OMAHA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
"INVESTING IN PEOPLE AND PROJECTS"
OEDC
THE MARGARET
The Margaret, an L shaped three-story building, is located at 2103 North 16th Street, Omaha, Nebraska. Designed by architect F.A. Heninger for builder/developer R.C. Strehlow, The Margaret is a well-constructed building reflective of the Jacobethan Revival style of architecture.
The tri-part front façade was lined with stone bands which delineated the levels of the building. Wall gables were used to
break its long horizontal appearance. Stone trim and stone panels, used as insets on each window and arched entryway, enhanced the building’s overall appearance.
Built in 1916, The Margaret was a model early twentieth century residential apartment building with its spacious living features and distinguished entrance stairs leading to 21 individual residences. Phone service, electricity and steam heat were included amenities for all renters. It stood in strong contrast to the boarding houses and tenements of the previous century. The building’s location along the streetcar line gave the residents direct access to downtown Omaha.
With time came drastic change in North Omaha, not only for the community’s residents but also for its physical environment. The Margaret suffered the same ill effects from residential segregation and social isolation that the community did.
Purchased by OEDC in 2006, the organization is seeking funding sources for the rehabilitation of The Margaret. The dilapidated building will be converted into 16 two bedroom multi-family units for low and moderate income households. Its renovation will send a positive statement of community change and empowerment for local residents and regional visitors..
