Gene Leahy Mall Remodel

[ita]

Thank you. So according to that pdf, Dodge St would no longer have access beyond the railroad tracks, but Douglas will continue and meet up with Riverfront Dr.

I don't think Dodge had access beyond the tracks as I-480 west turns into Dodge after the exit. Riverfront drive was somewhat aligned with Dodge but tied north to south connecting to Capitol or Douglas. I really want to see Capitol extended to Riverfront Drive, but that is not currently showing in the most recent plans.

The street that crossed the tracks to connect to Riverfront Drive is technically still Dodge Street.

Ah, you got me there. That makes sense though. I do like the alignment of Douglas and Riverfront Drive better, but I really am hoping Capitol is extended if Lot A is developed.

[Brad]

I'm not sure why that keeps coming up, but that levy is only temporary. The lake will be rounded on the north end, like this, not cut off looking.

Great view point..really shows the new size of the lake... and the lovely sky in the shot is a nice bonus.

Thanks, had a great flight around downtown that night!

[nebport5]

Thank you. So according to that pdf, Dodge St would no longer have access beyond the railroad tracks, but Douglas will continue and meet up with Riverfront Dr.

I don't think Dodge had access beyond the tracks as I-480 west turns into Dodge after the exit. Riverfront drive was somewhat aligned with Dodge but tied north to south connecting to Capitol or Douglas. I really want to see Capitol extended to Riverfront Drive, but that is not currently showing in the most recent plans.

Can you elaborate here visually, like in the form of new rendering?

[ita]

Thank you. So according to that pdf, Dodge St would no longer have access beyond the railroad tracks, but Douglas will continue and meet up with Riverfront Dr.

I don't think Dodge had access beyond the tracks as I-480 west turns into Dodge after the exit. Riverfront drive was somewhat aligned with Dodge but tied north to south connecting to Capitol or Douglas. I really want to see Capitol extended to Riverfront Drive, but that is not currently showing in the most recent plans.

Can you elaborate here visually, like in the form of new rendering?

Here is one of the earlier plans (if not the first publicly released one) for Lewis and Clark:

[nebport5]

Gotcha. It's not clear if that Capitol extension would go through or over Lot A. As long as Lot A remains undeveloped I'm sure some traffic study says don't connect it with arena parking.

[Brad]

Last Saturday there was water in the renovated lagoon

[Omaha Cowboy]

Everything is coming along nicely, as this pic update shows..

Nice work Brad …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[iamjacobm]

Great stuff Brad, will be interesting to see a before during and after pic of that view.

[Brad]

Everything is coming along nicely, as this pic update shows..

Nice work Brad …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Great stuff Brad, will be interesting to see a before during and after pic of that view.

Thanks Guys. It was a perfect day for that photo.

[Athomsfere]

As an aside: Driving to CB from downtown this is all looking great. The canopy and the Mercantile make downtown feel much better already.

[Omaha Cowboy]

From the Riverfront (Redevelopment) monthly newsletter emailed this morning-

“Progress towards the vision.
Beginning in November, Gene Leahy Mall will start looking a little greener. Next month, sod will be laid in and around the future event lawn, transforming the space from construction zone into a blooming park. In total, almost 55,000 square feet of sod will be placed in the coming weeks.

The entire process takes multiple weeks and starts before sod even comes in. First, each area is grated and irrigation infrastructure installed, followed by the placement of native and locally sourced specialty soils. After this important prep work, it will take another week (or so) to get all the grass planted.

The timeline for laying sod is completely weather dependent. With several inches of rain last weekend and so far this week, the area will need to dry out before work can begin. If the area is still muddy, ruts may form or the dirt may become too compact for effective landscaping. Sod can be laid throughout November and into December as long as the frost level stays above a certain threshold.

Sod installation is an important step for The RiverFront. Leading up to Gene Leahy Mall's reopening in just seven months, grass roots will be able to take hold and become well established before the expected foot traffic and high impact activations to come. This will be further enhanced by an up to four-foot-dep soil mixture, allowing root systems to breathe while retaining enough moisture that watering immediately before and after events can be avoided.

Gene Leahy Mall will assuredly be a lush green space with vast green grass, hundreds of native plants and dozens of healthy trees. And, with a majority of the materials coming from right here in Omaha, landscaping life will be long and flourishing. Plenty of pollinators and other wildlife have already returned to the park with these numerous new additions.

The work that has been accomplished this year has set a solid foundation for all trees, plants, and grass to thrive in Gene Leahy Mall.”…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[skinzfan23]

Glad to hear they really are taking the right steps to ensure everything has the best chance to succeed and last.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Glad to hear they really are taking the right steps to ensure everything has the best chance to succeed and last.

Agreed-

This entire Riverfront Redevelopment Plan is looking top notch/attention to detail..and it should be, as this entire plan will be a game changing catalyst for more mixed use developments in the downtown core…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Omaha Cowboy]

From today’s W-H-

“Metal arches have risen, pathways have taken shape and new trees have dotted the landscape in recent months as work on downtown Omaha’s Gene Leahy Mall progressed.

Passersby can expect to see arches rise over a future playground and new trees, plants and sod added to the mall before snow begins to fall this winter, said Katie Bassett, vice president of parks for the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, which is managing the park renovations for the city.

The Gene Leahy Mall is on schedule to reopen to the public during Memorial Day weekend of 2022.

Lewis & Clark Landing and Heartland of America Park, also included in the $400 million public-private renovation project, are expected to reopen in 2023. Lewis & Clark will open first, followed by Heartland of America.“..

The complete W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/gene-leahy ... op-story-1

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

Good to hear that things are still running on schedule.

[Omaha Cowboy]

And they have been all along..

There have only been minor adjustments.. But since the beginning, the GLM component was scheduled for completion by mid 2022. So a Memorial Day weekend 2022 completion date is even a little ahead of schedule…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[stadsborgare]

I wonder what kind of work can they do when there is snow on the ground. Maybe finish the restroom facility.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

The newly added "rendered" fly over video on the Riverfront site is really cool

[Taco]

Did they end up laying sod before the first freeze? Last I saw everything was still dirt.

[Brad]

Did they end up laying sod before the first freeze? Last I saw everything was still dirt.

When I flew over the other day it was still dirt. I'll get those photos posted up this weekend.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

The brand new HDR produced "RENDERED / ANIMATED fly over video was just posted in the past few days. It is NOT a true fly over like those amazing ones that Brad provides. It's shows a with new and great detail how the final product will look.
I'm guessing the grass will be in by the end of next week

[stadsborgare]

Children's playground area - it almost looks like a new exhibit at the Henry Doorly Zoo.

[Brad]

It is NOT a true fly over like those amazing ones that Brad provides. It's shows a with new and great detail how the final product will look.

Thanks for the kind words. I do have some ground photos of the dog park to post soon.

[omahahawk]

I knew the beachfront section of LCL was going to have firepits but one thing I noticed from the virtual fly over is that apparently GLM will have them as well. This is will be a really nice amenity. Any bets as to whether these will be gas or wood fueled? Considering the amount of infrastructure work that has been done I am assuming (hoping) that all the firepits throughout all 3 phases of this development will be gas simply because they would be much cleaner, controllable, and more likely to be utilized.

[GrowUpFrances]

Does anyone know what that blue circle is going to be in the 13th Street Plaza (shown in the virtual flyover)? A fountain or statue or some sort?

[OutoftheCanyon]

Does anyone know what that blue circle is going to be in the 13th Street Plaza (shown in the virtual flyover)? A fountain or statue or some sort?

Yes, it is a fountain. We got a tour a few weeks back and they talked about it.

I also noted that in the video it shows the old orange lights but they aren’t using them anymore, everything has been upgraded.

This is truly going to be a world class park when it is done.

[GrowUpFrances]

Does anyone know what that blue circle is going to be in the 13th Street Plaza (shown in the virtual flyover)? A fountain or statue or some sort?

Yes, it is a fountain. We got a tour a few weeks back and they talked about it.

I also noted that in the video it shows the old orange lights but they aren’t using them anymore, everything has been upgraded.

This is truly going to be a world class park when it is done.

Thanks for the info. Can't wait for this park to be completed!

[skinzfan23]

I am glad that they aren't bringing those orange lights back. They look very dated and not in a good way.

[ItsAllAboutMe]

Unfortunately, those ugly orange light fixtures are being refurbished and will surround the pond, you can see them in the video posted above. During the early public engagement meetings those were one of the items some people thought should be kept. They are ugly and require only one of the bulbs being burnout to look trashy.

[OutoftheCanyon]

Unfortunately, those ugly orange light fixtures are being refurbished and will surround the pond, you can see them in the video posted above. During the early public engagement meetings those were one of the items some people thought should be kept. They are ugly and require only one of the bulbs being burnout to look trashy.

During our tour 3 weeks ago we were told they aren’t coming back. All lighting has been upgraded. I specifically asked that question.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Regardless, this will definitely be a world class park and a game changing redevelopment for the downtown core..The benefits Omaha will reap from the entire 3 phased Riverfront Redevelopment Plan will place Omaha on another level..

Omaha will be the envy of most 1 to 1.5 million population metros..If it isn’t already ..

This is well worth the wait and effort- as it will shape what the Downtown core will become for this decade; and probably the next 30 years…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ItsAllAboutMe]

Unfortunately, those ugly orange light fixtures are being refurbished and will surround the pond, you can see them in the video posted above. During the early public engagement meetings those were one of the items some people thought should be kept. They are ugly and require only one of the bulbs being burnout to look trashy.

During our tour 3 weeks ago we were told they aren’t coming back. All lighting has been upgraded. I specifically asked that question.

Excellent news!!!! That's not what they told me a year ago when I asked. I'm guessing it was not worth trying to refurbish them.
This makes me happy.

[OutoftheCanyon]

Unfortunately, those ugly orange light fixtures are being refurbished and will surround the pond, you can see them in the video posted above. During the early public engagement meetings those were one of the items some people thought should be kept. They are ugly and require only one of the bulbs being burnout to look trashy.

During our tour 3 weeks ago we were told they aren’t coming back. All lighting has been upgraded. I specifically asked that question.

Excellent news!!!! That's not what they told me a year ago when I asked. I'm guessing it was not worth trying to refurbish them.
This makes me happy.

The Pond is going to be great. They are going to have videos projected on the Green House Apartment building and then the stairs lead up to the Mercantile Building. It will be a very engaging area.

[NEDodger]

Unfortunately, those ugly orange light fixtures are being refurbished and will surround the pond, you can see them in the video posted above. During the early public engagement meetings those were one of the items some people thought should be kept. They are ugly and require only one of the bulbs being burnout to look trashy.

During our tour 3 weeks ago we were told they aren’t coming back. All lighting has been upgraded. I specifically asked that question.

That IS fantastic. I was a little surprised those were kept in the original plans, as I agree - if you're redoing everything, why bring THOSE back? They look 70's-ish.

[ita]

Unfortunately, those ugly orange light fixtures are being refurbished and will surround the pond, you can see them in the video posted above. During the early public engagement meetings those were one of the items some people thought should be kept. They are ugly and require only one of the bulbs being burnout to look trashy.

During our tour 3 weeks ago we were told they aren’t coming back. All lighting has been upgraded. I specifically asked that question.

Excellent news!!!! That's not what they told me a year ago when I asked. I'm guessing it was not worth trying to refurbish them.
This makes me happy.

The Pond is going to be great. They are going to have videos projected on the Green House Apartment building and then the stairs lead up to the Mercantile Building. It will be a very engaging area.

Thanks for sharing the information you gained during the tour. It seems like a lot was detailed that they haven't necessarily publicized. Is there anything else that you heard that you're excited about?

[OutoftheCanyon]

Unfortunately, those ugly orange light fixtures are being refurbished and will surround the pond, you can see them in the video posted above. During the early public engagement meetings those were one of the items some people thought should be kept. They are ugly and require only one of the bulbs being burnout to look trashy.

During our tour 3 weeks ago we were told they aren’t coming back. All lighting has been upgraded. I specifically asked that question.

Excellent news!!!! That's not what they told me a year ago when I asked. I'm guessing it was not worth trying to refurbish them.
This makes me happy.

The Pond is going to be great. They are going to have videos projected on the Green House Apartment building and then the stairs lead up to the Mercantile Building. It will be a very engaging area.

Thanks for sharing the information you gained during the tour. It seems like a lot was detailed that they haven't necessarily publicized. Is there anything else that you heard that you're excited about?

Honestly it was somewhat overwhelming and the level of detail is insane. The amount of A/V that is going into this will blow everyone’s expectations out of the water. No additional parking is being put in because they want it to connect all of downtown and get people moving all around.

It will be exciting to see how much national publicity this gets during the ‘22 College World Series.

[Louie]

Unfortunately, those ugly orange light fixtures are being refurbished and will surround the pond, you can see them in the video posted above. During the early public engagement meetings those were one of the items some people thought should be kept. They are ugly and require only one of the bulbs being burnout to look trashy.

During our tour 3 weeks ago we were told they aren’t coming back. All lighting has been upgraded. I specifically asked that question.

Excellent news!!!! That's not what they told me a year ago when I asked. I'm guessing it was not worth trying to refurbish them.
This makes me happy.

The Pond is going to be great. They are going to have videos projected on the Green House Apartment building and then the stairs lead up to the Mercantile Building. It will be a very engaging area.

Thanks for sharing the information you gained during the tour. It seems like a lot was detailed that they haven't necessarily publicized. Is there anything else that you heard that you're excited about?

Honestly it was somewhat overwhelming and the level of detail is insane. The amount of A/V that is going into this will blow everyone’s expectations out of the water. No additional parking is being put in because they want it to connect all of downtown and get people moving all around.

It will be exciting to see how much national publicity this gets during the ‘22 College World Series.

A/V as in audio/visual? Give us the deets!!!

[Stan]

Unfortunately, those ugly orange light fixtures are being refurbished and will surround the pond, you can see them in the video posted above. During the early public engagement meetings those were one of the items some people thought should be kept. They are ugly and require only one of the bulbs being burnout to look trashy.

During our tour 3 weeks ago we were told they aren’t coming back. All lighting has been upgraded. I specifically asked that question.

Excellent news!!!! That's not what they told me a year ago when I asked. I'm guessing it was not worth trying to refurbish them.
This makes me happy.

The Pond is going to be great. They are going to have videos projected on the Green House Apartment building and then the stairs lead up to the Mercantile Building. It will be a very engaging area.

Thanks for sharing the information you gained during the tour. It seems like a lot was detailed that they haven't necessarily publicized. Is there anything else that you heard that you're excited about?

Honestly it was somewhat overwhelming and the level of detail is insane. The amount of A/V that is going into this will blow everyone’s expectations out of the water. No additional parking is being put in because they want it to connect all of downtown and get people moving all around.

It will be exciting to see how much national publicity this gets during the ‘22 College World Series.

A/V as in audio/visual? Give us the deets!!!

The subcontractor hired to do a lot of the A/V stuff also does a lot of the work for Superbowl halftime shows(or so I'm told). The subcontractor for the water fixtures came out of Florida and does a lot of theme park work. They entire west side of the Burlington building should be lit up too by projectors.

[OutoftheCanyon]

Unfortunately, those ugly orange light fixtures are being refurbished and will surround the pond, you can see them in the video posted above. During the early public engagement meetings those were one of the items some people thought should be kept. They are ugly and require only one of the bulbs being burnout to look trashy.

During our tour 3 weeks ago we were told they aren’t coming back. All lighting has been upgraded. I specifically asked that question.

Excellent news!!!! That's not what they told me a year ago when I asked. I'm guessing it was not worth trying to refurbish them.
This makes me happy.

The Pond is going to be great. They are going to have videos projected on the Green House Apartment building and then the stairs lead up to the Mercantile Building. It will be a very engaging area.

Thanks for sharing the information you gained during the tour. It seems like a lot was detailed that they haven't necessarily publicized. Is there anything else that you heard that you're excited about?

Honestly it was somewhat overwhelming and the level of detail is insane. The amount of A/V that is going into this will blow everyone’s expectations out of the water. No additional parking is being put in because they want it to connect all of downtown and get people moving all around.

It will be exciting to see how much national publicity this gets during the ‘22 College World Series.

A/V as in audio/visual? Give us the deets!!!

The subcontractor hired to do a lot of the A/V stuff also does a lot of the work for Superbowl halftime shows(or so I'm told). The subcontractor for the water fixtures came out of Florida and does a lot of theme park work. They entire west side of the Burlington building should be lit up too by projectors.

Yes it will. Plus lots of screens under the bridge.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Unfortunately, those ugly orange light fixtures are being refurbished and will surround the pond, you can see them in the video posted above. During the early public engagement meetings those were one of the items some people thought should be kept. They are ugly and require only one of the bulbs being burnout to look trashy.

During our tour 3 weeks ago we were told they aren’t coming back. All lighting has been upgraded. I specifically asked that question.

Excellent news!!!! That's not what they told me a year ago when I asked. I'm guessing it was not worth trying to refurbish them.
This makes me happy.

The Pond is going to be great. They are going to have videos projected on the Green House Apartment building and then the stairs lead up to the Mercantile Building. It will be a very engaging area.

Thanks for sharing the information you gained during the tour. It seems like a lot was detailed that they haven't necessarily publicized. Is there anything else that you heard that you're excited about?

Honestly it was somewhat overwhelming and the level of detail is insane. The amount of A/V that is going into this will blow everyone’s expectations out of the water. No additional parking is being put in because they want it to connect all of downtown and get people moving all around.

It will be exciting to see how much national publicity this gets during the ‘22 College World Series.

A/V as in audio/visual? Give us the deets!!!

The subcontractor hired to do a lot of the A/V stuff also does a lot of the work for Superbowl halftime shows(or so I'm told). The subcontractor for the water fixtures came out of Florida and does a lot of theme park work. They entire west side of the Burlington building should be lit up too by projectors.

Yes it will. Plus lots of screens under the bridge.

This will be an iconic point of destination for people to visit when they come to Omaha..

Akin to “The Arch” in St Louis.. And I don’t think this is an exaggeration at all..


Thanks everyone whose contributed the additional intel …

Ciao..LiO…Peace