Capitol District (NWC 10th & Capitol)

[Busguy2010]

I actually don't even care really. Never been there. Just got caught up in the social media commentary over on Facebook/omahascanner. Some people freaking out, some people dismissing it. Bottom line is it happened. Seemed to get more attention than the usual shooting or murder. Found out there's been several shootings in Omaha since this one with little to no mention. It's just cause this happened in a public area and not isolated to the neighborhood... I'd expect the same reaction if it happened at any busy store, bar, restaurant etc. Rinse, repeat. Forget and wait for the next one, pick your battles, make informed choices, don't get caught snoozing etc.

[Athomsfere]

I don't want to argue just to argue but I truly think people are making a mountain out of a mole hill. If the allegation is that an unsavory element is basically taking over the square that's one thing. If it's just a coincidence that one shooting happened somewhat nearby another several months apart, it doesn't mean anything. I don't think anybody outside this forum is even connecting them together.

Yep, agreed.

I mean, up the density of a district with younger people, bars... And the chances of crime X happening within a certain radius goes up. It's much less likely at say 214th and Blondo.

Omaha is still a safe city, right on par with anywhere else in the midwest.

[skinzfan23]

Just looking at the street view and this and the Capitol Place apts really helped to change this view:

[skinzfan23]

Looks a lot better with more density. And the new music venue will definitely add on to that view.

Absolutely!

[Omaha Cowboy]

Looks a lot better with more density. And the new music venue will definitely add on to that view.

Absolutely!

Agreed..

Nice pics ...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[ita]

I am listening the grow omaha show. Trenton said there is a Hyvee Fast and Fresh building out at the Capitol District. Can anyone confirm this? I haven't been downtown in a while.

[Louie]

I am listening the grow omaha show. Trenton said there is a Hyvee Fast and Fresh building out at the Capitol District. Can anyone confirm this? I haven't been downtown in a while.

Was he misspeaking and meant to say the Kum & Go c-store?

[ita]

I am listening the grow omaha show. Trenton said there is a Hyvee Fast and Fresh building out at the Capitol District. Can anyone confirm this? I haven't been downtown in a while.

Was he misspeaking and meant to say the Kum & Go c-store?

That's what I was thinking.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I am listening the grow omaha show. Trenton said there is a Hyvee Fast and Fresh building out at the Capitol District. Can anyone confirm this? I haven't been downtown in a while.

Was he misspeaking and meant to say the Kum & Go c-store?

That's what I was thinking.

I’m pretty certain that’s what Trenton was referring to and just got ‘em mixed up..

It happens …

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

From the Grow Omaha show, Trenton mentioned that they are still hearing that Texas de Brazil will still open a spot there. It would be nice to see activity in the newest building and a restaurant that should take a decent chunk of the retail space.

[Linkin5]

From the Grow Omaha show, Trenton mentioned that they are still hearing that Texas de Brazil will still open a spot there. It would be nice to see activity in the newest building and a restaurant that should take a decent chunk of the retail space.

Also reiterated that the Let it Fly sports bar would be located here.

[BIGO88]

Screenshot showing where the new Texas de Brazil and Let it fly sports bar going. Capitol district slowly filling up.

[Jins123]

From the Grow Omaha show, Trenton mentioned that they are still hearing that Texas de Brazil will still open a spot there. It would be nice to see activity in the newest building and a restaurant that should take a decent chunk of the retail space.

Also reiterated that the Let it Fly sports bar would be located here.

How do we all feel about THREE sports bars in the same area (Djs, Addys, Let it Fly)

[Omaha Cowboy]

I’m just glad Texas De Brazil will be opening up here soon..

Omaha has been long overdue for a decent Brazilian style steakhouse option…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Athomsfere]

From the Grow Omaha show, Trenton mentioned that they are still hearing that Texas de Brazil will still open a spot there. It would be nice to see activity in the newest building and a restaurant that should take a decent chunk of the retail space.

Also reiterated that the Let it Fly sports bar would be located here.

How do we all feel about THREE sports bars in the same area (Djs, Addys, Let it Fly)

It feels fitting for the area, sadly. I don't generally go to sports bars personally. But for regional tourism and the CWS being so close it makes sense.

[Omaha Cowboy]

From the Grow Omaha show, Trenton mentioned that they are still hearing that Texas de Brazil will still open a spot there. It would be nice to see activity in the newest building and a restaurant that should take a decent chunk of the retail space.

Also reiterated that the Let it Fly sports bar would be located here.

How do we all feel about THREE sports bars in the same area (Djs, Addys, Let it Fly)

It feels fitting for the area, sadly. I don't generally go to sports bars personally. But for regional tourism and the CWS being so close it makes sense.

Plus Beer Blatt & Table, The Old Matress Factory B&G and Omaha Tap House near by as well. Good fit for events surrounding the arena and baseball stadium…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ChadJK]

How close are J. Gilberts and Lighthouse Pizza from being open?

According to the story in the paper, Lighthouse Pizza is planning to open in June.

I just heard Lighthouse Pizza is closing their Capital District location:
https://www.facebook.com/LHPizza/

[skinzfan23]

That stinks. I'll be honest I haven't been to the district on a Friday or Saturday night, but the few times I have been there, it was completely dead and there were no customers.

I feel like this area is boom or bust depending on events happening.

[Linkin5]

That stinks. I'll be honest I haven't been to the district on a Friday or Saturday night, but the few times I have been there, it was completely dead and there were no customers.

I feel like this area is boom or bust depending on events happening.

From what I heard this area was empty during the CWS as well. Hopefully it will liven up with the new restaurants coming in. That said, when you look at P&L in KC or Railyard in Lincoln, I’m not sure they could have done a worse job designing what was supposed to be an entertainment district.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

That stinks. I'll be honest I haven't been to the district on a Friday or Saturday night, but the few times I have been there, it was completely dead and there were no customers.

I feel like this area is boom or bust depending on events happening.

From what I heard this area was empty during the CWS as well. Hopefully it will liven up with the new restaurants coming in. That said, when you look at P&L in KC or Railyard in Lincoln, I’m not sure they could have done a worse job designing what was supposed to be an entertainment district.

I was actually cruising StreetView and thinking about the Capitol District this morning. They really did a poor job of directing people to the "entertainment" component of the Capitol District from Capitol Ave. The entries look like allies to parking or maintenance facilities. This can be remedied relatively cheaply by putting up an entry sign/monument, some string lights, and wall art at the entrances. But if nothing is done, this place will die very quickly once the newness factor diminishes. It has no character and no indicator of its existence from the street.

Developers could really stand to benefit from having an urban designer or landscape architect on staff.

[skinzfan23]

It almost looked better without the buildings lining Capitol. At least then you could see the big screen and the bars. Like mentioned above, they way it is now it has to be a destination, people aren't going to just stumble on it without something more to draw them in.

[Louie]

That stinks. I'll be honest I haven't been to the district on a Friday or Saturday night, but the few times I have been there, it was completely dead and there were no customers.

I feel like this area is boom or bust depending on events happening.

From what I heard this area was empty during the CWS as well. Hopefully it will liven up with the new restaurants coming in. That said, when you look at P&L in KC or Railyard in Lincoln, I’m not sure they could have done a worse job designing what was supposed to be an entertainment district.

It looks like they made some concessions due to budget that really hamstrung what this could have been...

[PotatoeEatsFish]

Overall this district didn’t turn out to the vision some of us had. If you’ve ever been in the apartments they stay loud the entire night which is understandable with the bars underneath. Along with this the crime the bar has attracted seems pretty odd. I’m not sure why the bars in this area have a higher crime rate than most which kind of deterred further developments of the offices. Hopefully Steelhouse breathes more life into Capitol because it feels empty most days.

[nebraska]

I lived in the apartments the first year it opened, on the 10th floor. I had amazing views. However, I lived directly above that underpass that lets people out the west side onto 12th street. From 1-3am on weekends its just a barrage of drunk loud people waiting for Ubers/Lyfts, and you can hear your neighbors through the walls.

It feels empty down there because their is no street life. Just destinations. If you're not buying something your not doing anything. The vacuous blank blocks with corporate offices and parking garages never lead you to somewhere you want to be. and so on and so on...

[TransitOriented]

Overall this district didn’t turn out to the vision some of us had. If you’ve ever been in the apartments they stay loud the entire night which is understandable with the bars underneath. Along with this the crime the bar has attracted seems pretty odd. I’m not sure why the bars in this area have a higher crime rate than most which kind of deterred further developments of the offices. Hopefully Steelhouse breathes more life into Capitol because it feels empty most days.

I went when it first opened and never went back.
Those bars on the second floor (the stockmarket bar, etc) were just built as cheaply as possible. No character, no nothing. Just a big room, covered in drywall, with a bunch of people (Creighton students?) buying expensive drinks. I would rather walk across the street to DJ's Dugout or up a couple blocks to Kros Strain. I will say the Irish pub downstairs was pretty nice.

The apartments being loud would also be from building them as cheaply as possible.

[Louie]

Overall this district didn’t turn out to the vision some of us had. If you’ve ever been in the apartments they stay loud the entire night which is understandable with the bars underneath. Along with this the crime the bar has attracted seems pretty odd. I’m not sure why the bars in this area have a higher crime rate than most which kind of deterred further developments of the offices. Hopefully Steelhouse breathes more life into Capitol because it feels empty most days.

I went when it first opened and never went back.
Those bars on the second floor (the stockmarket bar, etc) were just built as cheaply as possible. No character, no nothing. Just a big room, covered in drywall, with a bunch of people (Creighton students?) buying expensive drinks. I would rather walk across the street to DJ's Dugout or up a couple blocks to Kros Strain. I will say the Irish pub downstairs was pretty nice.

The apartments being loud would also be from building them as cheaply as possible.

Annie's (the Irish place) is the only bar with any semblance of character. And for me personally, that's the number one factor I'm looking for in a drinking establishment. At least at my age lol.

[Cermak]

I stayed at the Marriott once, the wife won a free room thru work. I thought the hotel was very nice and I'm sure it's probably the best large hotel in Omaha or at least in the top 3. Besides that I've never been back. Something like this might do better in a larger city and it could still become successful in Omaha and just might take a while. The location seems excellent with the CHI center just steps away and the Old Market is relatively close as well.

[nativeomahan]

Early this summer we finally got down to enjoy a show at the Jewel. It’s a very nice jazz club, just the right size, and a nice ambiance.
We had planned to have dinner after the performance at Spencer’s, at the Hilton Garden Inn, at 8:15 pm, but despite having a confirmed reservation for dinner I was texted during the performance that the restaurant was dead and they decided to close at 7:30 pm. On a Friday! Well I phoned them and we went back and forth, and a while later they telephoned me (during the show) to back down and say they would remain open for us, but I had already gone to Plan B, and made reservations at J. Gilbert’s. They were very busy when we walked in. We have eaten many times at J. Gilbert’s and they always seem busy.
I will say that before the show we walked around the outdoor plaza and maybe saw 20-25 people. It seemed pretty empty. The place is poorly designed, imo. Very sterile.

[Louie]

Early this summer we finally got down to enjoy a show at the Jewel. It’s a very nice jazz club, just the right size, and a nice ambiance.
We had planned to have dinner after the performance at Spencer’s, at the Hilton Garden Inn, at 8:15 pm, but despite having a confirmed reservation for dinner I was texted during the performance that the restaurant was dead and they decided to close at 7:30 pm. On a Friday! Well I phoned them and we went back and forth, and a while later they telephoned me (during the show) to back down and say they would remain open for us, but I had already gone to Plan B, and made reservations at J. Gilbert’s. They were very busy when we walked in. We have eaten many times at J. Gilbert’s and they always seem busy.
I will say that before the show we walked around the outdoor plaza and maybe saw 20-25 people. It seemed pretty empty. The place is poorly designed, imo. Very sterile.

I will say the Jewel is really a jewel.

[buildomaha]

I don’t think the comments on the obvious reductions in budget, and the impact they’ve had on the final product of the capitol district, can be understated. Every time I’ve been to the capitol district it has been nothing but disappointment. Cheap finishes among the district and the tenants in the spaces, blatant ignorance to accessibility and equal experience for ADA users, confusing entrances, a completely dead street scape on the entirety of the northwest facades, lack of event planning, and the list goes on.
At this point, I’m not sure if the project will stay afloat. The only way things start looking up for Capitol is probably going to be Shamrock ditching the development because of all the money their losing, and another developer with urban experience to come in and make expensive changes to a brand new development to make it more attractive to people and businesses.

[Athomsfere]

I don’t think the comments on the obvious reductions in budget, and the impact they’ve had on the final product of the capitol district, can be understated. Every time I’ve been to the capitol district it has been nothing but disappointment. Cheap finishes among the district and the tenants in the spaces, blatant ignorance to accessibility and equal experience for ADA users, confusing entrances, a completely dead street scape on the entirety of the northwest facades, lack of event planning, and the list goes on.
At this point, I’m not sure if the project will stay afloat. The only way things start looking up for Capitol is probably going to be Shamrock ditching the development because of all the money their losing, and another developer with urban experience to come in and make expensive changes to a brand new development to make it more attractive to people and businesses.

Really, I feel like just some different, organic tenants would be all it needs.

There wasn't much here that felt interesting or authentic. I mean, that huge West O inspired Cowboy bar? A giant TV outside? It's not a good urban feeling location.

Just gut the shops, cut most of the bays in halfs / thirds. Bring in some unique shops. More in line with the Passageway, or the River Walk in San Antonio.

[Louie]

I don’t think the comments on the obvious reductions in budget, and the impact they’ve had on the final product of the capitol district, can be understated. Every time I’ve been to the capitol district it has been nothing but disappointment. Cheap finishes among the district and the tenants in the spaces, blatant ignorance to accessibility and equal experience for ADA users, confusing entrances, a completely dead street scape on the entirety of the northwest facades, lack of event planning, and the list goes on.
At this point, I’m not sure if the project will stay afloat. The only way things start looking up for Capitol is probably going to be Shamrock ditching the development because of all the money their losing, and another developer with urban experience to come in and make expensive changes to a brand new development to make it more attractive to people and businesses.

Really, I feel like just some different, organic tenants would be all it needs.

There wasn't much here that felt interesting or authentic. I mean, that huge West O inspired Cowboy bar? A giant TV outside? It's not a good urban feeling location.

Just gut the shops, cut most of the bays in halfs / thirds. Bring in some unique shops. More in line with the Passageway, or the River Walk in San Antonio.

The size of some of the bays are hugeeeeee.

[ita]

Is Capitol District our new Midtown Crossing; Omaha's most underwhelming giant TIF funded private project?

[Garrett]

Is Capitol District our new Midtown Crossing; Omaha's most underwhelming giant TIF funded private project?

Going into retrospect it makes me wish that we had gone with the Nexus proposal, though I feel like we've discussed this before.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Friends-

This will likely be an unpopular take- considering the past several days of negative posts regarding Capitol District.. But I do find this latest spate of negativity a bit amusing..

This district has been around and open to public/residential for 4 years now. It’s not like it opened a month ago; or even a few months ago..Yet today, and the last couple days, I’m reading what a disappointing failure it is? Hmmm. Is Capitol District perfect? He!l no. Does Capitol District have warts? He!l yes. Could it have been landscaped and constructed with higher quality and a more thoughtful design? Perhaps. But we have what we’ve had for over 4 years. Lamenting about this now, like I said, is a bit amusing and makes me shake my head a bit. So my thoughts are, moving forward, what can be done to make it a better, more attractive place. We can start with better tenants maybe? Lower the rent? And I’m still hoping the Texas De Brazil Brazilian steakhouse is on the agenda to open here. That would not be a bad start..

Again- the more constructive premise today should be (in my humble opinion at least)- What can realistically be done (save Shamrock ditching the development) to “love up” the district and make it a more attractive point of destination..Think the the Christmas Tree in Charlie Brown…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Garrett]

A lot of the issues with the Capitol District are just problems with the design. It's essentially walled off from the street, so a casual passerby wouldn't necessarily know its tucked in there, and the layout doesn't act as a short cut to get to other destinations. If someone is staying at the Hilton and wants to go to a concert at the Steelhouse, the pedestrian pathways of the Capitol District don't really act as a natural path of desire. As others have mentioned, the entrances look like service alleyways, not a "come explore what's in here" sort of thing. Take just the street view of Capitol and compare it with say, Power and Light in KC, or Fremont Street in Las Vegas. Just from google streetview, I can basically tell you nothing about what's in the Capitol district, whereas there are multiple businesses that I can clearly tell pivot you off the street and invite you into the districts in the other cases. P&L and Fremont Street basically invite you in with grand entrances and lights that say "Hey! Come look what's in here!" while Capitol District is lacking that. I would maybe try to add some murals and lights to make it clear, especially at night, that this is a place you should be walking, rather than a random dark alleyway.

[Omaha Cowboy]

A lot of the issues with the Capitol District are just problems with the design. It's essentially walled off from the street, so a casual passerby wouldn't necessarily know its tucked in there, and the layout doesn't act as a short cut to get to other destinations. If someone is staying at the Hilton and wants to go to a concert at the Steelhouse, the pedestrian pathways of the Capitol District don't really act as a natural path P&L and Fremont Street basically invite you in with grand entrances and lights that say "Hey! Come look what's in here!" while Capitol District is lacking that. I would maybe try to add some murals and lights to make it clear, especially at night, that this is a place you should be walking, rather than a random dark alleyway.

I like that idea. And it’s a good start. I think a natural by product of what will drive more people potentially to the Cap District after a show, is the proximity of Steelhouse basically being catty-corner across the street..At least it should be a driver…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

Friends-

This will likely be an unpopular take- considering the past several days of negative posts regarding Capitol District.. But I do find this latest spate of negativity a bit amusing..

This district has been around and open to public/residential for 4 years now. It’s not like it opened a month ago; or even a few months ago..Yet today, and the last couple days, I’m reading what a disappointing failure it is? Hmmm. Is Capitol District perfect? He!l no. Does Capitol District have warts? He!l yes. Could it have been landscaped and constructed with higher quality and a more thoughtful design? Perhaps. But we have what we’ve had for over 4 years. Lamenting about this now, like I said, is a bit amusing and makes me shake my head a bit. So my thoughts are, moving forward, what can be done to make it a better, more attractive place. We can start with better tenants maybe? Lower the rent? And I’m still hoping the Texas De Brazil Brazilian steakhouse is on the agenda to open here. That would not be a bad start..

Again- the more constructive premise today should be (in my humble opinion at least)- What can realistically be done (save Shamrock ditching the development) to “love up” the district and make it a more attractive point of destination..Think the the Christmas Tree in Charlie Brown…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I think most here would say it's more underwhelming than a complete failure. I think the Marriott is a nice addition to the hotel scene and skyline and J. Gilberts to downtown restaurants. But the rest of it has been rather meh. I will give it a couple more years grace because of the pandemic affecting office and retail so badly. Midtown Crossing was completed around the 2008 recession as well, and it's taken it a bit to find its footing.

As far as improvements, for sure seeing the low rise office/retail building find tenants/potential tenants like Texas de Brazil move in. I don't know if it's been mentioned, but do they have extensive programming? It seemed like early on they were trying to get some events happening in the courtyard, but nothing panned out.

[nebport5]

A lot of the issues with the Capitol District are just problems with the design. It's essentially walled off from the street, so a casual passerby wouldn't necessarily know its tucked in there, and the layout doesn't act as a short cut to get to other destinations. If someone is staying at the Hilton and wants to go to a concert at the Steelhouse, the pedestrian pathways of the Capitol District don't really act as a natural path of desire. As others have mentioned, the entrances look like service alleyways, not a "come explore what's in here" sort of thing. Take just the street view of Capitol and compare it with say, Power and Light in KC, or Fremont Street in Las Vegas. Just from google streetview, I can basically tell you nothing about what's in the Capitol district, whereas there are multiple businesses that I can clearly tell pivot you off the street and invite you into the districts in the other cases. P&L and Fremont Street basically invite you in with grand entrances and lights that say "Hey! Come look what's in here!" while Capitol District is lacking that. I would maybe try to add some murals and lights to make it clear, especially at night, that this is a place you should be walking, rather than a random dark alleyway.

Lighting is a no brainer and a fairly easy investment. The overall design is problematic indeed. I think it would've been smart to have a central entrance on Capitol Ave instead of the alleys. Towards that end, now that the GLM is finished, why not continue the 11th St promenade to the north? Close the east part of 11th St with a pedestrian bridge over Dodge and Douglas. The western portion of 11th becomes a one way. Then create a lighted pedestrian friendly crosswalk on Capitol Ave. Also the would be "courtyard" is too sterile and industrial. The the ice rink could be better utilized with warmer cozier features especially with the forthcoming skate ribbon at Heartland.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I like where we’re going..

Constructive ideas on how to make what we have in this development better and more inviting.. Keep the ideas flowing…

Ciao..LiO…Peace