J. L. Brandeis and Sons Store Building facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
J. L. Brandeis and Sons Store Building
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
The Brandeis Building in 2007 with the Woodmen Tower to the west.
Location	200 S. 16th St. Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Built	1906
NRHP reference No.	82000601
Added to NRHP	October 20, 1982

The J. L. Brandeis and Sons Store Building is a famous building in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. It used to be the main store for the Brandeis Department Store chain. Today, it has been changed into apartments and condominiums called The Brandeis. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Building History and Design

This amazing building was first built in 1906. It had eight floors and cost about $1 million to create. A famous architect named John Latenser, Sr. designed it. He used a style called Neo-Renaissance, which looks like old European buildings.

Later, in 1921, two more floors were added to the top. This made the building even taller! Even though it's a historic place, the inside has been updated many times over the years.

Modern Changes and Features

In 2008, a company bought the building. They decided to turn it into a cool place with both homes and businesses. It was split into different sections, each with its own purpose.

The Pavilion: Shops and Food

The lowest floor is called "The Pavilion." This area is for shops and businesses. It also has offices for the building's management and security. There's even a food court where you can find different kinds of food. It has flat-screen TVs and a fountain, making it a nice place to eat.

The Renata: Apartments and Fun

Floors two through seven are called "The Renata." These floors have modern apartments. Residents living here can enjoy special features. The second floor has a fitness center for working out. There's also a movie theater just for people who live in the building!

The Enclave: Luxury Condos

On floors eight and nine, you'll find "The Enclave." These are fancy condominiums. They are separate and very secure from the apartments below.

Top Floor and Other Perks

The very top floor, the tenth floor, used to be a beautiful ballroom. Now, it has been changed into one-bedroom apartments. The building also offers a concierge service, like a helpful assistant, and warm underground parking.

Architectural Details

The Brandeis Building has many interesting details on its outside. You can see special designs and sculptures. For example, there are lions carved into the building just below the original roof line. These details show the beautiful Neo-Renaissance style.

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  Architectural details on the Brandeis Building

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  Architectural details on the Brandeis Building

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  Lions above the seventh floor surround the entire building just below the original roof line.

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  Architectural facade above the second floor, northeast corner of building.

Images for kids

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  The 17th Street entrance to the Brandeis Building.

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  The front of the building on 16th Street.

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  A view of the building from 16th Street during its revitalization in July 2008.

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  The northeast corner of the building from 16th and Douglas in July 2013.