Omaha Exploration

With this post, we conclude our exploration of the small buildings in what was once known as the West Center District. Built in 1934 by Walter Evans, the first floor of 3540 Center served up ice cream treats for decades. Walter lived with his family in the apartments upstairs for a period of time.

Popular for its homestyle malts as well as clown and goop sundaes, Evans Ice Cream was no doubt a hit with kids from the adjacent Field Club and Hanscom Park neighborhoods. The large parking lot to the east is where the car hops would hand deliver the treats to your car. I can only imagine the ice cream wars that took place between Evans and neighboring Reeds which opened a year later. 

In 1946 Walter sold the building to Fairmont Creamery. Fairmont would become a very large corporation as can be witnessed by the large warehouse in the Old Market that continues to sport its name. Despite the change in ownership, the store continued to operate under the Evans name until 1972 when it was purchased by Goodrich Dairy. This location continued to operate as Goodrich for another 20 years. By the time 3540 retired as an ice cream shop, it outlasted its competitor to the east by nearly 40 years. 

In 1993 the building was sold to Valentino’s. The local pizza chain known for its Italian buffet started opening take-out and delivery stores in the early 1990’s. After a remodel, they opened this concept in 3540 that same year. Eventually Val’s would close up shop at this location in favor of its store on Leavenworth near Dundee. This allowed another Omaha-based chain, Abelardo’s Mexican Restaurant, to move-in in 2014. Today Abelardo’s has dozens of locations in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Illinois.

I’d like to hear what you have to say so feel free to leave a comment. Please also let me know if there’s something you want me to explore.

Until next time, keep exploring!

Bonus Pics