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...
The 1200 Landmark Center in Downtown

The 1200 Landmark Center in Downtown

by | Jan 14, 2026 | Omaha Local History

The construction of US West’s 1200 Landmark Center in 1988 reflected a balance between preservation and development in Omaha. While one historic building was saved, another—among the city’s oldest—was lost as part of a project that was promoted as the largest office...