Westroads Mall (10000 California St)

[djc311]

Yes it is Dillard's.

Has that been confirmed/announced?

It has not yet been publicly announced but it's Dillard's. They've literally been working on the deal for years. A lot of people have worked hard and dealt with a lot of frustration to make the deal happen. Long time coming!

I would think the Younkers building is already large enough to house a Dillard's, but apparently not. It's interesting they just approved an expansion of 32,000 with no apparent tenant signed on.

I would "think" this has to be locked in if they're spending money to make it larger.

Only thing I wish they could do is get rid of the idiot kids. Sure, when I was middle school and high school in the 90's you had some annoying groups hanging out at Crossroads and Westroads. But today, they're high jacking cars, shooting people in the parking garages and stealing in teams. I don't get it.

[GenX]

Yes it is Dillard's.

Has that been confirmed/announced?

It has not yet been publicly announced but it's Dillard's. They've literally been working on the deal for years. A lot of people have worked hard and dealt with a lot of frustration to make the deal happen. Long time coming!

I would think the Younkers building is already large enough to house a Dillard's, but apparently not. It's interesting they just approved an expansion of 32,000 with no apparent tenant signed on.

I would "think" this has to be locked in if they're spending money to make it larger.

Only thing I wish they could do is get rid of the idiot kids. Sure, when I was middle school and high school in the 90's you had some annoying groups hanging out at Crossroads and Westroads. But today, they're high jacking cars, shooting people in the parking garages and stealing in teams. I don't get it.

Somewhat off topic, but I ran into the Walmart Neighborhood Grocery on 168th & Harrison yesterday to grab a loaf of bread and noticed they're 4 packs and 12 packs of Monster Energy drinks have spider wrap security devices on them. How sad is it that this is where we are as a society... stealing energy drinks? Don't even get me started on LEGO cases in WalMart LOL.

It may have been lost in the conversation, but they're also separating out the old Younkers building into a separate parcel, which I'm assuming will be acquired by the new tenant (Dillards?).

[Brad]

It may have been lost in the conversation, but they're also separating out the old Younkers building into a separate parcel, which I'm assuming will be acquired by the new tenant (Dillards?).

It was owned by Younkers back in the day. "WESTROADS ANCHOR ACQUISITIONS LLC" purchased it back from "REALTY TRUST GROUP INC" for $13,000,000 on 4/9/2022.

I'm guessing they are doing a replat to accommodate the larger building and to bring the lot up to current Omaha platting standards.

[TheSeventhBrat]

Original plans for Westroads. From September 10, 1959

The mall was designed by my mom's cousin, Stanley J How. He also designed the old Witherspoon and Theisen mansions in Regency, St. Cecelia Cathedral Rectory and his firm designed the Lied Jungle, the Desert Dome and most of the major projects for the Zoo.

[Cermak]

Original plans for Westroads. From September 10, 1959

The mall was designed by my mom's cousin, Stanley J How. He also designed the old Witherspoon and Theisen mansions in Regency, St. Cecelia Cathedral Rectory and his firm designed the Lied Jungle, the Desert Dome and most of the major projects for the Zoo.

Thanks for the info, I heard when it opened it was one of the largest malls in the country. It’s been a survivor that’s for sure, still going after all these years. Probably has something to do with its excellent location.

[HskrFanMike]

https://omaha.com/news/local/business/d ... f72a3.html

Another department store is purchasing the space Younkers occupied until it closed in 2018 after its parent company, Bon-Ton Stores, declared bankruptcy, said Ryan Conlon, Westroads’ general manager. Brookfield Properties Retail Group, which manages Westroads, purchased the building after Younkers shuttered.

Conlon declined to identify the future occupant of the space, which now measures 173,000 square feet, other than to say that it would bring a lot of fanfare and drive traffic and activity to the mall.

I dare say that Dillard’s would NOT bring a lot of fanfare. Based on this quote, I’m thinking Macy’s.

[Bob from Omaha]

https://omaha.com/news/local/business/d ... f72a3.html

Another department store is purchasing the space Younkers occupied until it closed in 2018 after its parent company, Bon-Ton Stores, declared bankruptcy, said Ryan Conlon, Westroads’ general manager. Brookfield Properties Retail Group, which manages Westroads, purchased the building after Younkers shuttered.

Conlon declined to identify the future occupant of the space, which now measures 173,000 square feet, other than to say that it would bring a lot of fanfare and drive traffic and activity to the mall.

I dare say that Dillard’s would NOT bring a lot of fanfare. Based on this quote, I’m thinking Macy’s.

Mega saver?

[HskrFanMike]

Mega saver?

If true, their "Phones 4 Less" section will end up being bigger than the entire Apple Store at Village Point.

[Brad]

https://omaha.com/news/local/business/d ... f72a3.html

Another department store is purchasing the space Younkers occupied until it closed in 2018 after its parent company, Bon-Ton Stores, declared bankruptcy, said Ryan Conlon, Westroads’ general manager. Brookfield Properties Retail Group, which manages Westroads, purchased the building after Younkers shuttered.

Conlon declined to identify the future occupant of the space, which now measures 173,000 square feet, other than to say that it would bring a lot of fanfare and drive traffic and activity to the mall.

I dare say that Dillard’s would NOT bring a lot of fanfare. Based on this quote, I’m thinking Macy’s.

Its hilarious that they won't mention the name. If the OWH took 10 seconds to research building permits, they would see that DILLARDS does in fact have a building permit and they have had that permit sine June 17th.

Dillards Department Store - 207800 SF - Original Description: Interior remodel with a two level addition totaling 32,256 SF or 16,128 sf on each level. One new entry will be included in the addition. This will be a steel structure enclosed with metal studs with a brick veneer to match existing.

[Omaha Cowboy]

https://omaha.com/news/local/business/d ... f72a3.html

Another department store is purchasing the space Younkers occupied until it closed in 2018 after its parent company, Bon-Ton Stores, declared bankruptcy, said Ryan Conlon, Westroads’ general manager. Brookfield Properties Retail Group, which manages Westroads, purchased the building after Younkers shuttered.

Conlon declined to identify the future occupant of the space, which now measures 173,000 square feet, other than to say that it would bring a lot of fanfare and drive traffic and activity to the mall.

I dare say that Dillard’s would NOT bring a lot of fanfare. Based on this quote, I’m thinking Macy’s.

Its hilarious that they won't mention the name. If the OWH took 10 seconds to research building permits, twould see that DILLARDS does in fact have a building permit and they have had that permit sine June 17th.

Dillards Department Store - 207800 SF - Original Description: Interior remodel with a two level addition totaling 32,256 SF or 16,128 sf on each level. One new entry will be included in the addition. This will be a steel structure enclosed with metal studcs with a brick veneer to match existing.

Yeah, it’s Dillard’s..finally opening at Westroads…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[nebugeater]

https://omaha.com/news/local/business/d ... f72a3.html

Another department store is purchasing the space Younkers occupied until it closed in 2018 after its parent company, Bon-Ton Stores, declared bankruptcy, said Ryan Conlon, Westroads’ general manager. Brookfield Properties Retail Group, which manages Westroads, purchased the building after Younkers shuttered.

Conlon declined to identify the future occupant of the space, which now measures 173,000 square feet, other than to say that it would bring a lot of fanfare and drive traffic and activity to the mall.

I dare say that Dillard’s would NOT bring a lot of fanfare. Based on this quote, I’m thinking Macy’s.

Its hilarious that they won't mention the name. If the OWH took 10 seconds to research building permits, they would see that DILLARDS does in fact have a building permit and they have had that permit sine June 17th.

Dillards Department Store - 207800 SF - Original Description: Interior remodel with a two level addition totaling 32,256 SF or 16,128 sf on each level. One new entry will be included in the addition. This will be a steel structure enclosed with metal studs with a brick veneer to match existing.

You do know that the OWH has never embraced the internet!

[djc311]

I understand that people will likely be happy to see them move over to Westroads, but it's kind of a boring "win", IMO.

Oakview will continue to fall apart because the current ownership will let that happen.

It would be nice to see some new to market retailers pop up again. Hate to give Yates a ton of credit, but the remodel/rebuild of NEX is probably the most recent development to spur new retailers in our area. Sure, you could say Nordstrom Rack popped into VP, but honestly that's probably the worst-looking store they have at that shopping center (it is NOTHING like a Nordstroms and a lot of people probably expected it to be).

We're still missing all of the luxury brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, YSL, etc) and of course no Macy's yet.

I assume the best chance of landing any of these would be out by NEX - Westroads doesn't have the space to grow. Also, the luxury brands would be scared to go into Westroads.

[Garrett]

I understand that people will likely be happy to see them move over to Westroads, but it's kind of a boring "win", IMO.

Oakview will continue to fall apart because the current ownership will let that happen.

It would be nice to see some new to market retailers pop up again. Hate to give Yates a ton of credit, but the remodel/rebuild of NEX is probably the most recent development to spur new retailers in our area. Sure, you could say Nordstrom Rack popped into VP, but honestly that's probably the worst-looking store they have at that shopping center (it is NOTHING like a Nordstroms and a lot of people probably expected it to be).

We're still missing all of the luxury brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, YSL, etc) and of course no Macy's yet.

I assume the best chance of landing any of these would be out by NEX - Westroads doesn't have the space to grow. Also, the luxury brands would be scared to go into Westroads.

Omaha will never get a Macy's. It's a dying brand that's even teetering on losing its NYC flagship these days.

[djc311]

I understand that people will likely be happy to see them move over to Westroads, but it's kind of a boring "win", IMO.

Oakview will continue to fall apart because the current ownership will let that happen.

It would be nice to see some new to market retailers pop up again. Hate to give Yates a ton of credit, but the remodel/rebuild of NEX is probably the most recent development to spur new retailers in our area. Sure, you could say Nordstrom Rack popped into VP, but honestly that's probably the worst-looking store they have at that shopping center (it is NOTHING like a Nordstroms and a lot of people probably expected it to be).

We're still missing all of the luxury brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, YSL, etc) and of course no Macy's yet.

I assume the best chance of landing any of these would be out by NEX - Westroads doesn't have the space to grow. Also, the luxury brands would be scared to go into Westroads.

Omaha will never get a Macy's. It's a dying brand that's even teetering on losing its NYC flagship these days.

Really? I can see perhaps some of their current physical locations may be struggling, but I believe a brick and mortar in Omaha would do well... at least for quite awhile. Honestly, I don't consider Dillards a great store to shop at for brand name products. I'd probably put Von Maur at the top of the list in our market.

Of course things change. Younkers was our go-to starting back in the 80's (well, Brandeis then Younkers). That's where you'd find the name brand products. I'm surprised Penney's can keep their doors open... I know they've sold off most of their stores and assets.

Physical stores simply are not what they used to be. Can't imagine the lease for a store like Von Maur and what they'd need to do annually to cover their overhead.

[ChadJK]

Omaha will never get a Macy's. It's a dying brand that's even teetering on losing its NYC flagship these days.

We popped in there when we were in NYC last year. No particular reason. Just, you know, it's Macy's on 34th Street. lol Didn't spend a penny there.

'm surprised Penney's can keep their doors open... I know they've sold off most of their stores and assets.

I think JCPenney really reduced their footprint and expenses. They went from large expensive mall anchor stores to just being a large unit in a shopping plaza. We shopped the heck out of JCPenney in the 80s as kids. It was an affordable place to get clothing. Then, of course, Brandeis/Younkers for a few nicer things.

[Doctor Fate]

I understand that people will likely be happy to see them move over to Westroads, but it's kind of a boring "win", IMO.

Oakview will continue to fall apart because the current ownership will let that happen.

It would be nice to see some new to market retailers pop up again. Hate to give Yates a ton of credit, but the remodel/rebuild of NEX is probably the most recent development to spur new retailers in our area. Sure, you could say Nordstrom Rack popped into VP, but honestly that's probably the worst-looking store they have at that shopping center (it is NOTHING like a Nordstroms and a lot of people probably expected it to be).

We're still missing all of the luxury brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, YSL, etc) and of course no Macy's yet.

I assume the best chance of landing any of these would be out by NEX - Westroads doesn't have the space to grow. Also, the luxury brands would be scared to go into Westroads.

Omaha will never get a Macy's. It's a dying brand that's even teetering on losing its NYC flagship these days.

Really? I can see perhaps some of their current physical locations may be struggling, but I believe a brick and mortar in Omaha would do well... at least for quite awhile. Honestly, I don't consider Dillards a great store to shop at for brand name products. I'd probably put Von Maur at the top of the list in our market.

Of course things change. Younkers was our go-to starting back in the 80's (well, Brandeis then Younkers). That's where you'd find the name brand products. I'm surprised Penney's can keep their doors open... I know they've sold off most of their stores and assets.

Physical stores simply are not what they used to be. Can't imagine the lease for a store like Von Maur and what they'd need to do annually to cover their overhead.

Macy's is not opening any full-sized stores. They are shifting to smaller format stores.

Gucci, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Celine, Bottega, Chanel, etc. are not coming to Omaha anytime soon no matter what Rod Yates has claimed. And even if Omaha gets a Nordstrom in the near future, it will initially be a lower-tier store and won't feature any of those brands.

[Greg S]

I understand that people will likely be happy to see them move over to Westroads, but it's kind of a boring "win", IMO.

Oakview will continue to fall apart because the current ownership will let that happen.

It would be nice to see some new to market retailers pop up again. Hate to give Yates a ton of credit, but the remodel/rebuild of NEX is probably the most recent development to spur new retailers in our area. Sure, you could say Nordstrom Rack popped into VP, but honestly that's probably the worst-looking store they have at that shopping center (it is NOTHING like a Nordstroms and a lot of people probably expected it to be).

We're still missing all of the luxury brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, YSL, etc) and of course no Macy's yet.

I assume the best chance of landing any of these would be out by NEX - Westroads doesn't have the space to grow. Also, the luxury brands would be scared to go into Westroads.

Omaha will never get a Macy's. It's a dying brand that's even teetering on losing its NYC flagship these days.

Really? I can see perhaps some of their current physical locations may be struggling, but I believe a brick and mortar in Omaha would do well... at least for quite awhile. Honestly, I don't consider Dillards a great store to shop at for brand name products. I'd probably put Von Maur at the top of the list in our market.

Of course things change. Younkers was our go-to starting back in the 80's (well, Brandeis then Younkers). That's where you'd find the name brand products. I'm surprised Penney's can keep their doors open... I know they've sold off most of their stores and assets.

Physical stores simply are not what they used to be. Can't imagine the lease for a store like Von Maur and what they'd need to do annually to cover their overhead.

Macy's is not opening any full-sized stores. They are shifting to smaller format stores.

Gucci, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Celine, Bottega, Chanel, etc. are not coming to Omaha anytime soon no matter what Rod Yates has claimed. And even if Omaha gets a Nordstrom in the near future, it will initially be a lower-tier store and won't feature any of those brands.

As much as I would love to see Macy's, it's not going to happen. When's the last time they opened a full size Macy's? To my knowledge they've only opened smaller ones, like the Nordstrom's Rack that recently opened at Village Pointe.

As I have said for quite some time. In the current climate, there's really only a market for one indoor/enclosed mall in Omaha. And it's clearly Westroads. Des Moines has one major one at Jordan Creek, and KC only really has one thriving mall, Oak Park.

I really wish Omaha had got a new to market anchor department store for Westraods, but there really were no options. Westroads will now have 2 of the few thriving department stores, Von Maur and Dillards. Not many are expanding and building but those 2 are.

For the foreseeable future, it's KC for Macy's for me.

Greg

[plaidguy]

Macy’s bought out the lease of the Westroads Younker’s space after the Younker’s bankruptcy. They bought out several of the Bon Ton store leases. They held onto it but determined not to put a store in Omaha and the lease go in 2022.

Personally, I’m happy it’s Dillards. Not much different anyway from Macy’s these days as both chains have more of a focus on their private label brands than high end or national brands. Dillards has been opening some nice flagship stores and this has been billed for several years to be one of them. No doubt the Oakview location will close eventually or turn into a clearance center for a few years, but that mall is dead anyway.

I’d say the fact they are expanding the store with a two-level addition says a lot about their confidence in the Omaha market. Younker’s blocked off a lot of square feet on the second floor that used to be the furniture, carpet and mattress departments of The Jones Store, the original builders of that store. They used it as stockroom space. It’s a great sign that Dillards wants considerably more space than even Younker’s used.

We’ll never land a full line Nordstrom and other than Belk and Von Maur, there aren’t any more major department stores around. Neiman Marcus and Saks certainly aren’t coming here. We should be thrilled Dillards wants to build at our state’s largest mall. Much better than letting the building fall apart or get torn down for parking.

[Stargazer]

Is there any department store building new brick/mortar locations these days?

[riceweb]

Is there any department store building new brick/mortar locations these days?

No. This thread shows a lot of people basically wishing for a return of early 2000s retail that isn't coming back. With Walmart getting into the delivery game, even Walmart will surely be optimizing their real estate footprint at some point within a few years. Even more broadly, with deportations and an end to mass immigration, the US population will start to fall. There will be no further expanse of traditional retailers. If Omaha had wanted to get in on this game, it needed to have established it many years earlier.

Consolidation at Westroads is the city's best hope for a large traditional retail area, and the city should focus on adding apartments in that area to help drive demand (assuming Omaha's growth can continue with migration from the rest of the state).

[Greg S]

https://omaha.com/news/local/business/d ... f72a3.html

Another department store is purchasing the space Younkers occupied until it closed in 2018 after its parent company, Bon-Ton Stores, declared bankruptcy, said Ryan Conlon, Westroads’ general manager. Brookfield Properties Retail Group, which manages Westroads, purchased the building after Younkers shuttered.

Conlon declined to identify the future occupant of the space, which now measures 173,000 square feet, other than to say that it would bring a lot of fanfare and drive traffic and activity to the mall.

I dare say that Dillard’s would NOT bring a lot of fanfare. Based on this quote, I’m thinking Macy’s.

That quote is misleading. Macy's right now is not building new stores or moving into existing ones of this size. Anywhere. They just aren't doing that. I wish it was Macy's. The only new stores they've been going into are what they call "small format" stores.

Greg

[Linkin5]

I feel like there is some age divide when it comes to Macy’s. I’m nearly 40 and am missing this reverence or sense of prominence people have for the place. I grew up with knowing it from the parade but it doesn’t strike me as anything other than another dying department store chain that will soon be gone.

[Bob from Omaha]

We have multiple Macy's here and Somerset Mall has Macy's, Saks, Nordstrom & Neiman Marcus. When we moved here 17 years ago the mall was packed. Now it's still busy but nowhere near as packed.

When we lived in Omaha her favorite was Von Maur. There's one in the Detroit metro but pretty far from us. Their idea of customer service is unlike most other department stores. In Omaha they used to call my wife whenever her brand of panty hose was on sale. When we moved they somehow found out and they now call her from this store. She doesn't buy hundreds of pair of panty hose per year but it shows the attitude at Von Maur.

[riceweb]

I feel like there is some age divide when it comes to Macy’s. I’m nearly 40 and am missing this reverence or sense of prominence people have for the place. I grew up with knowing it from the parade but it doesn’t strike me as anything other than another dying department store chain that will soon be gone.

100%. I don't even know what it offers Omaha. The last Macy's I was in was a sorry state of affairs, and that was years ago. They've closed their signature locations like Downtown Seattle, and they're closing Union Square in San Francisco by 2027. If they can't keep those open, why would we want this brand? And like you said about the generational reverence, I don't think anyone under 30 would ever even shop at a Macy's if we got one. It's definitely not forward-thinking to focus on retailer like Macy's.

[Greg S]

I feel like there is some age divide when it comes to Macy’s. I’m nearly 40 and am missing this reverence or sense of prominence people have for the place. I grew up with knowing it from the parade but it doesn’t strike me as anything other than another dying department store chain that will soon be gone.

100%. I don't even know what it offers Omaha. The last Macy's I was in was a sorry state of affairs, and that was years ago. They've closed their signature locations like Downtown Seattle, and they're closing Union Square in San Francisco by 2027. If they can't keep those open, why would we want this brand? And like you said about the generational reverence, I don't think anyone under 30 would ever even shop at a Macy's if we got one. It's definitely not forward-thinking to focus on retailer like Macy's.

The current Macy's is the closest thing to Younkers. They carry name brands and run frequent sales (which outside of clearance, Von Maur and Dillard's do not), and have strong quality private label merchandise. I worked at Younkers during college and part time for a bit after. Macy's is just very very similar to that. We really don't have anything comparable to that around here right now.

Traditional department stores for the most part are having a rough go. Macy's is among them although they are doing a good job growing their online sales. I will say after just going to their signature downtown store in Chicago last week, it was in great shop, well stocked and flat out beautiful. I don't think the failure of their stores like the one in Seattle was a reflection on Macy's though but on the those downtowns partially and just shopping trends as well. We've all seen the struggles of those 2 downtowns of late.

Just curious, what "forward thinking" replacement would you have in mind for a 180,000 anchor store that would be attractive in Omaha?

And to speak to the under 30 crowd, not sure enclosed malls as a whole offer the attraction like they did for those older. I have 2 college age boys and they will go to Westroads but only a couple times a year. I don't think either will ever step foot again in Oak View. Both would either go downtown/Old Market or to Village Pointe to shop.

[Bob from Omaha]

With regard to "game changer", it seems to me that it's more of a "Thank god we found someone to take over this huge hole in the mall" and "Hopefully this will bring more traffic to our old school enclosed mall"

[riceweb]

Just curious, what "forward thinking" replacement would you have in mind for a 180,000 anchor store that would be attractive in Omaha?

In general, I would shy away from 180,000 sq ft anchor stores. But something like KidZania or teamLab could use that much square footage.

My recommendations for Westroads wouldn't be tenant-specific. That is to say, I'd first focus on the overall experience and making it a place that people simply want to be, to spend time in. I'd probably lean heavily into Asian shopping malls for inspiration, as well as Bellevue Square in Bellevue, Washington. I'd add a tall "dry slide" or ferris wheel. I'd add a ton of photo booths. I'd add an arcade or something that focuses on e-sports. Maybe a futuristic e-sports arena? I'd add a higher-end hotel with a cool rooftop pool and/or an observatory. I'd further integrate the transit stop into the structure of the mall, so that you don't need to step outside to get onto the ORBT. I'd try to bring in a Venchi chocolate type of place that makes the chocolate there and has live demonstrations. Or heck, just add something fun like a cheese or chocolate factory that offers tours.

Across California/102nd, I'd build a substantial number of apartments, with a pedestrian bridge to the mall and a few ground-level retail/restaurant bays. I'd significantly overhaul the landscaping around the complex and including the streetscape to make it a warm and inviting space. I'd build another parking garage and make it a goal to utilize every square inch of the existing surface parking lot with something of higher value.

[Greg S]

Just curious, what "forward thinking" replacement would you have in mind for a 180,000 anchor store that would be attractive in Omaha?

In general, I would shy away from 180,000 sq ft anchor stores. But something like KidZania or teamLab could use that much square footage.

My recommendations for Westroads wouldn't be tenant-specific. That is to say, I'd first focus on the overall experience and making it a place that people simply want to be, to spend time in. I'd probably lean heavily into Asian shopping malls for inspiration, as well as Bellevue Square in Bellevue, Washington. I'd add a tall "dry slide" or ferris wheel. I'd add a ton of photo booths. I'd add an arcade or something that focuses on e-sports. Maybe a futuristic e-sports arena? I'd add a higher-end hotel with a cool rooftop pool and/or an observatory. I'd further integrate the transit stop into the structure of the mall, so that you don't need to step outside to get onto the ORBT. I'd try to bring in a Venchi chocolate type of place that makes the chocolate there and has live demonstrations. Or heck, just add something fun like a cheese or chocolate factory that offers tours.

Across California/102nd, I'd build a substantial number of apartments, with a pedestrian bridge to the mall and a few ground-level retail/restaurant bays. I'd significantly overhaul the landscaping around the complex and including the streetscape to make it a warm and inviting space. I'd build another parking garage and make it a goal to utilize every square inch of the existing surface parking lot with something of higher value.

The reality is though, that there was a 180,000 sq foot, highly visible anchor space already there and empty.

I do agree with the others though that this doesn't fit the definition of game changer. The mall is the only one intown doing well and getting a tenant that's already here and been here for 4 decades doesn't qualify.

Yeah it seems like those type of ideas have been tried. In fact as Oak View continues it's downhill slide, that seems to be the direction they are going. If successful they last for a few years then the space is empty again or at least many go gang busters then eventually fail. I think the current successful malls still have anchor stores. It would have been great to get one from out of town but as we've noted, there are no real true options in this part of the country. Additional development on the property including more mixed use/housing (probably just housing as we don't need additional office space in the area), would be good but that's for another day.

[GenX]

Just curious, what "forward thinking" replacement would you have in mind for a 180,000 anchor store that would be attractive in Omaha?

In general, I would shy away from 180,000 sq ft anchor stores. But something like KidZania or teamLab could use that much square footage.

My recommendations for Westroads wouldn't be tenant-specific. That is to say, I'd first focus on the overall experience and making it a place that people simply want to be, to spend time in. I'd probably lean heavily into Asian shopping malls for inspiration, as well as Bellevue Square in Bellevue, Washington. I'd add a tall "dry slide" or ferris wheel. I'd add a ton of photo booths. I'd add an arcade or something that focuses on e-sports. Maybe a futuristic e-sports arena? I'd add a higher-end hotel with a cool rooftop pool and/or an observatory. I'd further integrate the transit stop into the structure of the mall, so that you don't need to step outside to get onto the ORBT. I'd try to bring in a Venchi chocolate type of place that makes the chocolate there and has live demonstrations. Or heck, just add something fun like a cheese or chocolate factory that offers tours.

Across California/102nd, I'd build a substantial number of apartments, with a pedestrian bridge to the mall and a few ground-level retail/restaurant bays. I'd significantly overhaul the landscaping around the complex and including the streetscape to make it a warm and inviting space. I'd build another parking garage and make it a goal to utilize every square inch of the existing surface parking lot with something of higher value.

The reality is though, that there was a 180,000 sq foot, highly visible anchor space already there and empty.

I do agree with the others though that this doesn't fit the definition of game changer. The mall is the only one intown doing well and getting a tenant that's already here and been here for 4 decades doesn't qualify.

Yeah it seems like those type of ideas have been tried. In fact as Oak View continues it's downhill slide, that seems to be the direction they are going. If successful they last for a few years then the space is empty again or at least many go gang busters then eventually fail. I think the current successful malls still have anchor stores. It would have been great to get one from out of town but as we've noted, there are no real true options in this part of the country. Additional development on the property including more mixed use/housing (probably just housing as we don't need additional office space in the area), would be good but that's for another day.

That’s the part I’m a bit hung up on too. A relocation of an anchor from one mall to another is not a game changer. Maybe a game mover, but not a game changer.

[bbinks]

I miss the old indoor mall food courts. The array of choices was nice. The new(er) model of upscale burgers, etc. is not really my thing.

[PWL73316]

I guess I’m already a fuddy duddy because I really can’t imagine solely shopping for clothes, especially relatively nice and expensive clothes, online. But I guess that’s what people do now.

[GenX]

I guess I’m already a fuddy duddy because I really can’t imagine solely shopping for clothes, especially relatively nice and expensive clothes, online. But I guess that’s what people do now.

It’s funny how we essentially went from buying things in stores to ordering things in catalogs, then back to buying things in stores, and now back to ordering things in catalogs, except it’s now called the Internet.

[ChadJK]

It’s funny how we essentially went from buying things in stores to ordering things in catalogs, then back to buying things in stores, and now back to ordering things in catalogs, except it’s now called the Internet.

There's always different sales channels for buying |expletive| we don't need.

[djc311]

I miss the old indoor mall food courts. The array of choices was nice. The new(er) model of upscale burgers, etc. is not really my thing.

I'm with you - I do not like the Westroads' new "food court". We've eaten in the Flagship Commons area once, the food was ridiculously expensive and didn't taste good. I know it's operated by the group that runs Roja, Blatt, Blue Sushi, etc... but it's not the same food. And, IMO, the concepts are not family friendly. Plus, none of the brands are recognized by anyone from out of town... I feel that was a poor use of space.

I'm sure several others would strongly disagree with me, but if I'm going to grab a bite at the mall, I don't want $15 Ramen that tastes worse than Instant Noodles. It's almost all a la carte, and probably impossible to spend less than $20 for a single adult's meal with a side and drink.

Every year we meet my mom at Westroads as she likes to buy our daughter back to school clothes and we eat at Cane's. Call us boring, but we prefer that over the other options. One of our other kids gets Subway.

The classic mall concept (which still holds true with virtually all other successful malls around the country like Des Moines and KC) have normal food tenants like Sbarro, Arby's, Great Steak, etc.

TBH, I'm shocked the current setup at Westroads has lasted this long. I don't know a single friend or family member that goes to the food court there on a work lunch break to eat. However, when it was filled with standard food options, I'd hit the mall up about once a week on average.

Just not my cup of tea - and I don't feel it's an age thing; my teenager, my 23 year old daughter and my wife all feel the same way.

[ChadJK]

I miss the old indoor mall food courts. The array of choices was nice. The new(er) model of upscale burgers, etc. is not really my thing.

20(ish) years ago I used to hit up the Oak View Mall food court for lunch quite regular. It was a good place for a group of coworkers to go and everyone get what they want. Food courts are sort of the "canary in the coal mine" for malls. When the food court chains you recognize start leaving and odd knock offs take their place it's a pretty good sign the mall is in decline.

I'm with you - I do not like the Westroads' new "food court". We've eaten in the Flagship Commons area once, the food was ridiculously expensive and didn't taste good. I know it's operated by the group that runs Roja, Blatt, Blue Sushi, etc... but it's not the same food. And, IMO, the concepts are not family friendly. Plus, none of the brands are recognized by anyone from out of town... I feel that was a poor use of space.

I'm sure several others would strongly disagree with me, but if I'm going to grab a bite at the mall, I don't want $15 Ramen that tastes worse than Instant Noodles. It's almost all a la carte, and probably impossible to spend less than $20 for a single adult's meal with a side and drink.

Flagship Commons = The gentrification of the mall food court. lol

[OmahaRedWing]

Isn't Westroads "food court" more of a "food hall?" I like it and when I am in the area at lunch it's a nice option if I am with others so I don't have to pick one place. It seems others feel the same as it's usually pretty busy Monday-Friday at lunch time. I like the food hall concept. I frequent Inner Rail more often though.

I do wish they also had more of a food court as well, basically what they have down outside of Penny's and Dick's Sporting Goods with 2-3 more options.

[djc311]

Isn't Westroads "food court" more of a "food hall?" I like it and when I am in the area at lunch it's a nice option if I am with others so I don't have to pick one place. It seems others feel the same as it's usually pretty busy Monday-Friday at lunch time. I like the food hall concept. I frequent Inner Rail more often though.

I do wish they also had more of a food court as well, basically what they have down outside of Penny's and Dick's Sporting Goods with 2-3 more options.

I concur - if they are going to leave the existing unrecognized food options, perhaps at least add some others people do know.

I don't feel it's being complacent, I feel they're simply limiting people's options and what they have are not necessarily great for the majority. I work in an industry where I interact with a lot of people for meetings, etc... no one has ever said "hey, let's go to Flagship Commons at Westroads as they have a ton of options for all of us to choose from".

Maybe I'm the outcast, but based upon my observations I think they're not catering to the masses. But maybe that's what they want.

A food court is not really intended (IMO) to be a fine dining experience. Therefore, having more options that are well recognized would be a plus.

Once Westroads put that in, it was one of the few pluses I felt Oakview still had over it - a regular food court. And when Crossroads was around and thriving, I loved their upstairs food court. It was very convenient when I was at UNO, before they added campus housing, etc. Otherwise, the only food on campus was their cafeteria.

[ChadJK]

Isn't Westroads "food court" more of a "food hall?"

Tomāto Tomäto. It's a collection of order-at-the-counter eateries with a shared dining space inside a shopping mall.

[Greg S]

Isn't Westroads "food court" more of a "food hall?"

Tomāto Tomäto. It's a collection of order-at-the-counter eateries with a shared dining space inside a shopping mall.

For me a mall (or elsewhere) food court leans heavily on fast food chains, or ones that are traditionally found in malls (like Sbarro). Food halls lean more towards locally owned places, less likely to be chains and have a little higher up in the food chain for their offerings.

To each his own I guess.

[ProgKingHughesker]

They should turn the basement into a normal food court with Forever 21 gone