The Crossroads (72 & Dodge)

[Athomsfere]

A pedestrian bridge is a terrible compromise, but likely the best we will get.

When is the last time a pedestrian bridge was actually built over a city street in Omaha? I feel like its been decades?

The baby bob count?

No, over a city street. Like all the pedestrian bridges they built by schools back in the day.

The main point of the Baby Bob is to get over the Railroad Tracks.

It will go over Riverfront Drive though.

[Brad]

It will go over Riverfront Drive though.

I forgot about the new bridge at heartwood. My point was the City hasn't built a new pedestrian bridge to cross a street in decades. Just assuming there will be one at Crossroads seemed like a bit of a stretch.

The Baby Bob (Also not built) shouldn't be in this discussion because its a whole different set of circumstances.

[Busguy2010]

A pedestrian bridge is a terrible compromise, but likely the best we will get.

When is the last time a pedestrian bridge was actually built over a city street in Omaha? I feel like its been decades?

The baby bob count?

No, over a city street. Like all the pedestrian bridges they built by schools back in the day.

The main point of the Baby Bob is to get over the Railroad Tracks.

It will go over Riverfront Drive though.

The bridge from Atlas to Creighton was pretty significant.

[Busguy2010]

If you go back several pages and over two years, I/we had this idea of a halo pedestrian bridge which in theory would include making the sidewalks nearby into part of the trail system. This seems totally feasible and doable.

[GenX]

The pedestrian bridge crossing fort at 99th was replaced about five years ago.

[nebport5]

If you go back several pages and over two years, I/we had this idea of a halo pedestrian bridge which in theory would include making the sidewalks nearby into part of the trail system. This seems totally feasible and doable.

viewtopic.php?p=329748#p329748

I thought this would be cool from a pedestrian standpoint. https://ipvdelft.com/projects/hovenring/

[MTO]

So would the groups that go down there I and protest. But jokes aside I think it’s a greater idea especially with what’s coming.

[thenewguy]

If you go back several pages and over two years, I/we had this idea of a halo pedestrian bridge which in theory would include making the sidewalks nearby into part of the trail system. This seems totally feasible and doable.

i dunno, looks pretty cool

[Dusty]

We have 2 issues: pedestrian safety and changing the look and feel of the area. A pedestrian bridge addresses safety but sends a message to cars to continue speeding. Not all pedestrians will use it, which puts them at high risk of getting hit. All this concrete with little landscaping doesn't help. And metal structure spanning the intersection....that resembles the lights of a Formula One start line. We have to change the culture and feel of this whole district.

Ideally, I want the city to upgrade the BRT line to have dedicated transit lanes. It will improve service and tells the community we are serious about quality transit. That will slow the tone down a little, but not the distance.

I say we take one lane away. Whether it be a drive lane or left turn lane. Convert that space in the middle to a pedestrian refuge island. This is a safe spot for you to make it half way. Wait for next light cycle and walk the rest. This would be our chance to shorten the distance, create safe zone for pedestrians, and add more appeal to a super wide median.

[Athomsfere]

We have 2 issues: pedestrian safety and changing the look and feel of the area. A pedestrian bridge addresses safety but sends a message to cars to continue speeding. Not all pedestrians will use it, which puts them at high risk of getting hit. All this concrete with little landscaping doesn't help. And metal structure spanning the intersection....that resembles the lights of a Formula One start line. We have to change the culture and feel of this whole district.

Ideally, I want the city to upgrade the BRT line to have dedicated transit lanes. It will improve service and tells the community we are serious about quality transit. That will slow the tone down a little, but not the distance.

I say we take one lane away. Whether it be a drive lane or left turn lane. Convert that space in the middle to a pedestrian refuge island. This is a safe spot for you to make it half way. Wait for next light cycle and walk the rest. This would be our chance to shorten the distance, create safe zone for pedestrians, and add more appeal to a super wide median.

And to reemphasize: Pedestrian bridges are car infrastructure. They are not ideal for pedestrians, and certainly not for anyone with mobility issues.

[thenewguy]

both examples look great

[Renovator2559]

We have 2 issues: pedestrian safety and changing the look and feel of the area. A pedestrian bridge addresses safety but sends a message to cars to continue speeding. Not all pedestrians will use it, which puts them at high risk of getting hit. All this concrete with little landscaping doesn't help. And metal structure spanning the intersection....that resembles the lights of a Formula One start line. We have to change the culture and feel of this whole district.

Ideally, I want the city to upgrade the BRT line to have dedicated transit lanes. It will improve service and tells the community we are serious about quality transit. That will slow the tone down a little, but not the distance.

I say we take one lane away. Whether it be a drive lane or left turn lane. Convert that space in the middle to a pedestrian refuge island. This is a safe spot for you to make it half way. Wait for next light cycle and walk the rest. This would be our chance to shorten the distance, create safe zone for pedestrians, and add more appeal to a super wide median.

I agree 100%, I was dismayed when they said they were adding yet another lame! In front of the new library and the crossroads project, what were they thinking??

Also, are they removing the median because i say that the median wasn't there.

Haven't we learned our lesson that more lanes doesn't improve traffic in the long term?
We should be narrowing dodge and landscapingnot making the asphalt jungle a larger chunk of grey.

[Renovator2559]

Now that Crossroads is getting developed, will developers pursue the Petco/Kinkos building on 72nd and Dodge?
it seems like every few years someone wants to demolish this building and build a multi-story building there. Of course, the ideas have always fizzled out. This could be a hot property now. If the city wants to create a town center vibe, building density on this corner could help.

Interesting note: This building has a full basement. I still remember shopping as a kid when it was Service Merchandise.

Every few years?

I've been saying since I moved here all four corners and Dodge itself need to be redone here.

I'd also love for this to be the start of a drive-thru free city code.

Give it some time. Once Crossroads is built, it will create momentum for more development in the area. I think the Petco/Kinkos building is vulnerable due to location and shape it's in. It's funny you mention developing all four corners. A long time ago someone proposed building 4 large towers on each corner. It was an interesting concept but didn't really fit the area. I couldn't find any pictures. Maybe someone can find one in the archive.

I would just be happy with better landscaping/streetscape to change the vibe. Less concrete jungle and more quaint town center. The one eyesore is that industrial structure spanning the intersection. Please replace it with something more decorative that adds charm.

The only way to remove that ugly expensive traffic light, is removing a lane or two and possibly building a large roundabout.

[Athomsfere]

Now that Crossroads is getting developed, will developers pursue the Petco/Kinkos building on 72nd and Dodge?
it seems like every few years someone wants to demolish this building and build a multi-story building there. Of course, the ideas have always fizzled out. This could be a hot property now. If the city wants to create a town center vibe, building density on this corner could help.

Interesting note: This building has a full basement. I still remember shopping as a kid when it was Service Merchandise.

Every few years?

I've been saying since I moved here all four corners and Dodge itself need to be redone here.

I'd also love for this to be the start of a drive-thru free city code.

Give it some time. Once Crossroads is built, it will create momentum for more development in the area. I think the Petco/Kinkos building is vulnerable due to location and shape it's in. It's funny you mention developing all four corners. A long time ago someone proposed building 4 large towers on each corner. It was an interesting concept but didn't really fit the area. I couldn't find any pictures. Maybe someone can find one in the archive.

I would just be happy with better landscaping/streetscape to change the vibe. Less concrete jungle and more quaint town center. The one eyesore is that industrial structure spanning the intersection. Please replace it with something more decorative that adds charm.

The only way to remove that ugly expensive traffic light, is removing a lane or two

Has my vote.

[Garrett]

Ita was brilliant and found this from the 2004 Omaha by Design manual. Imagine what could be!

[Dusty]

There it is! When I was talking about tearing down the corner with Petco/Kinkos, I mentioned a design that included towers on all four corners. I looked through all the archives and couldn't find it. This was the picture! Thanks for adding!

[nebport5]

Oh, the monolithic utopia that could have been.

[GenX]

Interesting how much they actually accomplished: bupkis.

[Garrett]

Oh, the monolithic utopia that could have been.

Paris and Barcelona are filled with fairly identical buildings and are pretty nice so it could be worse haha

[riceweb]

I still think the city is moving in this direction, but it may be 30 years before it more closely resembles the rendering.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Oh, the monolithic utopia that could have been.

Paris and Barcelona are filled with fairly identical buildings and are pretty nice so it could be worse haha

As much as I would have loved for architects to say "screw it" to convention and design those blocks in a style like Barcelona or Paris, my fear is we would have gotten a Dallas instead: https://goo.gl/maps/aCfKN2iWSQmeEGbn9

[Garrett]

Oh, the monolithic utopia that could have been.

Paris and Barcelona are filled with fairly identical buildings and are pretty nice so it could be worse haha

As much as I would have loved for architects to say "screw it" to convention and design those blocks in a style like Barcelona or Paris, my fear is we would have gotten a Dallas instead: https://goo.gl/maps/aCfKN2iWSQmeEGbn9

That’s atrociously bad wow. I’d want something with way more permeability and active shops and courtyards haha.

[Dusty]

It's funny as the caption says "Creates a major civic square." A few days ago, I submitted my vision to White Lotus for a superblock concept with public space in the center. I told them it fits their Civic Square name. I will post my pictures on that thread.

And yes....that Dallas development is pretty bad. Mixed use: Apartment living and driving around the apartment.

[ProgKingHughesker]

Now that Crossroads is getting developed, will developers pursue the Petco/Kinkos building on 72nd and Dodge?
it seems like every few years someone wants to demolish this building and build a multi-story building there. Of course, the ideas have always fizzled out. This could be a hot property now. If the city wants to create a town center vibe, building density on this corner could help.

Interesting note: This building has a full basement. I still remember shopping as a kid when it was Service Merchandise.

Every few years?

I've been saying since I moved here all four corners and Dodge itself need to be redone here.

I'd also love for this to be the start of a drive-thru free city code.

Give it some time. Once Crossroads is built, it will create momentum for more development in the area. I think the Petco/Kinkos building is vulnerable due to location and shape it's in. It's funny you mention developing all four corners. A long time ago someone proposed building 4 large towers on each corner. It was an interesting concept but didn't really fit the area. I couldn't find any pictures. Maybe someone can find one in the archive.

I would just be happy with better landscaping/streetscape to change the vibe. Less concrete jungle and more quaint town center. The one eyesore is that industrial structure spanning the intersection. Please replace it with something more decorative that adds charm.

The only way to remove that ugly expensive traffic light, is removing a lane or two and possibly building a large roundabout.

It's a beautiful ideal for 20 years from now but removing lanes from Dodge and 72nd next year is painfully naive and will contribute to active hostility towards urban development in other parts of the city. There's a balance between getting people out of cars and forcing unwilling suburbanites out of them and this straddles the line.

[Athomsfere]

Oh, the monolithic utopia that could have been.

Paris and Barcelona are filled with fairly identical buildings and are pretty nice so it could be worse haha

As much as I would have loved for architects to say "screw it" to convention and design those blocks in a style like Barcelona or Paris, my fear is we would have gotten a Dallas instead: https://goo.gl/maps/aCfKN2iWSQmeEGbn9

Not sure what the gripe with that location would be. Compared to the Crossroads we are getting, that looks amazing. Dense housing, nice tree coverage...

[TitosBuritoBarn]

Oh, the monolithic utopia that could have been.

Paris and Barcelona are filled with fairly identical buildings and are pretty nice so it could be worse haha

As much as I would have loved for architects to say "screw it" to convention and design those blocks in a style like Barcelona or Paris, my fear is we would have gotten a Dallas instead: https://goo.gl/maps/aCfKN2iWSQmeEGbn9

Not sure what the gripe with that location would be. Compared to the Crossroads we are getting, that looks amazing. Dense housing, nice tree coverage...

You pointed out the two positives about that Dallas space. Otherwise it’s boring architecture for single-use buildings with little thought for urban design and street life.

[Athomsfere]

Oh, the monolithic utopia that could have been.

Paris and Barcelona are filled with fairly identical buildings and are pretty nice so it could be worse haha

As much as I would have loved for architects to say "screw it" to convention and design those blocks in a style like Barcelona or Paris, my fear is we would have gotten a Dallas instead: https://goo.gl/maps/aCfKN2iWSQmeEGbn9

Not sure what the gripe with that location would be. Compared to the Crossroads we are getting, that looks amazing. Dense housing, nice tree coverage...

You pointed out the two positives about that Dallas space. Otherwise it’s boring architecture for single-use buildings with little thought for urban design and street life.

I didn't look very closely, the first time.

I assumed there was at least some coffee shops there, so yea what a ton of lost opportunity there.

Also, the gated townhomes maybe?

On the architecture: I don't mind the 5 over 1s. Really, mix in some commercial and office and it could be a perfect area IMO.

Compared to the images from 2008, it's huge win too.

And it looks like at least there is some dining and bars within a couple of blocks.

Now Dallas just needs to tear out the tollway nearby.


But if at least part of the Crossroads project looked like this, it would be a better development too.

[thenewguy]

Now that Crossroads is getting developed, will developers pursue the Petco/Kinkos building on 72nd and Dodge?
it seems like every few years someone wants to demolish this building and build a multi-story building there. Of course, the ideas have always fizzled out. This could be a hot property now. If the city wants to create a town center vibe, building density on this corner could help.

Interesting note: This building has a full basement. I still remember shopping as a kid when it was Service Merchandise.

Every few years?

I've been saying since I moved here all four corners and Dodge itself need to be redone here.

I'd also love for this to be the start of a drive-thru free city code.

Give it some time. Once Crossroads is built, it will create momentum for more development in the area. I think the Petco/Kinkos building is vulnerable due to location and shape it's in. It's funny you mention developing all four corners. A long time ago someone proposed building 4 large towers on each corner. It was an interesting concept but didn't really fit the area. I couldn't find any pictures. Maybe someone can find one in the archive.

I would just be happy with better landscaping/streetscape to change the vibe. Less concrete jungle and more quaint town center. The one eyesore is that industrial structure spanning the intersection. Please replace it with something more decorative that adds charm.

The only way to remove that ugly expensive traffic light, is removing a lane or two and possibly building a large roundabout.

It's a beautiful ideal for 20 years from now but removing lanes from Dodge and 72nd next year is painfully naive and will contribute to active hostility towards urban development in other parts of the city. There's a balance between getting people out of cars and forcing unwilling suburbanites out of them and this straddles the line.

agreed. I think a lot of us *wish* things weren't they way they are, but unfortunately, they are. In some US cities, it could totally work to rip the bandaid off and make the immediate changes to echo the European cities the group collectively envies so. But Omahans have a different mindset, and sometimes presenting ideas (and making them think it was their idea all along) will help them to more gradually steer towards the end-goal. Simply telling someone that this is better, and then taking away their ability to get their with some level of convenience to them would hurt the potential of the area in the long run. We simply don't have enough developmentally forward thinking young professionals to support all urban areas of the metro without the help of suburban types that need to come to these areas to keep them successful.

[Dusty]

It's a beautiful ideal for 20 years from now but removing lanes from Dodge and 72nd next year is painfully naive and will contribute to active hostility towards urban development in other parts of the city. There's a balance between getting people out of cars and forcing unwilling suburbanites out of them and this straddles the line.

agreed. I think a lot of us *wish* things weren't they way they are, but unfortunately, they are. In some US cities, it could totally work to rip the bandaid off and make the immediate changes to echo the European cities the group collectively envies so. But Omahans have a different mindset, and sometimes presenting ideas (and making them think it was their idea all along) will help them to more gradually steer towards the end-goal. Simply telling someone that this is better, and then taking away their ability to get their with some level of convenience to them would hurt the potential of the area in the long run. We simply don't have enough developmentally forward thinking young professionals to support all urban areas of the metro without the help of suburban types that need to come to these areas to keep them successful.

I would have to disagree with you. We have lost a ton of young professionals to other cities because of "this Omaha mindset". Resisting any change to car infrastructure has scared away so much great talent. Taking one lane away to give buses does not diminish your convenience. That driver in front you will switch to riding the bus. It's all about shifting modes, which leads to less car congestion. Taking one lane away to improve pedestrian safety is more important than your impatience on the Dodge speedway. You can wait 5 more seconds for someone to safely cross the street. If you want the young professionals back, then you should be pushing for these changes. It's about building a vibrant, resilient, and walkable city that is less reliant on cars. With all the development going on near 72nd and Dodge, the time to make these changes is now....or by 2026 when it projects are slated to be done.

[Dusty]

We simply don't have enough developmentally forward thinking young professionals to support all urban areas of the metro without the help of suburban types that need to come to these areas to keep them successful.

I was thinking some more about this line. Urban areas are supported by all ages. It's not a youth thing. But there is a point over building to where the community can't support it. It has nothing to do with urban development but using a cookie cutter approach to any development. We use the same stamp: clothing store, restaurant, and bar. Over and over again. Once in a while we throw in a movie theater. It will come to a point of over-saturation. We need to mix it up and add more entertainment options.

I have heard a few times from out of towners...there isn't much to do in Omaha but go out to eat or go to the bar. I disagree with them, but I understand where they are coming from. This is why I was pressing for something different at Crossroads. A car-free development like Culdesac Tempe or entertainment zone like Disney Springs. Just ANYTHING but the same stamp.

[thenewguy]

i think you're right. I guess the bigger point i was making was not that it should only be suitable for or supported by young professionals, but they are the group of people that are more likely to venture out and try something new without such heavy reliance on having a car in the first place. I think if there was a good way to blend what you are describing with the ability to allow for folks from Elk Horn, Gretna... heck, even council bluffs....to get there and park for a while then walk to where they are going once they are there, then I think it'd be successful. But the area is not dense enough to support people only from within a certain radius of that area, which is the only reason I think they should work on trying to blend modes of transportation

[Padre]

The FedEx Office on 72nd and Dodge has moved south across the street, leaving Petco as the only tenant in the building.

[Louie]

The FedEx Office on 72nd and Dodge has moved south across the street, leaving Petco as the only tenant in the building.

Certainly seems like its on a short list for redevelopment.

[Greg S]

I think you will see continued redevelopment in that immediate area and all the way to and around Ak Sar Ben. That area is booming.

[S.O.Boy]

The FedEx Office on 72nd and Dodge has moved south across the street, leaving Petco as the only tenant in the building.

I think was because of the water damage in the building.

[Athomsfere]

I think you will see continued redevelopment in that immediate area and all the way to and around Ak Sar Ben. That area is booming.

After the DoSpace to library conversion, I really hope we see this whole intersection redone on the development side. With less car dependency. And the PetCo lot would be a good place to start.

It would be extra great if we could get some of those drive thru chains on board and into something more multiuse too. Cane's and Panda Express for example.

[Greg S]

I think you will see continued redevelopment in that immediate area and all the way to and around Ak Sar Ben. That area is booming.

After the DoSpace to library conversion, I really hope we see this whole intersection redone on the development side. With less car dependency. And the PetCo lot would be a good place to start.

It would be extra great if we could get some of those drive thru chains on board and into something more multiuse too. Cane's and Panda Express for example.

Yeah I think that time is coming. Hopefully more veridical housing as well. I really like the Swivel apartments and hope they add more like it to the area.

[Athomsfere]

I think you will see continued redevelopment in that immediate area and all the way to and around Ak Sar Ben. That area is booming.

After the DoSpace to library conversion, I really hope we see this whole intersection redone on the development side. With less car dependency. And the PetCo lot would be a good place to start.

It would be extra great if we could get some of those drive thru chains on board and into something more multiuse too. Cane's and Panda Express for example.

Yeah I think that time is coming. Hopefully more veridical housing as well. I really like the Swivel apartments and hope they add more like it to the area.

Agreed, not sure if you could do 5 over 1 with ground level "drive thru friendly" commercial. I suspect that's the compromise businesses there would want though, as terrible as it sounds.

[Dusty]

Yeah I think that time is coming. Hopefully more veridical housing as well. I really like the Swivel apartments and hope they add more like it to the area.

I agree. Swivel Apartments is a great design. More of that mixed use density to make the area more walkable.

Have they started pouring the streets inside the complex yet or still messing around with Dodge/Cass?

[almighty_tuna]

Have they started pouring the streets inside the complex yet or still messing around with Dodge/Cass?

I drove by there Tuesday and there were some paved streets inside