Omaha Exploration

One of Omaha’s most unique spaces is located in what was once an alleyway in the Old Market, flanked by the E. Meyer Building on the east and the Poppleton Block on the west.  

Constructed in 1912 for Ernest Meyer, a wholesale fruit dealer, the E. Meyer Building at 1016 Howard Street served as both his office and storage facility. He rented space on the second floor to other wholesalers and brokerage firms. Andrew Poppleton, an attorney for the Union Pacific Railway, built the second Poppleton Block in 1886 as investment property. Oriented towards 11th Street, this building too was mostly utilized as office and storage space by wholesale produce and fruit dealers. The corner storefront intersecting Howard Street often served as a restaurant or saloon. 

Between the two buildings was the alley where produce was stored at cooler temperatures in lower-level cellars. The idea to convert the alley into a distinctive space that would complement the produce market-turned-entertainment district was the brainchild of Nicholas Bonham-Carter, nephew of Sam Mercer—the “grandfather” of the Old Market—and relative of actress Helena Bonham Carter.  

To realize this vision, the alley was excavated to create storefronts in both buildings facing a central walkway. Salvaged bricks from the old road to Fort Calhoun were used to pave the below-grade ground floor. A fiberglass roof allowed for natural light during the day. Arches were created from old windows on the upper floors, opening toward the exposed ground level. Wrought-iron gates, flowers, and hanging plants completed the transformation.

Early plans for the Old Market Passageway called for not only a restaurant and bar but also a grocery store, clothing stores, and furniture stores. When the Passageway opened in 1977, two of its first tenants—V. Mertz and Trini’s Mexican Restaurant—began operations and remain open today. One, Souq Limited Boutique, pre-dated the Passageway and remains on the main level of the E. Meyer Building. The Poppleton Block is occupied by  Omaha Prime, Old Market Gallery, and Godega among others. Other early tenants included Remains to be Seen Antiques, Homer’s Music, Old Market Puppet Theater, and the offices of the historic preservation group Landmarks, Inc. 

The Passageway continued to evolve with the addition of key features, including the Fountain of the Erinyes in 1982. Located on the ground level, the fountain contains bronze sculptures of the three Erinyes, the goddesses of vengeance in Greek and Roman mythology. The Garden of the Zodiac Sculpture Garden opened in 1987 in a previously unused space behind the Indian Oven. The private garden features a cloister with a brick walkway; 22 bronze statues representing the planets, the Sun, and the Moon; as well as the constellations. Surrounding the central sculptures are a variety of plants, flowers, vines, and herbs, along with a small pond representing Earth. Both the fountain and the garden were created by Swiss artist Eva Aeppli, the wife of Sam Mercer.  

Nearly 50 years later, the Old Market Passageway continues to thrive. In that time, it has become one of the most distinctive aspects of the Old Market and one of the most photographed spots in Omaha.  

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Article Featured on Grow Omaha: Local History by Omaha Exploration | Grow Omaha

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