Omaha group pushes to preserve historic Rathskeller Building
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - History buffs and Midtown residents were worried a landmark built more than one hundred years ago would be torn down after it recently sold.
“We were concerned about this building,” said Shelley McCafferty, vice president of Preserve Omaha.
The Rathskeller Bier Haus, built in 1891 became what it is today after renovations in 1911. The rich-colored brick and ornamental designs are signature elements of “Sullivanesque” style, named after renowned Chicago architect Louis H. Sullivan.
“We only have 4 or 5 of these types of buildings here in Omaha,” said McCafferty.
Near 46th and Farnam Streets, it’s changed hands a few times, but the signature style boldly shines more than a century later.
“This is a building of interest, and we don’t want to see anything happen to it,“ said McCafferty.
When the Rathskeller closed, the University of Nebraska Medical Center purchased it. UNMC is undergoing major construction.
“They recently tore down seven buildings,” said McCafferty.
Preserve Omaha, a local nonprofit, was worried the Rathskeller would have the same fate as these seven buildings. They reached out to the Nebraska Board of Regents. 6 News reached out independently to UNMC too.
They said: “UNMC has no plans to demolish the Rathskeller building. In meetings with the Morton Meadows, Blackstone, and Dundee neighborhood associations, our representatives have emphasized that the building will be preserved and integrated into our design strategy for the area.”
“We’re going to keep on them of course," said McCafferty. “We were thrilled. We consider that to be a win. But we want to continue for them to make sure that we’re watching this building.”
UNMC was unable to share specific plans for the Rathskeller with 6 News at this time, but Preserve Omaha is glad they’re not planning on demolishing this piece of history.
“Our goal is to retain these historic structures, so we continue to have a connection to our past but also to allow development,” said McCafferty.
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