Brainstorming Session Emerging Themes

The Place Game Teams’ recommendations and suggestions included:

• Create connections between the Old Market, the Quest Center Omaha, Holland Performing Arts Center and surrounding businesses. Begin a city-wide image campaign to make this area a destination.
  
• Make the Gene Leahy Mall a connector rather than the barrier to pedestrian movement from the Old Market that it is now.
  
• Create excitement in the area with diverse activities by building parks, fitness trails and areas of activity for festivals and a sports complex.
  
• Make the area more walkable and attractive with a focus on the pedestrian by narrowing the streets, making it easier to cross major thoroughfares, and creating pedestrian-oriented activities that feel safe. Make the walk as interesting and important as the destination.
  
• Link the Quest Center Omaha to the Riverfront. Create a sense of “arrival” at the Riverfront. Give the district an identity by naming it the “River District.”
  
• Emphasize the area as an entrance to Omaha, with a focus on the Dodge Street off ramp of the interstate. Keep the “front door” clean and well maintained.