Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission facts for kids
The City of Omaha Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission is a group that helps protect important old buildings and places in Omaha, Nebraska. It was started in 1977 by the city government. This group has nine members. Their main job is to suggest which buildings, sites, or even whole neighborhoods should be officially recognized as "Omaha Landmarks." The Omaha City Council then makes the final decision. This commission works with the city's planning department.
Why the Commission Was Created
The idea for the Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission began in 1977. At that time, the city of Omaha passed its first big law to protect historic places. This law was created after a very old building, the Old Post Office, was torn down. Many people were sad about losing this historic building. A group called Landmarks, Inc. worked hard to make sure something like that wouldn't happen again. They pushed for the creation of this commission.
The new law and the commission were inspired by similar successful programs in cities like Seattle, New York City, and Savannah, Georgia. The main goals of the commission are:
- To identify and officially recognize important historic buildings and areas in Omaha.
- To set rules for any work done on these special buildings.
- To create and follow plans for protecting Omaha's history.
Who Is on the Commission?
The Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission has nine members. These members are chosen carefully to make sure they have different skills and knowledge. The group usually includes:
- An architect (someone who designs buildings).
- A curator (someone who manages collections, like in a museum).
- A professional historian (someone who studies history).
- Three people who work in fields related to historic preservation.
- Two regular citizens.
- One person who owns or runs a business or property in a historic area.
The Mayor of Omaha chooses these members. They serve for three years, and the City Council must approve the mayor's choices. The commission members then choose their own leader, called a chairman. They also set their own rules for how they will work. They usually meet once a month, but they can have extra meetings if needed. In 2000, the Nebraska State Historical Society helped fund the commission's website and a special mapping system to keep track of historic properties.
Recognizing Historic Places
The commission helps decide which places are important enough to be called "Omaha Landmarks." When a building or site gets this special recognition, it means it has historical importance to the city. As of 2007, more than 90 buildings and structures in Omaha have been recognized this way. These places can also get special help, like tax benefits, to encourage their owners to keep them in good condition.
