Omaha’s architecture represents a rich cultural heritage and contributes to the City’s sense of place. Omaha by Design’s objectives for preservation, now part of the City’s master plan include:

• Continue to designate and protect historic buildings and districts.
• Review of development in historic districts and proposed changes to historic buildings by the city’s historic district commission.
• Making it easier for older buildings to continue to be functional.

 Many historic buildings continue in use in the city thanks to institutions and individuals who value our architectural gems. One such building is the New York Life Building on the northeast corner of 17th and Farnam.  Completed in 1889 at a cost of $750,000, its 10 stories made it the city’s tallest building at the time.  Omaha National Bank bought the structure in 1909 and added an 11th story in 1920.

Scheduled for destruction, it was purchased in 1977 by the law firm of Kutak, Rock and Campbell and the interior was almost entirely redesigned.  The building is currently being remodeled once again and will continue to house the firm. The New York Life Building is a shining example of the preservation and reuse of one of our city’s great landmarks.

Omaha’s preservation organization, Landmarks, Inc. works to continue to make successes like the New York Life project.  Landmarks Inc., is a private non-profit organization, exists to serve as the advocate for the preservation of Omaha’s historic environment.  You can find out more about the preservation effort in Omaha at the Landmarks, Inc. website www.omahalandmarks.com.

For many more examples and resources visit the City of Omaha’s Landmark Commission website at www.ci.omaha.ne.us/landmarks.