Omni Centre (formerly Urban Renewal, Midlands Mall)
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Address
300 West Broadway #1, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503
Year Completed
1975
Building Type
Architect:
Firm/Partnership
Project Description
In an article on the Midlands Mall noted the structure as: “Opting for concrete and concrete block in structure and major walls – for code and economic reasons – the architects used exposed waffle slabs for most ceilings, with visual relief by high space frames and clerestoried, skylighted areas for circulation nodes/lounging areas. In some locations, ‘dropped’ ceiling planes (open wood frames) occur below the waffle slabs. Detailing of these recalls the painstaking care characteristic of Astle’s residences…”1 and, “It seems clear that the mall complex embodies the urban but humane aspects Astle intended. It was to be a success in business terms, but his overriding aspiration was to create a space for people. ‘The emphasis is on life within the shell, not on the shelf itself,’ Astle said.”2
In another article, it stated: “The mall has not only turned blight to beauty, but in many ways has given a much-needed economic boost to Council Bluffs. It has stimulated further redevelopment and renovation of the downtown area, and has also brought a surge of confidence to Council Bluffs’ citizens long accustomed to living in the shadow of prosperous, bustling, larger Omaha across the river.”3
In another article, it stated: “The mall has not only turned blight to beauty, but in many ways has given a much-needed economic boost to Council Bluffs. It has stimulated further redevelopment and renovation of the downtown area, and has also brought a surge of confidence to Council Bluffs’ citizens long accustomed to living in the shadow of prosperous, bustling, larger Omaha across the river.”3
Sources
1.
2. “Midlands Transplant,” Progressive Architecture 12, vol. 76 (1978), 1. From “Misc. Publications,” from The Neil L. Astle Papers. Accn 1930, Box 106, Folder 14. From the Special Collections and Archives Department, J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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5. “Midlands Transplant,” Progressive Architecture 12, vol. 76 (1978), 3.
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8. Judy Sutcliffe, “The Miracle of Midlands,” The Iowan (Summer 1977), 1. “Misc. Publications,” from The Neil L. Astle Papers. Accn 1930, Box 106, Folder 14. From the Special Collections and Archives Department, J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
9. “Reinforced Concrete Creates Versatile Shopping Mall,” Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (1978), 3.
10. “Midlands Mall,” from Cardcow, https://www.cardcow.com/95008/midlands-mall-council-bluffs-iowa/.
11. Judy Sutcliffe, “The Miracle of Midlands,” The Iowan (Summer 1977), 1.
