December 11, 2007

Riverfront development continues on both sides of the river

lthough winter has settled in on the heartland, signs of construction still linger near the riverfront.

Progress is being made on the Missouri River Pedestrian Bridge, scheduled to be completed

	Pedestrian bridge tower is in place on the Nebraska side of the river

around November 2008. As seen in these pictures taken a few weeks ago before the area was blanketed in snow and ice, the two towers that will support the bridge as it crosses over the river are now in place. Work will continue on the bridge completion throughout the winter (weather permitting).

Construction will also begin soon on the 2nd tower of Riverfront Place. The area is currently being prepared to build the 15-story tower which will house 53 units, including a $2 million penthouse. At least 20 of those units are already reserved.

	Riverfront Place tower 1 and townhouses sit in the background as construction begins on tower 2

The 2nd tower will sit closer to the river and be just feet from a walkway leading to the pedestrian bridge. The biggest difference between this tower and the first one built during phase one of the project is it will include an owners' lounge and fitness center on the roof.

All condos will feature hardwood floors and higher ceilings. Prices range from the low $200,000s for a 929 sq. ft. unit to $1.4 million for 3,900 sq. ft.. The 6,900 sq. ft. penthouse goes for about $2 million.

A 4,000 to 5,000 sq. ft. restaurant that will sit just east of the 2nd tower is also being planned for phase two. A tenant for the restaurant will be sought once construction on the tower begins.

Plans are also being made for a phase three that will include a multi-use building across from the existing town houses which were part of phase one. The approximate 10,000 sq. ft., three-story building would include space for offices, residential and retail possibilities.

	Park will be developed on the Iowa side of the pedestrian bridge

For anyone who may be interested, the Riverfront Place has a sales office at 523 Riverfront Plaza and is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

On the Iowa side of the river, Council Bluffs City Council gave final approval this week to a development plan for the former Playland Park.

HDR Engineering of Omaha has been working on a plan to develop a regional park and riverfront drive on land west of the levee. About 93 acres will connect directly to the pedestrian bridge in Iowa. It will include a 3-acre green space for formal gardens, open space and a spot for public art.

Plans call for the pedestrian bridge to link the regional trail system on both sides of the river.