Posted: Monday, February 20, 2006 6:00 pm
Mayor Coleen Seng deserves a high-five for suggesting a high-rise. Her decision to seek proposals for a new high-rise building in downtown Lincoln opens the door to new possibilities.
The move brings a ray of optimism after the city council’s discouraging strangulation of the recent effort to convert the former downtown power plant to loft-style housing.
Maybe the mayor’s efforts will elicit a proposal for an exciting, stylish high-rise condominium project that would bring new life to downtown.
Downtown condos have been booming in metropolitan areas for more than a decade.
Empty nesters, young professionals and other buyers often find downtown condos in tune with their lifestyle. Downtown condos are close to attractions such as the Lied Center and the Haymarket District. Condo living also makes it easier to leave home for travel.
Forty years ago, few wanted to live in downtowns. The urban environment was in decline. The living spaces usually were shabby. Then a few investors starting turning problem areas into an opportunity. Now it’s become fashionable to live in urban environments.
Other development possibilities for the high-rise building include office space or a hotel, or combination of uses.
Not surprisingly, John Q. Hammons, who last year made an unsuccessful attempt to build an extended-stay hotel in Lincoln, expressed interest in the new location.
The Seng administration created the opportunity in a creative fashion that requires neither tax increment financing nor use of the city’s power of eminent domain.
Essentially the city plans to build a parking garage on a portion of the block now occupied by the Star Ship 9 theater. The city will pay the Douglas Theater Co. $2.1 million for the Star Ship 9, and $1.1 million for the Douglas 3 theater, using parking revenue rather than tax funds.
An added plus of the deal is that it clears the way for development of the civic plaza at the northeast corner of 13th and P streets. Envisioned as a new focal point in the downtown master plan, the plaza would have decorative bricks and greenery to make it an attractive spot for special events or just to enjoy an hour or two with a friend. Designed without curbs, the plaza could be expanded for outdoor concerts and other events by closing 13th Street.
One of the best things about Seng’s plan is that it generates momentum and fires the imagination.
It’s entirely possible, as pessimists no doubt will point out, that the proposed high rise could end up being nothing but a humble parking garage.
But by conceiving new opportunities and welcoming creative ideas, Seng is providing the sort of leadership that too often seems in short supply. The proposal deserves City Council approval and community support.