Oak View Mall (144 & West Center Rd)

[Csmac]

Greenberg’s closing too!!! I wonder if 10
Years from now Oak view can be a thriving mixed use development because if they step it up I think they can it’s great opportunity. I personally think the mall is working on redevelopment scenarios behind the scenes here’s an article

[Csmac]

https://hoffmanstrategygroup.com/

[Csmac]

Here is an interesting article back from February that has a recap of everything in Douglas/Sarpy County retail. As well as the GM of Oakview announcing that the mall is having active discussions to redevelop the mall. I’m

[Omaha Cowboy]

Nice find..

And it makes sense. I’ve always believed the entire Oakview Mousetrap area would evolve, adapt and survive..Even turning this trying time, I think this development is prime for a makeover..

This link provides further evidence of the direction this area is looking/hoping to move forward to...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[GrandpaaSmucker]

I agree with you. This pandemic threw an already teetering brick and mortar store industry for a massive loop..

I honestly don’t believe it’ll be until next summer before we finally get through to the other side of Covid and return back to whatever “normal” has morphed into..

Fingers crossed that the Oakview Mousetrap can weather the storm. I remain hopeful...

Ciao..LiO...Peace




IF the pandemic keeps rolling on into next summer we could see shops dropping like flies at the Westroads too. Nobody can say for sure at this point if the pandemic will be still going next summer but it is easy to predict now that the holiday season this year is going to be fully challenged by the virus. There just is no way that the virus is going to be anywhere close to gone by Christmas. Walmart has already announced they will not be open for Thanksgiving this year. Black Friday this year is not looking good for retail.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I agree with you. This pandemic threw an already teetering brick and mortar store industry for a massive loop..

I honestly don’t believe it’ll be until next summer before we finally get through to the other side of Covid and return back to whatever “normal” has morphed into..

Fingers crossed that the Oakview Mousetrap can weather the storm. I remain hopeful...

Ciao..LiO...Peace




IF the pandemic keeps rolling on into next summer we could see shops dropping like flies at the Westroads too. Nobody can say for sure at this point if the pandemic will be still going next summer but it is easy to predict now that the holiday season this year is going to be fully challenged by the virus. There just is no way that the virus is going to be anywhere close to gone by Christmas. Walmart has already announced they will not be open for Thanksgiving this year. Black Friday this year is not looking good for retail.

I’m almost 100% certain the virus pandemic will still be around during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday period..so no doubt it’ll effect gift shopping. Online purchases and Amazon Prime deliveries will set new records for sure..

I think whenever we get to the other side of the pandemic, it will rely on 2 things- a consistent flattening of the curve and a vaccine. My hope is sooner rather than later for both (stating the obvious)..

As it relates to brick and mortar and the Oakview Mousetrap, fingers crossed it’s sooner. At least we know there appears to be a behind the scenes plan in place to keep Oakview relevant and a retail player...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Greg S]

https://hoffmanstrategygroup.com/

Looks like they will be transitioning some of the retail, to multi family, hospitality and office. Probably a smart move long term to downsize the retail there.

Greg

[omaha79]

These "office park" redevelopments can work well, or they can turn into Southroads. Hopefully, it won't be anything that bad for Oak View, but recognizing that the large scale retail will no longer work is probably a positive first step.

[Garrett]

Here is an interesting article back from February that has a recap of everything in Douglas/Sarpy County retail. As well as the GM of Oakview announcing that the mall is having active discussions to redevelop the mall. I’m

I don’t see the link to the article, unless you’re talking about the Hoffman website?

[Omaha Cowboy]

Here is an interesting article back from February that has a recap of everything in Douglas/Sarpy County retail. As well as the GM of Oakview announcing that the mall is having active discussions to redevelop the mall. I’m

I don’t see the link to the article, unless you’re talking about the Hoffman website?

It’s in this Hoffman website link-

https://hoffmanstrategygroup.com/

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Garrett]

Here is an interesting article back from February that has a recap of everything in Douglas/Sarpy County retail. As well as the GM of Oakview announcing that the mall is having active discussions to redevelop the mall. I’m

I don’t see the link to the article, unless you’re talking about the Hoffman website?

It’s in this Hoffman website link-

https://hoffmanstrategygroup.com/

Ciao..LiO...Peace

That just talks about Oakview thought, not a recap of all Douglas/Sarpy retail

[Omaha Cowboy]

Here is an interesting article back from February that has a recap of everything in Douglas/Sarpy County retail. As well as the GM of Oakview announcing that the mall is having active discussions to redevelop the mall. I’m

I don’t see the link to the article, unless you’re talking about the Hoffman website?

It’s in this Hoffman website link-

https://hoffmanstrategygroup.com/

Ciao..LiO...Peace

That just talks about Oakview thought, not a recap of all Douglas/Sarpy retail

I honestly only read the Oakview recap that link provided..Maybe Csmac can post the other link he’s referring to for overall Douglas and Sarpy county retail...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[nativeomahan]

The brand new wine/beer/liquor store located in the former ToysRUs building is a pretty darn good place to buy your wine/beer/liquor. It got me out to Oakview for the first time this year.

[Greg S]

Current owners have given up on their own redevelopment plan and have put the mall up for sale:

https://omaha.com/business/local/owners ... 058db.html

[Taco]

I didn't know the mall was divided into multiple parcels. A piecemeal flip seems challenging, so I am not surprised they are backing out. I'm also not sure what the appetite is for a large mixed-use center with so many other of those projects going on. Residential might be their best bet...any hope of rebuilding some sort of street grid in here?

[Csmac]

Anyone think it’s good news that they are already getting developers interested in the mall. Maybe I’m too optimistic but I give it 10 years at the latest that Oakview is revamped into mixed use or something else.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Anyone think it’s good news that they are already getting developers interested in the mall. Maybe I’m too optimistic but I give it 10 years at the latest that Oakview is revamped into mixed use or something else.

I think it’s a positive. I’m always keeping a cup half full perspective as it relates to this Oakview area- Both the Mall and surrounding Mousetrap..

I do believe mixed use success is attainable here. I’ll point to the Wine BEER & Spirits location which opened this past May in the old Toys R Us location..even during this pandemic time, the place has been a hit and sees brisk business every time I’ve visited..

As always, we’ll continue to keep our fingers crossed for a successful reinvention of the Oakview Mousetrap...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[ita]

Anyone think it’s good news that they are already getting developers interested in the mall. Maybe I’m too optimistic but I give it 10 years at the latest that Oakview is revamped into mixed use or something else.

I think it’s a positive. I’m always keeping a cup half full perspective as it relates to this Oakview area- Both the Mall and surrounding Mousetrap..

I do believe mixed use success is attainable here. I’ll point to the Wine BEER & Spirits location which opened this past May in the old Toys R Us location..even during this pandemic time, the place has been a hit and sees brisk business every time I’ve visited..

As always, we’ll continue to keep our fingers crossed for a successful reinvention of the Oakview Mousetrap...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

I think that's good news that there is already an interested party. However, we have heard that about other projects in the city (I am looking at you, Civic Site). In any case, I think any redevelopment plan has similar hurdles here as Frank Krecji had at Crossroads, including divided ownership of the properties making up the mall. They would be in a much better position if they could purchase Sears, but even better if they owned everything.

Notwithstanding, I think there is hope for Oakview mall, but not as a primarily retail oriented destination. It is already zoned for mixed use, serviced by OMetro, and has decent proximity to schools in the Millard District, a grocery store, health care facilities, and other retail and entertainment, and a popular development in Heartwood Preserve. In my opinion, this is an area that needs residential development as a primary use in any redevelopment, with mixed affordable, market rate, and senior housing. Add in a north to south bus line to get to a Dodge and the growing job center at I-80 and 144th/HI-50, trails to get up to the school from the mousetrap, and make 144th and Center more pedestrian and bike friendly and I think we could make Oakview great again.

[buildomaha]

I think some of the existing structure could be repurposed as a startup/career center. Offer cheap leases for office space throughout the mall with the food court revamped and keep some niche retail. Maybe get MCC, local universities, and hospitals involved with some job training. Find a way to buy off and tear down the big boxes, and let a developer take the lead on the rest of redevelopment. I think that base of innovation and startup culture could be the backbone for some really robust development down the road from heartwood preserve.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I agree with you both..

This entire Oakview Moustrap area is faaarrrr from a lost cause.. and just needs repurposing..and re-invention.. New ideas!..

Here is one- Pointing back to the Wine BEER & Spirits which opened in the Mousetrap over 6 months ago back in May, this is an example of repurposing and re-invention..that building was a Toys R Us..abandoned years ago.. But a new owner comes in with a new idea and turns this development into something that has been so successful, they’re opening a 2nd location in Lincoln, Ne..even more impressive, is this success was achieved during a Pandemic..

Thoughtful, committed TLC will rebirth Oakview back into a thriving places of commerce once again...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Csmac]

Everyone is giving the mall negative feedback on the KETV new story and saying it tear down. I honestly don’t feel Oakview has demolition in its near future like Crossroads does.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Everyone is giving the mall negative feedback on the KETV new story and saying it tear down. I honestly don’t feel Oakview has demolition in its near future like Crossroads does.

Well, I wouldn’t give much credence to commentary on those media websites. History tells us they’re usually negative and short-sighted anyway...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Cermak]

This mall died out pretty quickly. I believe it opened in the early 90’s and was popular for maybe the first 15-20 years and has been going downhill ever since. Hard to say what’s going to happen to it, but nothing looks worse than a dead mall in the neighborhood , sad how it all played out for this place at one time it was the place to be.

[Busguy2010]

This mall died out pretty quickly. I believe it opened in the early 90’s and was popular for maybe the first 15-20 years and has been going downhill ever since. Hard to say what’s going to happen to it, but nothing looks worse than a dead mall in the neighborhood , sad how it all played out for this place at one time it was the place to be.

This is what I find fascinating about malls and dead malls. So many malls across the country have only lasted a couple decades before basically dying, and only having about a decade of prosperity in the duration. It makes you wonder how/if a lot of them made money after the initial investment of the building. Oakview would be an example as it opened in the early 90's, and now appears to be in its retirement years. It sounds like its been on the ropes for about a decade or a little more, so that would give it ~15 or so years of prosperity. Makes you wonder if the initial investment was justified or if the projections on how long it would last were just wrong. This seems to be the course for the majority of malls ever built. Big initial cost, don't last long, get torn down. Malls, as much fun as they were for me growing up, just haven't stuck for the most part, for whatever reason. The 2000's just seemed to kill off a majority of malls.

[Greg S]

On Grow Omaha on Halloween both Jeff and Trenton predicted that in 5 years Oak View will no longer have a major retailing component. They even talked how much of the building will still be there.

Greg

[Cermak]

It is strange how some malls remain relevant for a long time (Westroads or Lincolns Gateway Mall). And others go by the wayside fairly quickly like Oak View. At one time Oak View was probably a better Mall than Westroads. Being in the Midwest with long winters, I always enjoyed occasionally walking around a mall in the Winter months as a way to get out of the house. I’m thinking the Internet and changes in shopping habits doomed the malls and only those in the best locations have been able to make it. Westroads location is superior to Oak Views in my opinion.

[Csmac]

So they think Oakview won’t have any hope at all on Grow Omaha? They need do something to it. The surrounding area does not want an eye sore on their hands.

[Busguy2010]

If I were to compare Oakview to Crossroads, Oakview would be at approximately the 2005-ish mark that Crossroads was at that time, meaning it may be 15 years before they actually tear it down, if it were to go down that path. Crossroads really fell off a cliff around that time, losing many national stores and much of it's food court. I don't think the Oakview building itself is in jeopardy any time soon, but it is definitely showing signs of struggling.

[Taco]

One of the local neighborhood groups posted this article from the CNU, regarding Oak View Mall. The article is general and doesn't mention Oakview, but I believe the message applies. Per the article: "Dead malls are most likely to be redeveloped into a lower-value uses like a call center or fulfillment warehouse." I am disappointed (but not surprised) our local leadership has not begun pre-emptive planning for the future use of this land since Oakview's demise has been evident for years now. Fiscally, and in terms of quality of life it would benefit us to do so.

[Busguy2010]

I think the last thing we could support is yet another mixed-use development. As I've said in the past, it would be nice to see this turned into new-urban residential. Only thing is if it were to go down this route, I feel like it would end up as a a fairly wealthy and spread out neighborhood akin to Sterling Ridge. Id love to see something like Stapleton in Denver, but don't have any hopes as of yet. I kinda think it'll end up like Southroads.

[Csmac]

I think it will be a good mixed used destination just not as much retail clearly. With heat wood preserve so close OT could actually help oak view in the long run. I could see it being partially residential, medical, Entertainment, and then some retail. I’m still all for an IKEA. Regardless of NFM.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Oh gosh.. So many definitive statements here that in reality, are assumptions or opinions..

First of all, let’s put to bed that the mall component of the Oakview Mousetrap is a “dead mall”. Several here have already danced upon it’s grave, lol. NO- Oakview Mall is NOT a dead mall. Sell that “assumptive opinion” to the 73 businesses that still operate there..
Proclaiming the Mall is dead is flat out inaccurate. What IS fair to say, is the mall is in a transitional period..He!l, I’d even agree that it’s in trouble.. But to state it’s “dead”? That’s absolute BALONEY.. What else is baloney, is comparing this mall to the current actual dead mall that is Crossroads.. But I digress..

The Oakview area surrounding the Mall- which is known as the Oakview surrounding Mousetrap, is also an area of transition and hardly “dead”.. I’ve pointed out, several times, the success of the Wine BEER & Spirits location in the old Toys R Us location as a beacon of light for the resurgent success Oakview can experience.. But yet that’s completely ignored by the dead mall crowd.. Take an opportunity soon to see the brisk business this establishment is experiencing, then tell me “Oakview is dead”..

So many simply want to throw dirt on a body that’s still very much alive..

The reality is- Oakview Mall and it’s surrounding Mousetrap are in a state of transition. The pandemic has also hammered commerce there..Like it has for many brick and mortar establishments.. I have a differing opinion than my Grow Omaha friends Jeff and Trenton.. Tell me in 5 years “Oakview is dead”. I say, within that time, it reinvents itself, and begins to become more of a mixed use residential, business and shopping destination. The infrastructure is already in place. Once the area is successfully bought by new ownership, and a thoughtful plan is developed and set in motion, I’m fairly confident this will begin to come to fruition.. But it won’t happen overnight..

In the end- If I’m proven wrong, I’ll take the heat and admit it. I take no shame in that.. But until then, stop telling me today that “Oakview is dead”..because that is simply NOT the case..and only opinionated rhetoric at this point...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Busguy2010]

I don't think I said Oakview itself was dead. Just pointing out what I see. When I see a mall struggling, it is pretty fair to project that it will ultimately not survive, or at the very least be a shell of its former self. Last time I checked, Oakview is not doing well, and it reminds me of Crossroads before it fell off it's cliff. Maybe not exactly in comparison, but many malls share the same fate. Don't get me wrong, Oakview could ride its current state for a long time, and even turn around somewhat, but I think it's days as an "it" mall are in the past. I think the viable spaces outside of the ring will help it hang on or push it off quicker. Just depends on how things go.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I don't think I said Oakview itself was dead. Just pointing out what I see. When I see a mall struggling, it is pretty fair to project that it will ultimately not survive, or at the very least be a shell of its former self. Last time I checked, Oakview is not doing well, and it reminds me of Crossroads before it fell off it's cliff.

I never said you specifically did- but what we have in this forum, is a “dead mall crowd” and if you take the time to read the years worth of posts in this thread, you’ll see what I mean..

You’ll also see, over the years, I’ve been an Oakview Mousetrap “defender”. Great debates and differing opinion have been made- especially between omaha79 (who I respect greatly) and I.. And some of our differing opinions on this topic have been very chipper to say the least, lol..

But in the end, today- The Oakview Mousetrap still stands and still exists as a point of destination.. Much to the chagrin of many in the “Dead mall crowd” lol..

All I say is- I live close to this area and I do frequent it several times during a week,, Yes, it’s an area in transition and has seen much better days..and at the same time- NO, it’s not dead..

Time will tell what becomes of it.. Until then, I ask people to at least be real about what the area actually is today..and base that opinion off of actual observation/time spent in the area..as opposed to rhetoric based on “what I’ve heard” or “what other people have said”.. And I think that’s a fair request...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Linkin5]

Oak View might not be dead but it is in the ICU and things don’t look good.

[Omaha Cowboy]

It’s seen much better days that’s for sure..

But I do feel it can recover/reinvent itself into an area that is successful again...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Cermak]

I think almost everyone feels OakView is treading water and it’s only a matter of time before it sinks. I would never take and out of town visitor there to show off Omaha. The place is frankly depressing and embarrassing. If and when Dillard’s leaves it will be the end of a once proud mall.

[bbinks]

Did the outlying HyVee and Best Buy close before the mall began its demise? There used to be a nice selection of stores outside the mall itself.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Both of those locations left the Oakview Mousetrap ring in the late 2000’s..

The old Toys R Us location has been repurposed as a new Wine BEER & Sprits which opened up this past May and is very popular.. There are still a decent sample size of stores open in the area..

The Mall still operates with 73 stores.. The problem with this- is people, wrongly, cast opinions the area is dead when it isn’t.. I’d suspect most of those people haven’t shopped in the area for years and are just reacting to things “they’ve heard”..and are seemingly rooting for Oakview’s demise..

The reality is- The entire Oakview area has seen better days and has steadily taken hits (store losses) over the past decade..many, through no fault if their own.. It has declined, but it’s not dead.. And there is hope of a repurposed plan..

We’ll see what happens over the next 3-5 years because that will be telling...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[omaharich]

Wondering the issue is with the malls, as time moves and the neighborhood average persons age goes up as well..Less need for kids clothes, stereo and computer equipment, sporting goods, etc...I think what saved the Westroads was a combination of the food court (drawing area business people for lunch) and the movie theater...The drawback for Oakview..Not alot of area business buildings (some medical) and a movie theater already in the area..Gonna be a tough sale.. Still love the idea someone brought up awhile back with apartment/suites.Maybe mixed retail/specialty food with a work out center and a indoor walk area area with a terrarium...Defintely an uphill climb for this one in the next 5-10 years