Drake Court Apartments and the Dartmore Apartments Historic District facts for kids
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Drake Court Historic District
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The Ansonia Apartments at 2221–2223 Jones Street are part of the historic district
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 Location in Nebraska
Location in the United States
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| Location | Omaha, Nebraska |
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| Built | 1916–1921 |
| Architect | William B. Drake; Drake Realty Construction Co. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Prairie School |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002447 (original) 14000258 (increase) 14000258 (decrease) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 10, 1980 |
| Boundary increase | June 4, 2014 |
| Boundary decrease | June 4, 2014 |
The Drake Court Historic District is a special area in Midtown Omaha, Nebraska. It includes several apartment buildings like the Drake Court and Dartmore Apartments. These buildings were constructed between 1916 and 1921.
This district is found on Jones Street, between 20th and 23rd Streets. It's known for its unique architectural styles, combining Georgian Revival, Colonial Revival, and Prairie School designs. Because of its importance, the area was named an Omaha Landmark in 1978. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
When it was first listed, the historic district covered about 6.5 acres and had 19 buildings. In 2014, the district's boundaries were updated. It grew by 0.74 acres to include three more buildings. However, it also shrank by 3 acres, as some open spaces and parking areas were removed. The district now covers 4.24 acres. At this time, its name was officially changed to the Drake Court Historic District.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is an area that has a collection of buildings, sites, or objects that are important to history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. These districts are protected to help preserve their special character and story.
Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places means the district is recognized by the United States government as worthy of preservation. This helps protect the buildings and their unique history for future generations.
The Story Behind Drake Court
The Drake Court Apartments and the Dartmore Apartments were built by a very active builder named William B. Drake. He constructed many apartment buildings in Omaha during the early 1900s. By 1925, his properties were worth a lot of money!
These specific buildings were designed in two main styles:
- Georgian Revival: This style often features grand, symmetrical designs with classic details, like those found in old English homes.
- Prairie School: This style was popular in the Midwest. It features strong horizontal lines, open floor plans, and natural materials, often blending with the landscape.
The Drake Court area was once a very popular place to live. It had beautiful gardens and fancy marble floors in many apartments. The whole neighborhood felt like a park, even though it was close to downtown Omaha. This made it a highly desired place for people to call home.
Other Notable Buildings
The Drake Court Historic District includes more than just the Drake and Dartmore apartments. Other important buildings are:
- The Monroe Apartment Building: This four-story building was built in 1920. It was updated in 1987 to keep it in good condition.
- The Madison Apartments: These apartments were built in 1927 and were also updated in 1985.
In 2014, three more buildings were added to the district. These include the Ansonia, Ainsworth, and Beverly Apartments. The Ansonia Apartments, for example, are a great example of the district's historic charm.
