Over the last year, Lincoln residents have seen a number of artistic renderings portraying the tentative design of the Pinnacle Bank Arena. To be expected, reactions to the design have been strong. Some citizens feel the arena represents a huge step into the future for Lincoln and believe the design’s modern look represent this futuristic outlook. Others, however, question the design’s ‘place’ within the Haymarket district, and point out that the building should pay more homage to the Haymarket’s historical significance. Both opinions are valid and merit consideration during the final design process. To help make this happen, the city is utilizing the services of its design review boards—the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and the Urban Design Committee (UDC)—assisted by Historic Preservation Planner, Ed Zimmer.
As the city’s Historic Preservation Planner, Zimmer, along with members of the Historic Preservation Commission, are responsible for working with, and maintaining, the historic buildings, areas, neighborhoods and districts across the city of Lincoln. Zimmer frequently works with owners and groups wishing to designate their buildings and neighborhoods as historical landmarks and districts. In the case of the West Haymarket Redevelopment Project, Zimmer is acting as an advisor, responsible for representing the Haymarket’s historical significance and legacy and for staffing the two citizen design review groups. Each group consists of seven members, each serving three-year terms. The HPC is responsible for overseeing the city’s designated historic districts, while the UDC is responsible for monitoring public and private projects that could have an impact on the city’s urban design community. Given this project’s size and proximity to the historic Haymarket district, it has ‘intertwined’ these two groups, thus necessitating their teamwork.
Zimmer detailed some thoughts and insights into what he and the groups have experienced thus far over the course of the project. He stated that each member of the two groups has taken their position seriously and that all members involved have been dedicated to ensuring their comments, thoughts and opinions reflect that of the public. “The arena, and rest of the West Haymarket redevelopment, must be complimentary to the historic district but good design of its time—not pretending that it was built with rest of the Haymarket…Ultimately, the buildings should look like we (as a city) knew what we were building and where we built it—sensible, well-designed, and complimentary. It’s a real challenge—one that I think the designers understand. But, they have to meet it—and that’s where these citizen boards come in. Their reviews and advice will help make sure the public’s goals are met.”
In speaking of the design process, Zimmer said he is excited for an upcoming HPC/UDC open house. The open house, scheduled for April 21st, is where the design team will be presenting to the public an updated, more-developed version of the arena design. Zimmer said he feels the open house will be very helpful. “Giving the public the opportunity to see the designs and to provide their own input will be really beneficial—not only for those citizens looking to be involved in the process, but also for the designers as it will give them fresh, new perspectives.”
If you have any questions regarding the Historic Preservation Program, the Urban Design Committee or the City of Lincoln – Lancaster County Planning Department, please email us at info@haymarketnow.com or contact Ed Zimmer directly at ezimmer@lincoln.ne.gov.
- HaymarketNOW!
