Omaha Exploration

As a part of Nebraska Medical Center’s expansion, the hospital is in the process of razing commercial properties on the north side of Leavenworth from 43rd to 44th Street. These buildings are located to the east of Barrett’s Barleycorn and to the west of Castle Barrett. Many of these buildings either had storefronts built in the front of the houses or free standing houses behind them. Let’s take a few minutes to explore the history of these buildings.

4308 Leavenworth was built in 1926 according to the Douglas County Assessor. It served as the home of Mrs. Cozette Bakery and Coffee Shop. She would eventually either relocate or open another location in Blackstone. After that it was the home to Jones Electric & Refrigeration Company and then Backlund Plumbing and Heating Company from 1939 until at least 1991. In recent years it has been home to a law firm.

4310 Leavenworth is the western storefront located in the same building as 4308. It was the home to Pool’s Barber and Beauty Shop. It remained a beauty shop until at least 2008. In recent years it was home to the Academy of Nail Design.

4312 Leavenworth was built in 1922 and was the home to one of several Piggly Wiggly grocery stores located in Omaha. By 1934 it was a bar called Harmonica Harry’s Inn and then a bar owned by Ralph Piscopo. Its run as a bar continued when Bill Growney opened his Classic Bar around 1946. Bill later constructed a new building just to the west at 4322 Leavenworth which would later become Barrett’s Barleycorn. In 1956 it was Del’s Radio and TV repair store. In 1962 it was Perma-Stone Company through the late 1960s. In recent years it was home to. Midtown Military and Isabella’s Treasures.

4314 was also built in 1922. It was the longtime home to Joseph Lorkis’ Leavenworth Heights Grocery store. Joseph’s claim to fame was the invention of a potato sacking machine that was featured in a convention where labor saving devices for grocers were displayed. It continued as a grocery owned by Joe Gillinsky until around 1938. Into the 1940s it was Marlee Cafe. By the mid-1940s it was Krizelman Plumbing Supplies until the late 1980s. In 2008 it was Midwest Photo Pro. In recent years it was Arbor Street Studios and a moped shop. 

To the west is 4322 Leavenworth which has been the home to Barrett’s Barleycorn since the 1980’s and as mentioned above, Classic Bar before that. The Barrett family later bought the adjacent warehouse on the western end of its parking lot at 4330 Leavenworth. The intent was to raze the building so they could expand their parking lot. Instead they decided to use the space as an event center called Castle Barrett in addition to a lower level bar called B Bar. Fortunately, both of these buildings appear to be safe from the wrecking ball for the time being. 

4338 Leavenworth was built in 1927 and was the home to Haworth Ice Company followed by Omaha Ice Cream. By 1935 it was a motorcycle store called Moore Cycle Company. After that it became an appliance stores and then Goranson Electric in 1947.  In the early 2000s it was Tom’s Terrific Antiques. In recent years it was Twizted Elementz Glass & Gifts.

4340 Leavenworth was a part of the same building as its neighbor to the east. In the 1940s it was Cady’s Metal Works. I suspect they expanded into this storefront. At one point it was the Leavenworth Heights garage. In the early 2000s it was absorbed by Tom’s Terrific Antiques.  In recent years it was feel good handcrafted soaps and candles.

4342 Leavenworth was constructed in 1900. and represents the oldest of the buildings to be razed. From 1951-1956 to Willenburg Piano Company. After that it was United Distributors. In the 1970s it was Bobby’s Dancewear and  In recent years it wa Juan Studio and Salon.

4344 Leavenworth was also built in 1900 and was the Reitie Brothers grocery store. It remained as a grocery for decades including Handee Dandee in the 1950s. It was a TV repair company by 1961. In the 1970s it was a bicycle shop called The Spoke Shop. In recent years it was home to Trainmans Trading Post. 

While none of these are remarkable, it is a glimpse into the past of storefronts that served the Leavenworth Heights residents to its south. Sadly these buildings have been in need of TLC for quite some time. But with the ever expanding Medical Center to its immediate north, their days have long been numbered.  

It’s also worth pointing out that four residences on the south side of Leavenworth will also be razed. Built between 1920-1923, these houses include, 4207, 4219, 4223 and 4227  Leavenworth. I suspect that eventually the Med Center will take over that entire block for parking or possibly housing in the way of dorms or apartments for its students.

The houses at 4207, 4219, 4223 and 4227 Leavenworth before being razed.

Please feel free to comment to share your thoughts and memories.

Until next time, keep exploring!

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