Blackstone Hotel (Omaha, Nebraska) facts for kids
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Blackstone Hotel
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Front view of the Blackstone; 2010
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 Location in Nebraska
Location in the United States
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| Location | 302 S. 36th St., Omaha, Nebraska |
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| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| Built | 1916 |
| Architect | F.W. Fitzpatrick |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Second Renaissance Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000067 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 11, 1985 |
The Blackstone Hotel is a famous old hotel in Omaha, Nebraska. It was built in 1915 and is located in the Midtown area. This special building was named an Omaha Landmark in 1983. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it's an important part of history!
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History of the Blackstone Hotel
The Blackstone was first built in 1915 by the Bankers Realty Investment Company. It was designed as a "residential hotel." This meant people rented rooms for a whole year, not just a few days. They also received all the services of a regular hotel. Most of the rooms were large suites with many rooms. Each floor had sunny glass rooms and fancy furniture.
A Symbol of Elegance
In 1920, a man named Charles Schimmel bought the hotel. He was an immigrant from Vienna. Mr. Schimmel changed the Blackstone into a regular hotel. It quickly became known as a "symbol of elegance." It was considered the best hotel between Chicago and San Francisco. This was especially true along the famous Lincoln Highway.
The hotel offered many cool things for its guests. It had special Pierce-Arrow cars. These cars picked up important visitors who arrived in Omaha by train. The Blackstone even had its own magazine called The Blackstonian.
Famous Features and Restaurants
The hotel also had a beautiful ballroom for dances. There were gardens on the roof where guests could relax. The Blackstone was also known for its amazing restaurants. The most famous one was called the Orleans Room. This restaurant won a special "Award for Excellence" for 16 years in a row! Through the 1970s, the Blackstone was one of the most successful fancy hotels in the country.
Changes Over the Years
In 1968, the Radisson Hotel Corporation bought the Blackstone. They ran the hotel until 1976. Later, in 1984, the building was updated to become offices. It was then renamed the Blackstone Center.
In 2007, a big company called Kiewit Corporation bought the building. They sold it in 2017 to new developers. These developers are spending $75 million to make it a luxury hotel again. It is planned to open in 2020 as the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel. The original name cannot be used anymore because of legal reasons.
Building Design
The Blackstone Hotel is built on a strong steel frame. The outside of the building is covered in brick. It also has special decorative parts made of terra cotta.
Hotel's Lasting Legacy
The Blackstone Hotel is famous for two delicious inventions! The well-known Reuben sandwich was likely created in Omaha. One story says it was first served in 1925 at one of the Blackstone's restaurants. Also, Butter brickle ice cream was first introduced to the world at the Blackstone.
