Home Restoration search engine

Search our all exhibitors, resources, and old home related sites at once.

Restore Omaha Materials

2008 Conference Schedule (PDF)
2008 Conference Sessions and Exhibitors (PDF)
Historic South Omaha slideshow (PDF 17.1 MB)
all photos from the Library of Congress American Memory Exhibit
RestorationJam slideshow (PDF 7.7 MB)
photos, questions, and projects submitted by RestoreOmaha attendees

Presenter Handouts

Dena Sanford - Historic Paint Colors -

National Park Service Historic Preservation
National Park Service Preservation Briefs
National Park Service Tech Notes

Daniel Lawse - Energy Efficiency and Comfort in Older Homes

Tim Hemsath - Greening an Historic Property

Regreen Guidelines
The American Society of Interior Designers’ Foundation and the U.S. Green Building Council have partnered on the development of best practice guidelines and targeted educational resources for sustainable residential improvement projects. This program will increase understanding of sustainable renovation project practices and benefits among homeowners, residents, design professionals, product suppliers and service providers to build both demand and industry capacity.

Jennifer K Honebrink, Landmarks Inc.

Finding Information on Buildings and Places Compiled by Elizabeth Douthitt Byrne, February, 2004; revised, Feb. 2006
Guide to Local Sources Researching the History of Your Property
Jennifer's Additional tips:

Keep a research journal so you can remember what you already searched, and what you searched for.
Always read the bibliography and footnotes for further sources of information.
Always ask the librarian or research specialist for additional sources and ideas of where to search for information.
Switch tracks if you get stuck – information from the physical analysis will provide clues about the social and cultural events surrounding your building, and vice versa.
Create a timeline to put it all into perspective.
Show off your hard work and share it with others.

Exhibitor Directory

The businesses and organizations listed below are the reason Restore Omaha is possible. Please support them throughout the year and thank them for supporting Restore Omaha.

Businesses

ABC Roofs owner Mike Thompson has more than 20 years experience in the roofing industry and prides himself in staying current on industry trends. Trained in all types of roofing, ABC Roofs specializes in tile and flat roofs. They also can help with siding, gutter and window system needs and small remodeling and addition projects. For more information, contact Mike at 598-1452 or abcroofs@yahoo.com.
Accurate floors specializes in the installation of hardwood floors as well as sanding, replacing and refinishing existing floors. For more information, call Paul and Deb Hospodka at 502-0408.
A.J. Moellenbeck Builders Al Moellenbeck has spent the past 26 years specializing in custom carpentry work and milling his own trim. For more information, contact Al Moellenbeck at 740-2888 or email ajmoellenbeckbuilders@gmail.com.
Building Restoration Corporation is the leading masonry restoration contractor in the upper Midwest. Known for stellar work quality and customer service, they provide a complete suite of services for the exterior façade of your building. For more information, contact (612)789-2800 or nick@buildingrestoration.com.
The Bookworm is a locally owned and operated general bookstore located in Countryside Village, 8702 Pacific.
CBS Home is a realtor specializing in old and historic homes. Licensed in Nebraska and Iowa, and backed by CBSHome, Tim has the experience, knowledge and tools to make your next real estate transaction a smooth one. Contact Tim Reeder at (402) 412-3833 or timothy.reeder@cbshome.com.
City Weekly is the news & entertainment weekly of Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs. Published every Wednesday, the City Weekly is distributed to more than 1,400 locations in the metropolitan area. For information on advertising and marketing, contact Leslie Wustrack at 933-8338 x211.
Critter Control of Omaha Professional animal control and wildlife management services since 1983. Critter Control provides environmentally sound and ecologically responsible animal control and wildlife management solutions for homeowners, property managers, businesses and government. Our Certified Wildlife Specialists are ready to serve you today. For more information call 339-2655, e-mail Omaha@crittercontrol.com.
Eurowood Custom Cabinets Inc. Compliment the historic architecture of your home with custom cabinetry made to your specifications, to suit your style and your space. Our 20 plus years in business have given us the expertise to design and install fine cabinetry in every room of your home. Whether you are planning a fabulous new kitchen, an exquisite new bath, or a well thought out closet, we are here for all your custom cabinet needs from design through installation. For more information call 393-4110
First National Bank is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, Inc. First National of Nebraska has grown into the largest private banking company in the United States. First National and its affiliates have $20 billion in managed assets and more than 7,500 employee associates located in 35 states. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Texas. For more information, contact Kevin Langin, director of public relations at 341-0500.
Located in Iowa City, Iowa, Gavin Historical Bricks supplies antique bricks and cobblestones for driveways, walkways, floors, walls and other stone masonry projects. They are a premier supplier of antique brick for residential, landscaping and commercial projects. All products are shipped direct to your project nationwide. They specialize in new constructions with an old world 6 look, as well as historic restoration projects. Custom brick matching is also available. They have beautiful antique bricks for paving, building, indoor flooring and their one of a kind clinker bricks. All products are reclaimed from buildings and streets throughout the United States. The beauty and character of antique brick cannot be matched! For more information, call 319-354-5251.
Grabow Hardware Co. supplies and installs unique, high quality door hardware, cabinet knobs and pulls, and bathroom accessories. Their products provide function and durability while allowing you to express yourself! For more information, contact Jay Grabow at 445-2596 or jay@MoreThanKnobs.com, or visit the store at 10635 Birch St. in Omaha.
Harman Appliance is a family-owned business that works with builders and contractors to supply major appliances. Lines include: General Electric, Bosch, Kitchen Aid, Whirlpool, Jenn Air, Asko, Thermador, Gaggenau, Sub Zero and Wolf. For more information, visit Harman Appliance Sales at 334 N. 115th St. in Omaha or call 334-1883.
Marvin Windows and Doors / Chicago Lumber Company has been providing quality building products and services in Omaha since 1876. For more information visit Chicago Lumber at: 1324 Pierce St. Omaha, NE 68103. Contact Pat Duesman, Architectural Coordinator at 342-0840 or patduesman@chicagolumbercompany.com
Mold Solutions, Inc. is a Nebraska-based company that is committed to delivering an environmentally friendly and cost effective antimicrobial for remediation and preventative solutions for residential, institutional and commercial customers.
The goal is to eliminate mold in existing homes or buildings and offer prevention in new construction against the growth of harmful microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, mold or fungi. Mold Solution, Inc. has new construction services that offer a 25 year transferable warranty with non-toxic, water based, EPA registered antimicrobial products. The products are a recognized component of the LEED green building rating system developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Their water-based products mean the only off-gas released upon surface bonding is H20 – no toxic gases, no VOCs, no heavy metals, no formaldehyde or phenol groups — just H20. Their foundation is based on performance, integrity and responsibility. When you make a choice to use Mold Solutions, you’re making a better choice. For more information, contact owner Jeff Spidle at 917-7001.
Omaha Public Power District Low rates and nationally recognized customer service are just a few of the advantages provided to the customers of Omaha Public Power District. The business-managed utility was founded in 1946 as a public entity governed by an elected board of eight directors. Now serving more than 310,000 customers in 13 southeastern counties, OPPD ranks as the 12th-largest publicly owned electric system in the U.S. in number of customers served. OPPD has tripled its number of customers since 1947, its first full year of operation. The average annual kilowatt-hour usage by OPPD residential customers has increased more than seven times since that year. In all, OPPD serves 48 towns at retail and five at wholesale in a service area of 5,000 square miles. To contact an OPPD Energy Advisor call 636-3850.
Rybin Plumbing & Heating Co. is a family-owned company with a specialty in plumbing, heating and cooling for residential, multifamily residential and commercial properties. In plumbing Rybin repairs, remodels and provides service and is experienced with domestic hot water. In heating, Rybin’s team are experts in steam and hot water systems along with residential forced air replacement and upgrades. In cooling they can add central cooling in boiler heated homes. For more Information contact: Jay R. Rybin, Rybin Plumbing and Heating Co. 1822 Vinton St., Omaha, NE 68108 (402) 341-5143.
Sunderland Brothers Co. has been a part of the design and construction of Omaha and the surrounding areas since 1883. Their products are part of such landmarks as St. Cecilia’s Cathedral, and the Nebraska State Capital. If you live in an old home, chances are they supplied the original stone and tile. Those who care passionately about the details have selected Sunderland Brothers Company as their source for tile, stone, cabinets, laminate and solid surfacing for more than 120 years. The showroom at ic Monday–Friday 9700 J Street is open to the publia from 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Design consultants will help you find the unique products that complement the character of your home. When every detail matters, Sunderland Brothers Company can help.
Thrasher Basement Systems, Inc., Nebraska and Iowa’s leader in basement waterproofing and foundation repair, has provided exemplary service and cost-effective solutions for more than 30 years. With more than 75 highly-trained employees and access to patented products, Thrasher Basement Systems has your solution for moisture intrusion, crawlspace repair, settling foundations, bowing basement walls and more.
Todd Rose Decorative Concrete specializes in the art of decorative concrete. Rose offers clients a fresh perspective and provides them with unique ideas to help their businesses or homes stand out from the rest. In addition to client work, Rose’s company offers training and consulting services for those interested in branching out or learning more about the decorative concrete industry. For more information or to see examples of Rose’s work.
V3 Technology Solutions, Inc. provides security systems (wired and wireless), rehab/remodel security, video surveillance (wired and wireless), VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol Phone Systems), Smart Home Technology and WiFi networking. For more information, contact Wendy Zikas at 659-7157 or wzikas@v3tsi.com.
Wells Fargo is a diversified financial services company providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance for more than 23 million customers through 6,200 stores, the internet and other distribution channels across North America and elsewhere internationally. Our vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs, help them succeed financially, be known as one of America’s great companies and the number-one financial services provider in each of our markets.

Education

Metropolitan Community College has been providing excellence in education since 1974. We are a comprehensive community college that serves more than 40,000 students annually. MCC offers associate’s degrees, certificates of achievement, and specialist diplomas in more than 100 programs. Metro is the third largest higher education institution in the state, but with a 15 to 1 student to faculty ratio, students still benefit from the personal attention, quality and care of a smaller institution. MCC offers many traditional daytime classes as well as a wide variety of options for the nontraditional college schedule, including nights, weekends and an ever-expanding schedule of on-line classes. With 6 convenient locations, affordable tuition and excellent transfer agreements Metropolitan Community College is the perfect place to start, continue, or finish your education! Metro...on the Move!

Neighborhood Associations

Bemis Park Neighborhood Association is bounded by 38th Street, Hamilton Street, 33rd Street, and Cuming Street. The first house was built in 1889, making the neighborhood more than 117 years old. Over the years the area has gone from an affluent home of doctors and business owners to a middle class family neighborhood, to a neglected near slum in the 1960s. In 1975 the Bemis Park Neighborhood Association was formed (one of the first in Omaha), with a mission to revitalize the area. When the group was formed, the trend was to move west and abandon the old houses. Through the efforts of the residents at the time, many houses were converted back to single family homes. For more information on the Bemis Park neighborhood contact Judy Alderman at 558-3275 or jalderman@cox.net.
City Sprouts is a non-profit community gardening organization. Since 1995, they have maintained community and family gardens in their half-acre garden at 40th and Franklin Streets in the Orchard Hill neighborhood. They work with inner-city residents and volunteers from around Omaha to grow vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs using sustainable gardening methods. They also provide a comfortable setting where people of diverse ages and backgrounds work outside together. They are currently remodeling their education center, a lovely 1910 frame house right by the garden. For more information contact City Sprouts at 502-5902.
Dundee Memorial Park Association located in central Omaha, Nebraska, is adjacent to Memorial and Elmwood parks, which border the University of Nebraska, Omaha. The area features well-maintained, early 20th century homes and distinctive cast iron, globed streetlights. From May to October, several hundred large flower baskets are displayed on these lights. The Dundee-Memorial Park Association (DMPA) is an active organization whose strength is a core of capable, energetic people who enjoy working to preserve and improve the quality of the neighborhood, and a membership that strongly supports DMPA activities through volunteer efforts and participation in the association’s system of area and street captains. For more information contact President Jack Kubat at 5567436 or store1597@theupsstore.com.
Gifford Park Neighborhood Association (GPNA) was founded in 1988 and is a group of neighbors working together to improve our community. As members of Gifford Park Neighborhood Association, we are committed to preserving and protecting our neighborhood. In the spirit of volunteerism and teamwork, and through dedication, integrity and communication with neighbors and local government officials, our goal is to help make the Gifford Park Neighborhood a great place to live, work, learn and play.
Hanscom Park is a vibrant, front porch neighborhood. Some of our homes date back to the 1880s and yet there is a section of 4-5 year old homes nestled in the middle. The pride of our neighborhood lies along our main corridor of 32nd Ave and Hanscom Blvd. Victorian, four square, and quaint bungalow style homes create an inviting neighborly place to live, work, and play. We are proud to be able to walk to school and Sunday services, and enjoy our parks and bike paths. Created in 1872 our name sake park was Omaha’s first public park and once placed on the country’s top10 public parks. Many children raised in the neighborhood remain in the neighborhood to raise families of their own. Hanscom Park neighborhood is a handed down tradition for more than 100 years. For more information contact Brian Carlin, Hanscom Park Neighborhood Association president at bcarlin@deebrealestate.com or 630-9760.
Miller Park/Minne Lusa neighborhood is located in the northeastern part of Omaha. The area includes historic Fort Omaha and the Mormon Cemetery and Visitor Center. The homes in the area were built in the early 1900s as well as many bungalow style homes. There is an active neighborhood association and citizen patrol. For more information, contact David Lawrence 455-5323 or Elijah Hassler 455-4202.
The Neighborhood Center of Greater Omaha builds capacity and strengthens neighborhoods in Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie counties. An initiative of the Neighborhood Center is the Morton Meadows Energy Savings Program, an effort to improve comfort, reduce energy use by 25 percent and reduce utility expenses neighborhood-wide through education and outreach. Also featured is the Omaha Neighborhood Scan service, which helps Omaha residents preserve the livability and value of their areas block-by-block.
For more information on the Neighborhood Center and its programs contact Daniel Lawse at 561-7583 or visit the center at 115 S. 49th Ave. in Omaha.
The South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance (SONA) is a coalition of more than 40 neighborhood groups from the Missouri River to 72nd Street and Harrison to Dodge Street who work together to improve South Omaha. Their mission is to enhance South Omaha neighborhoods unity collaborations, through communication, commut empowering families and promoting positive perceptions. SONA hopes to utilize local organizations and ity of life in the South government to enhance the qualiw Omaha community by raising awareness for neighborhood empowerment. For more information, contact president Duane Brooks at dpjabrooks@msn.com.

Organizations

2020 Omaha Modern Preservation Network, Inc. is a proactive, volunteer group that promotes the preservation of Omaha’s 20th Century built environment. 2020 achieves this mission through public education, documentation of historic structures, nomination of structures as local or national landmarks and advocacy for historic preservation. Their goal is to nominate Omaha’s top twenty 20th Century structures by the year 2020 and to increase public awareness and understanding of the importance of Omaha’s 20th century architectural resources. For more information contact 2020 Omaha President Cindy Tooker at 3452708 or cstooker@cox.net.
ABC Roofs owner Mike Thompson has more than 20 years experience in the roofing industry and prides himself in staying current on industry trends. Trained in all types of roofing, ABC Roofs specializes in tile and flat roofs. They also can help with siding, gutter and window system needs and small remodeling and addition projects. For more information, contact Mike at 598-1452 or abcroofs@yahoo.com.
AIA Omaha is the local chapter of American Institute of Architects, the largest and most influential professional organization for architects, interns, and those directly involved with the practice of architecture. AIA Omaha strives to meet the needs and interests of its members and the public they serve by developing public awareness of the value of architecture and the importance of good design.
City of Omaha Planning Department Our mission is to serve the public and improve their quality of life by preparing and implementing plans and programs which alleviate blight and deterioration and which guide the orderly growth, development, conservation and rehabilitation of the community. They also strive to be responsive to the expressed health, safety, welfare and development needs of the public through the timely and adequate enforcement and administration of city codes and ordinances. For more information contact:
- Planning Main Desk 444-5150
- Zoning and Subdivision Help Desk 444-3426
- Code Enforcement 444-5371
- Historic Preservation 444-5770
- Permits & Inspections 444-5350
- Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation 444-5177
- Rental Rehabilitation 444-5201
- Lead Safe Practices 444-5217.
Clean Solutions for Omaha (CSO) is a community-wide effort to meet the federal mandate to reduce the number of raw sewage overflows to the Missouri River and the Papillion Creek. After one year of studying the affected area which lies primarily east of 72nd Street to the Missouri River and is bordered on the north by I-680 and on the south by Harrison Street, a team of engineers, city officials and community volunteers have recommended three solutions: targeted sewer separation, one deep conveyance tunnel and three new high rate treatment facilities. During the next two years the study program will continue to refine project costs, solution concepts and construction schedules while public participation will continue educational forums and provide information to the public.
Friends of Joslyn Castle Completed in 1903, Joslyn Castle was the private home of George and Sarah Joslyn. This 35-room Scottish Baronial style house was designed by architect John McDonald and built in 1903 at a cost of $250,000. The Joslyn Castle was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and designated an Omaha Landmark Historic Structure in 1979. In 1996, the grounds became the first historic landmark Site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. The Friends of Joslyn Castle is an advocacy group dedicated to the restoration and preservation of this irreplaceable community treasure. For more information contact Executive Director Nano Little at 595-2199 or nlittle@joslyncastle.com.
Habitat for Humanity – Your Home Improvement Discount Outlet. The Habitat ReStore accepts donations from both business and individual donors and makes all merchandise available to the public at a 50-70 percent discount. You can find new and used building and home improvement materials including windows, cabinets, doors, sinks, countertops and MUCH MORE. The Habitat ReStore is located at 1003 South 24th Street. For more information, please contact Sue Arment at 402-457-5657 x110 or sarment@habitatomaha
Landmarks Inc. is a private, non-profit organization which exists to serve as the advocate for the preservation of Omaha’s historic environment. For more information contact: Landmarks Inc, 3838 Davenport Street, Omaha NE 68131 or e-mail landmarks@omahalandmarks.org
The National Trust provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to save America’s diverse historic places and revitalize our communities. For more information.
Nebraska State Historical Society administers the state’s official historic preservation programs. These include a statewide survey of historic places, the National Register of Historic Places, assistance to local governments and technical assistance to the owners of historic properties. Other programs include two incentives aimed at the rehabilitation of historic places, a federal investment tax credit and the Nebraska Valuation Incentive Program (VIP). Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office PO Box 82554, Lincoln NE 685012554 (402) 471-4787 hpnshs@nebraskahistory.org
The Nebraska State Recycling Association (NSRA) is a nonprofit coalition of businesses, communities and individuals with diverse interests who are committed to maximizing benefits of waste reduction, reuse and recycling for social and business development. NSRA serves as a catalyst for Nebraska by providing technical assistance, advocacy and research through public private partnerships that lead to sustainable growth.
NSRA envisions an organization that maintains a leadership role as an advocate for resource conservation as a way of life. They envision an organization that is a resource for the development of public policy and opinion that maximizes the benefits of waste reduction, reuse and recycling for economic and environmental benefits.
Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance provides a comprehensive approach through collaboration, coordination and education to prevent and eliminate childhood lead poisoning in Omaha. For more information contact Kara Henner Eastman: Executive Director at 115 S. 49th Ave Omaha, NE 68132 5617596 or kara@omahahealthykids.org.
Omaha Public Power District. Low rates and nationally recognized customer service are just a few of the advantages provided to the customers of OPPD. The business-managed utility was founded in 1946 as a public entity governed by an elected board of eight directors. Now serving more than 310,000 customers in 13 southeastern counties, OPPD ranks as the 12th largest publicly owned electric system in the U.S. in number of customers served. OPPD has tripled its number of customers since 1947, its first full year of operation. The average annual kilowatt-hour usage by OPPD residential customers has increased more than seven times since that year. In all, OPPD serves 48 8 towns at retail and five at wholesale in a service area of 5,000 square miles. To contact an OPPD Energy Advisor, call 636-3850.
U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) The Federal Housing Administration, generally known as “FHA”, provides mortgage insurance on loans made by FHA-approved lenders throughout the United States and its territories. FHA insures mortgages on single family and multifamily homes including manufactured homes and hospitals. It is the largest insurer of mortgages in the world, insuring nearly 33 million properties since its inception in 1934. In addition, HUD ensures safe, decent and affordable housing is available to all without the threat of discrimination. In the more than 60 years since the FHA was created, much has changed and Americans are now arguably the best housed people in the world. HUD has helped greatly with that success.
U.S. Green Building Council Flatwater Chapter is a local chapter that serves as a catalyst for change in the Omaha Region, positively impacting green building practices, technologies, policies and standards through partnership with other organizations. Through educational programs, the USGBC raises awareness of green building principles and practices among the local design, construction and real estate community as well as the general public, businesses, educational institutions, manufacturers and state and local government. The chapter also provides regularly scheduled opportunities for members to network with others with similar interests and to provide a forum for exchange of ideas and information. They strive to empower individuals, businesses and government with the 9 tools to improve their environment through sustainable practices. For more information, contact Nicolette Amundson, AIA at 345-3060 or namundson@bvh.com.

Major Support Provided by:

Bruce Frasier Architects
Critter Control of Omaha
Destination Midtown
Dundee Bank
Gavin Historical Bricks
J. Development Company
J. Robert Perrin, AIA
Leo A. Daly Co.
Nebraska Concrete Masonry Association
Omaha Main Streets
Cynthia S. Tooker

Donations

Restore Omaha is a grassroots effffort. Your donations help to defray the conference costs and to offer ongoing workshops throughout the year.

Donation checks payable to:
Metropolitan Community College Foundation
Attn: Restore Omaha
P.O. Box 3777
Omaha, NE 68103-0777

Conference, Exhibition, and Tour

Sponsored by