The Christian Specht Building

The Christian Specht Building

by | Feb 18, 2026 | Omaha Local History

One of Omaha’s most well-known historic buildings bears the name Specht. Located across from the Gene Leahy Mall, the building was constructed by Christian Specht for his Western Cornice Works. Born in Germany in 1847, Christian Specht arrived in Baltimore at...
The Cornish Mansion in Little Italy

The Cornish Mansion in Little Italy

by | Feb 5, 2026 | Omaha Local History

One of Omaha’s most recognizable residences belonged to Colonel Joel Northrup Cornish, a man whose grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War and who was himself commissioned as a colonel by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. Born in New York in 1828,...
From Aquila Court to Magnolia Hotel

From Aquila Court to Magnolia Hotel

by | Jan 28, 2026 | Omaha Local History

Adjacent to the emerging Flatiron District, the building now known as the Magnolia Hotel first opened as Aquila Court in 1924. Built by brothers Chester and Raymond Cook, it was envisioned as an elegant multi-use destination that combined offices and apartments with...
The Dodge Street Overpass

The Dodge Street Overpass

by | Jan 21, 2026 | Omaha Local History

In 1962, the City of Omaha began constructing pedestrian bridges in response to the city’s continued growth. With streets growing busier, and more children walking to school, safety became an increasing concern. The issue was amplified after World War II, as...