Omaha World-Herald Freedom Center (1398 Capitol Ave)

[Garrett]

The World-Herald is moving their paper production to Iowa and selling their current production facility Freedom Center. Another big parcel (about 2 square blocks) near the interstate to hopefully see developed.

https://thereader.com/2026/03/02/omaha- ... d-in-iowa/

[iamjacobm]

No bad ideas in a brainstorm right? Wonder if those could be retrofitted into new police/fire HQ campus. Those just seem like tough buildings to retrofit into residential and they are not that old and they are fairly attractive. I’d imagine the police/fire depts would appreciate the easier interstate access as well.

[jomaha9]

Depending on the future use, the sale of this building eliminates the need for the freight rail line cutting through North Downtown past the stadium. There might be an opportunity to retrofit that line into a pedestrian or bike path as well.

[arch_RP_planner]

I was going to say, what will they do with their distribution center next door? When I made that graphic a few weeks back, I noted the distribution center being open for development, but did not foresee the freedom center shutting down... if the city can do it right, that collection of available blocks on the southern edge of 480-E could drastically change the feel of downtown, if infilled with med-high density development!

[ita]

Depending on the future use, the sale of this building eliminates the need for the freight rail line cutting through North Downtown past the stadium. There might be an opportunity to retrofit that line into a pedestrian or bike path as well.

Was also thinking about this. That ROW is owned by UP through North Downtown.

[stadsborgare]

That building with the big glass wall looks like a supermarket to me (hint hint).

[Garrett]

No bad ideas in a brainstorm right? Wonder if those could be retrofitted into new police/fire HQ campus. Those just seem like tough buildings to retrofit into residential and they are not that old and they are fairly attractive. I’d imagine the police/fire depts would appreciate the easier interstate access as well.

From the few pictures I’ve seen of the inside, I imagine that could be a challenging. It’s essentially just a massive warehouse with a nice facade. Installing floorplates, electrical and plumbing infrastructure would take a lot, especially if there would also be a need to store first response vehicles.

[MadJack]

I know the plan is to build a public market on Heartland of America Park, but part of me thinks the Freedom Center would be a cool public market. I'd like to see the warehouse on the east side of 13th demolished and replaced with a residential high-rise or at least medium-rise.

[NEDodger]

That building with the big glass wall looks like a supermarket to me (hint hint).

This.

It even has the loading docks a supermarket would require.

[Ryan j]

Most people don't realize, but there is a tunnel connecting that warehouse with the Freedom Center. The two buildings were designed for autonomous robotic forklifts to move pallets of paper and ad inserts through that tunnel using a series of conveyors and automated elevators. I saw this all in use 15 years ago, so I'm not sure if they have been utilizing it like that in recent years. This is all more commonplace now, but when that center opened it was pretty state-of-the-art. Not sure if that is a selling point for the right buyer or if it would complicate things?

[Garrett]

That building with the big glass wall looks like a supermarket to me (hint hint).

This.

It even has the loading docks a supermarket would require.

Skeptical, unless they could convert part of the structure into a garage. It's pretty massive at 200,000 sqft, compared to the "World's Largest Hy-Vee" in Gretna that clocks in at 135,000 sqft.

I pretty firmly think this will be a hard to save structure. It's just so massive with such a specific use that I imagine will be hard to convert to anything else.

[Brad]

I pretty firmly think this will be a hard to save structure. It's just so massive with such a specific use that I imagine will be hard to convert to anything else.

"NuStyle Development has entered the chat"... LOL

They have done things with other buildings people were quick to write off.

[nebport5]

Depending on the future use, the sale of this building eliminates the need for the freight rail line cutting through North Downtown past the stadium. There might be an opportunity to retrofit that line into a pedestrian or bike path as well.

Better yet let’s use those tracks for transit to the airport and turn this into a transit center. Rider fees will kick back to the airport and maybe some federal funds could be used? At one time they were talking about putting a hub close to here under 480.

[Gobears27]

That building with the big glass wall looks like a supermarket to me (hint hint).

This.

It even has the loading docks a supermarket would require.

Skeptical, unless they could convert part of the structure into a garage. It's pretty massive at 200,000 sqft, compared to the "World's Largest Hy-Vee" in Gretna that clocks in at 135,000 sqft.

I pretty firmly think this will be a hard to save structure. It's just so massive with such a specific use that I imagine will be hard to convert to anything else.

Walmart supercenters are 187,000 sf on average. And super targets are 174,000 sf on average. Could downtown Omaha support a Walmart supercenter or super target?

[jomaha9]

Depending on the future use, the sale of this building eliminates the need for the freight rail line cutting through North Downtown past the stadium. There might be an opportunity to retrofit that line into a pedestrian or bike path as well.

Better yet let’s use those tracks for transit to the airport and turn this into a transit center. Rider fees will kick back to the airport and maybe some federal funds could be used? At one time they were talking about putting a hub close to here under 480.

It's honestly not a bad idea. I don't know if the grade of those tracks and route would support a commuter line. I could also almost guarantee that UP will want to decommission those tracks to save money and eliminate a couple of road crossings.

[GrowUpFrances]

Depending on the future use, the sale of this building eliminates the need for the freight rail line cutting through North Downtown past the stadium. There might be an opportunity to retrofit that line into a pedestrian or bike path as well.

Yes, converting this rail line to a landscaped, pedestrian-friendly greenway, with separate bike lanes and walkways would be amazing. Build a bridge over Cuming and North Downtown becomes much more connected to the Millwork area.

[GenX]

There had been talk before of removing that rail line. I’d imagine any future use of that property would require the removal of that.

[Brad]

Depending on the future use, the sale of this building eliminates the need for the freight rail line cutting through North Downtown past the stadium. There might be an opportunity to retrofit that line into a pedestrian or bike path as well.

Better yet let’s use those tracks for transit to the airport and turn this into a transit center. Rider fees will kick back to the airport and maybe some federal funds could be used? At one time they were talking about putting a hub close to here under 480.

I brought that up in another thread a while back. Its a combination of UP and CN tracks between the Freedom Center and the Airport, but its a fairly direct route.

Just remember this complex takes up two block... The tracks actually go in to the smaller building to the east so the freedom center could be a grocery store or whatever and then the smaller building could be the transit center.

Building One is the printing building, two is the warehouse with the tracks.

Screenshot 2026-03-02 225523.jpg

[NEDodger]

That building with the big glass wall looks like a supermarket to me (hint hint).

This.

It even has the loading docks a supermarket would require.

Skeptical, unless they could convert part of the structure into a garage. It's pretty massive at 200,000 sqft, compared to the "World's Largest Hy-Vee" in Gretna that clocks in at 135,000 sqft.

I pretty firmly think this will be a hard to save structure. It's just so massive with such a specific use that I imagine will be hard to convert to anything else.

Yowza. I had no idea it had that much square footage. It appears from the outside to be a large building but nothing THAT monstrous.

Is that multiple floors that essentially “doubles up” the square footage?

[WiinterU]

Both of Lincoln Journal Star's buildings were demolished a while ago. The oldest was from the 1880s; the newest from 1999. Omaha World-Herald and Journal Star's printing presses are about the same age if both stayed standing.

[nebport5]

Depending on the future use, the sale of this building eliminates the need for the freight rail line cutting through North Downtown past the stadium. There might be an opportunity to retrofit that line into a pedestrian or bike path as well.

Better yet let’s use those tracks for transit to the airport and turn this into a transit center. Rider fees will kick back to the airport and maybe some federal funds could be used? At one time they were talking about putting a hub close to here under 480.

I brought that up in another thread a while back. Its a combination of UP and CN tracks between the Freedom Center and the Airport, but its a fairly direct route.

Just remember this complex takes up two block... The tracks actually go in to the smaller building to the east so the freedom center could be a grocery store or whatever and then the smaller building could be the transit center.

Building One is the printing building, two is the warehouse with the tracks.

Screenshot 2026-03-02 225523.jpg

Yes I recall that discussion and still think the possibility is worth exploring considering how little other infrastructure would have to be disturbed like say with the streetcar and the associated expenses.

And Yes, I was also thinking that if the two buildings are already connected underground as Ryan j mentioned that adds to the intrigue of possibilities between 12th and 14th St. Of course a skywalk over 13th could address the issue as well. I like the idea of a high-rise here too. Whatever comes of this space there certainly is enough room to do something transformative for the urban core. The right project here could be a big catalyst for the currently stifled activation to and from North Downtown by 480.

[ita]

Reading all the comments and thinking about this site more, I think this is one of the most exciting redevelopment opportunities in the core. So many possibilities, especially with the attached 600 space garage that is currently owned by OWH. I would think that the City would buy it if there is a development opportunity there. I know it's far fetched, but if they could use the existing rail for a streetcar route, it would connect the core to North Downtown/Builder's District, Millwork Commons, and/or the Omaha Inland Port Authority site at 13th and Locust and other sites and the the airport. That's pretty cool!

[almighty_tuna]

I know it's far fetched, but if they could use the existing rail for a streetcar route, it would connect the core to North Downtown/Builder's District, Millwork Commons

I couldn't agree more. Definitely a highly unique redevelopment opportunity given this rail line rolls right through the heart of the CWS and Lot B redevelopment areas.

I have low expectations, but that's an epic opportunity.

[Garrett]

I know it's far fetched, but if they could use the existing rail for a streetcar route, it would connect the core to North Downtown/Builder's District, Millwork Commons

I couldn't agree more. Definitely a highly unique redevelopment opportunity given this rail line rolls right through the heart of the CWS and Lot B redevelopment areas.

I have low expectations, but that's an epic opportunity.

It would need more space since it's currently single tracked but definitely an opportunity. Not sure on gauge sizes either.

[Brad]

It would need more space since it's currently single tracked but definitely an opportunity. Not sure on gauge sizes either.

It was double tracked from Coming south to almost 12th street until the ballpark opened and then they removed 1 of the 2 tracks.

They really only need a couple passing sidings between the OWH and Eppley, They wouldn't have that many trains running. Could almost have 2 trains, one leaves the OWH and one leaves Eppley every 15 min and they meet at a pre determined passing siding somewhere in the middle.

[almighty_tuna]

It would need more space since it's currently single tracked but definitely an opportunity. Not sure on gauge sizes either.

It was double tracked from Coming south to almost 12th street until the ballpark opened and then they removed 1 of the 2 tracks.

They really only need a couple passing sidings between the OWH and Eppley, They wouldn't have that many trains running. Could almost have 2 trains, one leaves the OWH and one leaves Eppley every 15 min and they meet at a pre determined passing siding somewhere in the middle.

This is such a no brainer! Plus, no utility relocation will be necessary - I'm looking at you, MUD!

[damonhynes]

Not sure on gauge sizes either.

I can't think of any rail being built in North America that's anything but 4' 8.5" (1435mm) gauge.

[Garrett]

It would need more space since it's currently single tracked but definitely an opportunity. Not sure on gauge sizes either.

It was double tracked from Coming south to almost 12th street until the ballpark opened and then they removed 1 of the 2 tracks.

They really only need a couple passing sidings between the OWH and Eppley, They wouldn't have that many trains running. Could almost have 2 trains, one leaves the OWH and one leaves Eppley every 15 min and they meet at a pre determined passing siding somewhere in the middle.

Too much single tracking would be a potential reliability nightmare. You could probably go back to double tracking easily after is passes by the ballpark on 13th, the ROW is all still there, but how would you envision it getting to Eppley from that point? Perhaps east on Nicholas or Millwork to connect to the Union Stadium in Millwork, then up 11th, across Locust (with Carter Lake's involvement) and up Abbott? I would also loop it via 13th, Harney, 10th, and Farnam to get it to connect to the starter line.

[orangeboots]

I hate to burst any bubbles here but there is 1 use that sticks right out to me. Carrier Hotel/Servers building. Farnam is about maxed out and there is plenty of demand. The buildings wouldn't need much to retrofit saving a total rebuild.

[Busguy2010]

It would need more space since it's currently single tracked but definitely an opportunity. Not sure on gauge sizes either.

It was double tracked from Coming south to almost 12th street until the ballpark opened and then they removed 1 of the 2 tracks.

They really only need a couple passing sidings between the OWH and Eppley, They wouldn't have that many trains running. Could almost have 2 trains, one leaves the OWH and one leaves Eppley every 15 min and they meet at a pre determined passing siding somewhere in the middle.

Too much single tracking would be a potential reliability nightmare. You could probably go back to double tracking easily after is passes by the ballpark on 13th, the ROW is all still there, but how would you envision it getting to Eppley from that point? Perhaps east on Nicholas or Millwork to connect to the Union Stadium in Millwork, then up 11th, across Locust (with Carter Lake's involvement) and up Abbott? I would also loop it via 13th, Harney, 10th, and Farnam to get it to connect to the starter line.

If anything were to come of it, id see it more as a commuter rail line, more like Denver's. Follow the tracks all the way to Abbott, then somehow extend tracks up to the terminal. Probably only a Downtown stop and Eppley stop, with maybe one general North Downtown stop somewhere. Probably diesel rolling stock like Austin. Probably only one train running at a time, as the headway would probably only be 30 minutes. I dont see us needing every 15 minutes if it simplifies things. Still, I think its pretty far fetched for such a short distance. Would be cool though.

[riceweb]

Would make a great alternative site for the redeveloped Childrens Museum

[omaha79]

how the mighty have fallen. can't say I've shed a tear over the Omaha World Herald's meteoric fall from relevancy. They overstepped their bounds in this state for decades with their editorial board.

[NEDodger]

Would make a great alternative site for the redeveloped Childrens Museum

Now that’s an interesting idea. It does have that kind of “modern museum” look. Coupled with the financing issues of building new, this may be a win-win. Would still prefer it on the riverfront but this would be better than nothing.

[thenewguy]

it's kind of a good spot in terms of drawing foot traffic to other parts of downtown

[nebport5]

Would make a great alternative site for the redeveloped Childrens Museum

Now that’s an interesting idea. It does have that kind of “modern museum” look. Coupled with the financing issues of building new, this may be a win-win. Would still prefer it on the riverfront but this would be better than nothing.

Yeah, I think jamming up this area(that’s already often congested with CHI traffic) with school buses wouldn’t be ideal. The issue with the Children’s Museum sounds more like leadership vs financial. Also this being a frequently congested area would also not be great for response times if this were retro fit as a Police/Fire Headquarters. I have no doubt Heritage's involvement will get the necessary funds with the right person at the helm of TCM. Speaking of which I wonder if they’ve approached Stothert about taking on that role. It suits her background.

[OverlookedFarm]

how the mighty have fallen. can't say I've shed a tear over the Omaha World Herald's meteoric fall from relevancy. They overstepped their bounds in this state for decades with their editorial board.

Feel the same.

I feel I shouldn't celebrate this (loss of institution), but the damage they willfully done to this city and community cannot go unsaid and really, unpunished.

The smugness of their editors was unrivaled. The locusts have only flocked over to the Flatwater.

Back to the property....

Reality is, don't get your hopes up. The old UP HQ lot has stood empty for 25 years and is shovel ready. If any quick redev would happen, it would be repurposed.

As I mentioned in the other thread, this would be a cool idea (think mancuso hall):
https://www.timeout.com/london/news/pri ... ace-021224
https://exronmusic.com/2024/09/26/iconi ... 3-closure/

[Louie]

how the mighty have fallen. can't say I've shed a tear over the Omaha World Herald's meteoric fall from relevancy. They overstepped their bounds in this state for decades with their editorial board.

Feel the same.

I feel I shouldn't celebrate this (loss of institution), but the damage they willfully done to this city and community cannot go unsaid and really, unpunished.

The smugness of their editors was unrivaled. The locusts have only flocked over to the Flatwater.

Back to the property....

Reality is, don't get your hopes up. The old UP HQ lot has stood empty for 25 years and is shovel ready. If any quick redev would happen, it would be repurposed.

As I mentioned in the other thread, this would be a cool idea (think mancuso hall):
https://www.timeout.com/london/news/pri ... ace-021224
https://exronmusic.com/2024/09/26/iconi ... 3-closure/

I wouldn't mind a repurposing. The walls of windows could be a really cool thing to utilize for a space like that.

[skinzfan23]

Based on location, I thought the Children's Musuem was a perfect fit next to a park created for families and children. The OWH Freedom Center is not that location. I would love to see this repurposed, but don't think this is any better than their current location.

[Linkin5]

I know it's far fetched, but if they could use the existing rail for a streetcar route, it would connect the core to North Downtown/Builder's District, Millwork Commons

I couldn't agree more. Definitely a highly unique redevelopment opportunity given this rail line rolls right through the heart of the CWS and Lot B redevelopment areas.

I have low expectations, but that's an epic opportunity.

This would be such an incredible use of the existing building if it happened.

[thenewguy]

heck why not do both? one part museum, one part transit? They don't need that much space for the transit, and they could incorporate the newspaper elements into it like they incorporated the railroad elements into the durham