Burlington Headquarters Building

Infobox_nrhp | name =Burlington Headquarters Building
nrhp_type =


caption =
location= Omaha, Nebraska
lat_degrees = 41
lat_minutes = 15
lat_seconds = 27
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 95
long_minutes = 55
long_seconds = 46
long_direction = W
locmapin = Nebraska
area =
built =1879
architect= Alfred R. Dufrene/Thomas R. Kimball (redesign)
architecture= Italianate
added = December 04, 1974
governing_body = Private
refnum=74001109cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2007-01-23|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service]

The Burlington Headquarters Building, also called Burlington Place, is located at 1002 Farnam Street in Downtown Omaha, Nebraska. This four-story brick building was originally designed by Alfred R. Dufrene and built in 1879 next to Jobbers Canyon. It was redesigned by noted Omaha architect Thomas R. Kimball in 1899, and vacated by the railroad in 1966. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, designated an Omaha Landmark in 1978, and rehabilitated in 1983. Today it is office space.

Usage

Built by the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad for $40,000, the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad took ownership when it took over that company. The first floor was leased by a wholesale grocer and a wholesale notion dealer, with upper floors used as headquarters for the railroad. [ [http://www.burlingtonplace.com/history.shtml "History"] , Burlington Place. Retrieved 4/12/08.]

Design

Designed in the Italianate style in 1879, the original three-story building was constructed with load-bearing masonry walls on a foundation of limestone blocks. A flat roof, straight front and walls, and very little embellishment originally made this building virtually indistinguishable from its neighbors in the Jobbers Canyon. The structure had fireproof vaults on each floor and each office was finished in oiled southern pine. Several offices included fireplaces. [ [http://www.ci.omaha.ne.us/landmarks/designated_landmarks/landmarks/4/Default.htm "Burlington & Missouri River Railroad Headquarters Building"] , City of Omaha Landmark Heritage Commission. Retrieved 4/11/08.]

The railroad bought the lot west of the building in 1866, and the building expanded westward and upward, adding fourth floor. Unlike those on the lower floors, the new forth floor had arched windows and a heavy ornamental cornice, making the building more distinguishable than its neighbors. [ [http://www.burlingtonplace.com/history.shtml "History"] , Burlington Place. Retrieved 4/12/08.]

In 1899 Thomas R. Kimball was commissioned to remodel the building. His new plans closely resembled the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company Building in Chicago, Illinois. Gutting the building, he placed a central atrium and an open staircase with galleries overlooking a courtyard. An elevator lined with quartersawn oak resembled much of the building's new interior, which Kimball also designed. Features include a combination of skylights, cast iron railings, staircases, columns, and ornamental detailing. [Gerber, K. and Spencer, J.S. (2003) "Building for the Ages: Omaha's architectural landmarks." Landmarks, Inc. p 52.] [ [http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/douglas.htm "Nebraska National Register Places"] , Nebraska State Historical Society. Retrieved 4/12/08.]

The railroad occupied the building until 1966, when it sat empty for several years. A 1983 rehabilitation converted the entire building into office space that closely matched original designs. [ [http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/tax/douglas.htm "Tax incentive program projects in Douglas County"] , Nebraska State Historical Society. Retrieved 4/12/08.] Many of the original elements, including the stairway and balconies, remain. Part of the original cast-iron Farnam Street facade remains; and although the original atrium elevator was replaced, a new elevator occupies the same area as the original. [ [http://www.burlingtonplace.com/history.shtml "History"] , Burlington Place. Retrieved 4/12/08.]

The Gene Leahy Mall wraps around the building today, and is on the outskirts of the Old Market Historic District and is across the street from the Nash Block.

ee also

* Railroads in Omaha
* Burlington Station

References

External links

* [http://www.burlingtonplace.com/ Burlington Place] official website.