Omaha RiverFront Market (SEC 8th and Farnam St)

[nebport5]

Heritage Omaha in collaboration with Project for Public Spaces...

will "study the potential of a year-round, indoor, nonprofit public market at The RiverFront in downtown Omaha."

Take the survey here.

Community Placemaking Workshop

Wed., June 25, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Doors open at 5:00 pm | Workshop starts at 5:30 pm
The RiverFront Community Room
900 Farnam Street, Suite 100
Omaha, NE 68102

[omahahawk]

Thanks for posting this. I did the survey and would encourage everyone else to do so.

[thenewguy]

took the survey myself. I'd love it if they had such a venue

[Nebraska>Iowa]

Thanks for posting this. I did the survey and would encourage everyone else to do so.

As did I. It'd be a significant attraction for the community.

[omahahawk]

There was a brief article in the Sunday OWH about this but no new news. Really looking forward to this, especially in the winter, since the one at 10th and Pierce didn't pan out. This one seems like it would be much nicer and in a much better location. Hopefully after the public meetings this week we will get some more information such as the scale and scope and a potential timeline.

[skip]

heading to the community engagement event regarding this tonight

[Garrett]

Exchanged emails with my former professor that's working on this. She told me that the markets team has been working on this project since last year, and that the work is in very advanced stages already, with work underway on the design and report.

[nebport5]

heading to the community engagement event regarding this tonight

I thought tomorrow night?

[skip]

heading to the community engagement event regarding this tonight

I thought tomorrow night?

yes I meant that oops haha

[Dusty]

I don't feel the Riverfront Parks is the right location for this. People will demand ample car parking, which will involve building an unnecessary parking garage at the park. I mentioned over a year ago on the forums for my food market plan.

My vision is to redevelop the city owned garage on 10th and Jackson. It will become a nationally recognized food market. This complements Saturday's Farmers Market since it's right next to it. Plus, this location is very important since the farmers market started on the exact spot 100 years ago. The indoor market will be a blend of a food hall, farmers market, cooking education, and public place to socialize. It will collaborate with MCC Culinary arts program as well as local chefs in the Metro. Workshop spaces for cooking throwdown challenges. Tasting/sampling sessions for budding chefs trying different menu items. We have to think much bigger than an indoor market. It will be a culinary experience.

This building will be mixed use as it incorporates multiple floors of residential living above it. This will be hot real estate as it attracts residents wanting to live above a food market and live a less car dependent lifestyle. It could include a few floors for parking. Mixed-use example. 2-3 floors food market, 2-3 floors of garage, 5-8 floors of residential units.

As for the Riverfront Parks, any venue needs to flow with the vibe of a park. Think ultimate picnicking or urban glamping. I suggest the city builds a food truck park. In a basic sense, a bunch of food trucks park in a circle or around a space. In the center are picnic tables, shade, and public space to mingle, eat, and socialize. This fits better into the vibe of the Riverfront Park. I envision a 2 story structure: Upper floor for seating (picnic tables, string lights, etc), lower floor for additional seating, yard games, and public space. The food trucks completely surround the building. When inside, you have access to all the food trucks in a park-like setting.

[omahahawk]

I would love to see this have all the destination vibes of a place like Pikes Place Market Seattle. If I were an organizer I would reach out to Absolutely Fresh or Shucks. A first class seafood section would be amazing and the proximity to their respective distribution centers only blocks away would make a lot of sense. Really stoked about this. Unlike Pikes Place which probably took years to arrive from a grass roots start, enter Omaha's strong philanthropic community and this place can go from 0 to 60 pretty quick. Excellent project for so many reasons.

[NEDodger]

This complements Saturday's Farmers Market since it's right next to it.

Would that still be a thing if this gets built? I’d think most of the Old Market vendors would opt for the more regular/daily new market?

[Garrett]

This complements Saturday's Farmers Market since it's right next to it.

Would that still be a thing if this gets built? I’d think most of the Old Market vendors would opt for the more regular/daily new market?

Depends on the vendor. Markets like this tend to be one part farmers market, one part food hall. More seasonal vendors like produce farmers would probably still be a better fit for a seasonal farmers market, while something more year round like meat, spice, cheese or tea vendors may find a home in the year round market. You’d also have better infrastructure to support something like a fish market or even a bookstore or art gallery, that might not make sense in a farmers market concept. Finally, there would probably be a lot of small, local restaurant concepts.

[nebport5]

Exchanged emails with my former professor that's working on this. She told me that the markets team has been working on this project since last year, and that the work is in very advanced stages already, with work underway on the design and report.

That doesn’t sounds surprising given Heritage’s track record. The solicitation of public input on the library felt like a symbolic afterthought.

Perhaps this workshop will present some renderings.

[Linkin5]

Hopefully something like the Milwaukee Public Market comes to fruition. Whatever they do please include the big neon lighting in the plan.

[Dusty]

This complements Saturday's Farmers Market since it's right next to it.

Would that still be a thing if this gets built? I’d think most of the Old Market vendors would opt for the more regular/daily new market?

Depends on the vendor. Markets like this tend to be one part farmers market, one part food hall. More seasonal vendors like produce farmers would probably still be a better fit for a seasonal farmers market, while something more year round like meat, spice, cheese or tea vendors may find a home in the year round market. You’d also have better infrastructure to support something like a fish market or even a bookstore or art gallery, that might not make sense in a farmers market concept. Finally, there would probably be a lot of small, local restaurant concepts.

Garrett, you beat me to the punch with your response. I do feel the downtown market has stagnated over the years because of growth potential. It would involve shutting down additional streets to add vendors. This could reduce traffic flow for cross streets. This is why adding the food market is a good thing. I do feel if it's at the Riverfront parks it will be just far enough away they will end up competing against each other. That's why I'm saying to build it on 10th and Jackson parking garage spot. This way they could work in tandem: 130 outside vendors with 100+ inside vendors.

[Dusty]

As for the food market. I suggested markets like: Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. Of course, we could throw in one like: Pikes Market in Seattle or Chelsea Market in New York.

As for the food truck concept at the Riverfront Park, I would do a nicer version of Porky's Backyard in Houston.

[nebport5]

Exchanged emails with my former professor that's working on this. She told me that the markets team has been working on this project since last year, and that the work is in very advanced stages already, with work underway on the design and report.

That doesn’t sounds surprising given Heritage’s track record. The solicitation of public input on the library felt like a symbolic afterthought.

Perhaps this workshop will present some renderings.

No rendering from the workshop.

It was stressed at the beginning that this is all very early in the process and it was reiterated at the end that this is still exploratory.

Yeah, ok.

Also revealed at the start was that the lot directly south of the skate pavilion has been secured by Heritage. (Keep in mind this is still exploratory ). Personally I think that lot makes more sense and a hotel would be better suited between The Brickline and Embassy Suits.

During the general presentation on public markets a particularly interesting comparison was draw between The Forks Market in Winnipeg and the surrounding attributes at the chosen would be Omaha Public Market. Like the Forks, this site is next to a river, a playground, a children’s museum, a skating area and a pedestrian promenade. The Forks also has a hotel and six story glass observation tower.

Hmm.

[Ryan j]

I am certain that Representatives from Heritage Omaha have been traveling public markets around the US and Canada, maybe even the world for quite some time.

[Garrett]

8th and Farnam

[Dusty]

8th and Farnam

This will be a logistical nightmare for delivery trucks. No way to pull in with a 53 foot trailer to turn around. You will see trucks backing up into traffic. Like I said, this site is better suited for a food truck park.

[Jins123]

8th and Farnam

You would have the already made parking garage near by and an ORBT stop here too

[ita]

I thought there was one lot there between the lake and Farnam Street, but there are two.



Each lot is about 1.5 acres. Some of the public markets you all have shared pictures and detail of are are 40-80,000 square feet. Each lot is about 65,000 square feet, so it would be right in line with how big other markets are and can have some outdoor space depending if they make it multiple stories. I could see the public market on one and a smaller footprint residential high rise on the other. I think it could be a coherent development as well.

[PWL73316]

8th and Farnam

This will be a logistical nightmare for delivery trucks. No way to pull in with a 53 foot trailer to turn around. You will see trucks backing up into traffic. Like I said, this site is better suited for a food truck park.

Maybe we have different visions for what this would be, but the similar markets I am familiar with typically have all their stock in about a 100 square foot area, and if they are out, they are out. I don't think you would see full size trailers making deliveries typically. Maybe a box truck.

[PWL73316]

KC's City Market has permanent indoor / climate controlled stalls for the year-round vendors, and the farmer's market is in tents and outdoors on top of a parking lot when it is operating. I think a similar model would make sense in Omaha. Even better would be an open plaza when there is no farmer's market.

[nebport5]

KC's City Market has permanent indoor / climate controlled stalls for the year-round vendors, and the farmer's market is in tents and outdoors on top of a parking lot when it is operating. I think a similar model would make sense in Omaha. Even better would be an open plaza when there is no farmer's market.

It was stated at the workshop that the Riverfront Market wouldn’t replace any existing farmer’s market.

[PWL73316]

KC's City Market has permanent indoor / climate controlled stalls for the year-round vendors, and the farmer's market is in tents and outdoors on top of a parking lot when it is operating. I think a similar model would make sense in Omaha. Even better would be an open plaza when there is no farmer's market.

It was stated at the workshop that the Riverfront Market wouldn’t replace any existing farmer’s market.

That’s a missed opportunity in my opinion, they are natural complements. And the Old Market Farmers Market always feels pretty slapdash, this would be a chance to accommodate it better.

[nebport5]

I thought there was one lot there between the lake and Farnam Street, but there are two.



Each lot is about 1.5 acres. Some of the public markets you all have shared pictures and detail of are are 40-80,000 square feet. Each lot is about 65,000 square feet, so it would be right in line with how big other markets are and can have some outdoor space depending if they make it multiple stories. I could see the public market on one and a smaller footprint residential high rise on the other. I think it could be a coherent development as well.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Heritage took both of those lots. There would still be room on the two lots between the lake and 10th St for a hotel and T3 building too.

[omahahawk]

Thanks nebport5. I'm pretty stoked about this one so appreciate all the info. Anybody remember how long the library was "exploratory"? Hoping for an official announcement soon.

[omahahawk]

8th and Farnam

This will be a logistical nightmare for delivery trucks. No way to pull in with a 53 foot trailer to turn around. You will see trucks backing up into traffic. Like I said, this site is better suited for a food truck park.

Maybe we have different visions for what this would be, but the similar markets I am familiar with typically have all their stock in about a 100 square foot area, and if they are out, they are out. I don't think you would see full size trailers making deliveries typically. Maybe a box truck.

[omahahawk]

Thinking my vision of this is maybe more in line with what PWL might be thinking. I'm not necessarily wanting a behemoth scale operation but something where quality of product and consumer experience takes precedence. IMHO it is a fantastic location, centrally located near the river at the end of a streetcar line. Still plenty of development opportunities in the immediate area and very pedestrian friendly. Should prove a major asset to the city.

[nativeomahan]

This has the potential to be a grand slam home run for the city and its residents, not to mention tourists. We always stop at the River Market whenever we visit KC. It’s just a fun experience. I see this project as being similar in nature. The adjacent mall/park is already a natural attraction for thousands of people each week. Those crowds would naturally be attracted to this type of market, and people wanting to visit this market would likely also want to spend time in the park. A win-win for everybody.

[Garrett]

Jeff and Trenton on Grow Omaha said they expect the market to be “architecturally impressive” and speculated it may be mixed use with residences as well

[thenewguy]

I wish we had something like Quincy Market in Boston

[Doctor Fate]

Jeff and Trenton on Grow Omaha said they expect the market to be “architecturally impressive” and speculated it may be mixed use with residences as well

Sounds similar to the Eastern Market in DC. The indoor market has meat, cheese, seafood, produce, baked goods, pasta, and an events space and the outdoor market is a flea market. Next to the building is a five or six story apartment building with a Trader Joe’s on the ground floor.

[omahahawk]

Interesting if the The Forks Market was considered a sort of possible template.


https://www.theforks.com

looks really cool

[iamjacobm]

I thought there was one lot there between the lake and Farnam Street, but there are two.



Each lot is about 1.5 acres. Some of the public markets you all have shared pictures and detail of are are 40-80,000 square feet. Each lot is about 65,000 square feet, so it would be right in line with how big other markets are and can have some outdoor space depending if they make it multiple stories. I could see the public market on one and a smaller footprint residential high rise on the other. I think it could be a coherent development as well.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Heritage took both of those lots. There would still be room on the two lots between the lake and 10th St for a hotel and T3 building too.

Good call. Looks like Heritage bought both lots in late June.

[nebport5]

I thought there was one lot there between the lake and Farnam Street, but there are two.



Each lot is about 1.5 acres. Some of the public markets you all have shared pictures and detail of are are 40-80,000 square feet. Each lot is about 65,000 square feet, so it would be right in line with how big other markets are and can have some outdoor space depending if they make it multiple stories. I could see the public market on one and a smaller footprint residential high rise on the other. I think it could be a coherent development as well.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Heritage took both of those lots. There would still be room on the two lots between the lake and 10th St for a hotel and T3 building too.

Good call. Looks like Heritage bought both lots in late June.

This makes even more sense with the residential speculation Garrett alluded to above.


Edit: I also wouldn’t rule out a hotel here either based upon what I heard and saw at the workshop.

[iamjacobm]

I thought there was one lot there between the lake and Farnam Street, but there are two.



Each lot is about 1.5 acres. Some of the public markets you all have shared pictures and detail of are are 40-80,000 square feet. Each lot is about 65,000 square feet, so it would be right in line with how big other markets are and can have some outdoor space depending if they make it multiple stories. I could see the public market on one and a smaller footprint residential high rise on the other. I think it could be a coherent development as well.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Heritage took both of those lots. There would still be room on the two lots between the lake and 10th St for a hotel and T3 building too.

Good call. Looks like Heritage bought both lots in late June.

This makes even more sense with the residential speculation Garrett alluded to above.


Edit: I also wouldn’t rule out a hotel here either based upon what I heard and saw at the workshop.

The total purchase price was ~$5.8 million. I know Heritage has some deep pockets but I’m sure having some income producing property there would be beneficial.

[Renovator2559]

This is such an exciting project for downtown, I saw mostly pretty good ideas being written on the sticky notes in the workshop and I was excited to voice my ideas on the survey too. There is so much potential for this project and is in a perfect place, right next to 8th street which will have both the streetcar and the ORBT line!

There is a perfect opportunity to possibly create a lower level that has an entrance/exit to the lagoon on Heartland of America park, with a dining seating area overlooking the lagoon, as well as an entrance on an upper level that connects to the Brickline side on 8th and another exit to the HoA promenade.

It would really be nice if the market can have multiple floors, with multiple amenities and some rooftop amenities like a restaurant overlooking in a 360 view of the lagoon and downtown.

As for the food market. I suggested markets like: Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Indianapolis. Of course, we could throw in one like: Pikes Market in Seattle or Chelsea Market in New York.

As for the food truck concept at the Riverfront Park, I would do a nicer version of Porky's Backyard in Houston. We need something that is architecturally striking.

I personally like the Cleveland market of the 3 provided pictures, the ceiling looks classy, with a more premium look and does not look flimsy and cheap like the other two markets that feel warehouse-like with exposed ductwork.

Do we really need another food truck court though? We have plenty of food trucks parked on the riverfront, which I love but I don't think its a good idea to rely on this car-centric idea too much. By creating a food truck court, we have to account for creating larger driveways ei "more exposed concrete" for vehicle food trucks, that often have low aesthetic value. Emphasizing a more car-centric design with a food truck court is a southern city thing.



I don't know but this Porky's backyard in Houston is a bit too car-centric, too much grey concrete and its within low-density. The objective in anything in downtown is to nudge towards walkability, since its a TOD.

If one of the objectives is to create a food court, why not create an indoor food court like the ones in Aksarben and or the Motheroad Market in Tulsa? We can implement better aesthetics in an indoor food hall, than a car-centric food truck court design.



The architectural design of the Motheroad food hall in Tulsa is not my thing, it's like a warehouse with concrete floors, but it has been voted as one of the best food halls 3 years in a row by USA Today.

Here are some pictures of my previous visit to Tulsa, I have been to the Motheroad market several times and its kept pristine clean and has some good food options, including some artisan cheeses and wines. So if the Omaha Public Market decides on implementing a food court, Omaha has the opportunity to build one that is pleasing to the eye and better than this but also includes all the farmer's market amenities. While Tulsa is a very much more car-centric city than Omaha, they did a good job in making the market very pedestrian friendly, inside that is.









If they need more space for vendors, why not also include the lots on the south side of brickline to the public market. The public market could then wrap around the Brickline as an L-shaped multi-buildings and offer plenty of amenities on the lower levels.
Also, more space could be put to use, if the Conagra drive was straightened into a more restored street grid, that would be mostly pedestrian only in certain parts; Calgary, Albarta a much colder city, has a very nice walkable city center as an example.
The wavy side walk on lot 501, could be turned into a pedestrian promenade connecting to the Old Market, to draw more people in.
The Conagra building in 808, could be demoed and replaced by high density,



We definitely need to make our Public Market much more pleasing to the eye than the KC City Market, while I like the products they sell there when I have visited the KC City Market, it's just too concrete grey and somewhat dull in aesthetics.

I am looking forward for the Omaha Public Market in being architecturally impressive, as we all heard in Grow Omaha, we need a beautiful pleasing to the eye building that will allow us to take nice pictures of the public market, with the Omaha skyline in the background, but also beautiful from the inside because beautiful architecture inspires all people from any economic class to be proud of their city and brings people together.