Omaha Central library (SWC 72 & Dodge)

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Wed May 24, 2023 4:16 pm

here's the rendering, in case anyone forgot and didn't want to scroll back through to find it

ita · Post by **ita** » Wed May 24, 2023 5:16 pm

For as much as I hate that this didn't end up downtown, sticking it across the street from Crossroads I think will help stretch the feel of Omaha's urban density. I live in West Omaha and work near 90th and Dodge, but have been going to and from Downtown a lot, particularly along Dodge. I have appreciated something that Garrett brought up before when taking a friend through town; Omaha feels urban and dense from the River to the 72nd.

Even past 72nd, the Methodist/Children's campus is another nice grouping of taller buildings and feels dense. When this library is built and Crossroads is built out, despite design shortcomings, it's going to make Omaha feel more dense and urban between 72nd and the hospital campus. Going east to west on Dodge, you'll hit downtown, TPE/MTC/MoO old campus, UNMC, Dundee/Memorial Park, UNO, then the central library/Crossroads and the hospital campus. I am actually kind of looking forward to it.

Flyer14 · Post by **Flyer14** » Wed May 24, 2023 5:51 pm

I agree Ita, lets hope this library pans out and helps to turn the tide in the 72nd and Dodge area along with the crossroads redevelopment.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed May 24, 2023 9:04 pm

Do Space to move into Milton R Abrahams Branch of OPL while construction gets underway on new Central Library

Even though Do Space is closing its doors at 72nd and Dodge Streets to make way for the new library, it doesn’t mean patrons won't have access to all of the cool things Do Space offers. “We will remain true to our mission and make sure we have all of the resources that folks know and love but continue to make sure everything is free,” said Do Space director Krystal Rider.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed May 24, 2023 9:15 pm

New Omaha Central Public Library to open at current Do Space site

Work at Omaha’s Crossroads is set to involve another big project this summer. The Omaha Central Public Library will begin going up thanks to a $20 million commitment from the city and several philanthropic donations. The city, OPL and its foundation, the Do Space and Heritage Omaha are behind the project. The location was chosen in response to the library system’s past facilities plans, which recommended a central branch be built along Dodge between 90th and 72nd Streets. “This is a remarkable opportunity to build and operate one of the most innovative public libraries in the country, to increase and improve traditional library services and expand emerging technology,” Mayor Jean Stothert said in a release.

Do Space’s last day at 72nd and Dodge is set for June 13 and will reopen at Abrahams Branch on June 17. A grand opening for its satellite location will take place on June 24.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Thu May 25, 2023 8:02 am

I like that he said 'look at that: impressive' in the broadcast. Positive narratives help to quell conversation that it is a 'waste of tax payer dollars' blah blah, especially since that's not the case

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Thu May 25, 2023 10:20 am

ita wrote: Wed May 24, 2023 5:16 pm For as much as I hate that this didn't end up downtown, sticking it across the street from Crossroads I think will help stretch the feel of Omaha's urban density. I live in West Omaha and work near 90th and Dodge, but have been going to and from Downtown a lot, particularly along Dodge. I have appreciated something that Garrett brought up before when taking a friend through town; Omaha feels urban and dense from the River to the 72nd.

Even past 72nd, the Methodist/Children's campus is another nice grouping of taller buildings and feels dense. When this library is built and Crossroads is built out, despite design shortcomings, it's going to make Omaha feel more dense and urban between 72nd and the hospital campus. Going east to west on Dodge, you'll hit downtown, TPE/MTC/MoO old campus, UNMC, Dundee/Memorial Park, UNO, then the central library/Crossroads and the hospital campus. I am actually kind of looking forward to it.

I still have mostly complaints with this project, and Crossroads.

The change seems to overly impact North and South Omaha for accessibility, with a minor benefit for West O. And while I could take the ORBT to get west and visit this location, the area is still just so desolate and not pedestrian friendly.

the Crossroads development adding turning lanes makes me like it even less too. I'd rather see the city actually be progressive and remove lanes, or cut and cover through traffic and create a pedestrian plaza on top.

Great rendering, and I'm glad we are putting it up. I just wish the plan was better overall and helped set up the city for real long term livability over just "looking denser".

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Jun 15, 2023 6:30 am

Plans for Omaha's DoSpace

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Jun 24, 2023 3:00 pm

Do Space opens new location at Omaha Public Library branch

Do Space opened their new location at the Omaha Public Library Milton R. Abrahams Branch on Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sun Jun 25, 2023 10:36 am

Do Space hosts grand opening at Omaha Public Library's Abrahams Branch

It’s taken a lot of work but now folks in Omaha can enjoy the high-tech gadgets and help provided by Do Space when they stop by The Abrahams Branch of Omaha Public Library. 3 News Now stopped by Saturday's grand opening to see what new things folks can expect.

S.O.Boy · Post by **S.O.Boy** » Wed Jun 28, 2023 3:16 pm

They have started removing items. Concrete barricades are blocking entrances.

S.O.Boy · Post by **S.O.Boy** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 5:47 pm

Demolition on the building has started.

Omahayngin · Post by **Omahayngin** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 8:08 pm

They are demolishing the whole building? Seems like a waste

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 9:55 pm

Well yeah the plan is to build anew on location.

Renovator2559 · Post by **Renovator2559** » Sun Jul 09, 2023 3:51 pm

Omahayngin wrote: Sat Jul 08, 2023 8:08 pm They are demolishing the whole building? Seems like a waste

Why? The current do space building looks like its made of shipping containers and budget attempt at modern design. Building won't be missed

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Jul 11, 2023 7:53 am

Omahayngin wrote: Sat Jul 08, 2023 8:08 pm They are demolishing the whole building? Seems like a waste

Coyote's post a few up has a video with the renderings for the new Central Library here.

The location might be hot garbage, but the architecture is top notch. A huge move up for Omaha from a rehabilitated Barnes and Noble.

GenX · Post by **GenX** » Tue Jul 11, 2023 8:45 am

Athomsfere wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2023 7:53 am
Omahayngin wrote: Sat Jul 08, 2023 8:08 pm They are demolishing the whole building? Seems like a waste
Coyote's post a few up has a video with the renderings for the new Central Library here.

The location might be hot garbage, but the architecture is top notch. A huge move up for Omaha from a rehabilitated Barnes and Noble.

It was a Border's

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Jul 11, 2023 8:53 am

EricHaley wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2023 8:45 am
Athomsfere wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2023 7:53 am
Omahayngin wrote: Sat Jul 08, 2023 8:08 pm They are demolishing the whole building? Seems like a waste
Coyote's post a few up has a video with the renderings for the new Central Library here.

The location might be hot garbage, but the architecture is top notch. A huge move up for Omaha from a rehabilitated Barnes and Noble.
It was a Border's

Architecturally the same, but good catch.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Jul 13, 2023 6:22 pm

Do Space Demolition

skip · Post by **skip** » Fri Jul 14, 2023 8:04 am

looks like its all gone now. down to the ground level foundation.

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:14 am

Public Works denied the site plan and it's up for the the next Board of Appeals hearing on 7/24, Monday.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:23 am

ita wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:14 am Public Works denied the site plan and it's up for the the next Board of Appeals hearing on 7/24, Monday.

Any details on why?

Post by **Brad** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:31 am

ita wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:14 am Public Works denied the site plan and it's up for the the next Board of Appeals hearing on 7/24, Monday.

Let me guess, two driveways?

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:41 am

Brad wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:31 am
ita wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:14 am Public Works denied the site plan and it's up for the the next Board of Appeals hearing on 7/24, Monday.
Let me guess, two driveways?

Not enough parking lol

Post by **Brad** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:47 am

Louie wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:41 am
Brad wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:31 am
ita wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:14 am Public Works denied the site plan and it's up for the the next Board of Appeals hearing on 7/24, Monday.
Let me guess, two driveways?
Not enough parking lol

Lots of projects, especially those on corner lots, get rejected for having 2 driveways. City code only allows 1.5 driveways per lot (1 regular driveway and 1 shared driveway centered on the lot line). So any site plan with 2+ gets rejected and then you go to ABA and tell them why you need more than one. A project like this will get very little fight from the city and will be approved.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:58 am

Brad wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:47 am
Louie wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:41 am
Brad wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:31 am
ita wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:14 am Public Works denied the site plan and it's up for the the next Board of Appeals hearing on 7/24, Monday.
Let me guess, two driveways?
Not enough parking lol
Lots of projects, especially those on corner lots, get rejected for having 2 driveways. City code only allows 1.5 driveways per lot (1 regular driveway and 1 shared driveway centered on the lot line). So any site plan with 2+ gets rejected and then you go to ABA and tell them why you need more than one. A project like this will get very little fight from the city and will be approved.

I'm an idiot, I thought you were making a joke ha

ita · Post by **ita** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 10:01 am

Brad wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:47 am
Louie wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:41 am
Brad wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:31 am
ita wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 9:14 am Public Works denied the site plan and it's up for the the next Board of Appeals hearing on 7/24, Monday.
Let me guess, two driveways?
Not enough parking lol
Lots of projects, especially those on corner lots, get rejected for having 2 driveways. City code only allows 1.5 driveways per lot (1 regular driveway and 1 shared driveway centered on the lot line). So any site plan with 2+ gets rejected and then you go to ABA and tell them why you need more than one. A project like this will get very little fight from the city and will be approved.

Sorry I don't have the details. Just saw the public notice for the Board of Appeals meeting next Monday on the Daily Record. I am sure it's something that can be resolved/waived.

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 10:19 am

From the pictures, the building is right next to sidewalk. I don't see any parking or the existing driveways. Is there parking planned for behind the building? At worst, Crossroads will have TONS of parking if you wanted to park there and walk across the street.

iamjacobm · Post by **iamjacobm** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 3:11 pm

The site plan if anyone wants to guess.

Post by **Brad** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 3:24 pm

iamjacobm wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 3:11 pm The site plan if anyone wants to guess.

Thanks for the images. The three access points are my guess.

Dusty · Post by **Dusty** » Mon Jul 17, 2023 4:49 pm

Thanks for adding. I like that fact they are hiding the parking in the back. This way it won't take away from the artistic design from the Dodge Street view. Nice to have covered parking in the winter as well.

When this opens, will that mean Swanson Branch closes? I know that was the original intent of the central library.

S.O.Boy · Post by **S.O.Boy** » Wed Jul 19, 2023 5:18 pm

Dusty wrote: Mon Jul 17, 2023 4:49 pm
When this opens, will that mean Swanson Branch closes? I know that was the original intent of the central library.

I think that could make great office for the right firm.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Wed Jul 19, 2023 9:11 pm

For as long as the Crossroads area has been stagnant, everything around here is moving at light speed lately! I blinked and DO space was gone. Didn't even know it. And the street changes are moving along quickly too.

Cermak · Post by **Cermak** » Sat Aug 19, 2023 9:40 pm

Looking forward to this project, will be a nice addition to the 72nd and Dodge intersection. Which is looking a little tired. The building itself is eye catching and bold looking.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Sun Aug 20, 2023 10:51 am

The good news for this project, besides the architecture. Vision Zero at least has this area in their sights. With a little luck, we'll see something actually good happen to this intersection to make this project actually work.

I feel getting the intersection fixed will be an uphill battle seeing that we are just completing expansions through it.

Post by **Brad** » Mon Aug 28, 2023 5:09 pm

I’m not quite that far east, but it appears there’s a crane on the library site today.

Post by **Brad** » Mon Aug 28, 2023 9:13 pm

I was able to get over and get a photo:

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Tue Aug 29, 2023 8:47 am

Someone posted on the Facebook joking that this site has seen more construction activity than the Crossroads site.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Aug 29, 2023 10:26 am

skinzfan23 wrote: Tue Aug 29, 2023 8:47 am Someone posted on the Facebook joking that this site has seen more construction activity than the Crossroads site.

Which is not true. While there is no crane at Crossroads, there is a lot of activity if you drive around the site. Crossroads needs all new infrastructure (Roads, Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer, Water, Gas, and Power). The Library is just a building on a lot.

Athomsfere · Post by **Athomsfere** » Tue Aug 29, 2023 10:58 am

Brad wrote: Tue Aug 29, 2023 10:26 am
skinzfan23 wrote: Tue Aug 29, 2023 8:47 am Someone posted on the Facebook joking that this site has seen more construction activity than the Crossroads site.
Which is not true. While there is no crane at Crossroads, there is a lot of activity if you drive around the site. Crossroads needs all new infrastructure (Roads, Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer, Water, Gas, and Power). The Library is just a building on a lot.

But we did watch that site sit under construction forever before even the demo. DoSpace was there and open, and then replaced with a hole in a couple weeks it seemed.