Now
Fair
54°
High
61°
Low
40°
Full Forecast

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > News > Local
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Mayor chooses Scotts' arena proposal over Hammons'

Comments 103 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

By DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Tuesday, Apr 29, 2008 - 12:59:05 pm CDT

A pair of twin brother developers who are changing the landscape of downtown Lincoln have been chosen to work with the city on its arena project.

The mayor chose Robert and Will Scotts’ development team over Missouri hotel magnate John Q. Hammons’. He will officially announce the selection at a press conference this morning.

Hammons was the other finalist from an initial field of five teams vying to develop some portion of an arena and convention hotel.

Story Photo
Conceptual model of the Haymarket arena project proposed by Lincoln Traction Partners. Looking east, the arena is on the left; in the foreground are two parking garages; behind the garages is the hotel. (Ted Kirk)

Related Media

The story so far: A new arena

More than three years ago, a group of Lincoln leaders began talking seriously about the prospect of building a new events arena to replacing the city'...

Comments: 0
Rated:

Haymarket arena proposal

This video provided by the Lincoln Traction Partners shows a model of the proposed Haymarket arena. (Courtesy video)...

Comments: 0
Rated:
Who are they? Robert and Will Scott were born and raised west of Denver. They attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where Will was a pole vaulter. Will began his real estate career in 1995 working for The Principal Financial Group, covering the mid-Atlantic commercial real estate market.

Robert has experience in investment banking, and the two real estate developers are now principals in WRK LLC, which specializes in the renovation of historic buildings.

Among their projects:
  • Renovation of the National Arbor Day Foundation headquarters at 12th and P streets.
  • Renovation of the historic McKelvie Building at 14th and P streets, now home to Noodles & Company restaurant and Chez Hay Catering.
  • Renovation of the abandoned Central Plains Millwork building on the corner of Eighth and S streets into an office and retail building called The Sawmill Building, home to WRK and Bread & Cup.
  • The Sawmill Building is just one corner of a Haymarket block they’re developing into an arts and humanities center, with art galleries, performance spaces and possibly specialty shops and condos.

Voters will decide next year  whether to green-light a new arena near the Haymarket to replace the 50-year-old Pershing Center.

The Scotts’ team — called Lincoln Traction Partners — proposed two hotels, a conference center, retail space, offices and condos. A 150-room hotel would be part of the arena, with about 70 rooms facing into the arena like club suites; 30 percent of those would have balconies, the rest windows. The team also proposed a 250-room hotel south of the arena.

All the buildings in the Scotts’ proposal have brick facades and resemble existing Haymarket buildings.

The plan includes three parking garages. The upper floors of the garages could be used for condos and the first floors for retail and restaurants.

“We’re honored to collaborate with the city of Lincoln, its citizens, the University of Nebraska and the 2015 Vision group to create a catalyst that will positively change the face of our capital city,” Will Scott said Monday.

However, Mayor Chris Beutler said the Scotts’ design is preliminary.

“Ultimately, the city’s going to decide the design of the arena,” Beutler said. He has selected DLR Group of Omaha to be the arena architect.

Beutler said he chose Lincoln Traction Partners due to the quality of its proposal and the team’s energy and creativity. He also saw an advantage to having local partners help explain the project to the public.

“I think they’re gonna go all-out to make this a centerpiece,” Beutler said.

Hammons proposed to finance and build a 250- to 325-room, four-diamond hotel and jointly finance a conference center. Beutler declined to release financial details but said the Scotts’ financing proposal was comparable.

“They were very comparable in terms of what they would bring to the equity picture,” Assistant Planning Director Kent Morgan said.

Beutler informed Hammons of his decision Monday morning.

“He was disappointed, but he was every bit the gentleman; he wished us well,” Beutler said.

While the Scott brothers have not done an arena before, their national partners have: Architectural firm Ellerbe Becket of Kansas City has designed more than 50 arenas, including the University of Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena that so impressed Lincoln officials. 

The Scotts also partnered with commercial developer Woodbury Corp. of Salt Lake City, a firm that owns 14 hotels and has three more in the works.

While it appears the Scotts are the local face on a national team, their partners have Nebraska connections. James Poulson, Ellerbe Becket’s design director, is a native of Elm Creek and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s architecture school. Three other members of the Ellerbe Becket team are also UNL graduates.

“There’s a few of us Cornhuskers or expats,” Poulson said Friday.

One of the Ellerbe Becket designers, Greg Brown, wrote his master’s thesis on Lincoln’s arena project. Brown showed his work to city officials at various points in the process. Poulson advised Brown on his thesis, and then hired him out of college.

Another member of the Scotts’ team is former Husker All-American offensive lineman Zach Wiegert, who returned to Nebraska as Midwest representative for hotel developer Woodbury Corp.  The Fremont native was a friend of the Scotts in college.

The Scotts have touted their local connection to the project —their office is in the Haymarket and they’ve developed several properties downtown and in the Haymarket.

The Scotts and Woodbury are already partners in developing a Haymarket “arts and humanities” block of art galleries, performance spaces, specialty shops and condos.

In their pitch to the city, Lincoln Traction Partners portrayed its proposal as having the potential to inspire a reinvigoration that rivals that of Indianapolis.

Former Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, who played a major role in developing Conseco Fieldhouse and revitalizing the city’s downtown, has been a financial consultant to the Scotts’ team.

City officials will soon begin negotiations with the Scotts’ team on a redevelopment agreement.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Local > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
eric wrote on April 29, 2008 12:51 am:
" AWESOME....Now DON'T mess it up you Old Lincoln People that think that Pershing is still cool.....CUZ IT'S NOT!!! This is what Lincoln needs, BADLY NEEDS!!!! "

 Andrew wrote on April 29, 2008 12:54 am:
" Looks like a barn. Plus, that open ended design with the seating and the curved roof will keep it from being anywhere as noisy as the Devaney Center. C'mon...let's not be so...plain. I'm all for the arena...but not a giant barn. "

 Sultrydayinne wrote on April 29, 2008 2:48 am:
" Why does the area have to look like a airport hanger? "

 Hjalmer wrote on April 29, 2008 5:27 am:
" I wish them the best of luck. The city needs something to replace Pershing, but it's difficult to see how all this is going to get the participation needed from outside events. The weak link is air service. Lincoln's airport has such poor service and such high prices. How are they going to get large groups to fly into Lincoln? I don't think the arena can turn the airport around. I'm sure we'll attend a few events at the new arena, but with the price of gas and health care and incomes that that aren't growing much, my family can't afford to go there often. We've settled for movies in front of the TV instead of driving into Lincoln. "

 Friend wrote on April 29, 2008 5:41 am:
" Congratulations Scott Brothers and Zach, well deserved indeed! "

 Jared wrote on April 29, 2008 6:06 am:
" Tight! "

 no surprise wrote on April 29, 2008 7:09 am:
" Yep all the consultants say we are not open to outsiders. This goes to show you it is true. If you are not from lincoln or Nebraska and you are competing with such then you might as well not waste your money. Good o'l boys run the City. Wasn't there an earlier story that John Q Hammons didn't want any money from the City? How much are we going to give the Scott brothers. "

 Max A. wrote on April 29, 2008 7:23 am:
" Mr. Mayor, just how the heck are we, the citizens of Lincoln, going to pay for this?! Where did the money come from to pay this firm for their work? Newly found money in the budget, right? The University won't be helping, they too have a cash shortfall. Lincoln can not support this, especially since we lost the State Fair. Mr. Mayor you are driving this city into financial ruin. I think we should all run for the hills. "

 Question wrote on April 29, 2008 7:35 am:
" So who is going to do the design work for the arena? Ellerbe Becket or DLR Group? It sounds like Ellerbe Becket has a ton of arena design experience. Why does the mayor list DLR Group as the arena designer? Have they worked on any other arena projects besides Qwest Center Omaha? "

 Lincoln is below average wrote on April 29, 2008 7:48 am:
" Okay, the negatives are: 1. Price tag to be subsidized by Lincoln taxpayers, 2. in a floodplain on 3. polluted RR land, 4. zero functionality ala road network to the massive parking structures, and now 5.looks like an industrial barn. Could it really be any uglier? Is this something Lincoln can be proud of? Have we no taste at all? 6.And from the looks of the video - it's just a new sports arena for UNL which I thought the smokers built just north of campus.

If there was truly anyone left in Lincoln actually excited about this idea - one can hope the mediocrity of the plans has brought them back to earth.

Can we see Hammons ideas? "

 Cary wrote on April 29, 2008 8:04 am:
" Wait a minute! Where is the input and inclusion of ideas from director Osborn? Is UNL still a potential partner and financial principal? he aesthetic quality is minimal and mimicking of the Haymarket character boring and uninspiring. This is a fit with the past, not innovation and vision of the future. Too many components may be missing to have made a well thought out decision "

 Moving forward makes me move back wrote on April 29, 2008 8:09 am:
" As an ex Lincolnite looking to move back this is the best thing the city could due to market it’s self. This would increase night crowds of all ages that would help the area restaurants and bars, hopefully bring in new conventions, and bring life to downtown that is no just college students. The design may be debated but please vote yes on this. It would be great to see the city I love grow in such a positive manner! "

 mark wrote on April 29, 2008 8:11 am:
" "Lincoln cannot support this, especially since we lost the State Fair." Yeah, that mudhole was the prime financial driver of Lincoln.

Only change I would make would be to name the arena "Haymarket Square." I don't think most Nebraskans will get the significance of "West Haymarket Arena." The original Haymarket is a portion of the theatre district in London, hence West Haymarket. It's too clever by half. "

 People wont decide wrote on April 29, 2008 8:14 am:
" You just watch, mark my words, the people won't get to vote on this....it will magically get approved to build it. "

 Joe wrote on April 29, 2008 8:28 am:
" With the state of the U.S. economy... Lincoln loosing jobs..
just put a retractable roof on Memorial stadium and call it good! "

 Alice wrote on April 29, 2008 8:37 am:
" This hardly meets a standard calling for world class architecture to drive forward development of historical quality benchmarks for the future. The reflection of our contemporary character is absent. A simple observation, the standard for a flat roof to respect the gold dome of Goodhue’s masterpiece is violated. "

 mitchy_v wrote on April 29, 2008 8:48 am:
" In many projects, there is a designer (Ellerbe Becket)and a firm that will do the drawings for the designer (DLR). "

 JB wrote on April 29, 2008 8:50 am:
" Build it as soon as possible. Lincoln must stop it's down hill slide. I agree I hope the new arena doesn't look like an aircraft hanger or an ala old fashion gym. "

 kjbclg wrote on April 29, 2008 8:51 am:
" So it looks as if the parking garages will be the nicest looking buildings of them all! Can we not make it look like a fieldhouse/airport hanger/tractor shed? Why deosn't the city vote for the building project first then vote again after they pick the right sketch??? It's ugly. "

 VOTE NO wrote on April 29, 2008 8:57 am:
" They continue to ASSUME that the taxpayers will be willing to take on this burden. Why are they spending millions of our dollars on a project that requires voter approval that has not been given? Building an arena would be financial disaster for taxpayers. "

 Really wrote on April 29, 2008 9:15 am:
" What a bad idea. I haven't been to the Haymarket in 10 years. The access is bad and the parking is worse. They are already trying to cover up a city deficit... and they want to spend more?

Lincoln REALLY doesn't need this... any more than it NEEDED the State Fair.
"

 Chico wrote on April 29, 2008 9:23 am:
" first of all it is poorly desinged we do not need something that looks as it was designed 20 years ago, as someone said below just a barn. Lincoln needs something that has some character and uniqueness. But I agree that Lincoln needs something and this design is not it!!!! "

 CS wrote on April 29, 2008 9:23 am:
" If we are paying for it, how can the design be chosen without it being seen (Hammons)? It seems just a tad disingenuous to assume we are going to pay for something just because part of the design team is local and one of them is just out of school. Why can't he get his start designing office buildings or strip malls or something, like everyone else? I don't want to pay for him cutting his teeth on something he's never done, nor has has the local design group spearheading the idea. "

 Lets Have a say wrote on April 29, 2008 9:27 am:
" Since we (the citizens) are paying for this, and we (the citizens) are going to be looking at it, and we (the citizens) are the ones that will ultimately be attending functions there, should WE be the ones who decide what it looks like, who designs it and so on. Let's have the Journal Star put ALL ideas out there and let US decide what is best for this city. Beutler wants to seem to have all the say! It this is going forward, then at least let the people that live here HELP in the decision making process. "

 Excited for Lincoln wrote on April 29, 2008 9:37 am:
" I'm so excited for something like this to be built in Lincoln. People complain non-stop about taxes, etc...and then complain about something that can bring revenue into Lincoln to help with taxes. It is time for Pershing to be retired before it begins to fall down.
If this can take off it will be fabulous of our area! I will gladly help pay for something that will give Lincoln a brighter future. "

 Dano wrote on April 29, 2008 9:40 am:
" So when I bring my horses in for the shows at the fair at that new fangled barn you have pictures of here, where do I park my horse trailer and camper?

What do you mean the fair moved to GI? I don't think so mister, you're pulling my leg, you are. You have a new, fancy barn that looks great right in the middle of downtown. Even closer for me to wreak havoc on the streets of Lincoln. I bet I can find even more one way streets I can go the wrong way on now. Now where do we park?

But, seriously now, can we see what Hammons design plans were? If the city of Lincoln and surrounding areas are financing this thing, which I am assuming those of us in the county are included. I would like to vote on the plan design as well as the go/no go initiative. This looks nothing like some of the initial design and financing proposals I was in favor of. If I want to see a barn, and see an event in it, I can walk over to one my neighbors acreages or go out to the event center on 84th, and watch what they are doing inside there. This puts the risks in our hands, and while i am all for growth, I am for at less risk. The Hammons plan leaves a majority of the financial risk with them, and less burden on me and the tax payer base as a whole. I am in far more favor of a design/operations group that keeps my tax burden to a minimum. I don't know that I can vote for this thing now, and feel like I got duped into believing it was going to a be lower risk growth oppprtunity for Lincoln. Now it looks more like "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" politics (as usual). "

 Mrs. Johnson wrote on April 29, 2008 9:41 am:
" And this sits in the Salt Creek flood plain. It's all been under water before. The last two times was in the 50's. Where are ther roads to move all the people in and out of the Haymarket? "

 Andrew wrote on April 29, 2008 9:57 am:
" Oh...one more thing. Go google "Conseco Fieldhouse" and look at the pictures that come up. These guys didn't do any work....they copied the building almost verbatim. Yeah...really creative guys! Should have talked with the groups in KC or Tulsa or Omaha to create something post-modern...not post 1980. I hope the Lincoln city council has enough sense to say yes on an arena but no on this extremely lacking design. Just my opinion as an alum. "

 parking math wrote on April 29, 2008 9:58 am:
" So, lets do the math on parking alone.... lets assume best case scenario, with full occupancy (a pipe dream for sure, but what the heck). 150 hotel rooms = 150 cars (say they are here for a concert and decide to make a week out of it) another 250 room hotel = 250 more cars, and then the actual arena... lets say it seats 10,000... and people car pool in groups of 4.. so there is a need for 2,500 parking spaces there... so there will need to be about 2,900 parking spaces.. and these 3 garages are going to provide all this? Lets not even talk about traffic flow managment.... "

 Greene wrote on April 29, 2008 9:59 am:
" Where are the solar panels? Will there be off site parking to reduce automobile emmissions in the downtown area? Will this qualify for federal energy grants or subsidies? What are the "going green" features? "

 Chris wrote on April 29, 2008 9:59 am:
" This is almost embarrassing in appearance. If we're going to pay for the project, I'd prefer something that looked like Qwest Center Omaha rather than the Sapp Fieldhouse. How big is this building going to be anyway - anything less than 17k makes no sense. I don't want a building to replace Perhsing.. I want a building to replace Devaney. "

 bobslander wrote on April 29, 2008 10:01 am:
" this is a great idea. hopefully they build the thing big enough to pull the ncaa's away from omaha's qwest and creighton so lincoln can host that event in the future with unl as the host school as it should be. let's just plan really big and think big and not end up having to expand immediately like the poor planners in omaha had to do. with a facility like this lincoln can start getting the big concerts and the big sporting events like the ncaas and the olympic swim trials and the national championships for volleyball and the qwest center in omaha can start sitting empty! take that creighton and omaha! "

 Who wants to bet wrote on April 29, 2008 10:10 am:
" Lincoln will find a way to screw this up if it is built? If you have lived here long enough you are smart enough to not take that bet. Im sorry but this is ugly and uneventful. Does everyone really think performers are going to go from Omaha to Lincoln in a national tour? Not gonna happen, artist like to spend weeknights and as little time as possible in states like Nebraska.So every tour Lincoln will get skipped and Omaha will get the acts. So I hope everyone likes B comedians and kiddy rodeos, because that is what will be getting. "

 Built it wrote on April 29, 2008 10:15 am:
" Wow, such negative feedback is no wonder Lincoln is currently so boring. People have no idea the revenue (sales tax) this could bring to the city! Think about what this could do for the Haymarket to attract more people to come into town and spend money in the retail, restaurants, hotels, etc nearby. Think of how this could be used as a recruiting tool for the University.

From what I heard Hammonds didn't even propose an arena design, just a hotel/convention center. Go back and read the article. This design is unique and blends in with the historic Haymarket. A big box design would stick out and look silly in the middle of all the cool, brick buildings down there. Thank god we have some innovative, open-minded people like the Scott brothers and Zach Weigert to help move Lincoln forward! "

 M wrote on April 29, 2008 10:23 am:
" Looks like any high school gym across the country, only many times more expensive. "

 big fist wrote on April 29, 2008 10:28 am:
" Haymarket arena for hayseeds. We all know who will pay for this hanger/barn/gym......the taxpayers. Just keep taxing us, until you have our final dollar. Then no one will be able to buy tickets for any of the events held in this new center. I agree with Joe...just put a roof on Memorial stadium and be done with it. Nothing will help Lincoln except jobs that pay a decent wage. "

 Soylent Green wrote on April 29, 2008 10:37 am:
" I think it looks pretty cool and should fit the area nicely. Too bad it will never get built... no way that the crotchety old voters in this town will ever approve it! If the plan does not include at least one new access road to the northwest (connecting to Sun Valley), then this whole plan will be a giant nightmare due to traffic flow. It is already bad now, so multiply that by another 5000-8000 cars on a day when there are multiply events going on at the same time and you will get the picture! Good luck on geting this approve Mayor Mike. It should have been built 10 years ago, not now when the streets are falling apart, there still is no east and south by-pass, Lincoln is loosing jobs and the economy is circling the drain... "

 Scott wrote on April 29, 2008 10:43 am:
" I'm curious how much the city is going to have to pay BNSF to move the track? It's interesting how city officials seemed to have this all figured out, yet no one is telling the taxpayer anything about how much it will cost us in the long run. Higher taxes + less wages = very unhappy voters. "

 LB wrote on April 29, 2008 10:43 am:
" I just hope that if we build an arena in Lincoln we do it right. We don't try to cut corners, we don't cut stuff out because of cost and trying to save a million dollars. This is going to be a multi-million dollar project lets do it once and get it done right so in 15 years we are not saying this is out of date and want to build something different. "

 NS wrote on April 29, 2008 10:44 am:
" Can't you just make one taller parking garage and put something else there as well? Why do we have to have two short parking garages? Surely that valuable land can be put to better use. Just stack the smaller one on top of the bigger one and put a different building where the smaller one is. Maybe even put a greenspace there for the farmer's market and other outdoor events. And it still doesn't address the issue of the terrible streets and traffic flow in the Haymarket. Are they putting in some sort of new ramp to get to this or are we all going to have to drive down there on Q and out on P? That will be a nightmare and no one seems to care. Of course they don't care if we actually want this or not so what's the difference I guess. "

 unreal wrote on April 29, 2008 10:48 am:
" we pick a local group that we will have to subsidize over an outside, proven success, who will finance the whole project? When will this town have smart leadership? Unreal! "

 People really think wrote on April 29, 2008 10:53 am:
" this will pull events from Omaha? Sorry but your crazy if you believe that. The old market blows the Haymarket away and always will.Besides this will not be big enough for the NCAA's anyway.Keep dreaming Lincoln! This is just a way for our taxes to be raised. Big named artists are not going to go from Omaha to Lincoln, do you know whay? Because their promoters are smart enought to know it would take the same people who went to the show the night before to come to Lincoln. That means it is basically a 2 night run in the same town because of the closeness of Lincoln and Omaha.Lincoln is never going to be Omaha, so they should just stop trying. "

 Duh wrote on April 29, 2008 10:57 am:
" Seriously...there are people who think this is a GOOD IDEA??? It is just another example of how Lincoln doesn't get it...and never will.

The Quest Center is PROOF that this won't be a good thing. The Quest Center is in a good location, has good roads leading to it, and tons of parking (which should be free, but that's another issue). AND IS STILL LOSING MONEY! This is not conveniently located (who wants to get off the interstate and drive half way through town on surface streets to get somewhere), parking is already a pain, and the cost is only increased due to the location (because they have to clean the diesel fuel out of the dirt prior to building). I personally think if they really, really had to have this thing, they should have put it west side of Lincoln. Then they wouldn’t have had to clean the dirt, it’d be convenient from the interstate, and you could build a nice parking lot. Plus land is WAY cheaper west of town. But that wouldn’t be convenient for The University. And what the University wants, the University gets. Period.
"

 Gina wrote on April 29, 2008 11:15 am:
" You people couldn't support Devaney, Pershing & the State Fair. Hello, Omaha Qwest is just a short drive away, do you think you can possibly compete?? Lincoln is just too ho-hum, w/o creativity to make this work. I foresee another big, empty building by 2012. "

 Living in San Francisco wrote on April 29, 2008 11:36 am:
" Very interesting chain of comments. I figured everyone would be excited for the development back in Lincoln, but for the most part you are all bashing it. I would assume most of you are the ones that complain that Lincoln has nothing to offer, but once something does happen you attack that too. Are you never happy? That style of design is perfect for the Haymarket. Very cool. Reminds me of a retro ballpark. That arena is going to be awesome. ENJOY THIS! "

 D wrote on April 29, 2008 11:55 am:
" As an architect this is a terrible conceptual plan. Aestheically it doesn't fit the area at all with the roof design. I'm guessing that can be adjusted, and needs to be. The idea as far as the hotels working with the arena is ok. The only problem with that is during a Nebraska game or another large loud event those rooms or even having other hotel rooms that close is not pleasing to those not attending an event there at that time and wish to sleep. Good concept, terrible execution. Numbers for size and hotel size are spot on. It's just that the location needs to be adjusted to create separation between entertainment areas and more quieter zones such as hotels. That is basic architecture 101. These guys must me more marketers for retail space etc. "

 Comment from Chicago wrote on April 29, 2008 11:57 am:
" I'm suprised as well at all the negative feedback. This has the potential to bring so much surrounding development to the Haymarket and create a place for citizens of Lincoln to have something to do in the winter during basketball season and the summer for camps, concerts, conventions, etc. Nobody goes to Deavany because there's nothing around it to enjoy and it truly is an old barn. This project would be awesome for the Haymarket and would be something I'd enjoy going to see when I come back to town! People complain how Lincoln has nothing to offer and then complain that they don't want to give something like this a shot because it costs. Keep thinking that way and more people like me will continue to leave after college. People will continue to leave Lincoln to go spend their money in Omaha. "

 Humm wrote on April 29, 2008 12:00 pm:
" Having lived with the Conseco Fieldhouse from the beginning, its not bad,
but Goldsmith picked up the baton from former mayors for the downtown
revitalization. There's alot more there to work with financially. There
has always been money people there that put their foot forward. Not so
here. You can't compare a progressive city and state that brings in
a constant flow of business & industry and people excited to live there
with Lincoln that has refused to grow and tax the people every turn.
There are several interstates crossing that state & city and subburban
towns connected to that city extend all directions to who tied-um, plus
a world class airport, an interstate completely around the city. Lincoln
is a day late and a dollar short, and now they want to dump it all on
the taxpayers. Thats spell disaster and more misery for homeowners than
there already is in this high taxed state. "

 Chris wrote on April 29, 2008 12:01 pm:
" It will be interesting to see if Lincoln voters want to pay for this. It would definitely be cool and add excitement and energy to Lincoln.

I don't think parking is really an issue. 80,000+ make it to Husker football games without complaining... (pssst... here's a secret - bikes cost $0.00 per gallon - riding keeps you healthy)

I'm glad to see Mayor Beutler choosing the Scott brothers. Everything they do keeps environmental impact in mind. If this project guarantees LEED Silver or better, I'll probably vote for it.

But, I have to wonder if this is really a top priority. We have the LIED Center, Pershing, Devany, UNL music hall, Rococo and Qwest all in close proximity. We have a hideous police building downtown and a library that could use updating. We have people living in poverty and many without health care. I'm not sure this projects helps those who really need it.


What I would really like is a bullet train between Omaha and Lincoln. That would be sweet. Commuters could save money on gas and get there faster, with no driving hassles.

"

 About time wrote on April 29, 2008 12:05 pm:
" This looks awesome! Having memorial stadium, Haymarket Park and now Haymarket Arena within blocks of each other would be sweeeet for a college town like Lincoln!! I have season tickets to football and baseball and I was about ready to let my basketball season tickets renewal lapse, but this is to cool. Good for the city of Lincoln for stepping up to help get something like this done! "

 wrote on April 29, 2008 12:06 pm:
" First off I like the arena idea, the plans aren't final so shouldn't be upset with how it looks now, second the arena part of the Qwest Center makes money its the convention part that isn't so much. Also I don't think were trying to compete with Omaha, they can have artists like Bon Jovi while we could have Daughtry, the promoters are smart enough to know to book an event that the artists will sell out at!!! Omaha didn't seem to be scared off by the Mid American Center(which still has venues) in Iowa which is much closer than the Qwest is to Lincoln! "

 Scott wrote on April 29, 2008 12:06 pm:
" I'm glad you all have a place classy enough to watch the Oakridge Boys now. I'm sure they'll feel right at home in a hay barn... get it, haymarket... barn area?!?!

Good for you Lincoln. "

 J wrote on April 29, 2008 12:22 pm:
" I think Lincoln is suffering from "little brother syndrome" to Omaha. Sometimes you just have to let it go and realize your place. Don't you still have a $300 million dollar ditch downtown to pay for? "

 interesting wrote on April 29, 2008 12:25 pm:
" So the Smith's donated to the Mayor's campaign and John Q. Hammonds didn't, very interesting to say the least. "

 QUEST CENTER wrote on April 29, 2008 12:57 pm:
" The area is making good money, the convention center is not. "

 New to Lincoln wrote on April 29, 2008 1:01 pm:
" IF the people of lincoln are going to get a chance to vote on this boondoggle let's get it done now so we can let the city know we don't want our tax dollars spent on this blackhole of a money pit. Then they may not spend anymore of our hard earned tax dollars on it. "

 Yup wrote on April 29, 2008 1:03 pm:
" If you want it built, then you pay my share too, cause I'm too broke to even pay attention. Honestly, there are the haves and the have nots. Let the rich build whatever they want in town, and leave us poor people alone. Don't knock those that complain they can't afford it, apparently you have money for such luxuries as gas, food, clothing etc. ENTERTAINMENT is not in my vocabulary any more. By the way, how are you going to keep the city mission folks from mingling with you concert goers, since you'll be moving into their neighborhood? "

 mitchy_v wrote on April 29, 2008 1:06 pm:
" For those who are complaining about parking, not everyone will have access to premium parking. Where do most of you park during the football games? People walk over a mile from their car to the stadium. For this, some will have to walk 10 blocks? Parking will be fine, you just can't expect to park by the front door. "

 Scott wrote on April 29, 2008 1:10 pm:
" I didn't vote for the mayor to approve this. It's a waste of money that we don't have. Lincolnites, how much more property tax or bonds are you willing to put up to get this bad boy? On the plus side, this is about Lincoln's only chance to get a new venue in the downtown area. On the down side, do Lincolnites really care, when so much downtown real estate is underutilized or decrepit? "

 Bob wrote on April 29, 2008 1:11 pm:
" Where is the university at in all of this? Why won't they make a commitment to this arena? Is this really supposed to replace Pershing or Devaney (or both)? Did they choose the local twins to help persuade Lincoln voters or was their plan the best? Lots of questions with very little answers or information being made public. And for all of those who think that it's the old people holding this back with negative comments, I'm 27 and I want someone (mayor, 2015, councilmen) to show me how this will be economically feasable. I'd like to see all costs and funding, down to the penny, before I cast my vote. "

 omaha forever wrote on April 29, 2008 1:21 pm:
" if you want a real convention center/ areana..come to omaha...otherwise, quit complaining about your potential site. it is a good idea. "

 Another cents wrote on April 29, 2008 1:21 pm:
" I have to agree, what an ugly building. If your going to build something at least make it something we can be proud of...not a big barn. Think of the miserable time we will have trying to get out of this area when we have coinciding functions at the ball park, football stadium and concert hall...the same mess Omaha will soon have with their new 'forced' ball park. Why does anyone think they care what the citizens think, we foot the bill they decide what to build, regardless of the current economic situation.

The university took the fair grounds even though they could have saved millions using their own land. ("But I don't want the new research center over there, I want it here...picture a stomping foot and winy voice) Now they 'warn/tell' us they need to raise tuition...like we didn't see that coming. As mentioned by many before me, we are only the people paying for their projects, our voice does not matter. We don't understand what the people in office are trying to accomplish, don't you get that? (In case you can't tell this is sarcasm toward the people making these decisions without input from the voters). Ridiculous....

"

 Lincoln Taxpayer wrote on April 29, 2008 1:22 pm:
" I'm not against an arena, but I absolutely will not support it being built in the proposed location. There are just so many things wrong, I don't know where to start, but here I go...

The Haymarket Area has absolutely inadequate infrastructure to support this. I know another poster mentioned Husker Football...do they realize all the special preparations that go into a game day? All the special buses that run from alternative parking? All the extra police officers required to direct traffic? Is the city going to jump through all these hoops for every event?

This arena, if built, will have the ability to spark new commercial developement wherever it goes. The Haymarket lacks adequate space for new retail development of any real consequence. Sure, Jon Camp will be able to jack up the rent on the properties he owns (which is why he's been so supportive of this white elephant of a proposal) but otherwise, the city will be missing out on a huge opportunity to spur some new growth and developement.

Give the taxpayers a choice before we're saddled with this pig-in-a-poke! "

 Larry wrote on April 29, 2008 1:30 pm:
" Flood plain...flood plain....FLOOD PLAIN! It's in a flood plain. That means it will flood some day. Why would we vote to build in a flood plain when much of Lincoln is not in a flood plain? "

 DR wrote on April 29, 2008 1:33 pm:
" Thank you Mayor for moving Lincoln forward. Now let's bring money into Lincoln with a Motorsports venue like a drag race track. UNL economic impact study shows 10-23 million dollar economic impact the first year open. With the fuel cost rising and this town being full of musle cars and hot rods. We need a place to blow the cob webs out of our classic beauties 1/4 mile at a time. it is not economical or safe to cruz around Lincoln or street race on the out skirts of town anymore. "

 to comment from Chicago wrote on April 29, 2008 1:39 pm:
" You don't seem to get it (besides you live in Chicago what do you know?) this is going to hurt us. Lincoln doesn't have the roads,money,development and population to support something like this. Do you think restaurants,shopping and entertainment is just magically going to appear to support this? Lets get real, just because you live in a big city doesn't mean a SMALL city like Lincoln will make this work. Logistics always come first. The Old Market in Omaha is only getting better, this is not going to work and would love to make a wager with you. I am all for new things in the city but not for something that will be a failure. Pershing in its life time was never a success, what makes you think this would be? "

 Mark wrote on April 29, 2008 1:41 pm:
" Ellerbe Becket? They should have used HOK-Sport, also in Kansas City. HOK has designed about 100 arenas and stadiums with far more creativity than this. "

 Fred or Steve wrote on April 29, 2008 1:44 pm:
" I think most of you will be surprised how great the finally building will look once it is finished. Retro or not it will still be brand new and top of the line. I will be happy as long as they stock that thing with enough pop machines. Fifty cent pop machines, not that $1.25 crap that gets shoved down our throats all over the place. The design is good stuff. "

 the el wrote on April 29, 2008 2:23 pm:
" looks like a quonset "

 JCB wrote on April 29, 2008 2:33 pm:
" Should have been built it yesterday! Let's stop wasting time. There is always going to be people who want everything, but believe they can get it for free. I would rather pay a little more in taxes to have Lincoln as good as it can be. "

 Tom wrote on April 29, 2008 2:34 pm:
" Great idea to consider building a new arena in the middle of a recession!!!! The geniuses in government never cease to amaze me. Let's build something just to show Omaha we can! Very smart. Also, let's all foot the bill so that the basketball team can play in a new facility when there really isn't anything wrong structurally with the Devaney Center. If the University wants it, let them pay for it instead of spending their money to build new buildings on the fairgrounds and a sports hall of fame. "

 Dano wrote on April 29, 2008 2:45 pm:
" Will they have controls on the windows into the arena. It is a hotel, the last thing I want to see at any event is someone there for other reasons, open there window shades, and be less than modestly dressed. I can already see the indecent exposure headline now.

Not really for the location as I hate going downtown for anything. But the road designs and parking concerns definitely have to be addressed before it gets my vote. Plan is different from the last open house they had.

Please be more public with the financing details. I want to know exactly what impact it does have, since I will use is infrequently and I am 32. I support it because it grows and expands Lincoln, but I won't support it if it can't be fiscally responsible.

Also, where are the green features such as solar panels, or a green roof. And what are you planning to do for traffic and police use durng major events?
"

 Steve wrote on April 29, 2008 2:52 pm:
" I'm would really appreciate the mayor giving out the expected traffic diagrams prior to the vote. The infrastructure needs to be in place long before the arena. We've learned that lesson countless times here in the city of Lincoln. Let's look forward enough to have 4 lanes of traffic with the appropriate turn lanes in and out of the arena before we even break ground. And please don't make it a single entry point into the stadium like you did at Haymarket Park. "

 GrfulDude wrote on April 29, 2008 2:55 pm:
" Ever since the developers managed to convince the University to split the cost for Haymarket Park & Fortenberry managed to get the feds to pay for the footbridge it's been one earmark propsal after another in this town. Whether it's the city, the county, the state or the feds helping to pay for these projects it's still OUR money being spent to finance these boondoggles. If private developers think it's such a great idea to build an arena in Lincoln, why don't these use THEIR money to pay for it?
"

 Hello wrote on April 29, 2008 3:18 pm:
" Lewis Caroll's Cheshire Cat eloquently stated: "If you don't know where you're going, it doesn't matter which way you go." Indeed!!

Lincoln Traction knows where they are going, how to get there, and why.

Lincoln can stick it's head in the sand and stay stuck. Or they can choose to get on the map.

Now fire up and go get em Lincoln Traction!!!! "

 James wrote on April 29, 2008 3:50 pm:
" Dear God, let's look at all that we have on our economic plate: We have to pay for the Antelope Valley Project, we have to pay for our share of the new county jail and for moving the fair, we're getting a new downtown area park, we have skyrocketing LPS budgets and new schools on the drawing board and now we have the staggering costs of a new arena. We cannot afford more police or fire department staff and we can't afford the upkeep on our existing parks. Top all this off with a city sales tax shortfall and a University that is short on funds and people still wonder why some of Lincoln's taxpayers are worried about the costs associated with any new projects. (In the middle of a floodplain, no less!) All of these are well-intentioned projects, but we cannot afford EVERYTHING! Please let there be some sanity left in Lincoln and let the mayor know how you feel about the higher taxes that will absolutely result from this mad spending spree! Thanks for reading. "

 John P. wrote on April 29, 2008 4:03 pm:
" Just what we need in this tanking economy. lAre you kidding me? Can you say WHITE ELEPHANT? Please explain to me why we need this boondoggle when the only real tenant of the Devaney (NU hoops) can't even come close to selling out? I guess I am in favor of something a little more modern, but this arena should only be in the 13-15k seating range. Lincoln will never pull anything away from Omaha. Major concerts won't play both cities, I promise you that. Does anyone actually think U2, Aerosmith, The Stones, or Paul McCartney will choose Lincoln over Omaha? Get serious. The NCAA's you say? The arena won't be big enough and since Omaha has a first-class meal ticket with the NCAA, they will be a regular host.

Another example is Des Moines. They have a new 16,000-seat arena and it's not doing well at all and they're a MUCH larger city and don't have any competition for 130 miles. "

 Matt wrote on April 29, 2008 5:09 pm:
" YEAH!!! Go ahead and build it Lincoln!!! I'm a junior Computor Science major at UNL and will be far from this state before I have to pay a dime for this barn! I think I'll head to Vegas... homes are cheap now with all the foreclosures, there's no state income tax and all the entertainment/arenas/racetracks, etc that I want all paid for by private developers!

Enjoy your raised taxes! Get a clue and leave town while you still can! "

 Frequently traveler wrote on April 29, 2008 5:36 pm:
" Thank you for not selecting Hammond. I travel extensively and have stayed in several of Hammond's properties, including the one here in Lincoln. They are overpriced, many need cleaned up and worked on and the staff is not the friendliest. When making reservations now I always check to see who owns the property before confirming. "

 GW wrote on April 29, 2008 6:24 pm:
" The traffic situation will be better. You know the road that goes north of the stadium now? That gets extended southwest around and behind all of these buildings on the west side of them. At least a 4-lane (maybe 6-lane) divided street that in effect bypasses downtown and Haymarket on the west and connects up with that road that goes to the Antelope Valley Parkway. "

 flood plain wrote on April 29, 2008 6:28 pm:
" FLOOD PLAIN!!!! Does no one remember Hurricane Katrina and the damage it caused because the land was below the water line?? The arena is an ok idea, but please don't put it there!! And I would like some explaining as to why we went with the option that is going to cost the taxpayers more? Don't we have enough to pay for as it is? Not to mention the price of gas... "

 D wrote on April 29, 2008 6:39 pm:
" Having served on a past urban development and historic preservation task force in Lincoln, this is hardly the spirit of the comprehensive plan. Proliferation of mediocrity in architecture neither facilitates creation of a unique business district nor challenges the vistas for architecture. The model presented in this article falls short of an enduring challenge many committee's of the past have stood behind. The mayor can and must do better. The Haymarket has limitations and relatively little that needs to be copied, yhe city has other models and periods it could better draw from if innovation is not the first choice. "

 build wrote on April 29, 2008 7:46 pm:
" I don't care for the looks, but PLEASE build it. Forget my thoughts on how it looks, just PLEASE build it. Yes, I know the vote is one year away, but I'm voting early, in fact I'm voting today, "YES." "

 another x wrote on April 29, 2008 7:47 pm:
" who was tired of the city planning and building without the vote of the taxpayers. I wrote way long ago that Hammon would be the best choice if the fools approved this thing. Everyone at that time said "we want it to go to our local boys" Well its going to them and everyone is complaining. For chicago, maybe you should move back to lincoln and run for mayor . You know thats the stepping stone to governor and senator. The mayors all spend like professonal politicians. This thing is a horror to see and will be a worse horror to the taxpayers when they get the bills for years and years. Glad to be gone. "

 Do your homework wrote on April 29, 2008 9:16 pm:
" My fellow taxpayers. Do your homework before you comment. 1. The selection team was selecting a firm based on their experience. They have designed award winning buildings. They designed the John Paul Jones arena on the Virginia campus. The designed the Conseco Fieldhouse home of the Indiana Pacers. The image in the paper is that award winning design and is just an example and not the final design. 2. Now that the location and design firm have been selected, the next phase of identifying the projects costs and possible revenue sources will be put together. 3. It is very and I repeat very possible that no bond issue will be needed for this project. A combination of lodging and entertainment taxes, private funds, advertising and naming rights may be enough to fully fund the project. 4. The flood plain issue can be mitigated. 5. Arenas need to be close to downtown to leverage the other entertainment options to be successful. 6. Omaha has a first class arena, but they don't have 25,000 college students eager for entertainment options that will drawn any act wanting to sell out 15,000 seats. 7. Relax and let the process play out. If they don't do their homework, I will be the first to vote no on the project. "

 basketball practice facility wrote on April 29, 2008 9:28 pm:
" So where is men's basketball practice facility that NU so despereately needs? "

 Tony wrote on April 29, 2008 9:53 pm: