Cindy Gonzalez, Nebraska Examiner wrote: 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.
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!
Perhaps this is an early rendering, but I thought someone mentioned the idea was to tear down the current parking garage to make way for a possible anchor tenant on the corner of 72nd & Cass St. According to the proposed pic the corner is flat, assuming surface parking.
djc311 wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:46 am
According to the proposed pic the corner is flat, assuming surface parking.
I think the white is a future phase, not parking lots.
The article mentions it won't likely be torn down until a replacement is found for the corner.
Ah, got it!
Hopefully a lot of white is simply not planned for yet - otherwise if all they end up with is the portion in the middle, the large blue structure at the west end and I'm assuming apartments or whatever on the north side then this is a dud.
djc311 wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:46 am
According to the proposed pic the corner is flat, assuming surface parking.
I think the white is a future phase, not parking lots.
The article mentions it won't likely be torn down until a replacement is found for the corner.
Ah, got it!
Hopefully a lot of white is simply not planned for yet - otherwise if all they end up with is the portion in the middle, the large blue structure at the west end and I'm assuming apartments or whatever on the north side then this is a dud.
They mention that they won't start additional phases until most of the the first phase is leased up. That doesn't give me a lot of promise on those additional lots being anything more than parking.
I'm confused because in the planning documents, it shows close to 1300 residential units. And the first phase looks like 250 residential units and 250 senior units. Are the rest of the residential units in the following unannounced phases?
I watched the meeting yesterday. It sounds like they have signed Letters of Intent from several of the tenants. They mentioned two new to market restaurant tenants for the Central Green area.
skip wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 11:01 am
I'm confused because in the planning documents, it shows close to 1300 residential units. And the first phase looks like 250 residential units and 250 senior units. Are the rest of the residential units in the following unannounced phases?
Correct, the numbers we've been given are at full buildout of the site. This is just phase 1.
skip wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 11:01 am
I'm confused because in the planning documents, it shows close to 1300 residential units. And the first phase looks like 250 residential units and 250 senior units. Are the rest of the residential units in the following unannounced phases?
Correct, the numbers we've been given are at full buildout of the site. This is just phase 1.
skip wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 11:01 am
I'm confused because in the planning documents, it shows close to 1300 residential units. And the first phase looks like 250 residential units and 250 senior units. Are the rest of the residential units in the following unannounced phases?
Correct, the numbers we've been given are at full buildout of the site. This is just phase 1.
The blue square shows as 92,500 ground floor tenant space. Not sure if this is one large retailer or will be broken up into smaller spaces. Also shows a second story as a rooftop parking. Hopefully, they will add more floors to this in the future. At least if the second floor can handle the weight of cars, they could in theory add a few floors of apartments down the road.
If the city is in charge of building and maintaining the garages, would that give them full control to build what we want? For example, if the developer has a vision for 10 garages totaling 4000 spaces, could we just say no. We will build 3 garages at 1500 spaces. If we are paying for it, why can't we decide how much parking is involved?
Phase 1 calls for 1697 parking stalls. I feel like this is more than enough for the whole project. I would rather fill the rest with density and support transit more.
Dusty wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 4:41 pm
The blue square shows as 92,500 ground floor tenant space. Not sure if this is one large retailer or will be broken up into smaller spaces. Also shows a second story as a rooftop parking. Hopefully, they will add more floors to this in the future. At least if the second floor can handle the weight of cars, they could in theory add a few floors of apartments down the road.
I wonder what that will be, since it’s marked as “entertainment” A movie theater wouldn’t make sense, between close by Aksarben and even the size dwarfing a 16 screen theater at 67,000 sqft that I looked up for a comp.
Dusty wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 4:41 pm
The blue square shows as 92,500 ground floor tenant space. Not sure if this is one large retailer or will be broken up into smaller spaces. Also shows a second story as a rooftop parking. Hopefully, they will add more floors to this in the future. At least if the second floor can handle the weight of cars, they could in theory add a few floors of apartments down the road.
I wonder what that will be, since it’s marked as “entertainment” A movie theater wouldn’t make sense, between close by Aksarben and even the size dwarfing a 16 screen theater at 67,000 sqft that I looked up for a comp.
Maybe it's giant mirror maze for all the drunks leaving the bar across the street. LOL!
Garrett wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 6:07 pm
I wonder what that will be, since it’s marked as “entertainment” A movie theater wouldn’t make sense, between close by Aksarben and even the size dwarfing a 16 screen theater at 67,000 sqft that I looked up for a comp.
I don’t how much space these kind of venues take up but I wonder if it would be one of those more upscale bowling alleys that have a bunch of other attractions in them…bars, restaurants, arcades, etc.
Garrett wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 6:07 pm
I wonder what that will be, since it’s marked as “entertainment” A movie theater wouldn’t make sense, between close by Aksarben and even the size dwarfing a 16 screen theater at 67,000 sqft that I looked up for a comp.
I don’t how much space these kind of venues take up but I wonder if it would be one of those more upscale bowling alleys that have a bunch of other attractions in them…bars, restaurants, arcades, etc.
Oh good call. The big modern bowling alley in Elkhorn that now goes by Bowlero appears to be 85k sqft
I mean, if there's not huge giant surface parking lots when they fill it, I guess it's a little bit of an improvement? It just seems like the plans keep changing over and over again and there's little to no hope for a project that's truly going to uphold it's intentions. As much as there might be 1,000 apartment units, I really hope they try to create an environment actually pleasing. A central green space isn't a terrible idea but if it's just surrounded by looming spread out apartments that peak like, 5 floors only? I just can't imagine it'd be as pleasing as some of the other plans.
Garrett wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 6:07 pm
I wonder what that will be, since it’s marked as “entertainment” A movie theater wouldn’t make sense, between close by Aksarben and even the size dwarfing a 16 screen theater at 67,000 sqft that I looked up for a comp.
I don’t how much space these kind of venues take up but I wonder if it would be one of those more upscale bowling alleys that have a bunch of other attractions in them…bars, restaurants, arcades, etc.
Oh good call. The big modern bowling alley in Elkhorn that now goes by Bowlero appears to be 85k sqft
I don't think West Lanes Bowling Center at 151 N 72nd St would agree.
Garrett wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 6:07 pm
I wonder what that will be, since it’s marked as “entertainment” A movie theater wouldn’t make sense, between close by Aksarben and even the size dwarfing a 16 screen theater at 67,000 sqft that I looked up for a comp.
I don’t how much space these kind of venues take up but I wonder if it would be one of those more upscale bowling alleys that have a bunch of other attractions in them…bars, restaurants, arcades, etc.
Oh good call. The big modern bowling alley in Elkhorn that now goes by Bowlero appears to be 85k sqft
I don't think West Lanes Bowling Center at 151 N 72nd St would agree.
I don't know if their opinion would matter in the issue, unfortunately. But it could be something else altogether anyway
Toto wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 10:40 pm
So Happy that Yates, Krejci, & Co are no longer involved. The project is going to take off so fast now that the dead weight are no longer involved.
I don't know if this was already mentioned, but Grow Omaha reported that the developers have a letter of intent with a national restaurant chain and a national entertainment company. Any guesses?
ita wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:26 pm
I don't know if this was already mentioned, but Grow Omaha reported that the developers have a letter of intent with a national restaurant chain and a national entertainment company. Any guesses?
Probably one company to cover both categories. Likely Chuckee Cheese
For the record NEBUGEATER does not equal BUGEATER !!!!!!!
ita wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:26 pm
I don't know if this was already mentioned, but Grow Omaha reported that the developers have a letter of intent with a national restaurant chain and a national entertainment company. Any guesses?
Probably one company to cover both categories. Likely Chuckee Cheese
I can tell you if they ended landing them as a "major" win then the new Crossroads is already doomed. I wouldn't take my kids into that place if it were free to play.
ita wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:26 pm
I don't know if this was already mentioned, but Grow Omaha reported that the developers have a letter of intent with a national restaurant chain and a national entertainment company. Any guesses?
Pretty sure one of the restaurant chains will be Yard House.
So dumb question from someone not in the development world... I know they just ran a whole bunch of underground utility lines and what not. Wouldn't a multiple level underground parking garage necessitate moving everything that they just put in?
They don't usually run water/gas that deep that it'd be below this, do they?
Also, if the current NE corner parking garage will be torn down and developed, won't that need a bunch of utility work as well?
Seems like an awful lot of redoing what they just spent a year putting in...
Ben wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 4:01 pm
So dumb question from someone not in the development world... I know they just ran a whole bunch of underground utility lines and what not. Wouldn't a multiple level underground parking garage necessitate moving everything that they just put in?
They don't usually run water/gas that deep that it'd be below this, do they?
Also, if the current NE corner parking garage will be torn down and developed, won't that need a bunch of utility work as well?
Seems like an awful lot of redoing what they just spent a year putting in...
Utilities are mostly run in the public right-of-way, so they should not be in the way. Any sewer stubs would be run to the lot line and capped off for a future connection.
Quickly glancing at the GIS site, the sewers are in the right of way and the garage has sewers very close by, so it wouldn't be a big deal to redevelop the garage too. There is a sewer line in the far northwest lot, but I'm not sure if that's new or still on there from old crossroads.
crossroads-sewers.JPG
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Ben wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 4:01 pm
So dumb question from someone not in the development world... I know they just ran a whole bunch of underground utility lines and what not. Wouldn't a multiple level underground parking garage necessitate moving everything that they just put in?
They don't usually run water/gas that deep that it'd be below this, do they?
Also, if the current NE corner parking garage will be torn down and developed, won't that need a bunch of utility work as well?
Seems like an awful lot of redoing what they just spent a year putting in...
Utilities are mostly run in the public right-of-way, so they should not be in the way. Any sewer stubs would be run to the lot line and capped off for a future connection.
Quickly glancing at the GIS site, the sewers are in the right of way and the garage has sewers very close by, so it wouldn't be a big deal to redevelop the garage too. There is a sewer line in the far northwest lot, but I'm not sure if that's new or still on there from old crossroads.
crossroads-sewers.JPG
This was designed with underground parking from the start. That’s why the lots are sunk down.
That new plan leaves a lot to be desired. The parking garage in the plan is basically (1 block over) in the same place. It will be a new scary parking garage. Why haven't we (Omaha) figured out how to surround a parking garage with a building around it? The Mercantile Downtown does a decent job (basically the 1st of its kind in the city). This plan is basically, lets slap a park in the center, surround it with some shops, off to one corner lets place a building with residential add in a parking garage. Oh, we need some old people housing, lets add that in to the right of the parking garage. Good? Yeah, we'll start there.
Question: Anyone been to the Cherry Creek Area in Denver? Mill City Museum/Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis (Mill Quarter Parking Ramp/Riverfront Municipal Parking Ramp)? This is what that area should look like.
Yes, there was (and hoping still is) going to be underground parking from the start.
With the newly revised Crossroads passing planning board in the last month would it be unreasonable to think that the new TIF request will probably go before and most likely be approved by the city council within the next month or so? If so would it be unreasonable for construction to start going vertical by the end of summer? I would also love to see a return of Barnes and Noble. Anybody think this is a possibility? It is the one store I really miss from the old Crossroads and though there are now two in town again, I believe a third one could work here again. I think the new library being across the street might be an asset in this regard? Any thoughts on this?
MTO wrote: Wed Apr 17, 2024 11:53 am
Bunch of dudes in hi-vis gear walking around the big sign on 72nd. They just swapping the ads out or something else going on?
Hopefully, they’re taking that ugly |expletive| sign straight to the scrapyard…
MTO wrote: Wed Apr 17, 2024 11:53 am
Bunch of dudes in hi-vis gear walking around the big sign on 72nd. They just swapping the ads out or something else going on?
Hopefully, they’re taking that ugly |expletive| sign straight to the scrapyard…
Probably going to update it to NEON
For the record NEBUGEATER does not equal BUGEATER !!!!!!!
MTO wrote: Wed Apr 17, 2024 11:53 am
Bunch of dudes in hi-vis gear walking around the big sign on 72nd. They just swapping the ads out or something else going on?
Hopefully, they’re taking that ugly |expletive| sign straight to the scrapyard…
Apparently the developers are crawling back to the city Omaha and asking for more TIF. Looks like they got rid of the old developers or at least minimized their involvement. Either way Omaha residents are quite frustrated that nothing has been done yet and even more frustrating is that it doesn’t appear to be any firm business commitments it seems like. With construction apparently states to start in 2025 idk if this project will ever happen. I think it’s just a money pit.
OmahaFan wrote: Mon Apr 22, 2024 6:54 pm
Apparently the developers are crawling back to the city Omaha and asking for more TIF. Looks like they got rid of the old developers or at least minimized their involvement. Either way Omaha residents are quite frustrated that nothing has been done yet and even more frustrating is that it doesn’t appear to be any firm business commitments it seems like. With construction apparently states to start in 2025 idk if this project will ever happen. I think it’s just a money pit.
The land sitting off 72nd and Dodge known as the Crossroads project won't see any action until 2025. A new ownership team, Woodbury Corporation, is joining the project and re-imagining the property. They're also requesting an additional $26,150,000 in TIF funding for the project. One city council member wants to hold the developers accountable by putting them on a timeline.
Omaha City Council President Pete Festersen said the plan to create a mixed-use site there has stalled for years. "I've been frustrated with the progress and also frustrated with the current status of the site," Festersen said. An old parking garage and piles of dirt still sit on the land. While $30 million in site preparations have already been done — including street projects and sewer infrastructure — no buildings have risen yet.
