes an instant architectural landmark in the City
- 37 West is finished on time, reigniting excitement in Blackstone
- MoO tower gets some serious height over 20 stories by the end of the year
- Omaha pro volleyball sets the standard for attendance in their respective leagues

Some hard asks from 2024:

- Interest rates do not go up any further and the Fed starts lowering by half or a full point by the end of the year
- Putting back on my list, we get an update on the Mercantile for next phases/Hines finds a tenant for the T3 office building
- Omaha lands a new large sporting event or convention to boost tourism and make up for the lost Olympic Swim Trials

[Garrett]

Since my 2023 wish list was largely unfulfilled, I will pare back my requests for 2024 with some softballs:

- Baby Bob is completed on time and we are able to walk it by this time next year.
- Streetcar progresses as planned with mainline construction starting on time in 2024
- We start seeing vertical construction at Crossroads
- Joslyn reopens and the new modern art wing becomes an instant architectural landmark in the City
- 37 West is finished on time, reigniting excitement in Blackstone
- MoO tower gets some serious height over 20 stories by the end of the year
- Omaha pro volleyball sets the standard for attendance in their respective leagues

Some hard asks from 2024:

- Interest rates do not go up any further and the Fed starts lowering by half or a full point by the end of the year
- Putting back on my list, we get an update on the Mercantile for next phases/Hines finds a tenant for the T3 office building
- Omaha lands a new large sporting event or convention to boost tourism and make up for the lost Olympic Swim Trials

Sounds like part of your wishlist might already come true; the Fed predicted they’ll be able to lower interest rates 3 times next year.

[almighty_tuna]

Yeah, yesterday's predictions from the Fed have me curious to see what potentially gets announced later next year.

[ita]

Sounds like part of your wishlist might already come true; the Fed predicted they’ll be able to lower interest rates 3 times next year.

True, but trying not to get my hopes up. I would be happy with one as it would be a signal that inflation under control, at least per Fed standards.

Yeah, yesterday's predictions from the Fed have me curious to see what potentially gets announced later next year.

If we see a couple quarters of no interest rate hikes to begin 2024, I am hoping we see some gestating redevelopment projects pop up. The more I think about how interest rates have stalled or downsized commercial projects here, it makes me even more bummed that during the historically low interest rate decade of the 2010's and early 2020's, Omaha was only able to manage a bunch of low rise apartments. It makes me somewhat pessimistic that even with the streetcar, we are bound to get a bunch of mediocre development along the route cause that's what Omaha does.

[Greg S]

Here's mine:

Crossroads construction goes vertical in a significant way. Along with some confirmed tenants being announced.

High rise residential (at least 20 stories) for downtown announced with financing and a start date.

Zoo (under new director) announces significant future plans for the next decade or so.

Progress on Big Lake west of Grenta is shown.

Tenant announced for the anchor space that was Younkers at Westroads announced.

Projext NExT gains some momentum and federal commitments and starts to resemble it's initial size and scope.

Rumors, credible ones, surface on a new amusement park for the Metro area.

The next phase of Epley expansion is announced.

Creighton begins construction of their new baseball stadium.



Greg

[cchandler790]

I love that list! hits all the spots I wanted. I also want to add the good life district and the plans Rob Yates is doing with the Nebraska crossing expansion.

[Athomsfere]

Here's mine:

Progress on Big Lake west of Grenta is shown.

Greg

I'm gonna guess our "progress" we want there is different. I'd love to see progress as well, but progress towards the idea being officially scrapped.

[Greg S]

Here's mine:

Progress on Big Lake west of Grenta is shown.

Greg

I'm gonna guess our "progress" we want there is different. I'd love to see progress as well, but progress towards the idea being officially scrapped.

Yeah, looks like we are on opposite ends of this one.

[Bob from Omaha]

A new relocated NFM. Who am I kidding? Ain't gonna happen.

[Athomsfere]

A new relocated NFM. Who am I kidding? Ain't gonna happen.

I'd prefer this stay too, just expand. I can't think of a better location at least. Suburban enough for the style to make sense, not so suburban I'd never make it out there.

[nebugeater]

A new relocated NFM. Who am I kidding? Ain't gonna happen.

I'd prefer this stay too, just expand. I can't think of a better location at least. Suburban enough for the style to make sense, not so suburban I'd never make it out there.

Isn't expansion almost a non-option unless they tear down and go up? I may be wrong, but they had expanded all they could due to floodplain issues.

While I think moving is unlikely, I would not entirely rule out a move to the new super development that Yates is proposing near Nebraska Crossing. Right along the interstate would be a benefit. also, NFM is not a casual go shop for a small item place so not sure they would lose much of their base by not being close to 72nd and Dodge

[Brad]

A new relocated NFM. Who am I kidding? Ain't gonna happen.

I'd prefer this stay too, just expand. I can't think of a better location at least. Suburban enough for the style to make sense, not so suburban I'd never make it out there.

Isn't expansion almost a non-option unless they tear down and go up? I may be wrong, but they had expanded all they could due to floodplain issues.

If flood plain issues are an issues, not sure why they don't just follow Ikea's lead and put the store above the parking lot.

[Bob from Omaha]

A new relocated NFM. Who am I kidding? Ain't gonna happen.

I'd prefer this stay too, just expand. I can't think of a better location at least. Suburban enough for the style to make sense, not so suburban I'd never make it out there.

Isn't expansion almost a non-option unless they tear down and go up? I may be wrong, but they had expanded all they could due to floodplain issues.

If flood plain issues are an issues, not sure why they don't just follow Ikea's lead and put the store above the parking lot.

I thought they quoted a Blumkin family member about the flood plain & he said they were trying to work with the city on that.

[Dusty]

Isn't expansion almost a non-option unless they tear down and go up? I may be wrong, but they had expanded all they could due to floodplain issues.

If flood plain issues are an issues, not sure why they don't just follow Ikea's lead and put the store above the parking lot.

I prefer this anyway. Build 1-2 story garage with a multi-story store on top. This way you can create covered parking for shoppers and employees. Currently, employees park on the far West parking lot by the Keystone trail and walk to the buildings.

I could see them locate Mrs. B's Clearance Center out West as a temporary warehouse. This would give them space to tear down one building while rebuilding the campus. I don't see them moving but hope they do proceed with a denser vertical campus.

[Bob from Omaha]

From a year ago. Take a look. I get the feeling that if anything happens it isn't going to be at the current location.

NFM Flood Plain

[ita]

A new relocated NFM. Who am I kidding? Ain't gonna happen.

I'd prefer this stay too, just expand. I can't think of a better location at least. Suburban enough for the style to make sense, not so suburban I'd never make it out there.

Isn't expansion almost a non-option unless they tear down and go up? I may be wrong, but they had expanded all they could due to floodplain issues.

If flood plain issues are an issues, not sure why they don't just follow Ikea's lead and put the store above the parking lot.

Here's the article that started the conversation way back when (almost 2 years ago!):

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/01/25 ... -in-omaha/

There's several issues going on here and the confluence of such have hindered not only expansion, but major renovation of their Omaha stores.

Being two years since this was last discussed, I wonder where NFM and the City are at now. I don't think there has been any movement on the city code change, but if it is under federal agency review, that could take a while. Additionally, NFM probably is in wait and see mode for any efforts on their main campus with how the lending and real estate market is. The City does not want to lose NFM because of the tax revenue their campus produces, so they are/should do whatever they can to get NFM to expand/renovate here.

Adding to my wish list for 2024: we get an update of NFM's efforts to renovate their Omaha campus. Also, Lego chooses a location for Omaha, and it's Crossroads, opening 2025.

[Athomsfere]

A new relocated NFM. Who am I kidding? Ain't gonna happen.

I'd prefer this stay too, just expand. I can't think of a better location at least. Suburban enough for the style to make sense, not so suburban I'd never make it out there.

Isn't expansion almost a non-option unless they tear down and go up? I may be wrong, but they had expanded all they could due to floodplain issues.

While I think moving is unlikely, I would not entirely rule out a move to the new super development that Yates is proposing near Nebraska Crossing. Right along the interstate would be a benefit. also, NFM is not a casual go shop for a small item place so not sure they would lose much of their base by not being close to 72nd and Dodge

There are always ways to make it work IMO. Penciling it out might make some scary numbers for NFM where they'd need some sort of incentives from the city to bring the costs in line with the ROI.

And it may or may not make sense for NFM to move out to BFE. More cheap land probably makes sense, but NFM also has some identity in Omaha with being near Warren, and part of Omaha (Not Ashland). So that's their prerogative to weigh in on what provides them the most value.

For me personally: I'd hate it if they made that move. I go a few times a year. I buy headphones, cameras, furniture and electronics there. In no small part because the other options are Best Buy with a limited selection at the good location, or too far out west.

If they moved to Ashland for me it would likely be a local business that wouldn't get my money anymore. But that's just me, almost certainly not a sentiment a large portion of Omaha would share.

[nebugeater]

A new relocated NFM. Who am I kidding? Ain't gonna happen.

I'd prefer this stay too, just expand. I can't think of a better location at least. Suburban enough for the style to make sense, not so suburban I'd never make it out there.

Isn't expansion almost a non-option unless they tear down and go up? I may be wrong, but they had expanded all they could due to floodplain issues.

While I think moving is unlikely, I would not entirely rule out a move to the new super development that Yates is proposing near Nebraska Crossing. Right along the interstate would be a benefit. also, NFM is not a casual go shop for a small item place so not sure they would lose much of their base by not being close to 72nd and Dodge

There are always ways to make it work IMO. Penciling it out might make some scary numbers for NFM where they'd need some sort of incentives from the city to bring the costs in line with the ROI.

And it may or may not make sense for NFM to move out to BFE. More cheap land probably makes sense, but NFM also has some identity in Omaha with being near Warren, and part of Omaha (Not Ashland). So that's their prerogative to weigh in on what provides them the most value.

For me personally: I'd hate it if they made that move. I go a few times a year. I buy headphones, cameras, furniture and electronics there. In no small part because the other options are Best Buy with a limited selection at the good location, or too far out west.

If they moved to Ashland for me it would likely be a local business that wouldn't get my money anymore. But that's just me, almost certainly not a sentiment a large portion of Omaha would share.

WHo ever mentioned Ashland?

[nebport5]

From a year ago. Take a look. I get the feeling that if anything happens it isn't going to be at the current location.

NFM Flood Plain

Ryan Blumkin is on the Sept 22nd 2022 Grow Omaha show and basically shoots down the Gretna rumors.

viewtopic.php?p=357279#p357279

He goes on to say there was an amendment to the 100 year flood plane rules that made it easier to obtain building permits.

[Athomsfere]

From a year ago. Take a look. I get the feeling that if anything happens it isn't going to be at the current location.

NFM Flood Plain

Ryan Blumkin is on the Sept 22nd 2022 Grow Omaha show and basically shoots down the Gretna rumors.

viewtopic.php?p=357279#p357279

He goes on to say there was an amendment to the 100 year flood plane rules that made it easier to obtain building permits.

Great news!

[Omahomie]

My quick list for 2024:

Union Omaha stadium (10K at least) progress and renderings
Construction begins on Trader Joes in North DT
More dedicated protected bike lanes in DT core

[guy4omaha]

a November election that goes off without a hitch and the results are known election night. Results that are obvious and trusted so that whichever side loses can accept and support the results with confidence.

Maybe a little off-topic but this is my 2024 wish nonetheless.

[iamjacobm]

Tenant secured for T3 at the Mercantile and that breaks ground
Civic site breaks ground
Crossroads goes vertical
The more urban portion of Heartwood breaks ground
More info on the Walnut Hill plans comes out
Office building by HDR in A/V breaks ground
Higher end hotel brand announced for a future phase of the Mercantile
Airport interior remodel starts
14th and Dodge lot plans announced
Fairmont building plans announced
CB riverfront observation tower breaks ground
High rise residential announced for the 10th and Harney parking lot

Longshot items:
Funding for CB streetcar expansion secured
24th Street BRT announced
Lot B development moves forward
13th street lane diet south of DT
I-480 cap announced
State office building gets vacated and an RFP is put out for a development plan

[thenewguy]

I like your list.

[Renovator2559]

Stopping the madness of expanding the sprawling suburbs that only lead to expensive wide roads with ugly long bars of traffic lights.

Make walkable suburbs like the ones newly made in Tempe that are vibrant and not sterile suburbs.


We should take a page from Tempe, instead of following the same copy and paste method of becoming just another Kansas City with a lot of infrastructure debt.

I was in a city outside of the US, with the same population of Omaha, but 66% smaller in footprint.
I was so impressed at how lively the whole city was, so many stores, so much walkability.
I did not see any long bar ugly traffic lights, just single light set traffic lights and no unnessery turning lanes and no +3 lanes.

Which where I am at, in Northern Virginia (Sterling, Ashburn), so many wide lanes and traffic congestion and strip mall galore with parking lots everywhere. Toll roads everywhere... Thankfully the metro extends out and I can just take it to DC and not deal with the traffic nonsense!