Omaha Exploration

In the next of a multi-part series, we’ll explore the history of buildings that sit along the streetcar route and get acquainted with the businesses being impacted by its ongoing construction.

Today, we’ll explore the Keeline Building which is home to a number of businesses including Backline Comedy, Bob’s Grill, Mextili Restaurant, La Traga-Zona and UPS Store.

Oscar Keeline purchased the property and built the Keeline Building at 319 S. 17th Street. Located at the northeast corner 17th and Harney Streets next to the Douglas County Courthouse, it helped transform the area that was mostly residential in the early years to commercial.

Designed in the Georgian Revival style by architect John Latenser Sr., the seven-story mixed-use building was constructed in 1911. Built by Selden-Breck Construction Company, it was made with red brick and terra cotta and featured a first-floor glass storefront and a terra cotta crown with ornamental relief above the top floor.

After Omaha State Bank leased the corner storefront, it became known as the State Bank Building for a time. It was renovated by Leo A. Daly and Stitt Construction in 1959 at which point the entrance was framed in black granite with aluminum doors. Inside, the lobby had marble walls and terrazzo flooring installed. Starting in 1973 a portion for the building served as an “interim courthouse” as the courthouse was being renovated. 

In 1999 the building which was mostly occupied by lawyers and county offices was renovated by NuStyle Development. As a part of the renovation, the burnt-orange window frames were installed along with exposing the mosaic tile and marble paneling inside. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

More recently it was renovated by its current owners, Shamrock Development, whose offices are located inside. Renovations included replacing the roof along with making improvements to the first-floor storefront and repairs to its brick exterior.

While the upper floor remains as office space for small businesses, lawyers, counselors and others, the ground floor storefronts have been the home dozens of businesses over the years.

The UPS Store is located at the intersection of 17th and Harney Streets at 321 S 17th Street. Past occupants include Omaha State Bank, Wilcox & Allen Clothes Shop, Walgreen’s Drug Store, Harney Drug Company and Takechi Jewelers which also occupied space in the nearby Farnam Building.

Bob’s Grill & Cafe at 317 S 17th Street sits just north of The UPS Store next to the lobby entrance. The longstanding breakfast and lunch spot is a spinoff of the Street Eats Food Truck. It serves everything from breakfast burritos and quesadillas to salads, sandwiches and burgers.

Originally divided into three different storefronts, they were the home to a Kretschmer’s Camera, Wolfe Electronic, Suris Flower Shop and a variety of cigar stores. They also have a long history of serving as restaurants including Berry’s Cafe, Davis Coffee Shop, Cafe 317 and Schlotzsky’s.

Around the corner, La Traga-Zona recently opened at 1622 Harney Street just east of The UPS Store. Owned by Mexitli next door, the brunch-focused serves crepes, waffles, sandwiches, milkshakes, coffee and some adult beverages. Its history includes Donaghue Florist, Health Spot Shoes and Nebraska State Bank.

Mexitli is located at 1620 Harney Street. It is a food truck-turned restaurant that serves authentic Mexican dishes from breakfast to dinner. Its menu includes tacos, hot dogs, menudo, enchiladas, tortas, mexi burgers and more. This bay has served as the home to Matthew’s Book Store, Harney Street Video and more recently Oasis Falafel.

Backline Comedy at 1618 Harney Street is Omaha’s home for locally sourced comedy with performances four nights per week. It’s been the home to Imperial Bakery and Kitchen, A.G. Spalding and Brothers, Eastman Kodak and Central Dance Theater among others.

If any of these businesses appeals to you, consider paying them a visit so they can remain open when streetcar construction is finished in 2028.

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