Downtown Revitalization: Omaha

[carpnter]

Omaha was indeed impressive.

Recently, much has been mentioned locally about Jax needing a "brand" or "identity". As a visitor, what was the brand or identity of Omaha?

college world series

They just built a new stadium next to the convention center for the CWS.  Omaha seems to get its fair share of conventions as well, but I am not sure why.

[JaxJersey-licious]

Really enjoy your story about Omaha which brought back my memories from my visit there years ago. So much DT Jacksonville can learn from Omaha in regards to reuse, preservation, revitalization, and walkability not to mention having a clean, well-run, decently stocked, 24 hour grocery/convenience store in the middle of Old Market (then I compare that to how at least DT Jax has a nicer river and the Landing, still makes me weep).

As impressed as I was by most of what Omaha had to offer, this was one of my most impressive takeaways from my visit: South Omaha...well, in particular, the area of S. 24th St. What seems to get lost in the shuffle of all the issues and concerns brought up on MJ is the importance of having tight-knit emerging minority communities. Yes, the Mexican-American community is much more established in Omaha, but seeing not just the number of small locally owned businesses but the vibrancy and variety of offerings on that stretch of road...would have been nice if you posted some pictures from there. It would be a good model for some of Jacksonville's Asian, Latin American, West-Indian, and Eastern European communities to consider as they grow population-wise.

I have my theories on why such communities find it harder to get that kind of foothold in NE Fla, and I've had friends tell me the number of good quality ethnic offerings have improved since I've last lived there years ago. But to me, the establishment of well organized communities and organizations serving the city's many up and coming ethnic groups is just as important as preserving established historic neighborhoods, encouraging creative re-use of the city's many older properties, promoting and supporting eclectic arts and entertainment destinations, encouraging a livable urban core, and having decent transit and transport options in attracting attention, visitors, new ventures, and people from all over that would be eager and proud to make Jacksonville their home.

[I-10east]

TD Ameritrade is HQ'd there in Omaha, recently found that out. They have a vague unoriginal nickname like Jax (The River City). "Gateway to the West" which is more known with St Louis.

[thelakelander]

Bad news hit downtown Omaha this week. Omaha tore down an entire historic district in 1988 for a suburban ConAgra downtown headquarters and now it might regret that decision. ConAgra has decided to move their F500 headquarters to Chicago to take advantage of the skilled millennial population in that city. ConAgra told Nebraska no amount of incentives would have kept them from relocating to Chicago. Over a 1,000 jobs that came at the expense of Omaha's history, will be lost.

http://www.omaha.com/money/omahans-weigh-cost-of-destroying-jobbers-canyon-to-make-way/article_0e3988ef-6324-5e3a-a23f-8b1b16c01a9b.html

http://www.omaha.com/money/conagra-announces-headquarters-is-moving-to-chicago/article_40ef4148-6798-11e5-8f93-9bea8a0abeb2.html

[I-10east]

Very devastating for Omaha. ConAgra should've moved to the suburbs of Omaha in '88, and should've kept that historical district intact. I heard of tearing down an old urban building for a new urban building (which is common) but to add a suburban campus dead snack in the middle of what was an urban historical district is beyond insane and nonsensical. Talk about horrible zoning laws.