Omaha Eppley Airfield - CONSTRUCTION

[djc311]

I haven’t seen that list in a while. Looks like the Guy Fieri Chicken spot is out of the plans now.

Well I guess add Flavortown to the list of destinations Eppley passengers cannot get to directly.

LOL - I'm a little surprised there are not very nationally-recognized mainstream dining spots. Not that I want McDonald's and KFC in there, but when people come in from out of state, they're not going to recognize much of anything aside from maybe Dave's and Starbucks. I know many would argue having local representation is better, but I'd also say it could give the perception to others that no one wanted to sign on to our airport.

Just my two cents... But I'd take any of the new places over the |expletive| show we have down there right now.

Fewer and fewer airports have McDonald’s these days, for better or worse. In NYC, only two of JFK’s older terminals have a McDonald’s, while LGA and EWR don’t have any. Airports are shifting way more to more local or somewhat higher end options. And I’d rather have Runza at the airport than McDonald’s.

I'd prefer Runza of McDonald's as well... perhaps that wasn't the best example. If I toss in a Wendy's, Chipotle, Cane's, Sbarro/Pizza Hut, JJ's/Subway, etc... again, not necessarily my preferred choices, just some recognizable names.

I imagine Runza will do well even if people are freaked out by Runza's - their burgers are awesome, IMO.

I was just at O'Hare and they had at least 2 Chili's, several Starbucks (of course), I saw a McDonald's, and a Machu Wok. I guess we are getting a Panda Express, which I still don't understand how that's become the go-to national Chinese chain (everyone in my house can't stand it).

Again, I'm happy to see everything that's coming - by far the best selection of food and drinks we've ever had at an airport in Nebraska. Once it's finished, it will be quite the midwest airport!

[nebport5]

I haven’t seen that list in a while. Looks like the Guy Fieri Chicken spot is out of the plans now.

Well I guess add Flavortown to the list of destinations Eppley passengers cannot get to directly.

LOL - I'm a little surprised there are not very nationally-recognized mainstream dining spots. Not that I want McDonald's and KFC in there, but when people come in from out of state, they're not going to recognize much of anything aside from maybe Dave's and Starbucks. I know many would argue having local representation is better, but I'd also say it could give the perception to others that no one wanted to sign on to our airport.

Just my two cents... But I'd take any of the new places over the |expletive| show we have down there right now.

Panda Express, Dave’s, Sambazon, Starbucks and even Scooter’s are all national chains.

Call me a crazy food snob but when I travel I’m looking for the opposite of crappy chains I recognize.

I wouldn’t worry about the perception you’re concerned about, rather I think it’ll look like OMA didn’t want the usual fast food mafia.

[thenewguy]

I haven’t seen that list in a while. Looks like the Guy Fieri Chicken spot is out of the plans now.

Well I guess add Flavortown to the list of destinations Eppley passengers cannot get to directly.

LOL - I'm a little surprised there are not very nationally-recognized mainstream dining spots. Not that I want McDonald's and KFC in there, but when people come in from out of state, they're not going to recognize much of anything aside from maybe Dave's and Starbucks. I know many would argue having local representation is better, but I'd also say it could give the perception to others that no one wanted to sign on to our airport.

Just my two cents... But I'd take any of the new places over the |expletive| show we have down there right now.

Panda Express, Dave’s, Sambazon, Starbucks and even Scooter’s are all national chains.

Call me a crazy food snob but when I travel I’m looking for the opposite of crappy chains I recognize.

I wouldn’t worry about the perception you’re concerned about, rather I think it’ll look like OMA didn’t want the usual fast food mafia.

I agree. If i have a short layover, i will choose what i know is fast. If i've got some time, i'll try something else out that i can't get on a random tuesday here (like the boar's head in atlanta). Not that it's great, but it's different, so i gave it a try.

[Mr.Nuke]

Call me a crazy food snob but when I travel I’m looking for the opposite of crappy chains I recognize. .

I'm a food snob as well, but if I'm eating at an airport I'm the polar opposite. I want to know what I'm eating and I really don't want to be "researching local restaurants* as I'm tending to limit my time at said airport.

I know many would argue having local representation is better, but I'd also say it could give the perception to others that no one wanted to sign on to our airport.

Yeah I don't know that is the issue, to me it is more like I said above as a traveler I don't want to try and figure out what is good. As an Omahan I can agree this is a tremendous upgrade food wise for the airport, but I wouldn't call anything other than Block 16 "good" and i'm not convinced Block 16's airport location is going to be the OG Farnam Block 16...

Doesn't look like a ton of seating? I dunno, it's pretty basic in this stretch, but it's also a part that's not really intended to have a lot of zazz, because it's not a stretch that would have shops.

Looks fine to me...

Simple math is, you need twice as much seating as 2 back to back departures per gate.

According to who?

" I still think they did an okay job here we'll see how well some of the "local" concepts get implemented i.e. Fernando's or Pitch don't necessarily have a positive connotation to me as a local much less a visitor.

[nebport5]

Call me a crazy food snob but when I travel I’m looking for the opposite of crappy chains I recognize.

I'm a food snob as well, but if I'm eating at an airport I'm the polar opposite. I want to know what I'm eating and I really don't want to be "researching local restaurants* as I'm tending to limit my time at said airport.

" I still think they did an okay job here we'll see how well some of the "local" concepts get implemented. Some of said "local" restaurants i.e. Fernando's or Pitch don't have a positive connotation to me as a local much less a visitor.

I've never researched an airport restaurant but I think you can tell a good deal by looking at the store front, reading the menu, seeing what people are eating, does it smell good?, etc. But my comment was more general regarding food philosophy and traveling. I've certainly eaten from an chain at an airport but it also may have to do with the fact I'm not particularly looking for a "sit down and order" restaurant vs a quick casual place that isn't Mctrash or similar garbage. I've eaten at a few different quick causal Mexican places like Chipotle/Qdoba where there's generally a large step up from T-Bell and everything isn't deep fried. That said, I would certainly eat Runza too over many of the choices commonly found in airports. I also don't disagree regarding those particular local concepts. Do we know yet if any of the places will be "please wait to be seated" types like those found at many airports? I'm also curious to see how Block 16 translates and if they will be changing the menu as often.

[CrankyOldDude]

Bottom line. What percentage of travelers aren't local, and by that i mean outside a 100 mile radius of Omaha?

And of those not local by the above definition, how many haven't been to Omaha before?

And of the rest, how many are looking for a McDonald's and have no interest in trying something they've never heard of? The list of options is quite broad.

Oh, and how many are even interested in or need to eat?

I'm just saying you're looking at a pretty small number. Just my opinion

[Garrett]

Honestly I think the strong local presence may convince people to show up to the airport a little early to eat. Normally when I fly through Omaha I don’t plan to be at the airport more than an hour before my flight, but Block16 or even just Runza may be a good reason to show up a little earlier to eat. As Mr. OldDude pointed out, the average person flying through Omaha is gonna be someone from the area, and almost never someone on a layover, so might as well have brands that are gonna be draws for locals as opposed to easy brands to appeal to visitors.

[joleo]

Wow, I understand that isn't the main area and just a gate wing but super underwhelming for a new terminal. The ceiling is so low as well! Here are the images and a video of DSM new terminal for comparison which actually significantly exceeded my expectations.
https://www.flydsm.com/lift-dsm


Sorry, just disappointed as this was something I was looking forward to for 40 years in Omaha.

[riceweb]

Wow, I understand that isn't the main area and just a gate wing but super underwhelming for a new terminal. The ceiling is so low as well! Here are the images and a video of DSM new terminal for comparison which actually significantly exceeded my expectations.
https://www.flydsm.com/lift-dsm


Sorry, just disappointed as this was something I was looking forward to for 40 years in Omaha.

The gates look very similar in both?

[guy4omaha]

Sorry. I just don't give a rat's --- about an airport in Des Moines.

[Garrett]

I expect the new airport to be nice but it’s not like we’ve been shown the flashiest renderings in the world for the new building. It’ll be nice in the sense that the new KC airport is nice, less so than like the Portland Airport is nice.

[Elkhorn_Urbanist]

Y'all are already disappointed about an airport that hasn't even opened yet.

Comparing the central gates and main entry atrium of a new airport that is nearly ready to open to a mid-terminal set of departure gates in an actively under construction airport is wild. These new gates aren't even in the same league as the old gates. This will be such an amazing upgrade over what we currently have that it's hard to imagine how much better it's going to be.

Nor does Eppley need to be some architectural marvel. I would much rather have an actually built, kinda boring, but nice/clean/modern airport than an airport that is lauded in architectural digest and never built.

Everyone needs to go outside and touch grass, gain a little perspective, and calm down.

[JDirte]

I dont understand why people are upset, what were they expecting? The Singapore airport? Its just a picture of a Gate, that looks like every single semi modern airport that I have ever seen.

If there is any Pzazz it will be at the Central Area, even if they keep that basic, the new design is a huge upgrade compared to the 1980s airport that Eppley has been. Our only options inside the before the update airport has been Crackey McGees, Scooters, and gas station level food.

[djc311]

I like what's coming... It's 1000% better than what we've had for the past 3-4 decades and IMO, looks amazing.

[thenewguy]

Wow, I understand that isn't the main area and just a gate wing but super underwhelming for a new terminal. The ceiling is so low as well! Here are the images and a video of DSM new terminal for comparison which actually significantly exceeded my expectations.
https://www.flydsm.com/lift-dsm


Sorry, just disappointed as this was something I was looking forward to for 40 years in Omaha.

you DO realize you're not comparing apples-to-apples, right?

The gates themselves look similar. The main entrance at Eppley is going to be big and open, too



are you disappointed that there's not a new video for Eppley showing the same renderings we have seen for the last 3 years?

[Brad]

Wow, I understand that isn't the main area and just a gate wing but super underwhelming for a new terminal. The ceiling is so low as well!

This is the narrowest part of the new terminal between the new main pavilion and the remodeled south terminal. It will widen out right past the black curtains at the end of both photos. Walking around in there on our tour, I never felt the ceiling was low or that this area was narrow, I think it just looks that way in the photo.

Sorry, just disappointed as this was something I was looking forward to for 40 years in Omaha.

I think you should hold judgment until you actually walk through the finished airport, I was in there several months ago when the finishes were just starting to be installed and thought it was great.

are you disappointed that there's not a new video for Eppley showing the same renderings we have seen for the last 3 years?

If that's the main entrance, then this not a current rendering, there will be a new skywalk right here if it is the main entrance.

[BRoss]

I think joleo is probably pointing out the ceiling height at the gates shown compared with the image in the link. The seating area doesn't have as tall of ceilings so the windows are not as tall. But the hall area outside of that has more height.

I personally like the extra tall windows at the gates on the DSM airport and it kind of reminds me of Key West's airport, but I don't think it's a huge deal that makes or breaks the overall design.

[joleo]

I think joleo is probably pointing out the ceiling height at the gates shown compared with the image in the link. The seating area doesn't have as tall of ceilings so the windows are not as tall. But the hall area outside of that has more height.

I personally like the extra tall windows at the gates on the DSM airport and it kind of reminds me of Key West's airport, but I don't think it's a huge deal that makes or breaks the overall design.

That is correct, I was only comparing the gate areas in my post. The windows in Des Moines are higher and the white color makes the space feel open and modern vs the architecture and very inviting.

Didn't mean to open up a can or worms, that was just my first impression of the gate area only. I am excited to see it all done at both airports for a more accurate complete comparison!

[arch_RP_planner]

Wow, I understand that isn't the main area and just a gate wing but super underwhelming for a new terminal. The ceiling is so low as well!

I am just pointing this out, as I find this a great sign from our airport's design team, the renders are almost identical to the as-is progress pictures (which is honestly rare anymore), especially since there is only a slight difference in angle from the render to where this photo was taken. Given we only see 2 gates, here, and the final airport will have 22, there is plenty more to see and experience, so trust the process here, and give them some grace, y'all.

Also, everyone has different preferences as to what is considered "aesthetic" to them, lets just hope for the people that so far are not too pleased/expected more will be shocked once the full design is complete!

Render


As-is Construction Photo

[almighty_tuna]

That's pretty darn close!

[TitosBuritoBarn]

As far as low versus high ceilings, I personally prefer the high ceilings at DSM and in airports in general as it gives a more monumental and prestigious vibe. However, with DSM's tall ceilings, you can pretty much see the entire gate area from any point, which exposes its relatively small size and detracts from the monumental vibe in some respects. OMA's low ceilings and non-open floor plan, perhaps accidentally, fulfills some urban design best practices where they draw you in to continue exploring the space and see what discoveries can be had around the next bend, past the next node, etc. and don't immediately give away that the airport is not the size of a major hub.

That said, the high ceilings in DSM's ticketing area look very nice and I wish OMA would have done something similar instead of the lower ceiling design we'd gone with. However, I did notice that, for what it's worth, OMA's ticketing area closely resembles the design and finishes of the new Delta headhouse at LAX (terminal 3), built a couple years ago. So I feel if its a design and finish collection good enough for LAX, it's good enough for OMA:

OMA ticketing area rendering:

LAX:

[thenewguy]

If that's the main entrance, then this not a current rendering, there will be a new skywalk right here if it is the main entrance.

likely not the newest rendering, just was using it to show the overall height of the main entrances compared to the terminal gate areas. However, the rendering I grabbed was from the currently buildoma.com renderings from the main page. In the video, here's another example of the height and size of the main entrance. Note the escalators on the right (west) side of the airport leading up to the 2nd floor

[Mr.Nuke]

That said, the high ceilings in DSM's ticketing area look very nice and I wish OMA would have done something similar instead of the lower ceiling design we'd gone with.

There isn't really anything that could be done when they decided to build on the site of the existing terminal. The stuff off to the sides i.e. ticketing counters and then the baggage claim areas below them are locked into the height of the existing structures. The gate design is to a certain extent as well with keeping the existing South concourse. It is pretty clear they went with the lower and the smaller high windows to match the existing structure in the gate areas.

[CrankyOldDude]

I've been through a ton of airports. Have yet to think about the height of the windows. Is it clean? Can I plug in my phone or laptop? Maybe take a look at restaurant offerings? Which lounges are there? What's going on with my flight?
Yes I'd like a nice looking gate area but the above rank higher.

[thenewguy]

That said, the high ceilings in DSM's ticketing area look very nice and I wish OMA would have done something similar instead of the lower ceiling design we'd gone with.

There isn't really anything that could be done when they decided to build on the site of the existing terminal. The stuff off to the sides i.e. ticketing counters and then the baggage claim areas below them are locked into the height of the existing structures. The gate design is to a certain extent as well with keeping the existing South concourse. It is pretty clear they went with the lower and the smaller high windows to match the existing structure in the gate areas.

Also, the gate areas themselves seem to be a generally similar in height in many airports. I'm sure there are ones that are taller than others, but the bigger beef I would have is how wide they are instead. If the area is wide, you don't have to worry about people standing up when the seats are full at their gate and trying to push past people to get to yours

[Mr.Nuke]

KETV just had a small blurb during one of the Good Morning America break-ins that the initial "preview" gates will open a week from today on 11/4.

Edit: they've got a story up now. Four gates: A1, A1A, A1B, and A2. The first two clearly have Delta branding at the gates.



https://www.ketv.com/article/oma-gives- ... a/74271199

[riceweb]

Interesting numbering. Are we expecting Delta to stay at these gates permanently or will they still shuffle around a bit as construction progresses?

[thenewguy]

i think it looks great. Also, per the news story, late(r) in November, the concessions will start to open

[Mr.Nuke]

Interesting numbering.

The numbering seems pretty straight forward to me. They're keeping the numbering consistent with the rest of the South terminal that this will still be connected to and only connected to for probably 4 or more months. There currently is no gate 1 due to the old gate 1 being blocked off by the new CUP and obviously the linear terminal. Gate 2 is at an odd angle right now to avoid construction that probably gets taken out next week and replaced by one of the 4 new gates here.

Doing it this way you don't have to renumber any of the rest of those existing gates until things are completely done, and there is still a clear delineation for passengers if you have an "A" or 1-10 gate you need to go to the South or a "B" or 11+ gate to the North. From what we have as recently as last last year, there is entirely different number sequence in the final configuration. What is being shown as 1A and 1B would ultimately be gates 13 and 12 from the last information we had.

Are we expecting Delta to stay at these gates permanently or will they still shuffle around a bit as construction progresses?

It is unclear. My assumption going in is that Southwest and United were going to take the majority or all of the new gates simply for the above reason that they had to move. We'll see who ends up using the other two gates on Wednesday too and that may be somewhat telling. By opening these four gates "early" it should allow them to get into some of the existing South terminal gates i.e. we know there are at a minimum of two Delta gates out of the new four. Presumably Delta is vacating two of their existing South terminal gates as a part of this.

They can block those off and work on installing all of the fixtures to "modernize" those gates. By not having gates used that is going to allow that process go a lot faster and the more work they can get done now the better. And depending on how fast it goes I'd expect some shifting as they get those existing gates modernized and move onto work on the others. Like I said above, ultimately when the central terminal opens, United and Southwest absolutely have to move somewhere with the North terminal slated for demolition as soon as the central terminal opens. We'll see if one of them ends up in the old Delta gates or if everyone ends up shuffling.

i think it looks great. Also, per the news story, late(r) in November, the concessions will start to open

From everything we know that will just be The Mill spot. Fernando's should be in the existing South terminal too but I haven't heard anyone report any signs of work there yet. Beyond that the rest of the concessions are in Central terminal and won't open until it does next year.