Omaha Exploration

The downtown branch of the Omaha Public Library was awarded the 2024 Best Design Award for Adaptive-Reuse Education from The Architect’s Newspaper. If you’re like me, you were probably a little skeptical that the main branch downtown was being razed and replaced with the Central Public Library at 72nd and Dodge.

Despite that, I was personally blown away by the new downtown library. In my opinion, it is much better than the library it replaced, W. Dale Clark which opened in 1976. Located within the Omaha Rail and Commerce Historic District, the building at 1401 Jones Street was built in 1912 as the David Cole Creamery Company. It operated as such for nearly three decades. In 1940 it was renovated into cold storage and later operated as an auto parts supply business. It was sold to investors in 2013.

Consultant’s recommended replacing the old library as far back as 2010 as it was deemed to be inefficient and underutilized. In 2021 the city decided to move forward and signed a 10-year lease on the building in 2021. After five years, the city has the option to either opt-out of the lease or purchase the building.

The historic building has its original limestone window sills and prominent brickwork patterned in a mosaic diamond. Special care was taken to preserve the historic integrity of the building including its masonry, tilework, tin ceilings and exposed wood beams. Commissioned artwork as well as distinctive photography pays homage to the history of the building and the city. It was complimented with modern finishes of wood, steel and expansive windows.

The first floor is designed to invoke a cozy living room with relaxed seating areas, a seating stair overlooking a streetscape and computers. It also features the children’s area. The second floor has the books you would expect to find as well as reading and meeting rooms. The new library opened in 2023.

Meanwhile, the land between Farnam and Douglas Streets and from 14th to 15th Streets is the future home to the new Mutual of Omaha Headquarters which will become the tallest building in not just Omaha or Nebraska but some of the surrounding states.

I’d love to hear what you have to say so please feel free to comment. Until next time, keep exploring!

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