Pershing Center Communnity Discussion (October 29, 2008)
Whenever there is a discussion of the potential new West Haymarket Arena, inevitably the one of the questions is, “What will happen to Pershing?” On October 29th, the Pershing Adaptive Reuse Study Committee took another step toward answering that question. An open house was held that featured the following:
- Pershing tours conducted by Pershing staff
- A power point / discussion lead by architects BVH and The Clark Enersen Partners mechanical and electrical engineer staff. The conclusion of the engineers and architects was that the basic building structure is essentially sound but the mechanical systems are in serious need of replacement.
- A presentation of several UNL architecture student adaptive reuse ideas for Pershing. A contest was held and the Mayor presented checks to the top three designs.
- A large brainstorming session / idea sharing / concept discussion between attending patrons and the PARS architects was held on the stage. Most all patrons participated and had very positive comments about the process and discussion.
- A station that highlighted the history of Pershing, including information on the mosaic.
- Local historian Ed Zimmer spoke to small groups about the history of Pershing Auditorium.
- Finally there was a large area devoted to the latest conceptual drawings of the West Haymarket arena project. UNL AD Tom Osborne was at this station to talk positively about the new arena concept.
It was a great time to be able to spend some good one on one time with the members of the community, show them the graphics and answer their questions.
Ideas for the future of Pershing, presented at the October 29 Community Discussion:
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Arts |
Education |
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Recreation |
Housing/Hospitality |
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Business |
Entertainment |
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Public Service |
September 3, 2008 Meeting Recap
Thank you, Lincoln, for your input regarding the site design of the proposed West Haymarket. Nearly 450 citizens joined us on September 3rd to discuss the layout for the site that will hopefully become the new home of Lincoln’s world-class arena. Plans for the site are coming together and reflect the input we received from the public so far, including:
- Creating "super-blocks" between 6th Street and Arena Drive (also known as the Backbone Road) to allow for expanded private development opportunities around the parking garage structures planned to the south of the arena, along with the construction of multiple parking garages
- Moving 6th Street (Canopy Street) toward the east to better embrace the existing Haymarket
- Increasing connectivity between the West Haymarket and the existing Haymarket and Downtown Lincoln. Instead of creating a "pedestrian-only" area at all times, some access between Arena Drive and the existing Haymarket will be maintained on R and Q Streets.
- Affirming Breslow Ice Center Site as portrayed in the Blue and Yellow site designs just to the North and West of 6th & O Streets with commercial development flanking the building
- Orienting the festival/community space to the southeast of the arena
- Back away from the concept of an integrated arena and hotel. Although the original Lincoln Traction Partners proposal included plans to attach the hotel to the arena, the current thinking is that the hotel will be built separate from the arena, but as close as across the street or within one or two blocks on 6th Street.
If you were unable to attend the event on September 3, please review the site plan designs (below) and send us your comments.
This project can be part of Your Lincoln.
Engage.
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RED - pdf file | WHITE - pdf file |
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BLUE - pdf file | YELLOW - pdf file |
Radio spot featuring Tom Osborne and Chris Beutler:
January-February:
Final Finance and Design Plan Discussions
