Neighborhood Districts- Predictions

[Dusty]

I was thinking the other day how fast Blackstone went from nothing to what it is today. It was once a pass-through zone with a dive bar on the corner. Now Blackstone is a booming district.

Let's fun some fun.! You can respond on one or both scenarios:

1. What areas of town could be the next neighborhood district? It may be blighted today but has potential to become something great.

2. Of the existing districts, what changes would you make to level up or improve that district?

[ricko]

It’s already a vibrant neighborhood, and I’m old enough to remember when it was a real downtown with theaters, department stores, specialty stores, restaurants, public services, etc., but south 24th between J and R streets will, unfortunately, eventually become gentrified. Q st. between 32nd and 40th is a long term prediction. Sadly, most of the buildings were torn down in the 70’s and 80’s.

[Brad]

When already had this thread and my prediction in that thread was north Saddlecreek.

[Dusty]

When already had this thread and my prediction in that thread was north Saddlecreek.

Before I posted, I searched the past 5-6 years for anything like this topic. I didn't see anything. If you know the thread, we can merge them

[Garrett]

It’s already a vibrant neighborhood, and I’m old enough to remember when it was a real downtown with theaters, department stores, specialty stores, restaurants, public services, etc., but south 24th between J and R streets will, unfortunately, eventually become gentrified. Q st. between 32nd and 40th is a long term prediction. Sadly, most of the buildings were torn down in the 70’s and 80’s.

I think South O is pretty safe from gentrification for the next few decades. The streetcar is gonna focus a lot of Omaha's urban development, S 24 is pretty far from downtown, and there's still a decent number of districts in between that haven't seen a lot of activity. If more South O natives end up moving up into the middle class, there could be more economic pressure.

[GenX]

I believe the next big areas will be along Farnam and Harney from 20th to 30th. Maps refer to it as Farnam Hill. Leavenworth from 17th to 40th could be another one.

[Garrett]

I believe the next big areas will be along Farnam and Harney from 20th to 30th. Maps refer to it as Farnam Hill. Leavenworth from 17th to 40th could be another one.

I think Leavenworth would need a Farnam in Blackstone level redesign to really develop into a solid neighborhood business district. There's a lot of pockets of older building stock in that corridor and some solid businesses already, but Leavenworth is so car focused that I have a hard time seeing it develop into a walkable corridor.

[GenX]

I believe the next big areas will be along Farnam and Harney from 20th to 30th. Maps refer to it as Farnam Hill. Leavenworth from 17th to 40th could be another one.

I think Leavenworth would need a Farnam in Blackstone level redesign to really develop into a solid neighborhood business district. There's a lot of pockets of older building stock in that corridor and some solid businesses already, but Leavenworth is so car focused that I have a hard time seeing it develop into a walkable corridor.

Fair point. Perhaps the 24th to 38th street area. Maybe loop St Mary’s into it. Lots of apartments have been built or are being built in that area.

[Busguy2010]

There's probably not too much material out there. The one that hasn't been touched yet is Military Ave north of Hamilton.

I remember we had a thread and North Saddle Creek was pretty much the consensus. Now its done. Probably not the level of renaissance Blackstone has been, but theres time.

Railroad Ave maybe? Not a lot of historical stock there, but plenty of room for improvement. Kinda gives me a Southwest Boulevard Kansas City vibe kind of gritty and industrial with the tracks. Could do well with Bellevue there. I dont live anywhere near there, but I'd go for Jack Stack. Bring back Netties?

[Brad]

Found it, it was called "The Next Blackstone"

https://www.eomahaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=16805

Probably no need to merge, ended up really focusing on North Saddle creek after the first few posts.

[Garrett]

I'll add Vinton St between 13th and 19th then. It's already got a pretty good building stock and mix of businesses, it could just use some streetscape improvements to make it more generally welcoming.

[Busguy2010]

I'll add Vinton St between 13th and 19th then. It's already got a pretty good building stock and mix of businesses, it could just use some streetscape improvements to make it more generally welcoming.

Thats a good one, forgot about it. Only thing there is its already plenty vibrant, maybe just make it safer. Vinton might be one that was never actually in need of a shot in the arm.

[Dusty]

I'll add Vinton St between 13th and 19th then. It's already got a pretty good building stock and mix of businesses, it could just use some streetscape improvements to make it more generally welcoming.

This area has always had so much potential. Although, it's been stuck in time for a long time. I agree adding better streetscape would help. Adding benches and lining the streets with hanging planters could help make it more inviting.
What hurts the area is there is not a lot of empty lots to develop. You would have a start demolishing some of the single-family homes nearby so you could add density.

[Dusty]

Benson has gone through surges over the years. I think what's holding this area back is lack of parking. The district could really use a parking garage. This would alleviate pressure off the surface lots, which would allow them to develop with infill.

Not sure if Walgreens is still open or downgraded to a seasonal Halloween Spirit. lol This would be a descent spot for a city owned mixed-use garage. Or the city could rebuild the library as a garage with library on ground floor. I doubt it.

[Garrett]

I'll add Vinton St between 13th and 19th then. It's already got a pretty good building stock and mix of businesses, it could just use some streetscape improvements to make it more generally welcoming.

This area has always had so much potential. Although, it's been stuck in time for a long time. I agree adding better streetscape would help. Adding benches and lining the streets with hanging planters could help make it more inviting.
What hurts the area is there is not a lot of empty lots to develop. You would have a start demolishing some of the single-family homes nearby so you could add density.

Blackstone didn't have a ton of empty lots before it took off either. Yeah some notable projects replaced parking lots, but a lot of them are in place of old single family homes.

I'll also say that I'm excited to see Little Bohemia develop more in the coming years as well, especially as a strong candidate for a future streetcar line.

[skip]

Short Term:
Leavenworth strip west of 480 (probably the fastest growing, in my opinion)
Lil Bo
10th st/Dahlman

Long Term:
Vinton St

Small districts to eventually grow organically, but not the size of Blackstone:
32nd Ave (old lo sole mio area)
Gifford park strip
Farnam/Harney East of 480

[Dusty]

Small districts to eventually grow organically, but not the size of Blackstone:
32nd Ave (old lo sole mio area)

Interesting suggestion! It would almost have to grow towards Vinton and the silos. This area borders Field Club and has a ton of beautiful homes. I'm sure you would get tons of backlash from homeowners not willing to give up their historic homes.

When I lived in this neighborhood, there was a push for a business district. It was Center St from 32 Ave to 36th St. Basically Hanscom Park to about Greek Islands. There still is a ton of potential for development here.

I don't recall the exact name of the business district. It was something like 36th St or 35th St business district. I think the name hurt them. Should of went with something like Hanscom West or Field Club Commons.

[GrowUpFrances]

I don't know who owns it, but I would love to see the old Metz brewery and surrounding area turned into a modern, industrial mixed-use development and spur additional Little Italy growth — something along the lines of LX Factory in Lisbon, ROW DTLA, or the Meatpacking District in Copenhagen.

[BIGO88]

I don't know who owns it, but I would love to see the old Metz brewery and surrounding area turned into a modern, industrial mixed-use development and spur additional Little Italy growth — something along the lines of LX Factory in Lisbon, ROW DTLA, or the Meatpacking District in Copenhagen.

Yes! This area definitly could turn into one of the coolest areas of town, kind of hidden and built on the side of the hill with some good views but not too far from the new Dahlman park and townhouses. I feel like theres lots of room for development on both sides of the railroads tracks that you could develop under the bridge and loop it all the way to the breakers apartment and connect to the riverfront. Like you said not sure who owns all of it or if its possible with the current use but it would be cool.

[almighty_tuna]

Paul Lucht & Sons owns those lots related to the old brewery. They run an auto body shop about a block away from Metz.

[GrowUpFrances]

Paul Lucht & Sons owns those lots related to the old brewery. They run an auto body shop about a block away from Metz.

Ah, good to know. I knew there was a body shop over there, but didn't realize they also owned the Metz property. Thanks!

[Dusty]

I'm guessing Paul Lucht and Sons uses the old brewery for storage. The shop is just across the street.

I didn't realize how close the Metz Brewery lot was to Lauritzen Gardens. There is a single street with about dozen homes between the 2 properties. This would be a decent amount of land if Omaha Botanical Society would buy out these properties. They could expand Northbound and retrofit the former brewery into and mixed-use brewery/winery. Tie it in with some nature trails/attractions. Plus, you would have a North entrance to the gardens.

[Dusty]

When I lived in this neighborhood, there was a push for a business district. It was Center St from 32 Ave to 36th St. Basically Hanscom Park to about Greek Islands. There still is a ton of potential for development here.

I don't recall the exact name of the business district. It was something like 36th St or 35th St business district. I think the name hurt them. Should of went with something like Hanscom West or Field Club Commons.

Now that there are talks of redeveloping the Center Mall, this area could get some traction again.
I would say Center Street from 35th to 42nd has potential.

[skip]

There is a road diet going between 32nd and 42nd within the next couple years. that will make the neighborhood sooooo much better.

[Dusty]

There is an area near Columbus Park that has potential to be a great district. 20th street from Mason to Woolworth.
A lot of industrial warehouses and older buildings in the area that could be a fixed up. Reminds me a little like Haymarket in Lincoln. The main buildings seem to be more automotive businesses and a Plastic Supply warehouse.