We’ve bailed out banks, automobile companies, tobacco farmers, and the savings & loan industry (remember them?). How about something closer to home?
One of Omaha’s lesser known gems is a small strip of store frontage on 16th street between Farnam & Harney streets on the east side of the “mall”. At one time this was considered prime real estate but recently it has been home to a series of shops, galleries and somewhat questionable enterprises. What hasn’t diminished over the last 40 years is the fundamental beauty of the buildings’ marble, glass, copper and terra cotta facade. Reminiscent of Paris’ Montmartre district, this beautiful little architectural bauble in downtown Omaha deserves a better fate.
A slice of the Continent on 16th Street?
The Mensch is issuing a call to action for a creative bailout of this landmark by Omaha’s intellectual community.
With all of the creative horsepower we have in Omaha, why can’t we think of a plan to turn this location into something extraordinary? This is not a call for a quick fix; no hanging of semi-artistic signs in the windows or arranging a tepid display of furniture. That’s been done already. This calls for a partnership of the city of Omaha, the Chamber of Commerce and the graphic design and marketing communities. Hell, let’s get the Shriners involved if that will get this project up and running. Think partnership and innovation. We can do this, yes?
The logical question that follows is why spend the time and creative resources on a piece of real estate that doesn’t seem to fit into its surroundings and isn’t able to attract a tenant on its own?
The answer is simple: because it’s there. What a great challenge. We can reinvigorate this unique piece of Omaha and give it new life. Perhaps a life that will attract people and commerce, and with that tax revenue. That’s a sure way to get the business community’s attention.
Let’s name it, create a brand and identity for the space and think of a really creative and innovative use for it.
The mensch has some suggestions. Could this be a downtown version of The Hot Shops or a music performance venue? Maybe a new home for Omaha’s vibrant small playhouses and theaters? Think of it as off-off-off-off Broadway right here in Omaha. Could the right retailer make a go of it in the heart of downtown nestled between the condos and apartments of The Market and Midtown Crossing. Omaha’s version of IKEA?
A Terra Cotta Gewgaw
Does this sound outrageous? Good. Omaha needs more outrageous, more shoot-for-the-moon type of thinking.
This will not be an easy task. But what idea that has merit is? The Mensch thinks that Omaha needs this type of challenge, just to keep its creative blood pumping.
I can think of a thousand reasons not to do this. But there is also one very good reason to do it: because it can make this city even better and hipper than it already is.
Are you game? Email the Mensch with your thoughts. Even better, volunteer to help light the fuse on this idea.
Written by Marketing Mensch
I have a question. Why do you use english and german langue?
Very well said. It’s refreshing to find a blog that I can refer my readers to. Keep up the good work!
No qeustoin this is the place to get this info, thanks y’all.
Hi. Good News ! We are signing a lease on this space next week. it will be a used bookshop from someone with 25 years history of this same thing. I’ve run Pageturners, Adventures in Bookselling, several others in Omaha over the years.
Hi. Here’s more on the new move. Shop will be called NeverEnough Books to match the old NB in the mosaic tiles embedded into the entries. The shop is 3100 square feet. the interior main room has what might be original lighting, two original columns in its center. I will be selling antiquarian and newer used books, movies, cds, dvds, cassettes, comics. I also will have my charcoal portrait art up and may occasionally do art demos in one of the windows. (One of the draws for me is that the Orpheum is one block away and i could do peoples portraits that are appearing there) The antiques owner left several signed pieces on a mirror inside, i guess those types would stop in while they were in town.) I’ve done commissioned works for some celebs, Burt Reynolds, Stephen King, as few others. Building is on the Register of Historic Places, was built in 1917 and is known as the Securities Building/Rose Realty. Interior has mens/womens restrooms, a built-in fridge, heat/air, a few parking spots in the basement. Depending on when the landlord places a carpet, i would begin a move on Feb one or March one. Its my intention to allow the public in during the move even if only a shelf or two are in as we open to the populace.
here is a link to our new FB page. I hope it works.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/NeverEnough-Books/160772934038561
Thninkig like that is really impressive
David:
Thank you for the update and congratulations on your impending opening. We al2regoists are delighted that you are moving into one of the most iconic spaces in Omaha. The fact that you are opening a used book store is even better. Keep the Mensch and al2r ego informed on the opening and how things are progressing.
Keep these articles coming as they’ve opneed many new doors for me.
Hi all. We did sign the lease and have started the semi-long road to restoring the interior. They are laying new carpet and once that is done we can start moving in the shelves. March One is the target date; once the carpet is laid my plan is to let the public in even if only a row or two of shelves is in place. Stay tuned.
For the curious, i went down to the main library and took a look at all the city directories from 1914 to present. Here is a time line of occupants:
1917: building is constructed
First several years: Combs Optical. Two years: Northrup Jones Bakery. 1928-1985 Napier Bootery for Women. 10 years of vacancy all along the street for many businesses. 1997: Nu-Style Development, then the The Antique Shop and now us !
Added a period photo of the block from ’34. Have five more coming from Durham to add soon. Quite amazing to see in its prime.