Jewell Building
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jewell Building | |
|---|---|
| U.S. National Register of Historic Places | |
  |
|
| Location: | Omaha, NE |
| Coordinates: | Coordinates: |
| Built/Founded: | 1923 |
| Architect: | Henninger,F.A.; Lof,John & Sons,Builder |
| Architectural style(s): | Colonial Revival |
| Added to NRHP: | July 21, 1983 |
| NRHP Reference#: | 83001091 [1] |
| Governing body: | Private |
The Jewell Building is landmark in North Omaha, Nebraska built in 1923 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at 2221 North 24th Street, the building was home to the Dreamland Ballroom for more than 40 years, and featured performances by many jazz and blues legends, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and Lionel Hampton.[2]
The building has been designated a Landmark by the City of Omaha, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents |
[edit] About
Located at 2221-2225 North 24th Street in the Near North Side neighborhood of Omaha, the Jewell Building was built in 1923 by James Jewell, Senior, an influential man in the local African American community. Architect Frederick A. Henninger designed the building in the Vernacular Georgian Revival Style, and originally featured commercial spaces on the first floor, as well as the Dreamland Ballroom on the second floor. [3]
In 1945 Dreamland Ballroom was used as a USO center for African American soldiers. It continued to stay open until 1965.[4]
The Omaha Economic Development Council restored the building in the early 1980s. It was designated a landmark by the City of Omaha on September 9, 1980, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The Jewell Building now houses OEDC's corporate headquarters and serves as an office center for professional people and small businesses, as well as keeping two private apartments in the building.[5]
Dreamland Plaza is located adjacent to the Jewell Building at 24th and Lizzie Robinson Streets. It is the site of a recent $2 million investment by the city, it is now home to cultural activities throughout the year.[6]
[edit] Dreamland Ballroom
Located on the second floor of the Jewell Building, the Dreamland Ballroom was the premier nightclub for big bands and jazz in Omaha. James Jewell, Jr. booked the the original Nat King Cole Trio for $25 a person for one show. Dreamland closed in the 1960s. Other performers included Dinah Washington, Earl Hines, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong and Lionel Hampton.[7] A variety of Omaha music legends including Preston Love, Anna Mae Winburn and Lloyd Hunter also played at the Dreamland.
An influential man in the black community, James Jewell allowed activist Whitney Young to speak at Dreamland Hall about the Civil Rights Movement in America. Today the renovated Jewell Building is used for offices and apartments.
[edit] See also
- Culture in North Omaha, Nebraska
- List of articles related to North Omaha, Nebraska
- List of jazz clubs
- Music in Omaha
[edit] External links
- Dreamland Historical Project website to protect the Dreamland Ballroom in the Jewell Building.
- Modern photo of the Jewell Building
[edit] References
- ^ National Register Information System. National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service (2007-01-23).
- ^ (nd) Nebraska National Register Sites in Douglas County. Official Nebraska Government Website. Retrieved 4/30/07.
- ^ (nd) Jewell Building/Dreamland Ballroom City of Omaha. Retrieved 4/30/07.
- ^ Landmarks, Inc. (2003) Building for the Ages: Omaha's Architectural Landmarks. Quebecor Books. p 160.
- ^ Blair, R., Deichert, J., and Bloom, H. (2005) [2005 Revised Omaha Economic Development Plan]. Omaha Economic Development Council.
- ^ (n.d.)Jazz and All That OmahaBy Design.
- ^ (nd) Official Nebraska Government Website.
|
|||||
