iamjacobm wrote: Thu Jul 17, 2025 5:00 pm
Still years out, but looks like Omaha is on the short list for a new VA hospital. Not much detail below, but it does estimate the cost at just under $1.6 billion so a pretty substantial investment.
Very interesting.... Specifically says new patient tower, with minor other improvements around the campus - extra deck on a parking structure, electrical upgrades on the campus. The "other campus improvements" makes me think they're staying at the current VA campus, when they'd previously been contemplating partnering with UNMC and Project Health being an integrated VA/Nebraska Med campus, if I remember correctly.
Is the document saying that this would be completed by 2029 or start in 2029?
Also, the current campus doesn't have a ton of open space to build a new hospital as they keep the old one open during construction. Seems like they would need to go more vertical than the current tower, which is 12 stories, to fit the space and still connect to the newer building.
OmahaFan wrote: Tue Jul 22, 2025 11:33 pm
Just tear down that hideous looking hospital and build a 200 bed VA Hospital.
Right - I've been inside that place once, and hoped I would never have to return.
I'm not a vet, but certainly appreciate everything they do for our country. It's a very sad state of affairs how they're treated, especially in regards to healthcare.
There's more space than you think. Parking would be a nightmare during but after the old building is torn down there would be a large centralized space for a garage or Greenspace.
Brad wrote: Thu Oct 16, 2025 6:32 pm
What’s with the substantial amount of steel going up on the south side of the current VA Hospital? Seems like a decent sized addition?
Brad wrote: Thu Oct 16, 2025 6:32 pm
What’s with the substantial amount of steel going up on the south side of the current VA Hospital? Seems like a decent sized addition?
Brad wrote: Thu Oct 16, 2025 6:32 pm
What’s with the substantial amount of steel going up on the south side of the current VA Hospital? Seems like a decent sized addition?
No, that's north of the VA, not even attached to it.
This spot here. Its going to be several floors tall. I think the steel is currently up to the second or third floor but you can tell its going taller.
Screenshot 2025-10-17 083848.jpg
They have been utilizing this space for years to house semi trailer HVAC systems to mitigate issues with the existing systems. Those temporary onsite mobile systems are very expensive and charge based on time on sight, whether they are being used or not. Wondering if this new addition is a long-term solution. I could be way off and that they are adding additional clinic space, but the question of keeping an aging facility up-to-date and competitive remains.
Brad wrote: Thu Oct 16, 2025 6:32 pm
What’s with the substantial amount of steel going up on the south side of the current VA Hospital? Seems like a decent sized addition?
Here is a photo of the addition. Apparently its topped out at 6 stories.
1.
20251026881A6657.jpg
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Seems very strange they would put an addition on a building this old if they were seriously considering a replacement for the entire VA facility. Hope I’m wrong but???
Huskerbum wrote: Sun Oct 26, 2025 9:42 pm
Seems very strange they would put an addition on a building this old if they were seriously considering a replacement for the entire VA facility. Hope I’m wrong but???
IMO, appears to be exactly what they're doing. Gotta love govt spending!
Also, what's with the caged area on the roof? Looks like a prison facility basketball court.
It’s an air handling tower for AC improvements. And yes, the caged area is an old outdoor exercise facility. It’s now locked and unused, having been sealed off many years ago.
