Minne Lusa Pumping Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Minne Lusa Pumping Station |
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|---|---|
| General information | |
| Town or city | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 41°20′7″N 95°57′18″W / 41.33528°N 95.95500°W |
| Construction started | 1888 |
| Completed | 1889 |
| Demolished | 1970 |
| Client | Metropolitan Utilities District |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Mendelssohn, Fisher and Lawrie |
The Minne Lusa Pumping Station was a very important building in Omaha, Nebraska. It was located in the Florence neighborhood of North Omaha. This station helped pump, clean, and send water from the Missouri River to homes all over the city. It was even named after the nearby Minne Lusa neighborhood.
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What Was the Minne Lusa Pumping Station?
The Minne Lusa Pumping Station was a large building designed by famous architects Mendelssohn, Fisher and Lawrie. It was built at the Florence Water Works between 1888 and 1889. The station officially opened to the public on August 1, 1889.
Design and Features
The main building was huge and made from a type of stone called Warrensburg sandstone. It had a tall central tower that was four stories high, right above the main entrance. Inside, the building held powerful pumps and large boilers. These machines helped filter the water and then send it into the city's water pipes. The building itself was 120 feet long and 160 feet wide. It was also one of the first buildings in the area to be lit entirely by electric lights!
Its Role in Omaha's Water Supply
For many years, the Minne Lusa Pumping Station was key to providing clean water to Omaha. It took water from the Missouri River, cleaned it in large settling basins, and then pumped it to the city. This was a big step in making sure people in Omaha had safe drinking water.
Later Years and Today
The Minne Lusa Pumping Station was partly taken down and updated in the 1960s. It is currently being renovated again. Even today, the building still works as a pump station for the Florence Water Treatment Plant. It also houses the Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) Heritage Room, which tells the story of Omaha's water history.
