If the city decides to build a new arena west of the Haymarket — along with a bunch of other stuff — what guiding design principles should it abide by?
DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 7:00 pm
If the city decides to build a new arena west of the Haymarket — along with a bunch of other stuff — what guiding design principles should it abide by?
That’s what the public is invited to help determine during a community open house today.
The city has hired Sinclair Hille Architects to come up with design goals for the arena environs, and they’re seeking Lincolnites’ help.
Which undoubtedly raises some questions, such as:
Why is the city hiring an architect to do all this when voters haven’t even approved a new arena yet?
The city is spending $1.2 million of its own money — and has been promised $1.65 million in 2015 Vision money — to conduct studies of the area so officials have accurate data and a vision for the project to help voters decide whether to proceed. They intend to do 15 percent to 30 percent of the design and engineering work.
What’s the point of this open house?
Rather than come up with plans for what the arena and surrounding area would look like and then asking the community what it thinks, the city wants the community to be a part of the decision-making.
So what is it I’d be doing if I go to this open house?
You will see lots of examples of design concepts the city could incorporate into this project. Sinclair Hille, the city’s consultant, has come up with proposed design “values” that you are invited to comment on.
What kind of feedback do they want?
They want your input on how the whole 400-acre area should develop. For example, how big should the buildings be? Should on-street parking be allowed? What kind of building materials should be used? Should the arena and convention hotel mimic other Haymarket buildings? Should the project have creature comforts such as radiant heat under canopies and heated sidewalks? How should they screen the wind?
What’s the city’s inclination so far?
So far, city officials have indicated they don’t want to try to reproduce the Haymarket, but respect what the Haymarket is and allow the arena area to have its own identity. The two should be stitched together, in the words of city officials.
How much is the city paying Sinclair Hille to come up with design principles?
$225,000.
What will happen once the design principles are determined?
They will be vetted by an Urban Design Committee and Historic Preservation Committee and taken back to the West Haymarket Action Team, a private-public arena committee, likely in May.
When and where is this open house?
Today from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ridnour Room, 809 P St., in the Haymarket.
Where can I get more information or offer input online?
Go to the city Web site at lincoln.ne.gov and type in the search bar “whatdesign.” Comments are being solicited there.
Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.