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Fresh off the Omaha City Council's rejection of a CVS pharmacy in Dundee, another development proposal is emerging across the street and offering a stark contrast to the chain drugstore's maligned plans.
A team of local businesses and developers wants to renovate the former Reniers Pianos building on the northwest corner of 49th and Dodge Streets and return the property to a shade of its historic past.
On the intersection's northeast corner, Rhode Island-based CVS wanted to tear down existing businesses and homes to build a new store that neighbors criticized as not fitting with Dundee's character.
The plans for the so-called “Piano Building,” drafted by Omaha's Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, call for taking down the painted plywood that covers the outside and returning to a brick, Tudor-style exterior. Storefronts with window awnings would operate at street level.
Five businesses have signed onto the project, including a new Varsity Sports Cafe & Roman Coin Pizza. Other businesses include offices for Prudential Real Estate, DRI Title and chiropractor John Bartholet.
Matt Dougherty, the lead developer and a State Farm Insurance agent in Dundee, said he wants to renovate the property so that it has a lasting, positive effect on the neighborhood.
“Twenty to 30 years from now, you want to be able to look at this and say it definitely represents the neighborhood well,” said Dougherty, who also plans to relocate his insurance agency to the building.
At least one CVS opponent is getting behind Dougherty's plans.
Dundee homeowner Jenny Allgood said the proposal was “fantastic” and fits with the character of Dundee's development.
“He's preserving our history and expanding it with local businesses that are invested in the community,” she said.
Councilman Chris Jerram, who represents the area and voted against CVS on Tuesday, said he was encouraged by what he's heard about the proposal and was looking forward to seeing the full plans. Jerram said he was not opposed to all new development in the area, and if a proposal is compatible with the neighborhood, “that's where we want to support them.”
Wednesday, the proposal took its first step toward city approval when the Omaha Planning Board voted 6-0 to endorse a redevelopment plan for the site. The plan would allow the $3 million project to qualify for $397,000 in property tax incentives.
“We feel like this is a great project,” said Bridget Hadley, who works with tax-increment finance projects for the City Planning Department.
Dougherty and other partners bought the property in 2008 from Fred Reiner, who then operated on a lease until he closed his family piano business in December.
Dougherty credits architect Perry Poyner with sparking his interest in the property when he showed how the building looked historically as Dundee Manor Hotel.
Said Christina Jansen, the project's designer: “It's in great shape. It was built to last.”
In addition to gaining city zoning approval and tax-increment financing, project organizers also hope to get $375,000 in historic tax credits. The project already has financing commitments from two banks, Dougherty said.
He said that the building has one space yet to lease and that he is in discussions with three possible tenants.
If all goes according to plan, the businesses could open in late 2011.
Dougherty said that he hopes neighbors will get behind his plans and that his project sparks more redevelopment in the area.
“It'd be nice to have more people doing projects.”
Contact the writer:
444-1128, jeff.robb@owh.com
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