Gene Leahy Mall Remodel

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon May 23, 2022 9:06 am

Excellent pic update as always Brad

..

We’re only 5 weeks away from enjoying this park- which will be a point of destination gem for the region…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

ItsAllAboutMe · Post by **ItsAllAboutMe** » Mon May 23, 2022 9:46 am

GrandpaaSmucker wrote: Tue May 19, 2020 9:41 am The new version of the Gene Leahy Mall is just about done. All they have left to do is plant some grass and put up a few park benches. There really was nothing to the project other then tearing down the fruition of millions and millions of tax dollars and returning it to a field. The toughest thing to do on the whole project was to disguise and funnel the millions of dollars to the connected parties involved and making it look legit.

The quote above from 2020. "All they have left to do is plant some grass and put up few park benches". LOL

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon May 23, 2022 11:53 am

ItsAllAboutMe wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 9:46 am
GrandpaaSmucker wrote: Tue May 19, 2020 9:41 am The new version of the Gene Leahy Mall is just about done. All they have left to do is plant some grass and put up a few park benches. There really was nothing to the project other then tearing down the fruition of millions and millions of tax dollars and returning it to a field. The toughest thing to do on the whole project was to disguise and funnel the millions of dollars to the connected parties involved and making it look legit.
The quote above from 2020. "All they have left to do is plant some grass and put up few park benches". LOL

Even more amusing, is going back in time on this thread- to posts in 2020, and rereading our resident complainer (at the time, and not Smucker) who doubted the construction time table, questioned the people who were contracted to do the work- stating repeatedly they were doing nothing, and generally whining about what the aesthetics of the park would/should be..

I actually looked back at that year of his posts the other day and couldn’t contain my laughter

..

In any case, I can’t wait to enjoy this space in 5 weeks…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

ItsAllAboutMe · Post by **ItsAllAboutMe** » Mon May 23, 2022 12:20 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 11:53 am
ItsAllAboutMe wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 9:46 am
GrandpaaSmucker wrote: Tue May 19, 2020 9:41 am The new version of the Gene Leahy Mall is just about done. All they have left to do is plant some grass and put up a few park benches. There really was nothing to the project other then tearing down the fruition of millions and millions of tax dollars and returning it to a field. The toughest thing to do on the whole project was to disguise and funnel the millions of dollars to the connected parties involved and making it look legit.
The quote above from 2020. "All they have left to do is plant some grass and put up few park benches". LOL
Even more amusing, is going back in time on this thread- to posts in 2020, and rereading our resident complainer (at the time, and not Smucker) who doubted the construction time table, questioned the people who were contracted to do the work- stating repeatedly they were doing nothing, and generally whining about what the aesthetics of the park would/should be..

I actually looked back at that year of his posts the other day and couldn’t contain my laughter ..

In any case, I can’t wait to enjoy this space in 5 weeks…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Oh yes, I remember it well. The complainer was ridiculously uninformed, but tried to argue just the opposite. He would always take a contrary position.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon May 23, 2022 12:37 pm

ItsAllAboutMe wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 12:20 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 11:53 am
ItsAllAboutMe wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 9:46 am
GrandpaaSmucker wrote: Tue May 19, 2020 9:41 am The new version of the Gene Leahy Mall is just about done. All they have left to do is plant some grass and put up a few park benches. There really was nothing to the project other then tearing down the fruition of millions and millions of tax dollars and returning it to a field. The toughest thing to do on the whole project was to disguise and funnel the millions of dollars to the connected parties involved and making it look legit.
The quote above from 2020. "All they have left to do is plant some grass and put up few park benches". LOL
Even more amusing, is going back in time on this thread- to posts in 2020, and rereading our resident complainer (at the time, and not Smucker) who doubted the construction time table, questioned the people who were contracted to do the work- stating repeatedly they were doing nothing, and generally whining about what the aesthetics of the park would/should be..

I actually looked back at that year of his posts the other day and couldn’t contain my laughter ..

In any case, I can’t wait to enjoy this space in 5 weeks…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
Oh yes, I remember it well. The complainer was ridiculously uninformed, but tried to argue just the opposite. He would always take a contrary position.

Ha, agreed.. And I think “ridiculously uninformed” is an understatement. I’d just go with ridiculous

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Stan · Post by **Stan** » Mon May 23, 2022 2:27 pm

That little blocky area behind the stage and in front of the pond is supposed to be a pretty intense water feature. I'll be interested to see what that looks like when they turn it on.

windsor · Post by **windsor** » Mon May 23, 2022 3:22 pm

Brad wrote: Sun May 22, 2022 10:11 pm .
Facebook Album: https://bit.ly/3z92If1

Tweets:

Few of my Favorites:

WOW, the mall is looking fantastic. Can't wait until its open.

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Mon May 23, 2022 3:41 pm

When the park finally opens, I am going to scout the place for my favorite "spot" - the perfect place to sit down and read a book.

Right now I'm thinking maybe somewhere near the Shonibare sculpture. But must be under a tree.

guy4omaha · Post by **guy4omaha** » Mon May 23, 2022 4:31 pm

The photo with the Mercantile in the background is really cool. Really fills that area in.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Mon May 23, 2022 4:38 pm

Stan wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 2:27 pm That little blocky area behind the stage and in front of the pond is supposed to be a pretty intense water feature. I'll be interested to see what that looks like when they turn it on.

I hope so, out of every individual piece they have worked on I have seen more time and manpower invested in this part than any other.

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue May 24, 2022 1:22 pm

Awesome picture update! I am really excited for the grand opening of GLM. The Shonibare piece is my favorite art installation they're revealed so far and I am glad it is getting centerpiece style treatment. I am sure it's going to show up in a lot of pictures of the mall and be a popular photo opportunity for visitors. I always see people taking pictures by the giant aluminum man across the river whenever we hang out there.

Garrett · Post by **Garrett** » Tue May 24, 2022 1:38 pm

I’m really excited for this, but just remember everyone, Omaha’s town square is on 72nd and dodge, not here.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue May 24, 2022 3:42 pm

Garrett wrote: Tue May 24, 2022 1:38 pm I’m really excited for this, but just remember everyone, Omaha’s town square is on 72nd and dodge, not here.

Ugh. I keep having dreams on this statement. And I keep wondering how, if it gets treated that way, how we could do it well enough. Take it from it's suburban, high ADT, inhospitable to human life form, and make it good.

Otherwise:

Those pictures are getting me excited! I can't want to sit in the grass and have a beer and soak it all in! It looks amazing.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Tue May 24, 2022 8:21 pm

If the new GLM lives up even close to the hopes and expectations of many civic leaders (not to mention most of those posting here) then it definitely has the ability to refocus civic life from 72/Dodge back downtown, where it belongs. The fact that most of the 72/Dodge area will be torn up for the next few years, while in contrast the dust will finally be given a chance to settle in eastern downtown, may only hasten the switch in the public’s mind.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Wed May 25, 2022 8:14 am

nativeomahan wrote: Tue May 24, 2022 8:21 pm If the new GLM lives up even close to the hopes and expectations of many civic leaders (not to mention most of those posting here) then it definitely has the ability to refocus civic life from 72/Dodge back downtown, where it belongs. The fact that most of the 72/Dodge area will be torn up for the next few years, while in contrast the dust will finally be given a chance to settle in eastern downtown, may only hasten the switch in the public’s mind.

I'd have to agree. I think we should expect quite a bit more development around GLM and downtown in general once the park is complete and the foot traffic picks back up.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Wed May 25, 2022 10:14 am

The rest of the performances were announced for the opening ceremonies:

July 1 8PM: Kristin Chenoweth
July 2 8PM: Brett Eldredge
July 3 8PM: University of Nebraska Omaha Theatre Department will perform the musical "Fame"
July 4 8PM: Omaha Symphony will give a "Salute to our Military" with Independence Day fireworks.

ItsAllAboutMe · Post by **ItsAllAboutMe** » Thu May 26, 2022 7:12 am

Then new and greatly improved website for the riverfront is now active. The fly-over videos for Heartland park and Lewis & Clark landing are much more detailed then the previously posted vids. Check it out at https://theriverfrontomaha.com/

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu May 26, 2022 9:39 am

ItsAllAboutMe wrote:Thu May 26, 2022 7:12 am Then new and greatly improved website for the riverfront is now active. The fly-over videos for Heartland park and Lewis & Clark landing are much more detailed then the previously posted vids. Check it out at https://theriverfrontomaha.com/

The new website looks great! Thanks for posting the link

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Mon May 30, 2022 11:24 am

A little bit of a bummer they could not have had this fully open in time for the CWS.

Greg

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon May 30, 2022 3:31 pm

Basically one month away..there has been some ebb and flow, but the timeline has stayed pretty consistent. I’m glad we have a solid GLM opening date of July 1st, with some nice entertainment offerings to go with it..

Next year, this place will be buzzing during the CWS..and we should also see dirt and possibly some steel in the ground for the Mutual of Omaha tower by then…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Mon May 30, 2022 6:17 pm

Posted by the riverfront’s FB account.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Mon May 30, 2022 8:59 pm

Drove around this a few times tonight, and it looks great. There were people at the fence, looking in at the work that had been done. I noticed quite a bit of the details (swings, hammicks, etc), and my kids are really excited to go there once open. I think it's really fantastic, pics just don't do it justice

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue May 31, 2022 8:09 am

I also noticed a sign on the interstate advertising the grand opening. It feels like Omaha is excited for this!

Post by **BRoss** » Tue May 31, 2022 10:51 am

thenewguy wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 8:59 pm Drove around this a few times tonight, and it looks great. There were people at the fence, looking in at the work that had been done. I noticed quite a bit of the details (swings, hammicks, etc), and my kids are really excited to go there once open. I think it's really fantastic, pics just don't do it justice

I drove around yesterday afternoon and it is looking nice. Can't wait for it to open.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue May 31, 2022 12:25 pm

HR Paperstacks wrote: Tue May 31, 2022 10:51 am
thenewguy wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 8:59 pm Drove around this a few times tonight, and it looks great. There were people at the fence, looking in at the work that had been done. I noticed quite a bit of the details (swings, hammicks, etc), and my kids are really excited to go there once open. I think it's really fantastic, pics just don't do it justice
I drove around yesterday afternoon and it is looking nice. Can't wait for it to open.

That’s what I’m planning to do this coming weekend. Plus, it gives me excuse to visit Kros Strain Brewing at Millwork Commons again

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Wed Jun 01, 2022 3:17 pm

First time I’ve seen these - new signage for the park, with the new “at the Riverfront” verbiage.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 9:33 am

Thanks for posting the picture, I saw those last week when I drove by, I think they installed those fairly recently.

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 10:10 am

Is anyone planning to go opening weekend, or are you all going to try to enjoy it for the first time without the possible crowds? I guess it would be more exciting with lots of people about, there should be a good energy.

nebport5 · Post by **nebport5** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 10:35 am

Linkin5 wrote: Mon May 30, 2022 6:17 pm Posted by the riverfront’s FB account.

Where is this first image supposed to be? I didn't think there was to be any water before the cascade falls or is this post pond/boat cove?

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:14 am

ita wrote: Thu Jun 02, 2022 10:10 am Is anyone planning to go opening weekend, or are you all going to try to enjoy it for the first time without the possible crowds? I guess it would be more exciting with lots of people about, there should be a good energy.

Yes, I plan on using my UMO app to scan myself onto the ORBT bus which will drop me off at 10th & Douglas. Easy.

Thanks to all the new amenities offered us, it doesn't matter anymore how big the crowd is.

ita · Post by **ita** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:19 am

stadsborgare wrote: Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:14 am
ita wrote: Thu Jun 02, 2022 10:10 am Is anyone planning to go opening weekend, or are you all going to try to enjoy it for the first time without the possible crowds? I guess it would be more exciting with lots of people about, there should be a good energy.
Yes, I plan on using my UMO app to scan myself onto the ORBT bus which will drop me off at 10th & Douglas. Easy.

Thanks to all the new amenities offered us, it doesn't matter anymore how big the crowd is.

Love the enthusiasm. I have young kids, so I may wait for another day to go. One of them just got a cheap RC boat, so they are excited to try it out in the new boat pond.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 3:08 pm

ita wrote: Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:19 am
stadsborgare wrote: Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:14 am
ita wrote: Thu Jun 02, 2022 10:10 am Is anyone planning to go opening weekend, or are you all going to try to enjoy it for the first time without the possible crowds? I guess it would be more exciting with lots of people about, there should be a good energy.
Yes, I plan on using my UMO app to scan myself onto the ORBT bus which will drop me off at 10th & Douglas. Easy.

Thanks to all the new amenities offered us, it doesn't matter anymore how big the crowd is.
Love the enthusiasm. I have young kids, so I may wait for another day to go. One of them just got a cheap RC boat, so they are excited to try it out in the new boat pond.

we are going to try to get there over the first weekend. it's really great looking and my kids are excited, too

stadsborgare · Post by **stadsborgare** » Sat Jun 04, 2022 8:26 am

Work being done on the lower part of the band shell

new concrete just poured at 11th Street Promenade part of the park

not sure what is going to be with that area between the slides and the steps where that frontloader is working?

ItsAllAboutMe · Post by **ItsAllAboutMe** » Sat Jun 04, 2022 8:54 am

The area between the slides and steps is shown as a green area on the renderings. Obviously it's not going to be sod so I suspect that it will be covered with artificial turf. Much like those areas in the dog park where concreted was poured then covered with artificial turf. I'm probably wrong but I can't think of anything else

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Jun 04, 2022 3:56 pm

stadsborgare wrote: Sat Jun 04, 2022 8:26 am Work being done on the lower part of the band shell

new concrete just poured at 11th Street Promenade part of the park

not sure what is going to be with that area between the slides and the steps where that frontloader is working?

Nice pic update

…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Jun 06, 2022 5:19 pm

Nearly $300 million revitalization project at Omaha's Gene Leahy Mall nears complexion

Nearly $300 million revitalization project at Omaha's Gene Leahy Mall nears completion

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Jun 06, 2022 6:52 pm

Construction crews put the finishing touches on the Gene Leahy Mall

Construction crews put the finishing touches on the Gene Leahy Mall

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Jun 06, 2022 6:59 pm

Get an early peek at Omaha's renovated Gene Leahy Mall before it opens

KMTV 3 News Now

It's 72 acres split between three parks with just one name: "The Riverfront."

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 11:11 am

I gotta say, it's looking even better than I expected! Great videos.

The headliners make me less sure I want to go opening weekend though... 30/70 now lol. 70% I'll go.

ita · Post by **ita** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 2:30 pm

After 3-year renovation, Omaha's Gene Leahy Mall set to reopen July 1

Jessica Wade
In the heart of downtown Omaha, one of the city’s best-known public spaces soon will reopen with an array of attractions.

Omaha’s newly renovated Gene Leahy Mall will feature a performance pavilion that offers 50,000 square feet of green space, a sculpture garden running parallel to Douglas Street, water features similar to those seen in the old park flowing on the eastern end, and the park’s iconic metal and concrete slides standing near the Burlington Building.

Officials with the Metropolitan Entertainment and Convention Authority, which is managing the park renovations for the city, offered a look Monday at the mall, which is set to reopen July 1.