MECA Business News (CLCO/TDAPO)

[ita]

To Ita's point, if they're looking at doubling existing space to compete with 500k sqft facilities, I don't see that happening without expansion into Lot B or lot D.

So that leaves:
- Expanding north into Lot D, incorporating access to Baby Bob and the pedestrian path into the overall design
- Expanding west into Lot B over 10th Street (thinking about the parking garage over 17th Street at Douglas, but much larger)
- Building a completely separate building on Lot B with more skywalks to connect the existing convention center with the new space.

Or really getting creative and:
- Expanding east to the railroad tracks and relocating the load-in/out docks & HVAC infra somewhere else.
- Build an entire new convention wing where Lot A currently exists.

Good thoughts, but I do not want Lot B or Lot A consumed by convention space if possible. Really wanting high density buildings being right on streetcar stops. I am Ok with Lot D though, that would be an interesting one with Baby Bob in the way.

I was looking at this again yesterday. I found this 3d floor plan (https://expofp.com/chi-health-center-omaha) and realized that maybe they take up the whole grassy field as it extends east past the backside of the existing convention center. Re-google measuring and it came out to 75k sq. ft. The convention space includes Ballroom and other room space. So, if they build a 75k sq. ft. Hall D with a second floor of additional Ballrooms and smaller room space, they would be very close to the 500k sq. ft. They can get some addition square footage if they bring up Hall D closer to 10th Street as well.

[Louie]

To Ita's point, if they're looking at doubling existing space to compete with 500k sqft facilities, I don't see that happening without expansion into Lot B or lot D.

So that leaves:
- Expanding north into Lot D, incorporating access to Baby Bob and the pedestrian path into the overall design
- Expanding west into Lot B over 10th Street (thinking about the parking garage over 17th Street at Douglas, but much larger)
- Building a completely separate building on Lot B with more skywalks to connect the existing convention center with the new space.

Or really getting creative and:
- Expanding east to the railroad tracks and relocating the load-in/out docks & HVAC infra somewhere else.
- Build an entire new convention wing where Lot A currently exists.

Good thoughts, but I do not want Lot B or Lot A consumed by convention space if possible. Really wanting high density buildings being right on streetcar stops. I am Ok with Lot D though, that would be an interesting one with Baby Bob in the way.

I was looking at this again yesterday. I found this 3d floor plan (https://expofp.com/chi-health-center-omaha) and realized that maybe they take up the whole grassy field as it extends east past the backside of the existing convention center. Re-google measuring and it came out to 75k sq. ft. The convention space includes Ballroom and other room space. So, if they build a 75k sq. ft. Hall D with a second floor of additional Ballrooms and smaller room space, they would be very close to the 500k sq. ft. They can get some addition square footage if they bring up Hall D closer to 10th Street as well.

Agreed, could be some funky access points, but it would be a decent usage for that lot. Which lot is Lot A? I forget

[ita]

To Ita's point, if they're looking at doubling existing space to compete with 500k sqft facilities, I don't see that happening without expansion into Lot B or lot D.

So that leaves:
- Expanding north into Lot D, incorporating access to Baby Bob and the pedestrian path into the overall design
- Expanding west into Lot B over 10th Street (thinking about the parking garage over 17th Street at Douglas, but much larger)
- Building a completely separate building on Lot B with more skywalks to connect the existing convention center with the new space.

Or really getting creative and:
- Expanding east to the railroad tracks and relocating the load-in/out docks & HVAC infra somewhere else.
- Build an entire new convention wing where Lot A currently exists.

Good thoughts, but I do not want Lot B or Lot A consumed by convention space if possible. Really wanting high density buildings being right on streetcar stops. I am Ok with Lot D though, that would be an interesting one with Baby Bob in the way.

I was looking at this again yesterday. I found this 3d floor plan (https://expofp.com/chi-health-center-omaha) and realized that maybe they take up the whole grassy field as it extends east past the backside of the existing convention center. Re-google measuring and it came out to 75k sq. ft. The convention space includes Ballroom and other room space. So, if they build a 75k sq. ft. Hall D with a second floor of additional Ballrooms and smaller room space, they would be very close to the 500k sq. ft. They can get some addition square footage if they bring up Hall D closer to 10th Street as well.

Agreed, could be some funky access points, but it would be a decent usage for that lot. Which lot is Lot A? I forget

It's this nicely size surface parking lot fronting Lewis and Clark, Luminarium and Riverfront.

[Louie]

To Ita's point, if they're looking at doubling existing space to compete with 500k sqft facilities, I don't see that happening without expansion into Lot B or lot D.

So that leaves:
- Expanding north into Lot D, incorporating access to Baby Bob and the pedestrian path into the overall design
- Expanding west into Lot B over 10th Street (thinking about the parking garage over 17th Street at Douglas, but much larger)
- Building a completely separate building on Lot B with more skywalks to connect the existing convention center with the new space.

Or really getting creative and:
- Expanding east to the railroad tracks and relocating the load-in/out docks & HVAC infra somewhere else.
- Build an entire new convention wing where Lot A currently exists.

Good thoughts, but I do not want Lot B or Lot A consumed by convention space if possible. Really wanting high density buildings being right on streetcar stops. I am Ok with Lot D though, that would be an interesting one with Baby Bob in the way.

I was looking at this again yesterday. I found this 3d floor plan (https://expofp.com/chi-health-center-omaha) and realized that maybe they take up the whole grassy field as it extends east past the backside of the existing convention center. Re-google measuring and it came out to 75k sq. ft. The convention space includes Ballroom and other room space. So, if they build a 75k sq. ft. Hall D with a second floor of additional Ballrooms and smaller room space, they would be very close to the 500k sq. ft. They can get some addition square footage if they bring up Hall D closer to 10th Street as well.

Agreed, could be some funky access points, but it would be a decent usage for that lot. Which lot is Lot A? I forget

It's this nicely size surface parking lot fronting Lewis and Clark, Luminarium and Riverfront.

Ah thank you, yes, that wouldn't make sense for the convention space anyway.

[almighty_tuna]

After spending a week at the San Diego Convention Center last fall it's certainly clear that MECA has a lot of work ahead of it if they intend to compete with the next tier of convention centers. Regardless of which direction they expand the building, a 500k sqft warehouse w/cement floors and a minimalist design isn't going to cut it.

[ita]

After spending a week at the San Diego Convention Center last fall it's certainly clear that MECA has a lot of work ahead of it if they intend to compete with the next tier of convention centers. Regardless of which direction they expand the building, a 500k sqft warehouse w/cement floors and a minimalist design isn't going to cut it.

I've always liked the convention center. Not flashy for sure, but it's not unlike others I have been to. However, I haven't been to more prominent ones; what kind of design features did you see at SD that brought it up a notch?

Also, thinking about competing, by the time the expansion is done (I'm thinking no sooner than 5 years from now), the streetcar will be serving the convention center and Baby Bob will be built. Those connectors with downtown and hotels will make the convention center more competitive. If we see Lot B or Lot A developed with further retail and/or hotels, I think the additional development will help as well.

[Bob from Omaha]

Pretty isn't the most important thing. Yes a nice looking building is a small part of it.

Location is a large part. Omaha's convention center is incredibly close to the airport, I-80 and I-29. There are a mountain of hotel rooms nearby, including the Hilton which is connected. That's a very big plus. The Old Market and downtown are well within walking distance. Maybe not to Omahans but those from larger cities would have no problem walking.

Now, to the convention center itself. I've been to conventions where the convention center might be showing its age and wear. Nothing horrible but noticeable. Others have been well taken care of and nobody noticed worn carpet or less than kept up bathrooms. They didn't say "Hey! Check out this not worn carpet" Having all the latest technology and an attentive staff are a must. Problem free wifi and cel service is also a deal breaker as far as rebooking goes. And finally, room. I'm talking about both show space and breakout rooms.

Finally, there are conventions, trade shows, conferences and on and on. There are many different users of convention centers and MECA has never carved out its niche in the industry. You don't have to compete with Las Vegas, New York and Chicago. On the other hand there is zero reason Omaha can't compete for certain trade shows. I'm not talking about the CES. There are thousands of trade shows every year.

Over my 40 plus year career I've been to hundreds of conventions and trade shows. I can't tell you how many times I've thought "There is no reason why this can't be held in Omaha" and that was before the new arena/convention center was built. I was thinking either the Civic or Holiday Inn Central.

[almighty_tuna]

Some of the standout items from my time there:
- Excellent digital signage in both quality of display hardware and function
- Nice outdoor areas, spacious balconies and plazas to relax in between sessions. Sure, Omaha doesn't have a waterfront, but the Dole produce shipping terminal isn't exactly the most aesthetic view either.
- Broad walkways indoors and out
- Meeting rooms were plentiful, with many large options that seated up to a few hundred, high ceilings, cool design/lighting
- The Sails Pavilion was incredible. The keynote was held there with a few thousand attendees - bright, airy, spacious. The Omaha convention center has a great view to the west and southwest but you wouldn't know it unless you were walking out of the building.
- Flow; it wasn't hard to get around, no bottlenecks, plenty of restrooms, room to walk.
- Not one trade show drape in sight to divide areas. I couldn't imagine the Omaha convention center hosting a major convention without having to use the exhibit hall. The Omaha exhibit hall is great, don't get me wrong. Its connection to the arena has been a boon for events like the Swim Trials, volleyball & basketball where warm-up areas are right there. But it's not a great solution for major breakout areas.

[skinzfan23]

After spending a week at the San Diego Convention Center last fall it's certainly clear that MECA has a lot of work ahead of it if they intend to compete with the next tier of convention centers. Regardless of which direction they expand the building, a 500k sqft warehouse w/cement floors and a minimalist design isn't going to cut it.

I've always liked the convention center. Not flashy for sure, but it's not unlike others I have been to. However, I haven't been to more prominent ones; what kind of design features did you see at SD that brought it up a notch?

Also, thinking about competing, by the time the expansion is done (I'm thinking no sooner than 5 years from now), the streetcar will be serving the convention center and Baby Bob will be built. Those connectors with downtown and hotels will make the convention center more competitive. If we see Lot B or Lot A developed with further retail and/or hotels, I think the additional development will help as well.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is inside of the San Diego Convention Center:





If that is the case, I think I'll pass.

[Greg S]

Pretty isn't the most important thing. Yes a nice looking building is a small part of it.

Location is a large part. Omaha's convention center is incredibly close to the airport, I-80 and I-29. There are a mountain of hotel rooms nearby, including the Hilton which is connected. That's a very big plus. The Old Market and downtown are well within walking distance. Maybe not to Omahans but those from larger cities would have no problem walking.

Now, to the convention center itself. I've been to conventions where the convention center might be showing its age and wear. Nothing horrible but noticeable. Others have been well taken care of and nobody noticed worn carpet or less than kept up bathrooms. They didn't say "Hey! Check out this not worn carpet" Having all the latest technology and an attentive staff are a must. Problem free wifi and cel service is also a deal breaker as far as rebooking goes. And finally, room. I'm talking about both show space and breakout rooms.

Finally, there are conventions, trade shows, conferences and on and on. There are many different users of convention centers and MECA has never carved out its niche in the industry. You don't have to compete with Las Vegas, New York and Chicago. On the other hand there is zero reason Omaha can't compete for certain trade shows. I'm not talking about the CES. There are thousands of trade shows every year.

Over my 40 plus year career I've been to hundreds of conventions and trade shows. I can't tell you how many times I've thought "There is no reason why this can't be held in Omaha" and that was before the new arena/convention center was built. I was thinking either the Civic or Holiday Inn Central.

I'm not sure Omaha has a mountain of hotel rooms compared to the others. The few I have been too all had large amounts of hotels around and adjacent to them.

[ita]

Pretty isn't the most important thing. Yes a nice looking building is a small part of it.

Location is a large part. Omaha's convention center is incredibly close to the airport, I-80 and I-29. There are a mountain of hotel rooms nearby, including the Hilton which is connected. That's a very big plus. The Old Market and downtown are well within walking distance. Maybe not to Omahans but those from larger cities would have no problem walking.

Now, to the convention center itself. I've been to conventions where the convention center might be showing its age and wear. Nothing horrible but noticeable. Others have been well taken care of and nobody noticed worn carpet or less than kept up bathrooms. They didn't say "Hey! Check out this not worn carpet" Having all the latest technology and an attentive staff are a must. Problem free wifi and cel service is also a deal breaker as far as rebooking goes. And finally, room. I'm talking about both show space and breakout rooms.

Finally, there are conventions, trade shows, conferences and on and on. There are many different users of convention centers and MECA has never carved out its niche in the industry. You don't have to compete with Las Vegas, New York and Chicago. On the other hand there is zero reason Omaha can't compete for certain trade shows. I'm not talking about the CES. There are thousands of trade shows every year.

Over my 40 plus year career I've been to hundreds of conventions and trade shows. I can't tell you how many times I've thought "There is no reason why this can't be held in Omaha" and that was before the new arena/convention center was built. I was thinking either the Civic or Holiday Inn Central.

I'm not sure Omaha has a mountain of hotel rooms compared to the others. The few I have been too all had large amounts of hotels around and adjacent to them.

CHI Health Center does not have that many hotels adjacent to it. Really it's only Hilton and Marriott at Capitol District. We could potential add more at Lot A and B, but that's far into the future.

I appreciate everyone's comments on this. While I have been to a few, I haven't been to many convention centers so I appreciate the insight.

Regarding the size MECA is shooting for, I looked into the numbers a bit more and how we compare. Using trusty Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_c ... ted_States) I discovered that our 346k sq. ft. of convention space (exhibit halls, ballroom and break out rooms) is pretty small. Our total exhibit hall space is 194k sq. ft., which is really midpack regionally. We are uncompetitive in that realm with KC's Bartle Hall (388k) and just a bit under Wichita's (198k). There are some midwest/mideast behemoths with Indy's boasting 566k and Columbus at about 450k. Since tuna brought up San Diego, they have over 600k sq. ft. of just exhibit hall space.

If CHI theoretically expanded how I explained above, adding about 75k of exhibit hall space, that actually jumps quite a few spots and puts it around Austin, Portland, and Charlotte convention centers. What kind of conventions are these locations landing that we are going to be options for? It would be nice if MECA talked about the types of conventions they are trying to land but aren't because of lack of space, or whatever.

[Coyote]

MECA holds job fair in search of workers for College World Series



MECA held a job fair Wednesday in search of more workers for the CWS.

[ita]

This is already old data, but in the April minutes of MECA board meeting, they reported the following:

Additionally, Deb Ward, Executive Director with Visit Omaha, brought a report to the meeting indicating there were nearly 60,000 out-of-town visitors in Omaha for the March Madness Tournament. Also included in the data were mentions of top-visited hotels and various attractions, among those listed were the Gene Leahy Mall, Lewis & Clark Landing and Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront.

For perspective, BH shareholders, from what I am seeing online, brings 30-40,000 out of town visitors to the City. I hope they'll share data about the B10 baseball tournament we hosted this past weekend. I don't expect it to be as high, but these college tournaments are great events to have from a tourism and economic perspective.

[skinzfan23]

Yes, I agree. Unfortunately, the Big 10 Baseball tournament was mostly Omaha and Lincoln people. Still nice to have extra people downtown, but most of the other teams have very few fans.

That is why, I keep saying that they need to make a big push to get the Big 10 basketball tournament here. That has a much higher draw and all schools participate.

[Greg S]

Yes, I agree. Unfortunately, the Big 10 Baseball tournament was mostly Omaha and Lincoln people. Still nice to have extra people downtown, but most of the other teams have very few fans.

That is why, I keep saying that they need to make a big push to get the Big 10 basketball tournament here. That has a much higher draw and all schools participate.

I just don't see Omaha getting the basketball tournament. It's been so successful in bigger markets.

For baseball it's definitely more Nebraska fans. The ones behind us on Friday were in a group from western Nebraska and had been in town since Tuesday.

I went to almost all sessions. Did meet some people from all over the conference but Nebraska definitely dominated. In years past when Minnesota was good they'd send an OK amount. If Iowa makes a run they help too. Iowa has really helped over the years when Nebraska struggled. I remember when they won it in 2017 they all but took over the Hilton and seeming were every the night before the championship downtown.

Will be interesting in the coming years with the west coast teams coming that place more emphasis and have had far more success than the traditional Big 10 schools.

Greg

[nebugeater]

So, what is the definition used for "out-of-town" visitors? I was at the B1G baseball tournament for four days. Living in Gretna, do I count as out-of-town? If someone goes multiple days, does it count as 1 or 1 X the number of days? This is a serious question.

For the March Madness I can see that number being that high if they count people outside Omaha limits and if they count it times the days attended.

[nebugeater]

Yes, I agree. Unfortunately, the Big 10 Baseball tournament was mostly Omaha and Lincoln people. Still nice to have extra people downtown, but most of the other teams have very few fans.

That is why, I keep saying that they need to make a big push to get the Big 10 basketball tournament here. That has a much higher draw and all schools participate.

I just don't see Omaha getting the basketball tournament. It's been so successful in bigger markets.

For baseball it's definitely more Nebraska fans. The ones behind us on Friday were in a group from western Nebraska and had been in town since Tuesday.

I went to almost all sessions. Did meet some people from all over the conference but Nebraska definitely dominated. In years past when Minnesota was good they'd send an OK amount. If Iowa makes a run they help too. Iowa has really helped over the years when Nebraska struggled. I remember when they won it in 2017 they all but took over the Hilton and seeming were every the night before the championship downtown.

Will be interesting in the coming years with the west coast teams coming that place more emphasis and have had far more success than the traditional Big 10 schools.

Greg

I had all session seats in section 112 and Bought them on Day 1 as a season ticket holder to one of the schools. The six seats next to me were empty all but one of the times I was there, and I attended more than just the Nebraska games. They appeared to be Iowa fans. Once Iowa lost, they were not back, and with digital ticketing, even through Ticketmaster, it is really difficult to sell your tickets to someone who might want them in a trusted way. I do not believe you could use the Ticketmaster resell feature at all since it was not sold out. Too bad to see really good seats sit empty on Sat and Sun and I was there all day, Say from 8 AM until after the end of game #3

[Greg S]

So, what is the definition used for "out-of-town" visitors? I was at the B1G baseball tournament for four days. Living in Gretna, do I count as out-of-town? If someone goes multiple days, does it count as 1 or 1 X the number of days? This is a serious question.

For the March Madness I can see that number being that high if they count people outside Omaha limits and if they count it times the days attended.

For me I could would either count those further than an hour away or those that stay the night.

[buildomaha]

Does anyone know if there is any usable SF in the raised “ribbon” of the CHI? I’ve always wondered if the intention was purely external aesthetic or utility?

[almighty_tuna]

Does anyone know if there is any usable SF in the raised “ribbon” of the CHI?

There is not. Mostly utility and catwalk. Been up there a few times.

[Brad]

Been up there a few times.

Unfortunately the shut off media access up there this year...

[almighty_tuna]

Been up there a few times.

Unfortunately the shut off media access up there this year...

No way!! They still let OWH mount their strobes?

[Brad]

Been up there a few times.

Unfortunately the shut off media access up there this year...

No way!! They still let OWH mount their strobes?

The strobes, they just had to turn them on and off every game. I wonder if they are still up there after the arena got the new LED lights last year?

[Brad]

Roger Dixon stepping down as CEO of Omaha's MECA after more than two decades

https://omaha.com/news/local/business/a ... 6c644.html

From the back seat of a cab, Dixon saw the metal scrap business, shuttered lead plant site, and abandoned railyards that at the time made up Omaha’s riverfront.

“These people have vision,” thought Dixon, the man who would soon be hired to turn that vision into reality.

“To drive here in 2000 and see what was here, and to see it today, it’s amazing,” Dixon said in an interview Monday.

The combined MECA facilities have attracted some 32 million visitors to downtown Omaha since 2003, and generated an estimated $2 billion in economic impact, according to MECA figures.

Dixon said MECA was in the black from the very first year and has earned enough annually to fund operations as well as set money aside to keep facilities maintained and up-do-date. He said visitors to the arena today can’t believe that it’s already 22 years old.

“I think it’s as strong as ever,” Dixon said.

[skinzfan23]

Roger Dixon, CEO of MECA is retiring at the end of the year. He has done a great job managing CHI, Schwab Field and now the Riverfront park. Sad to see him go.

[Greg S]

Roger Dixon, CEO of MECA is retiring at the end of the year. He has done a great job managing CHI, Schwab Field and now the Riverfront park. Sad to see him go.

I honestly have mixed feelings. When it first opened and they realized that despite being promised otherwise, that the taxpayers of Omaha/city's general fund would need to cover the bonds because it wasn't able to do it on the initial projections, he didn't really step up to offer any help, despite MECA being profitable. Omaha then had to pay when we were told we wouldn't have to and they had to go get more money from the state. To be clear, regardless it was a great investment.

He was really strongly against the downtown baseball park when it was initially proposed. I remember him famously saying it would be like someone building a gas station (if this was today I bet he says Mega Saver) next to your home. He suddenly changed his tune once MECA was given control.

I also had a friend that worked for MECA for a few years in their accounting. She described it as a fairly toxic work environment. I will say, I have interacted with him a few times on a personal note and it's always been pleasant.

That being said he has done a great job on the facilities. With the arena filling it with concerts and such. I know more about the arena side, not sure on the convention center as far as how many conventions we get in comparison with our peers.

And MECA seems to be doing a great job with the downtown park.

Greg

[windsor]

Roger Dixon stepping down as CEO of Omaha's MECA after more than two decades

https://omaha.com/news/local/business/a ... 6c644.html

From the back seat of a cab, Dixon saw the metal scrap business, shuttered lead plant site, and abandoned railyards that at the time made up Omaha’s riverfront.

“These people have vision,” thought Dixon, the man who would soon be hired to turn that vision into reality.

“To drive here in 2000 and see what was here, and to see it today, it’s amazing,” Dixon said in an interview Monday.

The combined MECA facilities have attracted some 32 million visitors to downtown Omaha since 2003, and generated an estimated $2 billion in economic impact, according to MECA figures.

Dixon said MECA was in the black from the very first year and has earned enough annually to fund operations as well as set money aside to keep facilities maintained and up-do-date. He said visitors to the arena today can’t believe that it’s already 22 years old.

“I think it’s as strong as ever,” Dixon said.

While he was very complementary saying "These people have vision” I think he was quite the visionary too. While he did play hard ball and stood up to people, that's part of that industry. In the end, it appears all of his decisions helped shape a great organization which runs some top notch venues. I'm glad he stuck around for nearly a quarter century and had the guts to stand up to people when he needed too.

[GenX]

Roger Dixon, CEO of MECA is retiring at the end of the year. He has done a great job managing CHI, Schwab Field and now the Riverfront park. Sad to see him go.

I also had a friend that worked for MECA for a few years in their accounting. She described it as a fairly toxic work environment. I will say, I have interacted with him a few times on a personal note and it's always been pleasant.

The event/service/hospitality industry as a whole can be extremely toxic with all the stress, pressure, deadlines, expectations, egos, reputations etc... so I wouldn't necessarily conclude he created the environment.

[Brad]

MECA Hires New CEO to Replace Retiring Roger Dixon

https://growomaha.com/news-briefs/

Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority has chosen Adam J. Straight to be the next president and CEO, replacing Roger Dixon, who is retiring at the end of this year after 25 years in the role. Straight comes to Omaha from New Orleans, where he served as the Chief Operating Officer of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the nation’s sixth largest convention center, overseeing day-to-day operations. Before his time in New Orleans, Straight worked at the Georgia World Congress Center Authority in Atlanta. He will be responsible for CHI Health Center Omaha, Charles Schwab Field and the RiverFront parks.

[Doctor Fate]

MECA Hires New CEO to Replace Retiring Roger Dixon

https://growomaha.com/news-briefs/

Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority has chosen Adam J. Straight to be the next president and CEO, replacing Roger Dixon, who is retiring at the end of this year after 25 years in the role. Straight comes to Omaha from New Orleans, where he served as the Chief Operating Officer of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the nation’s sixth largest convention center, overseeing day-to-day operations. Before his time in New Orleans, Straight worked at the Georgia World Congress Center Authority in Atlanta. He will be responsible for CHI Health Center Omaha, Charles Schwab Field and the RiverFront parks.

Interested to see what he does. Sounds like he was in charge of the River District development, which was supposed to have 1,100 condo/apartment units, hotels, retail/restaurants, office, and a Top Golf. However, only an 8 story regional HQ for Shell has broken ground, Top Golf backed out, and the master developer just left the project.

Maybe he will prioritize development around the convention center and ballpark in Lot B and Lot D.

[halgy]

Maybe he will prioritize development around the convention center and ballpark in Lot B and Lot D.

Gods I hope so. Especially Lot B. They've talked about needing another convention hotel, and Lot B is the logical place. It would also be a decent place for the downtown grocery store, moreso if the streetcar is extended up 10th street. Fill in the rest with some decently-tall mixed-use apartments, hide a big ol' parking garage in the middle, and baby you got a development goin'.

Having something (hopefully lots of something) in Lot B would help connect the Capitol District to the Millwork Common and Builder's District, and really make the whole north DT area a lot more appealing and useful. I live in the Capitol District, and it seems like there isn't enough draw to keep the area busy except in the time immediately surrounding a big event.

[almighty_tuna]

It would never happen for a myriad of reasons, but I can't help not lamenting the opportunity to create a bit of a Petco Park vibe with Lots B & D. Hopefully the new CEO is as development forward as his history indicates and we get some projects that bring year 'round activity to the area instead of more CWS oriented, sit dormant for 11 months type places.

[Greg S]

It would never happen for a myriad of reasons, but I can't help not lamenting the opportunity to create a bit of a Petco Park vibe with Lots B & D. Hopefully the new CEO is as development forward as his history indicates and we get some projects that bring year 'round activity to the area instead of more CWS oriented, sit dormant for 11 months type places.

Completely agree.

[Doctor Fate]

Or something like Fifth + Broadway in Nashville, across the street from Bridgestone Arena and a block from the convention center.
- The Place at Fifth + Broadway: 400 ft apartment building
- 501 Commerce: 361 ft office buidling
- Ground floor retail including Nike, Apple, Carhartt, Free People, Ray Ban, Sephora, Tecovas, etc.
- Assembly food hall

If something like this went on Lot B, I imagine it would be scaled down and not include office. Would be thrilled if it has two residential buildings around 200 ft.

[ita]

Nice article from B2B Omaha about Adam Straight, new CEO of MECA.

New MECA CEO Adam Straight Looks Ahead