CRAVE Coming to Midtown Crossing

February 12th, 2010

One of the hottest restaurants in Minneapolis is coming to Midtown Crossing at Turner Park — bringing a great menu that includes a full sushi bar, great Angus beef, wood-fired pizzas, pastas and salads.

The restaurant is CRAVE, and it will open at Midtown Crossing in about six months.

Check them out: http://www.craveamerica.com/

Other restaurants and retailers already slated to open at Midtown Crossing at Turner Park in 2010 include Cantina Laredo, Delice European Bakery and Cafe, Ingredient, Loft 610, Parliament Pub, Tru Salon and Spa and Wohlner’s Market and Deli. An upscale 132-room Element by Westin all-suite, extended stay hotel will open later this fall.

Already open are anchor tenants Prairie Life Fitness Center and Marcus Midtown Cinema along with Fashion Cleaners.

Activity Heating Up at Midtown Crossing

February 11th, 2010

It’s still cold outside, but things are definitely heating up at Midtown Crossing at Turner Park.  With about 70 percent of apartments and retail space leased and strong momentum on condo sales, we’re looking forward to a busy spring!

But don’t just take our word for it.  Here’s some recent news coverage:

KETV did this report: http://www.ketv.com/money/22528575/detail.html

Here’s the Omaha World-Herald’s story: http://www.omaha.com/article/20100211/MONEY/100219953

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements!

Go for the Green

February 5th, 2010

With all this snow on the ground, the prospect of a lush green golf course sounds pretty good right about now.

Mutual of Omaha Bank’s Midtown Crossing location can help. They have a contest starting Saturday and the grand prize is a trip for two to The Master’s golf tournament in sunny Augusta, Ga.

All you have to do is stop by the bank at Midtown Crossing, 3333 Farnam St. (or any other Mutual of Omaha Bank location) and register to win. The contest starts Saturday and runs through Friday, Feb. 12.

No purchase is necessary to register for the Go for the Green contest. But you might want to check out some of the special offers they have that go along with the contest.

Here’s a link for more information on the contest: http://www.mutualofomahabank.com/masters

Have a great weekend!

Get Up, Get Out – What’s Happening at Midtown Crossing

February 3rd, 2010

While Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow indicating six more weeks of winter, those of us at Midtown Crossing are vowing to not let the glum of more winter get the best of us. We’re forging ahead – thinking about spring and excited about new businesses that will open soon.

 If you have cabin fever and are looking to get out of the house, consider one of the events or activities at Midtown Crossing. Here’s what is in store for this weekend and beyond:

 Running and Cycling Clubs at Prairie Life

 Midtown Crossing’s Prairie Life is introducing running and cycling clubs to help connect people with similar interests. The clubs are:

  •  PLF Running Club – Designed for any age or ability, membership includes participation in weekly runs, speakers that help you have fun and learn the health advantages of running, schedules to help you meet your goals, treading classes, local running routes and rewards and incentives to keep you motivated.
  • Flywheel – This cycling club helps you log daily/weekly mileage, provides incentives for reaching key milestones and shares tips and motivational messages through weekly e-mails and monthly speakers. There are also opportunities to participate in fund-raising rides and “Recovery” Rides/networking on Friday nights at GLO Lounge.

 For more information, contact Prairie Life Fitness.

 Frosty Flicks at Marcus Theatres

 Starting this Saturday, Marcus Theatres will begin its Frosty Flicks kids winter film series. For only $3 a person (popcorn included), you can watch a family-friendly film on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. This week’s film is Ice Age: Dawn of Dinosaurs. Frosty Flicks runs through March 20.  Visit Marcus Theatres’ site for more information on upcoming films.

Hmm, This Weekend in Midtown

January 28th, 2010

Even though Midtown Omaha is packed into about 4 square miles, there’s always something fun and interesting to do. No matter your age, style or preferences, you’re bound to find something that’s right up your alley.  Here’s a little preview of what’s going on this weekend.

 Friday, January 29th

Cathedral Flower Festival

St. Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N. 40th St.

7pm – 9pm, Candlelight Viewing and Patron Party

Floral designers will be showcasing spectacular floral displays

 

The Envy Corps with Betsy Wells and Lonely Estates

The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St., 884-5353

9pm

 

From Shelterbelt with Love

Shelterbelt Theater, 3225 California St., 341-2757

8pm    

9 original short plays dealing with the trials of love and relationships.

 

UNO Heartland Festival Middle School Honor Choir

Strauss Performing Arts Center, 6001 Dodge St., 554-3608

3pm

Concert featuring middle school students from area schools who were accepted to the honor choir.

 

 

Saturday, January 30th

Cathedral Flower Festival

St. Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N. 40th St.

10am – 4pm, 7pm – 9pm

Floral designers will be showcasing spectacular floral displays

 

Her Flyaway Manner with Perry H. Matthews, This Life Is A Scarecrow & Bazooka Shootout

The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St., 884-5353

9pm

 

From Shelterbelt with Love

Shelterbelt Theater, 3225 California St., 341-2757

8pm    

9 original short plays dealing with the trials of love and relationships.

 

Mario Party 8 Tournament

Sorensen Public Library, Teen Area, 4808 Cass St., 444-5274

2pm – 4pm

Compete in their Mario 8 Tournament on the Wii to win prizes.

 

Sunday, January 31st

Cathedral Flower Festival

St. Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N. 40th St.

1pm – 4pm, Candlelight Viewing and Patron Party

Floral designers will be showcasing spectacular floral displays

 

Open Forum: A National Issues Forum

First Central Congregational United Church of Christ, 421 S. 36th St.

9:10am

Join John Schalles, Professor of Biology at Creighton University and Kent Kirwan, Professor Emeritus, Political Science, UNO, as they explore the U.S. energy problem.

 

Movie Night: The Greatest Show On Earth

The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St., 884-5353

8pm

 

Crescendo Concert Series: Harlem String Quartet

Dundee Presbyterian Church, 5312 Underwood Ave., 558-2330

7pm

Started in September 2000, this annual concert series was created to celebrate Dundee Presbyterian’s 100th anniversary with the community.

Frosty Weather. Frosty Cocktails.

January 27th, 2010

With this chilly weather we’ve been having lately, it’s easy to just stay at home, bundled up in front of the television.  That may sound nice, but you’d be missing out on some of the best drink specials in town.  Glo lounge is serving up sensational cocktails and a great beer selection every day of the week.  Here’s a peek at their drink specials:

Martini Mondays!  Half off specialty martinis.  6pm – 10pm

Tuesday: U-CALL-IT!  $3 u-call-it rail mixers, $2.50 domestic bottles.  6pm – 10pm

Vino Wednesdays!  $4 select glasses of wine, half off select bottles of wine.  6pm – 10pm

Thursday: Ladies Night!  $4 cosmos & select martinis, $2 domestic draws.  8pm – close

Sunday: S.I.N./College Night!  $2.50 domestic draws, $4 infusion bombs, $5 specialty cocktails & martinis (Valid college ID or proof in industry required).  8pm – close

Care for a bite?  You can order from the full CineDine menu when you’re at Glo.  I’m partial to the whipped feta dip and any of the pizzas.

Did You Know? Interesting Facts About Midtown

January 26th, 2010

While Midtown Crossing is bringing something new to the area, it’s important not to forget some of the interesting history our lovely area holds.  From a WWII “bombing” and the invention of one of the most beloved sandwiches around, Midtown Omaha definitely has a story to tell.

St. Cecilia Cathedral, located just south of Cumming on 40th St., is the 9th largest cathedral in the United States.

photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org

 
It’s been suggested that the Reuben sandwich was invented at the Blackstone Hotel.  Legend says that a local grocer, Reuben Kulakofsky, prepared the sandwich for a group of men playing poker at the hotel one night.  The sandwich was an instant success after that.
photo courtesy of manhatdeli.com

photo courtesy of manhatdeli.com

The Masonic Manor, located at 801 S. 52nd St. was (for 6 years) the tallest building in Omaha, that is until the Woodmen Tower was completed in 1969.
photo courtesy of masonicmanor.com

photo courtesy of masonicmanor.com

In April 1945, a Japanese fire balloon exploded over the Dundee neighborhood.  It was a failed attempt by the Japanese military to create mass chaos in American cities.

photo courtesy of historicomaha.com

photo courtesy of historicomaha.com

What other interesting facts are out there?  Do you know of any?

 

Early Review – Loft 610

January 22nd, 2010

With their opening just around the corner, Loft 610 will most likely become a “go to” spot at Midtown Crossing.  And with a menu that makes my mouth water by just reading it (Blue cheese crusted prime ribeye steak?  Yes please!) it’s nice to know that their flagship restaurant in Texas is setting the bar high with delicious eats and dazzling recipes.  Want more?  OpenTable.com listed Loft 610 as one of the top 50 restaurants in the country offering a Vibrant Bar Scene, plus a stellar review from ‘Texas Monthly’ never hurts either.  Read read the review here.

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Decorating for a Small Space

January 20th, 2010

For some, moving into a condo or apartment might be part of a bigger decision to downsize.  Going from, say 3000 square feet down to 1200 square feet may seem like you’re losing a lot of space, but it doesn’t have to seem that way.  Now, I’ve never claimed to be a professional designer, but as someone who has rented for the better part of her life, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make your new condo or apartment home seem bigger than it actually is.

· Don’t use large, over-sized furniture.  Instead, try to incorporate medium-sized sofas and dining room tables.  An armless sofa if your style leans more toward a modern flair or consider dining room tables that have drop leafs.  You can keep it against the wall with the leafs down and pull it out if you have company over to create more seating.

· Everyone knows that light color on the walls will always give the illusion of more space.  Try to pick out paint colors that aren’t too bold because the darker the color, the more enclosed the space will feel.  But if lots of color is what you’re craving, consider colorful throw pillows or a large mirror with a bright frame.

· Look for pieces that can double up on functionality.  An accent table with drawers will provide instant storage or an ottoman with a hollow center for storing movies, magazines or board games.  This is a sure way to keep clutter to a minimum.

· Try not to over-accessorize.  The more knickknacks and doo-dads you add to a shelf or the more wall art you try to squeeze onto every open space will make it all seem over-crowded and cluttered.  Look for interesting pieces that speak to your style but at the same time also keep your home looking spacious and inviting.

LEED Certified, Explained

January 18th, 2010

A few days ago we received a question on our Facebook page about being LEED Certified.  He mentioned that our apartments feature vents below the windows to prevent heat loss during the winter, but he was interested in what other features make Midtown Crossing LEED Certified.  So, this got us thinking about all of the ways Midtown Crossing is working toward being a “green” community and helping set the standard for future neighborhood developments in Omaha.

For starters, being LEED certified means a lot of different things.  For Midtown Crossing, specifically, that means protecting and enhancing the overall health, the natural environment and quality of life within the community.  It also includes best practices in smart location and transportation linking, environmental preservation, compact and complete neighborhoods and high-performing green construction.  A great example is the Westin Element Hotel which opens later this year.  They have recycled 100% of its construction waste to date – that’s over 200 tons that have been diverted from landfills!  But it’s also important to take note of all the other ways Midtown Crossing is making a difference, like:

  •  Creating a walkable, sustainable neighborhood
  • Revitalizing more than 7 acres of green space
  • The introduction of 574 new trees and over 38,000 shrubs and flowers
  • A shuttle that connects Midtown Crossing, downtown Omaha, the Old Market, Ameritrade Park and the Qwest Center (when there are events)
  • Condos and apartments featuring double-paned windows & thermal gas
  • Windows in each home vacuum seal when you close them, creating an air-tight seal
  • Energy efficient appliances in all condos and apartment homes
  • Recycling on site for condo and apartment residents

These are only a few ways we’re raising the bar for neighborhood development in Omaha.  What are some of the things you’re doing to contribute to your environment?  Do you use public transportation or maybe even bike to work?  Or is it the small things like programming your thermostat at home, or just tossing a can in the recycle bin at work?  It may seem small, but over time it can make a huge difference.