Christian Specht Building facts for kids
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Specht, Christian, Building
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 Location in Nebraska
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| Location | Omaha, NE |
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| Built | 1884 |
| Architect | Durfene & Mendelssohn; Western Cornice Works |
| Architectural style | Italian Renaissance Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000828 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 19, 1977 |
The Christian Specht Building is a special old building located at 1110 Douglas Street in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. It's famous because it's the only building in Nebraska known to have a front made of cast iron. This means its decorative front was made from melted iron poured into molds! The building was recognized as an important Omaha landmark in 1981. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, which means it's considered very important to history.
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A Building with a Unique Style
The Specht Building was designed by architects Dufrene and Mendelssohn in 1884. It was built in a style called Italian Renaissance Revival. This style was popular for buildings with cast-iron fronts.
Who Built the Front?
Christian Specht's own company, the Western Cornice Works, made the building's cast-iron front. His company was known for making metal parts for buildings. Today, the Specht Building is admired for its artistic design. It shows how iron was used in building during that time.
A Close Call for the Building
In 2001, there were plans to build a new arts center next to the Specht Building. The original idea was to tear down the entire block where the Specht Building stood. This included four other historic buildings.
Plans to Save History
The city of Omaha received a large gift to help build the new arts center. However, this gift depended on clearing the block. The City Council voted to remove the Specht Building and others. This was to make space for the new center. But the Specht Building had been an Omaha landmark since 1981. This fact was not discussed before the vote.
Standing Up for the Buildings
Owners of the historic buildings worked to stop the demolition. They managed to get a temporary order to protect the buildings. People who donated money for the arts center also asked that the buildings be saved.
A Happy Ending
After many discussions, new plans were made. The Specht Building and other historic buildings were saved! However, during the demolition of other parts of the block, some buildings were damaged. One building was even completely torn down. The Specht Building was later fixed up and now has apartments inside.
