Nebraska Medicine

[Garrett]

I don't have the time (or patience lol) to watch the whole thing, but I'm curious what made them propose a 12-15 story tower at first and then drop it down so drastically to 6 stories.

Also screenshots of the renderings:
CORE


Project NEXT (now called HEALTH)

From posts on here it was inflation issues. Thanks for pulling the second set of renderings though! Looks great.

[Athomsfere]

It looks like this is where phase 1 is going to go.



Phase 3 looks the most disappointing. Probably adds space, but looks like a loss of height there if that's anywhere near final.

[Louie]

It looks like this is where phase 1 is going to go.



Phase 3 looks the most disappointing. Probably adds space, but looks like a loss of height there if that's anywhere near final.

Honestly, Phase 2 is a height downgrade as well.

[iamjacobm]

I think it makes a lot of sense for the buildings to be the same height from an operations perspective.

Bummer to me is it looks like that cap over Saddle Creek was a short lived idea.

[Garrett]

It looks like this is where phase 1 is going to go.



Phase 3 looks the most disappointing. Probably adds space, but looks like a loss of height there if that's anywhere near final.

Honestly, Phase 2 is a height downgrade as well.

I imagine we’re quite some years away from either Phase 2 or 3, so they’re probably just placeholder renderings.

[Bomaha]

I don't have the time (or patience lol) to watch the whole thing, but I'm curious what made them propose a 12-15 story tower at first and then drop it down so drastically to 6 stories.

Also screenshots of the renderings:
CORE


Project NEXT (now called HEALTH)

From posts on here it was inflation issues. Thanks for pulling the second set of renderings though! Looks great.

I work with someone who was on the advisory committee that was formed to determine the actual space needs for what would become the current CORE building. They told me that the original admin/core building rendering was based on the lofty intentions of making it the size of if not larger than the Evanston Labs building near Northwestern. The planned space was far more than anything that could realisitically be occupied. This led to the downsizing to the current size. According to them, part of one of the floors is accounted for with a tenant, however, they don't know who yet.

That is what they told me. Inflation and other things could've been at play as well.

[Garrett]

I don't have the time (or patience lol) to watch the whole thing, but I'm curious what made them propose a 12-15 story tower at first and then drop it down so drastically to 6 stories.

Also screenshots of the renderings:
CORE


Project NEXT (now called HEALTH)

From posts on here it was inflation issues. Thanks for pulling the second set of renderings though! Looks great.

I work with someone who was on the advisory committee that was formed to determine the actual space needs for what would become the current CORE building. They told me that the original admin/core building rendering was based on the lofty intentions of making it the size of if not larger than the Evanston Labs building near Northwestern. The planned space was far more than anything that could realisitically be occupied. This led to the downsizing to the current size. According to them, part of one of the floors is accounted for with a tenant, however, they don't know who yet.

That is what they told me. Inflation and other things could've been at play as well.

Well that’s a small comfort to hear at least haha. Glad it wasn’t solely motivated by money issues

[ita]

It looks like this is where phase 1 is going to go.



Phase 3 looks the most disappointing. Probably adds space, but looks like a loss of height there if that's anywhere near final.

Honestly, Phase 2 is a height downgrade as well.

I imagine we’re quite some years away from either Phase 2 or 3, so they’re probably just placeholder renderings.

Based on the short comment about UNMC NExT in the regent meeting video, it sounded like phase 2 and 3 may or may not happen. That would be unfortunate as UNMC was previously chosen as a facility to strengthen the federal response facilities and they just had to appropriate the funds, if I understood correctly. I am glad they seem all in on phase 1 though. Looks like that accounts for almost half of UNMC NExT.

[Elkhorn_Urbanist]

It looks like this is where phase 1 is going to go.



Phase 3 looks the most disappointing. Probably adds space, but looks like a loss of height there if that's anywhere near final.

Honestly, Phase 2 is a height downgrade as well.

I imagine we’re quite some years away from either Phase 2 or 3, so they’re probably just placeholder renderings.

Based on the short comment about UNMC NExT in the regent meeting video, it sounded like phase 2 and 3 may or may not happen. That would be unfortunate as UNMC was previously chosen as a facility to strengthen the federal response facilities and they just had to appropriate the funds, if I understood correctly. I am glad they seem all in on phase 1 though. Looks like that accounts for almost half of UNMC NExT.

As someone who works in healthcare and worked at UNMC, I don't think people realize how truly massive these buildings are. Phase 1 with its two towers looks to be close in size to another Methodist hospital. It basically takes the hospital portion of the buffet cancer and doubles it, right next door. Phase 1 in and of itself will be a truly massive expansion for the med center and it will take time to see how the organization expands into that space in regards to both operations and staff. For that reason alone Phase 2 and 3 are a ways off even if they do have federal funding.

Based on the cancer center, I think these phase 1 buildings are going to have pretty large presence from dodge and saddle creek. Height isn't everything, and with hospitals can often be a detriment.

I am disappointed about the admin building. 6 floors and the current design, while better than what was there before, isn't nearly as exciting as the original 17 story render. Progress, but not the progress we had all hoped for.

[ita]

It looks like this is where phase 1 is going to go.



Phase 3 looks the most disappointing. Probably adds space, but looks like a loss of height there if that's anywhere near final.

Honestly, Phase 2 is a height downgrade as well.

I imagine we’re quite some years away from either Phase 2 or 3, so they’re probably just placeholder renderings.

Based on the short comment about UNMC NExT in the regent meeting video, it sounded like phase 2 and 3 may or may not happen. That would be unfortunate as UNMC was previously chosen as a facility to strengthen the federal response facilities and they just had to appropriate the funds, if I understood correctly. I am glad they seem all in on phase 1 though. Looks like that accounts for almost half of UNMC NExT.

As someone who works in healthcare and worked at UNMC, I don't think people realize how truly massive these buildings are. Phase 1 with its two towers looks to be close in size to another Methodist hospital. It basically takes the hospital portion of the buffet cancer and doubles it, right next door. Phase 1 in and of itself will be a truly massive expansion for the med center and it will take time to see how the organization expands into that space in regards to both operations and staff. For that reason alone Phase 2 and 3 are a ways off even if they do have federal funding.

Based on the cancer center, I think these phase 1 buildings are going to have pretty large presence from dodge and saddle creek. Height isn't everything, and with hospitals can often be a detriment.

I am disappointed about the admin building. 6 floors and the current design, while better than what was there before, isn't nearly as exciting as the original 17 story render. Progress, but not the progress we had all hoped for.

Thanks for the insight! I agree that the new facilities need to be the right size and height, and per thia rendering, these buildings are going to be huge and transform that area around saddle Creek. The peripheral development to support such an expansion is exciting to dream about. Anyway, I do wonder how close they are to starting phase 1. NExT has been talked about for a few years now. Hopefully we start seeing phase 1 construction before the streetcar comes online. It will be the next big thing to watch.

[GenX]

While I wish there was more height as well, I can understand that the facilities these phases replace is a far batter investment than going for height. As they said, those buildings being replaced are 50-75 years old, need more refurbishment that their worth, and they'd still be constrained by ceiling heights.

It's not the vision we seek, but it's the vision we need.

[Cermak]

So the Lied Transplant center will remain the tallest building on campus. These new buildings should still look good even though they are now much shorter. As said earlier height isn't everything.

[Greg S]

It looks like this is where phase 1 is going to go.



Phase 3 looks the most disappointing. Probably adds space, but looks like a loss of height there if that's anywhere near final.

Honestly, Phase 2 is a height downgrade as well.

I imagine we’re quite some years away from either Phase 2 or 3, so they’re probably just placeholder renderings.

Based on the short comment about UNMC NExT in the regent meeting video, it sounded like phase 2 and 3 may or may not happen. That would be unfortunate as UNMC was previously chosen as a facility to strengthen the federal response facilities and they just had to appropriate the funds, if I understood correctly. I am glad they seem all in on phase 1 though. Looks like that accounts for almost half of UNMC NExT.

Yeah I kind of found that troubling. Was really surprised how open they were about phase 2 and phase 3 now being so uncertain. Still an incredible project, it may finish out now as a 2 billion project vs double that.

[Garrett]

It looks like this is where phase 1 is going to go.



Phase 3 looks the most disappointing. Probably adds space, but looks like a loss of height there if that's anywhere near final.

Honestly, Phase 2 is a height downgrade as well.

I imagine we’re quite some years away from either Phase 2 or 3, so they’re probably just placeholder renderings.

Based on the short comment about UNMC NExT in the regent meeting video, it sounded like phase 2 and 3 may or may not happen. That would be unfortunate as UNMC was previously chosen as a facility to strengthen the federal response facilities and they just had to appropriate the funds, if I understood correctly. I am glad they seem all in on phase 1 though. Looks like that accounts for almost half of UNMC NExT.

Yeah I kind of found that troubling. Was really surprised how open they were about phase 2 and phase 3 now being so uncertain. Still an incredible project, it may finish out now as a 2 billion project vs double that.

Indeed, especially given how it was originally pitched as such a vital project that was basically certain to be funded, especially after COVID showed how important UNMC is to the national health system.

[ita]

So on grow Omaha, they mentioned how phase 1 has a $2.2 billion pricetag. If the federal portion is not guaranteed at this point, how are they going to fund this project? The hundreds of millions committed by the city and state are dependent on the federal funding. If we are not getting that, what happens now?

[Garrett]

GrowOmaha had this rendering for the Admin building

[S.O.Boy]

46th street from Leavenworth North is open. Rehab and new construction has started on the West most building on the innovation campus.

[ita]

GrowOmaha had this rendering for the Admin building

That looks a lot better than the one used in the slideshow that was posted above.

[Brad]

GrowOmaha had this rendering for the Admin building

That looks a lot better than the one used in the slideshow that was posted above.

Quite a bit smaller than the original rendering.

[thenewguy]

GrowOmaha had this rendering for the Admin building

even though it's not what we thought it'd be, it does look nice

[Athomsfere]

GrowOmaha had this rendering for the Admin building

even though it's not what we thought it'd be, it does look nice

That back end looks very Nederlandsy

[Cermak]

Looks good nothing earth shattering. But will add density to midtown.

[Mjs5050ss]

I know I remember hearing a while back that one of the phases of the NExT project could possibly hold a new VA hospital. As someone who has had to spend more time at that hospital than I care to think of, does anyone know if that is still on the board for this project? The VA hospital is very out dated and needs a lot of work.

[Athomsfere]

I know I remember hearing a while back that one of the phases of the NExT project could possibly hold a new VA hospital. As someone who has had to spend more time at that hospital than I care to think of, does anyone know if that is still on the board for this project? The VA hospital is very out dated and needs a lot of work.

I think the last update still included them working more closely together. But I can't recall if sharing spaces was on the docket.

[Elkhorn_Urbanist]

I know I remember hearing a while back that one of the phases of the NExT project could possibly hold a new VA hospital. As someone who has had to spend more time at that hospital than I care to think of, does anyone know if that is still on the board for this project? The VA hospital is very out dated and needs a lot of work.

I think the last update still included them working more closely together. But I can't recall if sharing spaces was on the docket.

Just some insider perspective since I used to work at UNMC. I don't know if I really ever see the VA having space at the med center. I don't see the med center giving up part of their developable space essentially to the federal government. They would lose control over that part of the building/campus. The VA has its own police, their own staff, their own health records system, their own IT, their own operations policies, billing (I could go on), and they are all very much mutually exclusive to those same systems at UNMC. At the same time the VA has a massive amount of space at their current campus representing hundreds of millions of dollars of investment from both the state and federal government. They have a wonderful new outpatient center, are building a new PT center, have an updated utility plant, new parking garage, to name a few recent projects. I just can't see them abandoning any part of this campus. Do I think that care for our veterans could be improved or enhanced with closer ties to UNMC? Absolutely. I just don't think it will come in the form of space at UNMCs campus, and will more likely involve UNMC growing physically closer down 42nd street, and closer in operations through shared protocols. They are after all only a couple of blocks away from one another.

Just some two cents from someone familiar with both systems but is not by any means "in the know"

[Mjs5050ss]

I know I remember hearing a while back that one of the phases of the NExT project could possibly hold a new VA hospital. As someone who has had to spend more time at that hospital than I care to think of, does anyone know if that is still on the board for this project? The VA hospital is very out dated and needs a lot of work.

I think the last update still included them working more closely together. But I can't recall if sharing spaces was on the docket.

Just some insider perspective since I used to work at UNMC. I don't know if I really ever see the VA having space at the med center. I don't see the med center giving up part of their developable space essentially to the federal government. They would lose control over that part of the building/campus. The VA has its own police, their own staff, their own health records system, their own IT, their own operations policies, billing (I could go on), and they are all very much mutually exclusive to those same systems at UNMC. At the same time the VA has a massive amount of space at their current campus representing hundreds of millions of dollars of investment from both the state and federal government. They have a wonderful new outpatient center, are building a new PT center, have an updated utility plant, new parking garage, to name a few recent projects. I just can't see them abandoning any part of this campus. Do I think that care for our veterans could be improved or enhanced with closer ties to UNMC? Absolutely. I just don't think it will come in the form of space at UNMCs campus, and will more likely involve UNMC growing physically closer down 42nd street, and closer in operations through shared protocols. They are after all only a couple of blocks away from one another.

Just some two cents from someone familiar with both systems but is not by any means "in the know"

Thank you for this. You definitely have the insight I was looking for.

The new outpatient center is wonderful. The new PT center is coming right along. I don't have an opinion on the parking garage as that is staff-only, but it has helped with parking some (still not great).

The problem is there is not much being done from floors 2 - 12. I know they have plans to revamp the HVAC system, but that needs to be done regardless of what happens to the building. I thought moving to the UNMC campus made sense because most doctors at the facility are on rotation from the med center, but I did not think about all of the support staff the VA currently employs. I know there has also been talk of just building a new hospital on the same campus just to the east of the existing tower, and maybe that is a better idea.

[Coyote]

University of Nebraska Medical Center breaks ground on new research center



University of Nebraska Medical Center officially broke ground on the cornerstone of its new Saddle-Creek Campus. UNMC said their new CORE building will usher in a new era of innovation and entrepreneurship. "We're at about $250 million of extramurally funded research right now, which, you know, a quarter of $1 billion," Dr. Jeffery Gold, UNMC chancellor, said. "That's almost three times what we were 10 years ago."

The Campus Operations and Research Excellence, or CORE, building will give UNMC the space it needs to expand even more. A piece of the deferred maintenance program for the University of Nebraska system.

[Brad]

Aerial Photo Update:

1.

20231115881A0549.jpg

2.

20231115881A0557.jpg

[skinzfan23]

You can see the 9 story building rising in the background on pic 1!

[Louie]

You can see the 9 story building rising in the background on pic 1!

That first photo is such a great vantage of the most urban parts of the city.

[ita]

You can see the 9 story building rising in the background on pic 1!

That first photo is such a great vantage of the most urban parts of the city.

It is a very good one.

My new favorite vantages of urban Omaha is actually more west on 72nd and Center, where that Shark Club, or whatever it was called, was located. I have been going to the medical office right there for my kids recently and noticed how awesome that view it. You get Aksarben in the foreground, including the CTM high rise office tower, then Midtown, and finally downtown. If they ever build something on that now empty lot, I hope it has some height with orientation east to take advantage of the views.

Also, good shots, Brad!

[Brad]

You can see the 9 story building rising in the background on pic 1!

That first photo is such a great vantage of the most urban parts of the city.

It is a very good one.

My new favorite vantages of urban Omaha is actually more west on 72nd and Center, where that Shark Club, or whatever it was called, was located. I have been going to the medical office right there for my kids recently and noticed how awesome that view it. You get Aksarben in the foreground, including the CTM high rise office tower, then Midtown, and finally downtown. If they ever build something on that now empty lot, I hope it has some height with orientation east to take advantage of the views.

Also, good shots, Brad!

Thanks Everyone!

Ita, It is a great spot. I post a shot from up there a few years ago. I didn't get Aksarben in there, it was basically the tower at Holy Cross Church with downtown behind it.

[Brad]

Farnam Street to reopen this week

Farnam Street – from 48th Street to Saddle Creek Road – will reopen to midtown motorists after 9 a.m. on Friday (Dec. 1).

The street has been closed since late April. as the City of Omaha Public Works Department has worked to improve existing traffic flow and safety, as well as accommodate traffic flow with the westward expansion of UNMC’s campus and the Saddle Creek development project.

The improvements include grading, burial of an Omaha Public Power District high-voltage transmission line and installation of a new signal at 46th and Farnam Streets. In addition, 46th Street will be extended south through the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Saddle Creek District.

Brian Spencer, executive director of campus development and planning for UNMC and Nebraska Medicine, said the work “sets the stage for the growth and development in the Saddle Creek District aimed at improving access for folks coming to midtown Omaha, while also supporting significant future development over time as we build the best place to live, work, and play in our region.”

[Renovator2559]

I can only imagine how pictures from one of the St. Cecilia's Cathedral towers would look like.
From what I know, St Cecilia was built on the tallest hill in Omaha and is one of the tallest buildings that is not a midrise, or highrise.

The views from a high floor and seeing the Spanish renaissance revival twin towers poking through the lush green canopy of mature trees in the Gold Coast Historic District, each season, sunrise and sunsets; are breathtaking.

Fun fact, St Celia's when completed in 1959, was on the top 10 largest cathedrals in the US during that time. Omaha sure ended up in top 10 lists, even in the past as it is now!

[ita]

Regents approve planning for training facility at UNMC

Karen Burbach
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents Friday (Dec. 1) approved moving forward with planning for an infectious diseases air transport training facility at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

The Infectious Diseases Air Transport Training Facility (IDAT) will be a new free-standing building on an existing UNMC parking lot on the south edge of the Omaha campus.

In collaboration with internationally recognized experts, the up to $20 million facility will establish biocontainment patient transport training to safely and effectively care for patients with high consequence infectious diseases.
...
The planned training facility will include training spaces of different scales including a large space to house the C-130, C-17, NPC-Lite and NPC training units, as well as simulation classroom spaces for smaller activities. There could also be an administration element that would include office space, lounge, conference room, and secure communications room.

Funding for this initial planning was provided by the Department of Defense.

[labguy]

Regents approve planning for training facility at UNMC

Karen Burbach
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents Friday (Dec. 1) approved moving forward with planning for an infectious diseases air transport training facility at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

The Infectious Diseases Air Transport Training Facility (IDAT) will be a new free-standing building on an existing UNMC parking lot on the south edge of the Omaha campus.

In collaboration with internationally recognized experts, the up to $20 million facility will establish biocontainment patient transport training to safely and effectively care for patients with high consequence infectious diseases.
...
The planned training facility will include training spaces of different scales including a large space to house the C-130, C-17, NPC-Lite and NPC training units, as well as simulation classroom spaces for smaller activities. There could also be an administration element that would include office space, lounge, conference room, and secure communications room.

Funding for this initial planning was provided by the Department of Defense.

If anyone is wondering, this is going to be built in the smaller parking lot (Lot 62) that is adjacent to Nebraska Medicine's sterilization facility at 40th and Mason.

[Louie]

Part of the campus that is stretching towards the VA, I see.

[Jins123]

It was announced on the Nebraska Medicine work homepage today that the demolition of the old bank building on Farnam has begun. It’ll last 10 weeks.

[Brad]

It was announced on the Nebraska Medicine work homepage today that the demolition of the old bank building on Farnam has begun. It’ll last 10 weeks.

Sweet! Finally!

I though there were extra barricades around it the other night...

Will they finally convert those last two blocks of Farnam to 2 ways?

[Jins123]

When asked in the comments what is going to happen to the space, the reply was that it’ll be green space so it can remain flexible should any future projects and/or changes in traffic flow come