Energy Plaza (16th & Harney)

[ItsAllAboutMe]

OPPD plans to completely vacate Energy Plaza by July 1st of 2025. It would appear they are in the early stages of planning a smaller HQ. IMO Energy Plaza will likely be absorbed by the city/county. Might make a good Police HQ given the larger attached parking structure.

[Doctor Fate]

OPPD plans to completely vacate Energy Plaza by July 1st of 2025. It would appear they are in the early stages of planning a smaller HQ. IMO Energy Plaza will likely be absorbed by the city/county. Might make a good Police HQ given the larger attached parking structure.

Any idea where or if they plan to stay in the core?

[Cermak]

A little surprised by this, that buildings not that old was built in the late 80’s. Maybe it will find new life quickly since it sits so close to the courthouse. Be interesting to see where they end up.

[Brad]

A little surprised by this, that buildings not that old was built in the late 80’s. Maybe it will find new life quickly since it sits so close to the courthouse. Be interesting to see where they end up.

You mean remodeled in the 80's? County shows it built in 1946. Heard a rumor the building still has asbestos in it.

[Cermak]

A little surprised by this, that buildings not that old was built in the late 80’s. Maybe it will find new life quickly since it sits so close to the courthouse. Be interesting to see where they end up.

You mean remodeled in the 80's? County shows it built in 1946. Heard a rumor the building still has asbestos in it.

The taller of the two buildings was built in 1988. I remember watching it get built. Are they just leaving the shorter older building or both ? It looks like they occupy the entire block along with the parking structure.

[JDJase]

A little surprised by this, that buildings not that old was built in the late 80’s. Maybe it will find new life quickly since it sits so close to the courthouse. Be interesting to see where they end up.

You mean remodeled in the 80's? County shows it built in 1946. Heard a rumor the building still has asbestos in it.

The taller of the two buildings was built in 1988. I remember watching it get built. Are they just leaving the shorter older building or both ? It looks like they occupy the entire block along with the parking structure.

Fraser Stryker occupies a large portion of the shorter building. The small lobby of the short building used to be shared by them and OPPD but OPPD pulled all of their stuff out of there years ago.

I wonder if Fraser Stryker would be interested in moving to the taller building to expand their footprint and a more prominent/visible location, and then the shorter building could be used for city/county space, since there's already a need for it and it's right next to the new justice center.

[nebport5]

A little surprised by this, that buildings not that old was built in the late 80’s. Maybe it will find new life quickly since it sits so close to the courthouse. Be interesting to see where they end up.

You mean remodeled in the 80's? County shows it built in 1946. Heard a rumor the building still has asbestos in it.

The taller of the two buildings was built in 1988. I remember watching it get built. Are they just leaving the shorter older building or both ? It looks like they occupy the entire block along with the parking structure.

Fraser Stryker occupies a large portion of the shorter building. The small lobby of the short building used to be shared by them and OPPD but OPPD pulled all of their stuff out of there years ago.

I wonder if Fraser Stryker would be interested in moving to the taller building to expand their footprint and a more prominent/visible location, and then the shorter building could be used for city/county space, since there's already a need for it and it's right next to the new justice center.

First, if asbestos is the issue who's willing to pay for remediation? Apparently not OPPD. How big is this law firm and how much space do they need? I'd be skeptical of such a move.

I could see the smaller building being a possibility for city/county in the right scenario. For the larger building wouldn't we rather see something that potentially reconnects pedestrians to 16th St?


On a broader scale, namely skyline height aficionados, if you look at a bird's eye view of downtown this would be a nice spot to bring some future balance to the southern portion of the skyline.

[Vitruvius]

Here's a history lesson about that corner...
https://myomahaobsession.com/2017/01/01 ... h-company/

Move all the City/County offices there, or use some of it for the space needs ignored for the juvenile justice center...

Then implode that Titanic of a city/county building... I mean, as much as Omaha loves to tear down whole city blocks and with very little of historic significance left to plunder... go for it!

[Louie]

Here's a history lesson about that corner...
https://myomahaobsession.com/2017/01/01 ... h-company/

Move all the City/County offices there, or use some of it for the space needs ignored for the juvenile justice center...

Then implode that Titanic of a city/county building... I mean, as much as Omaha loves to tear down whole city blocks and with very little of historic significance left to plunder... go for it!

The day that building falls will be a happy one in my eyes!

[Vitruvius]

Here's a history lesson about that corner...
https://myomahaobsession.com/2017/01/01 ... h-company/

Move all the City/County offices there, or use some of it for the space needs ignored for the juvenile justice center...

Then implode that Titanic of a city/county building... I mean, as much as Omaha loves to tear down whole city blocks and with very little of historic significance left to plunder... go for it!

The day that building falls will be a happy one in my eyes!

It's good we can agree on something.

[Athomsfere]

Here's a history lesson about that corner...
https://myomahaobsession.com/2017/01/01 ... h-company/

Move all the City/County offices there, or use some of it for the space needs ignored for the juvenile justice center...

Then implode that Titanic of a city/county building... I mean, as much as Omaha loves to tear down whole city blocks and with very little of historic significance left to plunder... go for it!

The day that building falls will be a happy one in my eyes!

Why?

[Louie]

Here's a history lesson about that corner...
https://myomahaobsession.com/2017/01/01 ... h-company/

Move all the City/County offices there, or use some of it for the space needs ignored for the juvenile justice center...

Then implode that Titanic of a city/county building... I mean, as much as Omaha loves to tear down whole city blocks and with very little of historic significance left to plunder... go for it!

The day that building falls will be a happy one in my eyes!

Why?

There’s a few, but personally, it’s just ugly as |expletive|.

[Athomsfere]

There’s a few, but personally, it’s just ugly as |expletive|.

I like it just fine. The ugliest building in downtown Omaha in my opinion is the Woodman. Even then, I'd be in no rush to tear down anything when we still can't even fill a handful of lots.

[NEDodger]

There’s a few, but personally, it’s just ugly as |expletive|.

I like it just fine. The ugliest building in downtown Omaha in my opinion is the Woodman. Even then, I'd be in no rush to tear down anything when we still can't even fill a handful of lots.

This. Safety/asbestos-type concerns? I get it. Redevelopment for something bigger? Sure. Tear down to tear down? No thanks.

Edit: unless it’s the State Office Building. $&&$&@ that joint. I’d take an In-n-Out over that.

[Louie]

There’s a few, but personally, it’s just ugly as |expletive|.

I like it just fine. The ugliest building in downtown Omaha in my opinion is the Woodman. Even then, I'd be in no rush to tear down anything when we still can't even fill a handful of lots.

This. Safety/asbestos-type concerns? I get it. Redevelopment for something bigger? Sure. Tear down to tear down? No thanks.

Edit: unless it’s the State Office Building. $&&$&@ that joint. I’d take an In-n-Out over that.

That's the building I was referring to. I guess maybe that wasn't clear.

[Renovator2559]

There’s a few, but personally, it’s just ugly as |expletive|.

I like it just fine. The ugliest building in downtown Omaha in my opinion is the Woodman. Even then, I'd be in no rush to tear down anything when we still can't even fill a handful of lots.

While I'm not a fan of the woodman for its basic box shape, it does serve as a marker of the "World trade center" esque era of buildings built during that time and it complements FNBO in stepped height.

The ugliest building in my opinion in downtown, that should be demolished and replaced completely is the prison-like, impossing ugly brown bricked Nebraska state building right next to Gene Leahey Mall. In my opinion this location could better be used by a mixed used developent, with plenty of restaurants and shops as a complimentary addition to the area, instead of just a giant block of brick to walk around.

If there's a way to reclaim all that nice brick for better textured sidewalks and walkways, that would be great!

[skinzfan23]

I think many on here have voiced their opinion of that state building as well. Definitely know that you are not alone. Its a shame that is what replaced the old Woodmen building.

Just for a reminder:

[Louie]

While I'm not a fan of the woodman for its basic box shape, it does serve as a marker of the "World trade center" esque era of buildings built during that time and it complements FNBO in stepped height.

I just went down a rabbit hole on this one. I was certain the original WTC was considered International, but apparently it falls into a different category, New Formalism.

[Renovator2559]

I think many on here have voiced their opinion of that state building as well. Definitely know that you are not alone. Its a shame that is what replaced the old Woodmen building.

Just for a reminder:

Wow! didn't know this was the predecessor. Thanks for the reminder! Look at that crown and that multilayered design of materials!

They should of chosen a different lot to place the Woodmen in and kept this building.

Is there a photo archive or thread of old Omaha buildings that have been torn down?

[nebport5]

I think many on here have voiced their opinion of that state building as well. Definitely know that you are not alone. Its a shame that is what replaced the old Woodmen building.

Just for a reminder:

Wow! didn't know this was the predecessor. Thanks for the reminder! Look at that crown and that multilayered design of materials!

They should of chosen a different lot to place the Woodmen in and kept this building.

Is there a photo archive or thread of old Omaha buildings that have been torn down?

This is a good resource. Just be aware of copyright.

Durham Photo Archive

[GenX]

I think many on here have voiced their opinion of that state building as well. Definitely know that you are not alone. Its a shame that is what replaced the old Woodmen building.

Just for a reminder:

Wow! didn't know this was the predecessor. Thanks for the reminder! Look at that crown and that multilayered design of materials!

They should have chosen a different lot to place the Woodmen in and kept this building.

The state office building is what replaced this building. The new Woodman Tower was built on a different site.

[Renovator2559]

Nevermind, I was wrong but this is a bigger offense!
What were they thinking? This building could have been an Omaha landmark... and instead replace the respectable height building with the low ugly brick Nebraska state building. Now I am curious to find out their true motives...

[nebport5]

There's actually a couple of existing "ugliest building" threads...


viewtopic.php?t=19231

viewtopic.php?p=200420#p200420

Maybe someone could create a poll for ugliest in Omaha(though I don't think anyone disagrees with the state office building).


Meanwhile getting back on topic I wonder where OPPD might relocate and approx. how much space they'd need. I still like the idea of a civic component at the former Civic site. Perhaps a mixed use building with police, fire and OPPD.

[GenX]

Any reason Energy Plaza couldn’t be used as the new OPD/OFD headquarters?

Or better yet, go residential with ground floor retail.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

There's actually a couple of existing "ugliest building" threads...


viewtopic.php?t=19231

viewtopic.php?p=200420#p200420

Maybe someone could create a poll for ugliest in Omaha(though I don't think anyone disagrees with the state office building).


Meanwhile getting back on topic I wonder where OPPD might relocate and approx. how much space they'd need. I still like the idea of a civic component at the former Civic site. Perhaps a mixed use building with police, fire and OPPD.

Why did they put the Mutual of Omaha building in the second one

[Cermak]

Here's a history lesson about that corner...
https://myomahaobsession.com/2017/01/01 ... h-company/

Move all the City/County offices there, or use some of it for the space needs ignored for the juvenile justice center...

Then implode that Titanic of a city/county building... I mean, as much as Omaha loves to tear down whole city blocks and with very little of historic significance left to plunder... go for it!

The day that building falls will be a happy one in my eyes!

The worst buildings in DT Omaha have already been torn down. The Old UP block, the Civic Auditorium and old Omaha World Herald building are all gone and nobody said anything.

The Civic city/county building while nothing great doesn’t deserve to be torn down unless something better and as tall or taller would go up on that location. It’s just a typical 1970’s building similar to the Woodmen which is a typical 1960’s international style skyscraper. Not every building can be a superstar. Like the First National tower, Omaha building and historic 14 floor First National Bank building.

[Brad]

The worst buildings in DT Omaha have already been torn down. The Old UP block, the Civic Auditorium and old Omaha World Herald building are all gone and nobody said anything.

Lots of people wanted to save the original part of the UP Headquarters, not all the additions.

[Cermak]

The worst buildings in DT Omaha have already been torn down. The Old UP block, the Civic Auditorium and old Omaha World Herald building are all gone and nobody said anything.

Lots of people wanted to save the original part of the UP Headquarters, not all the additions.

True, I do recall some talk of keeping the original part of the building, but at the time a 30 story condo was going to be built on the site so most people kept quiet in anticipation of a new skyscraper for Downtown. However the condo project completely fell apart and now we are stuck with a green lawn. The original 12 story UP building was worthy of saving, the brownish ugly addition was just plain depressing looking and just about everyone was glad to see it go.

[Vitruvius]

I think many on here have voiced their opinion of that state building as well. Definitely know that you are not alone. Its a shame that is what replaced the old Woodmen building.

Just for a reminder:

Omaha's favorite pastime!


By Brandon Rial - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.p ... d=32211258

[Cermak]

Still scratch my head when I see that this was torn down. I wonder what they were thinking. Besides Jobbers canyon this was the second worst mistake in downtown redevelopment.

[Renovator2559]

Still scratch my head when I see that this was torn down. I wonder what they were thinking. Besides Jobbers canyon this was the second worst mistake in downtown redevelopment.

Maybe since the Nebraska state gov is in Lincoln and they had Omaha envy, they chose to tear down this building and put their ugly state gov building, as a way to allow Lincoln to "catch up" and not make Omaha grow too much.

JK, JK; I was just joking

[Bob from Omaha]

It was empty and they offered it for next to nothing to anyone who was willing to redo it. No interest. It had nothing to do with Lincoln. The Kiewit Foundation put up a lot of the cash to build the new building. There was a lot of b i t ch in g about losing the WOW building but in the end no money came forward & no developers had any interest. In the end it didn't make economic sense to rehab it. Residential wasn't feasible. Office wasn't needed.

[Renovator2559]

It was empty and they offered it for next to nothing to anyone who was willing to redo it. No interest. It had nothing to do with Lincoln. The Kiewit Foundation put up a lot of the cash to build the new building. There was a lot of b i t ch in g about losing the WOW building but in the end no money came forward & no developers had any interest. In the end it didn't make economic sense to rehab it. Residential wasn't feasible. Office wasn't needed.

It's unfortunate that no developers had interest, I wonder if the building just needed plenty of repairs and the task to preserve was daunting. Thanks for the brief historical reference, glad that my joke prompted a more accurate response!

[Cermak]

It was empty and they offered it for next to nothing to anyone who was willing to redo it. No interest. It had nothing to do with Lincoln. The Kiewit Foundation put up a lot of the cash to build the new building. There was a lot of b i t ch in g about losing the WOW building but in the end no money came forward & no developers had any interest. In the end it didn't make economic sense to rehab it. Residential wasn't feasible. Office wasn't needed.

It's unfortunate that no developers had interest, I wonder if the building just needed plenty of repairs and the task to preserve was daunting. Thanks for the brief historical reference, glad that my joke prompted a more accurate response!

Not sure if old buildings like this were fully appreciated back in the 70’s especially from that era, Art Deco may have been a different story. Either way big mistake to demolish it, big loss for Omaha. The Nebraska State office building wouldn’t be so bad if they wouldn’t have built it right on the mall. I’m hopeful it will be torn down at some point relatively soon.

[nativeomahan]

As long as the State Office Building (appropriately referred to by just about everyone as “the SOB”) has existed it’s been derided. And appropriately so. But to remove it a suitable replacement would have to be built, or a suitable building remodeled. And the replacement would have to be on multiple bus/public transit lines. Therein lies the rub
.

[Bob from Omaha]

It was empty and they offered it for next to nothing to anyone who was willing to redo it. No interest. It had nothing to do with Lincoln. The Kiewit Foundation put up a lot of the cash to build the new building. There was a lot of b i t ch in g about losing the WOW building but in the end no money came forward & no developers had any interest. In the end it didn't make economic sense to rehab it. Residential wasn't feasible. Office wasn't needed.

It's unfortunate that no developers had interest, I wonder if the building just needed plenty of repairs and the task to preserve was daunting. Thanks for the brief historical reference, glad that my joke prompted a more accurate response!

Whatever needed to be done was not the point. As I said residential wasn't feasible and office wasn't needed. Going rates for downtown housing weren't enough to justify putting the money into this building. There wasn't nearly enough demand for office space to make this building worth it. Maybe if preservationists could have raised money to buy it and hold it for a couple of decades?

[ItsAllAboutMe]

The Energy Plaza has officially been listed for sale. Offers of purchase will be accepted on Oct 1. The goal is to close deal on April 1, 2026.