Grow Omaha Show discussion

[Grow Omaha]

Grow Omaha Radio Show - Aug 10, 2024 Episode

[Grow Omaha]

Grow Omaha Radio Show - Aug 10, 2024 Episode

[Grow Omaha]

Grow Omaha August 24, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
5:44 - News of the Week
12:44 - Uncut 1
16:28 - Radio Show 2
17:00 - Scott Dobbe of Omaha by Design
25:14 - Uncut 2
32:57 - Radio Show 3
33:32 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
35:41 - Scott Dobbe of Omaha by Design pt 2
44:28 - Uncut 3
47:00 - Lightning Round

[Brad]

Grow Omaha August 31, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
4:06 - News of the Week
12:33 - Uncut 1
16:34 - Radio Show 2
24:00 - Uncut 2
31:45 - Radio Show 3
32:05 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
42:21 - Uncut 3
44:33 - Lightning Round

[Brad]

Grow Omaha September 7, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
2:52 - News of the Week
14:40 - Uncut 1
18:27 - Radio Show 2
27:05 - Uncut 2
35:00 - Radio Show 3
35:39 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
42:59 - Uncut 3
45:12 - Lightning Round

[Brad]

Grow Omaha September 14, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
3:54 - News of the Week
13:19 - Uncut 1
17:04 - Radio Show 2
17:41 - Cam Vacek creater of Grow Omaha's Big Lists
27:05 - Uncut 2
34:47 - Radio Show 3
35:38 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
42:35 - Uncut 3
45:02 - Lightning Round

[Brad]

Grow Omaha September 21, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
3:07 - News of the Week
8:35 - Uncut 1
12:22 - On Location at Nebraska Crossing 1
24:46 - Uncut 2
30:13 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
32:36 - On Location at Nebraska Crossing 2
39:57 - Uncut 3
42:23 - Lightning Round

[Grow Omaha]

Grow Omaha November 9, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
3:13 - News of the Week
14:39 - Uncut 1
16:56 - Radio Show 2
17:13 - Tax increment financing with Omaha Mayor Jean Stohtert and Greater Omaha Chamber CEO Heath Mello
25:12 - Radio Show 3
25:29 - Tax increment financing with Omaha Mayor Jean Stohtert and Greater Omaha Chamber CEO Heath Mello
34:21 - Uncut 2
36:46 - Lightning Round

[Grow Omaha]

Grow Omaha November 16, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
4:04 - News of the Week
13:12 - Uncut 1
16:26 - Radio Show 2
16:58 - Doug Dushan, co-owner of Simplifi
28:33 - Uncut 2
33:36 - Radio Show 3
34:02 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
39:55 - Uncut 3
42:51 - Lightning Round

[Grow Omaha]

November 23, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
4:48 - News of the Week
15:23 - Uncut 1
19:07 - Radio Show 2
19:54 - News of the Week Cont'd
26:25 - Uncut 2
32:20 - Radio Show 3
33:15 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
40:20 - Uncut 3
42:44 - Lightning Round

[Grow Omaha]

November 30, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
2:55 - News of the Week
13:34 - Uncut 1
17:16 - Radio Show 2
24:29 - Uncut 2
31:27 - Radio Show 3
32:05 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
40:22 - Uncut 3
42:45 - Lightning Round

[ChadJK]

Pizza Hut has opened at 4925 L Street. The location, which opened on November 22, includes a drive-thru and pick-up window and new menu items like sandwiches, apple pies, fried cheese sticks and more. The franchise operates 70 locations across Nebraska, nearly 20 of which are in the Omaha metro.

Hasn't there always been a Pizza Hut there?

[Brad]

Pizza Hut has opened at 4925 L Street. The location, which opened on November 22, includes a drive-thru and pick-up window and new menu items like sandwiches, apple pies, fried cheese sticks and more. The franchise operates 70 locations across Nebraska, nearly 20 of which are in the Omaha metro.

Hasn't there always been a Pizza Hut there?

It was leveled and a new building was built.

[ChadJK]

Hasn't there always been a Pizza Hut there?

It was leveled and a new building was built.

Well, they should have said "reopened."

According to my mother, that location was a Sambo's in the 1970s.

I guess I don't venture that way as often as I thought I did. I never noted it was demolished. Though, it makes sense. Last time I ate in it (probably 15 years ago) I remember thinking how rundown it was and have avoided it ever since. My family used to occasionally meet at the Pizza Hut in Bellevue on Fort Crook Road for dinner on Fridays. When it closed we moved to the one in Papillion. When it closed we moved to this on L Street before just giving up on the idea entirely. It was a nostalgia thing for us. We weren't exactly seeking out Pizza Hut's culinary excellence. It's gotten kind of hard to find a full service dine-in Pizza Hut.

[Grow Omaha]

Grow Omaha December 7, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
3:47 - News of the Week
14:44 - Uncut 1
18:27 - Radio Show 2
27:34 - Uncut 2
35:25 - Radio Show 3
35:50 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
43:00 - Uncut 3
45:22 - Lightning Round

[Grow Omaha]

Grow Omaha December 14, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
2:24 - News of the Week
11:54 - Uncut 1
15:31 - Radio Show 2
16:25 - Eric Miller: Sr. Transit Planner at FHU
25:08 - Uncut 2
32:56 - Radio Show 3
33:44 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
35:04 - Eric Miller: Sr. Transit Planner at FHU pt 2
42:25 - Uncut 3
44:57 - Lightning Round

[Brad]

Grow Omaha December 14, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
2:24 - News of the Week
11:54 - Uncut 1
15:31 - Radio Show 2
16:25 - Eric Miller: Sr. Transit Planner at FHU
25:08 - Uncut 2
32:56 - Radio Show 3
33:44 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
35:04 - Eric Miller: Sr. Transit Planner at FHU pt 2
42:25 - Uncut 3
44:57 - Lightning Round

I always have so much fun hosting Grow Omaha. This past Saturday was even better than most. Lots of great conversation and we also interviewed Eric Miller (Zephyr), one of the OG members of this forum. Lost of fun!

[Grow Omaha]

Grow Omaha December 21, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
2:20 - News of the Week
15:07 - Uncut 1
18:20 - Radio Show 2
18:39 - Sam Noddle, Vice President of Leasing at Noddle Companies pt 1
25:43 - Radio Show 3
26:38 - Sam Noddle, Vice President of Leasing at Noddle Companies pt 2
34:59 - Uncut 2
37:25 - Lightning Round

[Grow Omaha]

Brad joined the show this week and at the end, we had a bonus uncut segment.

Grow Omaha December 28, 2024 Episode



0:00 - Radio Show 1
5:02 - News of the Week
14:58 - Uncut 1
18:41 - Radio Show 2
29:33 - Uncut 2
37:19 - Radio Show 3
37:54 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
44:04 - Uncut 3
46:29 - Lightning Round
51:14 - Uncut Bonus

[Doctor Fate]

Brad joined the show this week and at the end, we had a bonus uncut segment.

Wish there would've been more speculation on the Mutual Midtown campus redevelopment lol.

So the thought is that there will be no announcement about a third convention center hotel on Lot B in 2025? I would think that the hotel and the convention center would want the hotel to open around when the expansion does.

[Garrett]

Brad joined the show this week and at the end, we had a bonus uncut segment.

Wish there would've been more speculation on the Mutual Midtown campus redevelopment lol.

So the thought is that there will be no announcement about a third convention center hotel on Lot B in 2025? I would think that the hotel and the convention center would want the hotel to open around when the expansion does.

I'm sure if they do actually know anything they have to toe the line between speculation and confidential insider information.

[Brad]

Neither one of us have info on either of those.

We really haven't talked too much about Mutual's Existing Campus, but think there could be good things with Lanoha as the developer. Still betting there will be a 2025 announcement.

Jeff was thinking a 3rd anchor hotel would be announced closer to the completion of the expanded convention space. My thought all along is that lot B would be the "Last" development in that area, after all the vacant and under utilized lots in that general area are filled. That said, Millwork, Builders, are starting to fill up fast. Still don't expect too much height on lot B. I think the City and MECA both have interest in keeping the views from the ballpark.

[Garrett]

Still don't expect too much height on lot B. I think the City and MECA both have interest in keeping the views from the ballpark.

You could get some good height on 10th street without hurting the views at all. Depending on the hotel brand I’d expect them wanting something relatively tall. If Omni is indeed the brand, it looks like their boilerplate design is about 18 stories.

[Brad]

Still don't expect too much height on lot B. I think the City and MECA both have interest in keeping the views from the ballpark.

You could get some good height on 10th street without hurting the at all. Depending on the hotel brand I’d expect them wanting something relatively tall. If Omni is indeed the brand, it looks like their boilerplate design is about 18 stories.

Last I knew, MECA doesn't want to block the views of the Arena and Convention Center from the Ballpark.

[Garrett]

Still don't expect too much height on lot B. I think the City and MECA both have interest in keeping the views from the ballpark.

You could get some good height on 10th street without hurting the at all. Depending on the hotel brand I’d expect them wanting something relatively tall. If Omni is indeed the brand, it looks like their boilerplate design is about 18 stories.

Last I knew, MECA doesn't want to block the views of the Arena and Convention Center from the Ballpark.

Interesting. I wonder how tall they could build with that limit, because I feel like you’d pretty easily hit it at 6 stories or even shorter. Maybe something along Cass could preserve most of both the downtown and CHI views. Anyone good at trigonometry?

[nebport5]

Still don't expect too much height on lot B. I think the City and MECA both have interest in keeping the views from the ballpark.

You could get some good height on 10th street without hurting the at all. Depending on the hotel brand I’d expect them wanting something relatively tall. If Omni is indeed the brand, it looks like their boilerplate design is about 18 stories.

Last I knew, MECA doesn't want to block the views of the Arena and Convention Center from the Ballpark.

Interesting. I wonder how tall they could build with that limit, because I feel like you’d pretty easily hit it at 6 stories or even shorter. Maybe something along Cass could preserve most of both the downtown and CHI views. Anyone good at trigonometry?

Two thoughts:

1. Lot D is close enough to the soccer stadium(hopefully) to make this piece of land a potentially interesting mixed-use development, including a tall hotel. I suppose this would likely mean the soccer folks selling their soul to MECA.

2. What about a taller hotel on lot A?

[Garrett]

Still don't expect too much height on lot B. I think the City and MECA both have interest in keeping the views from the ballpark.

You could get some good height on 10th street without hurting the at all. Depending on the hotel brand I’d expect them wanting something relatively tall. If Omni is indeed the brand, it looks like their boilerplate design is about 18 stories.

Last I knew, MECA doesn't want to block the views of the Arena and Convention Center from the Ballpark.

Interesting. I wonder how tall they could build with that limit, because I feel like you’d pretty easily hit it at 6 stories or even shorter. Maybe something along Cass could preserve most of both the downtown and CHI views. Anyone good at trigonometry?

Two thoughts:

1. Lot D is close enough to the soccer stadium(hopefully) to make this piece of land a potentially interesting mixed-use development, including a tall hotel. I suppose this would likely mean the soccer folks selling their soul to MECA.

2. What about a taller hotel on lot A?

1. The mayor has said Lot D is more of a target for a parking garage as the rest of the surface lots develop, I think with some residential, but it’s such a huge lot I think it’ll be a bit awkward to develop unless they can find a way to break it up well. The stadium plans also include a 140 room hotel, so they wouldn’t necessarily need a hotel on Lot D for the majority of their uses.

From the southwest corner of Lot D, the soccer stadium site is about a 16 minute walk under existing conditions. I could see that going closer to 10 with a pedestrian bridge, but there would need to be a concerted effort to make that a safe walk that feels pleasant to do or people would be wary to do it.

2. Lot A is an interesting option. It’s been talked about as a few different possibilities over the years, from a parking garage to residences to a park or some combination therein.

As a hotel site, it would definitely serve CHI well, but it would be a challenge to connect it to the rest of downtown with the interstate looming overhead right there. It might not have a lot of appeal for people with no plans at the convention center unless they can fix that problem.

[nebport5]

Still don't expect too much height on lot B. I think the City and MECA both have interest in keeping the views from the ballpark.

You could get some good height on 10th street without hurting the at all. Depending on the hotel brand I’d expect them wanting something relatively tall. If Omni is indeed the brand, it looks like their boilerplate design is about 18 stories.

Last I knew, MECA doesn't want to block the views of the Arena and Convention Center from the Ballpark.

Interesting. I wonder how tall they could build with that limit, because I feel like you’d pretty easily hit it at 6 stories or even shorter. Maybe something along Cass could preserve most of both the downtown and CHI views. Anyone good at trigonometry?

Two thoughts:

1. Lot D is close enough to the soccer stadium(hopefully) to make this piece of land a potentially interesting mixed-use development, including a tall hotel. I suppose this would likely mean the soccer folks selling their soul to MECA.

2. What about a taller hotel on lot A?

1. The mayor has said Lot D is more of a target for a parking garage as the rest of the surface lots develop, I think with some residential, but it’s such a huge lot I think it’ll be a bit awkward to develop unless they can find a way to break it up well. The stadium plans also include a 140 room hotel, so they wouldn’t necessarily need a hotel on Lot D for the majority of their uses.

From the southwest corner of Lot D, the soccer stadium site is about a 16 minute walk under existing conditions. I could see that going closer to 10 with a pedestrian bridge, but there would need to be a concerted effort to make that a safe walk that feels pleasant to do or people would be wary to do it.

Valid points. Yes, a pedestrian bridge would be a must here. I suppose it's a bit further of a walk for most people(I walk like a New Yorker). I was also thinking closer to that awkward northeast corner of Lot D. That I suppose would be a bit too far from the Convention Center. Extending the streetcar line to Lot D would also likely be a must to attract another convention hotel there.

2. Lot A is an interesting option. It’s been talked about as a few different possibilities over the years, from a parking garage to residences to a park or some combination therein.

As a hotel site, it would definitely serve CHI well, but it would be a challenge to connect it to the rest of downtown with the interstate looming overhead right there. It might not have a lot of appeal for people with no plans at the convention center unless they can fix that problem.

I'd assume any hotel built in this area would be connected to the streetcar line and or connected to the existing parking garage south of the CHI -and particularly the walking surface on the roof that leads straight to 10th St.

[almighty_tuna]

Yes, a pedestrian bridge would be a must here.

In the original renderings when the stadium plan was announced there was a pedestrian bridge included.

[ita]

I'd assume any hotel built in this area would be connected to the streetcar line and or connected to the existing parking garage south of the CHI -and particularly the walking surface on the roof that leads straight to 10th St.

I think any new hotel partner will want to be directly connected to the convention center, so Lot A is a no go. Lot B is the most likely location.

[ita]

Still don't expect too much height on lot B. I think the City and MECA both have interest in keeping the views from the ballpark.

You could get some good height on 10th street without hurting the at all. Depending on the hotel brand I’d expect them wanting something relatively tall. If Omni is indeed the brand, it looks like their boilerplate design is about 18 stories.

Last I knew, MECA doesn't want to block the views of the Arena and Convention Center from the Ballpark.

Interesting. I wonder how tall they could build with that limit, because I feel like you’d pretty easily hit it at 6 stories or even shorter. Maybe something along Cass could preserve most of both the downtown and CHI views. Anyone good at trigonometry?

Taller buildings could be built on the south side of Lot B, enhance the current view and preserve any skyline views from the ball park. I think even 200-300 footers could accomplish that, especially if oriented on the southeast corner of Lot B.

[Doctor Fate]

MECA wanting to preserve views of the convention center from the ballpark is hilarious.

[Louie]

MECA wanting to preserve views of the convention center from the ballpark is hilarious.

I agree.

[almighty_tuna]

MECA wanting to preserve views of the convention center from the ballpark is hilarious.

Ehh, consider that it's still in MECA's best interest to work with the NCAA as it relates to the area around The Chuck. The NCAA has little to no appetite for nearby development that may accommodate non-NCAA approved advertising, aka adverts that the NCAA isn't getting $$ from. Same concept goes back to the Rosenblatt days when the Royals' advertisers' signs would get covered up during the CWS.

[ita]

MECA wanting to preserve views of the convention center from the ballpark is hilarious.

Ehh, consider that it's still in MECA's best interest to work with the NCAA as it relates to the area around The Chuck. The NCAA has little to no appetite for nearby development that may accommodate non-NCAA approved advertising, aka adverts that the NCAA isn't getting $$ from. Same concept goes back to the Rosenblatt days when the Royals' advertisers' signs would get covered up during the CWS.

So, if Omni, for example, built a tall hotel, they couldn't have their name on the north side of the building or something like that? Hilton has their name on the north side and even though it's modestly tall at 8 stories, it kind of looks like you can see it from the upper decks of the Chuck.

As far as anyone local wanting to limit the height of development at Lot B, it just doesn't make sense for either MECA or the City, in my opinion. I would think MECA would want a new hotel partner that is another level up from Hilton or Marriott, or at least equal, and if they want to accommodate more conventions, they need a lot of rooms, at least another 300. I think that's conservative. For reference, Hilton has 600 and Marriott 330. If someone like Omni built at Lot B, it's not in their portfolio to build short, particularly next to convention centers.

Additionally, the City would want to maximize potential tax revenue from any development around the convention center and in the urban core. That's why we built the streetcar; it promotes taller, denser development. Even though Lot B is not right next to the streetcar anymore under the new plans, it is still within a few city blocks to the 10th and Capitol stop. Why would the City be OK with a nothing burger 5 story hotel at Lot B? It flies against the face of the whole strategy for the urban core. Anyway, I am arguing with nobody as it's all conjecture at this point, but I don't see why either MECA or the City would have any height restrictions at Lot B, or A or C, at this point.

Also, can we move this to the Convention Center expansion or Lot B thread?

[almighty_tuna]

So, if Omni, for example, built a tall hotel, they couldn't have their name on the north side of the building or something like that? Hilton has their name on the north side and even though it's modestly tall at 8 stories, it kind of looks like you can see it from the upper decks of the Chuck.

When I was photographing property and sightline views for the redevelopment plan many moons ago, Lot D development wasn't necessarily in scope. The main focus was Lot B development and the advertisement concerns were less about a hotel putting their brand on a building and more about selling advertisement space - think something like a digital billboard mounted on a building running advertising or whatnot that would potentially dilute the value of NCAA sponsorship or usurp a sponsor.

For example, Powerade (Coca-Cola) is a beverage sponsor and when I would go out onto the floor of a March Madness court or CWS photo pit I would have to have my drink in a Powerade paper cup. Didn't matter what was actually in the cup - water, Pepsi, etc - just as long as the Powerade cup was what everyone saw. Extrapolate that out and the NCAA (and Coke, who paid a LOT of money to be said sponsor) surely would not be pleased to have a giant digital billboard sporting ads for Pepsi or Coors that was in view of nearly every camera angle getting free advertising on TV.

Anyway, long story long, MECA owns the parking lots and therefore controls the development opportunities on them. They want the CWS to stay there a long time so it's in their best interest to make sure the NCAA is happy. A lot has changed since that initial redevelopment plan, but the NCAA and $$ never changes.

[ita]

So, if Omni, for example, built a tall hotel, they couldn't have their name on the north side of the building or something like that? Hilton has their name on the north side and even though it's modestly tall at 8 stories, it kind of looks like you can see it from the upper decks of the Chuck.

When I was photographing property and sightline views for the redevelopment plan many moons ago, Lot D development wasn't necessarily in scope. The main focus was Lot B development and the advertisement concerns were less about a hotel putting their brand on a building and more about selling advertisement space - think something like a digital billboard mounted on a building running advertising or whatnot that would potentially dilute the value of NCAA sponsorship or usurp a sponsor.

For example, Powerade (Coca-Cola) is a beverage sponsor and when I would go out onto the floor of a March Madness court or CWS photo pit I would have to have my drink in a Powerade paper cup. Didn't matter what was actually in the cup - water, Pepsi, etc - just as long as the Powerade cup was what everyone saw. Extrapolate that out and the NCAA (and Coke, who paid a LOT of money to be said sponsor) surely would not be pleased to have a giant digital billboard sporting ads for Pepsi or Coors that was in view of nearly every camera angle getting free advertising on TV.

Anyway, long story long, MECA owns the parking lots and therefore controls the development opportunities on them. They want the CWS to stay there a long time so it's in their best interest to make sure the NCAA is happy. A lot has changed since that initial redevelopment plan, but the NCAA and $$ never changes.

That's good insight. Thanks for sharing that. I understand that sentiment. However, I would hope that any potential hotel partners would be compliant with such restrictions, if they still exist. Anyway, I am hopeful for something significant at Lot B. I think if MECA really wants to be competitive, whoever they partner with has to bring something as well to the convention hospitality game that we don't already have.

[Grow Omaha]

Grow Omaha January 04, 2025 Episode

Mayor of Omaha Jean Stothert joined the show today.



0:00 - Radio Show 1
2:10 - News of the Week
9:53 - Radio Show 2
10:17 - Mayor of Omaha Jean Stothert pt 1
23:07 - Radio Show 3
23:46 - Commercial Real Estate Development Spotlight
24:51 - Mayor of Omaha Jean Stothert pt 2
32:53 - Lightning Round

[Garrett]

Very interesting that there are no uncut segments this week

[nebport5]

Very interesting that there are no uncut segments this week

Are there ever really true uncut episodes when the mayor is on? I understand the reason for redacting them but if there's one guest that a viewer watches the uncut edition for it's the mayor.