Omaha Exploration

It’s been a bit since we’ve looked at a new apartment complex that is in the works. Let’s get back to it with a Blackstone project that is using one of Omaha’s favorites as its inspiration: Johnny Carson.

Named The Carnac Apartments, the project draws from Carson’s Carnac the Magnificent, the all-knowing, envelope-reading character he played on The Tonight Show. The connection extends beyond popular culture. The building will sit on the former site of the WOW-TV building, where Carson started his broadcast career in 1950. That included a live television program called The Squirrel’s Nest, where he developed the improv style he would take to The Tonight Show for three decades starting in 1962.

The Carnac will be built at 3501 Farnam Street in the Blackstone District, with an opening expected in 2028. It will contain 181 studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom market-rate units, including a small number that function as two-level live/work spaces. Amenities include a courtyard and pool, fitness studio, private pickleball court, and pet-friendly policies. The building will also contain 93 on-site parking stalls.

The architect is Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, and the developer is GreenSlate, which has handled much of the development work in the historic district, including 37 West Farnam and the Cottonwood Hotel, among others. Like GreenSlate, Alley Poyner Macchietto has been involved in many projects in the area, including the design of Blackstone Corner and the renovation of the Colonial Hotel. The Carnac’s design is mid-century modern inspired and is built to complement Blackstone Plaza next door.

The pride of Norfolk, Nebraska, Carson lived at Drake Court during his time in Omaha, one of the city’s premier apartment complexes at the time, and even returned for a visit in 1969. His name also graced a short-lived Omaha restaurant chain called Here’s Johnny’s. You can read more about Drake Court and Here’s Johnny’s on Omaha Exploration.