The Crossroads (72 & Dodge)

[Garrett]

Does anyone know how 1300 apartments compare to the other large complexes in town?

According to some cursory googling, the Atlas is the single largest building with 732 apartments. As far as big developments go, Midtown Crossing and Aksarben both have around 500, Brickline has 375. This would probably be the biggest single apartment development in the city.

[skinzfan23]

Does anyone know how 1300 apartments compare to the other large complexes in town?

The atlas is the largest single one with over 700. But most complexes are probably in the 300-400 range.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

This whole project has been one big |expletive| joke. How many years is the city going to let these guys keep changing plans and sitting with their hands up their |expletive|? They took care to save the parking garage just to tear it down now. Crossroads has been gone for years. When’s the estimated completion, 2045? heck, just make it a massive prairie park at this point. Throw a lake in the center and two apartment buildings along Dodge and call it a day. Give this land to literally any other developer, this one seems to be milking this for some sort of tax break as long as they can.

[S.O.Boy]

Waiting for the plan to include a Mega Saver, car wash, and a Starbucks.

[djc311]

Waiting for the plan to include a Mega Saver, car wash, and a Starbucks.

I think you’re being a bit conservative… the site is plenty big enough to accommodate at least two Mega Savers a Tommy’s and a Rocket. While we are at it I imagine a Starbucks and a Scooters could fit as well.

I’m wondering how many CBD shops will jump onboard.

[omaha79]

I see this as the future of the Gretna project after they scale back 5 times. No NHL, no arena, no USA volleyball. but, you'll get a new mcdonalds, a chic fil a, rocket car wash, and maybe a holiday inn express!

[Dusty]

I have said before the city needed to cut the ties with this developer. So many delays and revisions of their outlet mall vision. We said over and over we didn't want that. The property is a clean slate. I say we cut a check to buy the land back and kick this developer to the curb. Even if it extends the timeline out. We can attract new developers to build. I would even help them by calling developers that can build a vision we wanted all along.

[djc311]

Just read the latest article on WOWT's website. Appears the city is going to own/operate "several" of the garages on the Crossroads site.

Am I understanding this correctly - they want to tear down a garage that appeared to be salvageable up until a year ago (or maybe it's still usable but doesn't "fit" into their new plan)? And with the city operating these new garages I'm assuming that means they're going to want to collect some type of revenue from them? So they're going to expect people to pay to park at the development that's taken forever?

I'd pay to park at an NHL game... not going to pay to park to shop at Target or any of the other average retailers I'm guessing they're going to attract.

I think the city basically has their hands tied and now the developer can more or less almost ask for anything they want.

[FishFighter92]

Just read the latest article on WOWT's website. Appears the city is going to own/operate "several" of the garages on the Crossroads site.

Am I understanding this correctly - they want to tear down a garage that appeared to be salvageable up until a year ago (or maybe it's still usable but doesn't "fit" into their new plan)? And with the city operating these new garages I'm assuming that means they're going to want to collect some type of revenue from them? So they're going to expect people to pay to park at the development that's taken forever?

I'd pay to park at an NHL game... not going to pay to park to shop at Target or any of the other average retailers I'm guessing they're going to attract.

I think the city basically has their hands tied and now the developer can more or less almost ask for anything they want.

Park across the street and walk across then. Nobody is forcing you to park in those pay garages.

[nebport5]

Just read the latest article on WOWT's website. Appears the city is going to own/operate "several" of the garages on the Crossroads site.

Am I understanding this correctly - they want to tear down a garage that appeared to be salvageable up until a year ago (or maybe it's still usable but doesn't "fit" into their new plan)? And with the city operating these new garages I'm assuming that means they're going to want to collect some type of revenue from them? So they're going to expect people to pay to park at the development that's taken forever?

I'd pay to park at an NHL game... not going to pay to park to shop at Target or any of the other average retailers I'm guessing they're going to attract.

I think the city basically has their hands tied and now the developer can more or less almost ask for anything they want.

Park across the street and walk across then. Nobody is forcing you to park in those pay garages.

Yeah, park across the street and get your car towed. If you think the neighboring businesses across the street aren't going to be all over that enjoy the towing fees.

[djc311]

Just read the latest article on WOWT's website. Appears the city is going to own/operate "several" of the garages on the Crossroads site.

Am I understanding this correctly - they want to tear down a garage that appeared to be salvageable up until a year ago (or maybe it's still usable but doesn't "fit" into their new plan)? And with the city operating these new garages I'm assuming that means they're going to want to collect some type of revenue from them? So they're going to expect people to pay to park at the development that's taken forever?

I'd pay to park at an NHL game... not going to pay to park to shop at Target or any of the other average retailers I'm guessing they're going to attract.

I think the city basically has their hands tied and now the developer can more or less almost ask for anything they want.

Park across the street and walk across then. Nobody is forcing you to park in those pay garages.

Yeah, park across the street and get your car towed. If you think the neighboring businesses across the street aren't going to be all over that enjoy the towing fees.

It simply must show my age, although I'd consider myself at an age under 50 as not being too old.

If you go to The Mall of America or Westroads, you don't pay to park in a garage. Also, you never paid to park at Crossroads.

I guess I'm being realistic in knowing how much of a |expletive| hole this entire thing has been up to this point that I wouldn't pay to park at a mall. They're not going to have an entertainment venue that brings in big attractions, they're likely not going to have any retailers that are so new to market that people will go out of their way to go there (ie, Apple Store for example).

You also don't pay to park (at least not on the streets) at Aksarben.

I'll pay to park in the Old Market because of the nature of how that developed. Crossroads is not going to be like the Old Market. Not even close.

[JDJase]

People in Omaha throw tantrums about having to pay to park downtown - an area you would expect to pay for parking (just like in every city in existence). They're certainly not going to pay to park in the suburbs lol. Everyone would just fill up the Target lot (which would presumably remain free) and then Target's customers are pushed out (and a "Target customer parking only" sign would never be enforced). Anyway I'll stick with the prediction I've held for years that this place just ends up being like L Street Marketplace, with maybe an apartment building added.

[almighty_tuna]

this place just ends up being like L Street Marketplace, with maybe an apartment building added.

Count me in this camp as well.

[thenewguy]

mega saver could be the sponsor of an NHL facility here. "Omaha Vapes at Mega Saver Arena"

[FishFighter92]

this place just ends up being like L Street Marketplace, with maybe an apartment building added.

Count me in this camp as well.

How do you think the Boystown development will turn out? I don't think it will be very good. At least with Crossroads there are many more developments within a mile.

[djc311]

mega saver could be the sponsor of an NHL facility here. "Omaha Vapes at Mega Saver Arena"

HA! I'd say I love it, but I don't... however it could end up being true.


As I mentioned before I'll pay to park downtown because you kinda have to. And I'd easily argue there are things to do and see downtown that make it worth it and expected. However unless Crossroads does end up with "Mega Saver Sabers" NHL (was just thinking on a whim, but Sabers is taken... could always spell it Sabres to make it exotic) I don't think a lot of people will pay to park there.

Agreed - people will simply circle the lot waiting for a space at Target to park. It's not going to be worth it... whatever it eventually turns into.

At this point I feel UNO should have bought all the land and turned it into some sort of campus extension/housing/dining/retail. I third the L St Marketplace with an apartment or townhome setup.

[almighty_tuna]

How do you think the Boystown development will turn out? I don't think it will be very good.

Will be? It already isn't very good. We've had a lot of discussion about Heartwood Preserve over the years (obviously before you joined since you're fairly new here. welcome, btw) about how much of a disappointment it has become.

[Garrett]

How do you think the Boystown development will turn out? I don't think it will be very good.

Will be? It already isn't very good. We've had a lot of discussion about Heartwood Preserve over the years (obviously before you joined since you're fairly new here. welcome, btw) about how much of a disappointment it has become.

Agreed. We’ve been sold on a lot of dense suburban developments over the years that have turned into little more than car dealerships and strip malls

[S.O.Boy]

Waiting for the plan to include a Mega Saver, car wash, and a Starbucks.

I think you’re being a bit conservative… the site is plenty big enough to accommodate at least two Mega Savers a Tommy’s and a Rocket. While we are at it I imagine a Starbucks and a Scooters could fit as well.

I’m wondering how many CBD shops will jump onboard.

If Nebraska would legalize it, it could become an one stop pot shop.

[Coyote]

New development plans revealed for The Crossroads in Omaha

[Coyote]

City of Omaha releases revised plans in Crossroads redevelopment project at 72nd and Dodge



New from the City of Omaha, Monday --- the Crossroads redevelopment project will now take longer to complete and cost more money. Van Harman lives near 72nd and Dodge where neighbors have seen work to redevelop Crossroads slow drastically after the building was demolished and ground, cleared, and leveled a few years ago.

[Athomsfere]

Pretty substantial news in the new planning board docs.

Woodbury Corporation, a major RE player based out of SLC, joined the ownership team. Increasing TIF request to $105.55 million and a total project cost of $861.7 million. By the looks of it office components were reduced, and retail space increased along with double the previously proposed residential units. Also, the existing garage will be demoed and parking will be more evenly dispersed throughout the development, the parking garages will be owned and operated by the city. Also expanding the project area to include the Library site across the street which apparently will let the city issue bonds to finance that building.

https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... IF_EEA.pdf

https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... rch/06.pdf

Just went through it. Most exciting is 1200 residential units instead of the 600 in original plans!

That puts the development at about 30 people / acre.

[nativeomahan]

Right now this all just sounds like a reworked House of Cards, but costing more and taking longer to put together.

[NEDodger]

I’m missing something here.

A garage is being torn down in order to build new garages, that the city has to pay for?

Thumbs down from me.

[djc311]

I’m missing something here.

A garage is being torn down in order to build new garages, that the city has to pay for?

Thumbs down from me.

I don’t think you’re getting it though… so they’re going to tear down the existing, structurally sound multi-level garage so they can build some more garages.

Totally logical and cost effective. Seems pretty straightforward to me!

Oh, and apparently many on here believe since the city will actually own and manage the garages then guests will likely need to pay to use them.

[Padre]

I don’t think you’re getting it though… so they’re going to tear down the existing, structurally sound multi-level garage so they can build some more garages.

I’ve never been in it but do we know the garage is structurally sound? It’s been closed off for a while.

[NEDodger]

I don’t think you’re getting it though… so they’re going to tear down the existing, structurally sound multi-level garage so they can build some more garages.

I’ve never been in it but do we know the garage is structurally sound? It’s been closed off for a while.

Fair question and the only way this maybe makes sense. But I have to think it would still be cheaper to reinforce than bulldoze and rebuild.

[djc311]

I don’t think you’re getting it though… so they’re going to tear down the existing, structurally sound multi-level garage so they can build some more garages.

I’ve never been in it but do we know the garage is structurally sound? It’s been closed off for a while.

Fair question and the only way this maybe makes sense. But I have to think it would still be cheaper to reinforce than bulldoze and rebuild.

True - that is a fair question and I’m not an engineer of any sorts. However it’s been there for probably 40 years or less given my age… I imagine we have several downtown garages that age or older that haven’t been rebuilt. Certainly not many (if any) that have been completely razed and rebuilt. Unless it was done with shoddy craftsmanship I simply can’t see it being a complete waste.

I am surprised with how many on this site post about saving buildings and structures around town that there isn’t more of an argument against the idea of tearing it down.

[nebport5]

The channel 6 story Coyote posted above mentions tearing down the garage to better utilize the corner of 72nd & Cass for an anchor store or something that would benefit from greater visibility.

[nebport5]

I am surprised with how many on this site post about saving buildings and structures around town that there isn’t more of an argument against the idea of tearing it down.

LOL. No one is trying to save a "historic" 36 year old parking garage. Many people on this site rather have lamented the destruction of actual historic buildings that too often have been replaced by a F'ing parking garage. The World(Omaha)Theater being one of the most egregious examples.

[Greg S]

With the city owning/operating the parking garages I assume but hope it doesn't mean they will charge to park? One of the draws of Ak Sar Ben Village is the ease of parking and how well they disguise it.

I assume that since this project changed again that will mean it's timeline has been pushed back.

I do think upping the residential was smart. Not sure if it was driven by a loss of the rumored anchor (trying to remember who that was)?

[Garrett]

The city better be getting some form of revenue if we're expected to own and operate a parking garage in a private development like this.

[djc311]

With the city owning/operating the parking garages I assume but hope it doesn't mean they will charge to park? One of the draws of Ak Sar Ben Village is the ease of parking and how well they disguise it.

I assume that since this project changed again that will mean it's timeline has been pushed back.

I do think upping the residential was smart. Not sure if it was driven by a loss of the rumored anchor (trying to remember who that was)?

Apparently we're in the minority as far as thinking they (ie, the city) charging for parking would be ridiculous.

If this is the approach they're taking with something that's already been stalled and failed for several years then I personally believe it's NOT a good look.

I do concede the parking garage may not have any historic value but c'mon... tear it down to make more parking? Isn't this one of the biggest bug-a-boos for many on the forum? At this point in the game I wouldn't be surprised if Target vacated their location altogether (sell the space, whatever they would need to do) and wash their hands of it.

I liked the empty mall better than any of this nonsense.

[windsor]

Woodbury is a very legit group. Them being involved gives me more optimism.

Also I know the increased TIF will rub a lot the wrong way, but I believe the % of the total project being funded through TIF is lower in this proposal. From ~14.3% to 11.4%.

Great seeing some new blood brought in to this project. Just took a look at their website and they do have some nice projects. The original group was never going to get this off the ground. With Lockwood and now Woodbury, I am as confident as ever. Looking forward to seeing this project take off soon.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I do concede the parking garage may not have any historic value but c'mon... tear it down to make more parking? Isn't this one of the biggest bug-a-boos for many on the forum? At this point in the game I wouldn't be surprised if Target vacated their location altogether (sell the space, whatever they would need to do) and wash their hands of it.

Well, there's an urban design component to it too. Underground parking is the ideal parking situation because you don't see it unless you're in it. The garage also creates dead space at 72nd and Cass. Not that either 72nd or Cass gets many pedestrians, but the garage certainly isn't helping.

[thenewguy]

this whole thing just smells like disappointment. This should have been about done by now, much less not even started.

[Dusty]

This recent proposal has slimeball deal all over it. Yes, you can pay for the garages (most expensive part of any build) and we will build the cheap one story strip malls. We get all the revenue from the shops. You get the joy of running the garages!

[almighty_tuna]

Yep, huge believe it when I see it vibes.

[Garrett]

The revised plan describes the first phase as about 12 acres, or about one-third of the overall site.

That initial phase consists of about three separate blocks within the Crossroads site that are to be occupied by housing (about 250 apartments and 250 senior living dwellings); an entertainment component; and a “central green” square ringed by retail space.

Berger said the next phase of development would come after the bulk of the initial phase is leased up…

The developers said construction of commercial space along the main Dodge Street corridor will wait until later stages.

Representatives of Woodbury, based in Salt Lake City, presented the redesign to the Planning Board, making it clear that it has taken the reins as lead developer. Woodbury now has an Omaha office.

https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/03/0 ... y-parking/

Good to finally see a sight plan from a distance and hear more details on the phasing. Woodbury having an office in Omaha could also mean more investments from them in the future!

[Coyote]

Looking good!