Livestock Exchange Building (Omaha, Nebraska) facts for kids
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Livestock Exchange Building
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 Location in Nebraska
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| Location | Omaha, Nebraska |
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| Built | 1926 |
| Architect | Prinz, George; Peter Kiewit and Sons |
| Architectural style | Romanesque revival Northern Italian Renaissance Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000751 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 7, 1999 |
The Livestock Exchange Building is a famous building in Omaha, Nebraska. It was built in 1926 at 4920 South 30 Street in South Omaha, Nebraska. This grand building was designed by architect George Prinz. It was built by Peter Kiewit and Sons. The building shows off two cool styles of architecture: Romanesque Revival and Northern Italian Renaissance Revival.
In 1999, the building was named an Omaha Landmark. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Union Stockyards, which were next to the building, closed in 1999. After that, the Livestock Exchange Building got a big makeover.
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A Look Back: The Building's Story
The Livestock Exchange Building was a very important part of Omaha's history. It was the biggest and most noticeable building in South Omaha. It opened in May 1926 for the Union Stock Yards Company of Omaha. This building was the heart of the livestock business in Omaha.
Omaha's Role in the Livestock Industry
Omaha and Chicago were the two biggest places for processing livestock in the entire country. The livestock industry was super important for Omaha. In 1957, about half of all workers in Omaha had jobs because of the stockyards and meatpacking.
What Was Inside the Building?
The Livestock Exchange Building was once a busy center for business and trading. It was surrounded by 260 acres of livestock pens. Inside, you could find many different things. There was the Stockyards National Bank and many offices. You could also find a bakery, a cafeteria, and a soda fountain. There was even a place to buy cigars.
The building also had telephone and telegraph offices. For people who needed to stay, there were apartments and sleeping rooms. You could even find a clothing store and a big hall for meetings.
Grand Ballrooms for Special Events
On the 10th floor, there are two amazing ballrooms. They have very high ceilings, about 22 feet tall! These rooms show off the beautiful Romanesque and Northern Italian Renaissance Revival styles. The North Ballroom has a bar, a stage, and shiny hardwood floors. The South Ballroom has a balcony, three private rooms, and a large dance floor.
The Building Today: A New Purpose
After the stockyards closed, the Livestock Exchange Building got a new life. A big project finished in 2005. The building was changed to have many different uses. It now has over 100 apartments. It also has spaces for the community and businesses.
Keeping History Alive
The people who worked on the renovation made sure to keep the building's historical look. It is now the center of a brand new neighborhood. The area around it is also being updated. It will have new businesses, medical offices, and light industrial uses.
New Additions to the Area
One of the newest things added to the area is the South Omaha Public Library. This library is a team effort between the City of Omaha and the Metropolitan Community College. The college has also opened a new campus right where the old stockyards used to be.
