Omaha Exploration

Driving south on I-480, you may have noticed this grand but deteriorating three-story building to the east as you approach the Harney Street exit. Despite its condition, it still stands as a rare example of a Late Victorian-era building in Omaha.

Located at 563 S. 28th Street, its story dates back to 1889, when it was constructed at a cost of $15,000. Born in Germany, Mary Karbach settled in Omaha, where she married Henry Kaufman. In addition to operating a saloon, Henry had extensive real estate holdings. He passed away in 1888 at just 44 years old, leaving his estate, including his properties, to his wife and children.

Following her husband’s death, Mary hired the Cleves Brothers to design a Chateauesque-style triplex that would provide additional income for the family. It was built along 28th between Jackson and Howard Streets in what would become the Park East neighborhood.

It was not until after she sold the building in 1905 that it was converted into an apartment complex. Named the Ormand Flats, the units were spread across all three floors, with each containing four to five rooms. Despite changing hands often over the following decades, it remained an asset that provided shelter to numerous people for the next century. It even withstood the construction of Interstate 480 in the 1960s, which not only sliced through the neighborhood but also made the street in front unsafe by turning it into an on/off-ramp for fast-moving traffic.

The 1977 book Omaha City Architecture published by Landmarks Inc. and the Junior League of Omaha, stated that its “noteworthy architectural details include masonry construction, basket-handle window arches, flat roofs, a two-story round turret, and elaborate finial-topped gables. Openings are crossed by masonry mullions and transoms. Sides and backs of the structure have been covered with stucco, but the front is unaltered.”

It goes on to state that “this building has been converted to nine apartments containing hardwood floors, paneled walls and high ceilings. Stairways have sculptured wooden banisters. Many of the original light fixtures are still in use, and bathrooms contain the original sinks. Present owners are in the process of refurbishing this unusual building: hopefully, its rich facade will continue to benefit the city scene”.

Following renovations, a 1981 advertisement in the Omaha World-Herald described an available unit as: “Adult living for the discriminating. Plant lovers delight with sunny bay window and fireplace. 1-2 bedrooms plus living room, dining room, and kitchen for $185.” While the building began to deteriorate in the 1990s, it remained in use through the early 2000s.

Vacant for the last two decades, the 137-year-old building was heart bombed by Restoration Exchange, present-day Preserve Omaha, in 2015 in hopes that renewed attention would help it survive and be restored. That effort appears to have failed, and the building remains at risk of being razed. Its current owner, an out-of-state LLC, is unwilling to relinquish ownership, allowing the structure to rot. Rebranded as The Quarters, the neighborhood around it has steadily improved in recent years, suggesting the company may be waiting to sell it along with other nearby buildings that they also own to a developer as a package deal.

For now, this Late Victorian-era building still stands despite its condition. With so much potential and located just blocks from the future streetcar, perhaps this grand structure can still find new life and remain a link to the past in a neighborhood and city that continue to evolve.

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