Old Gold Coast

Old Gold Coast is the name of a historic district in south Omaha, Nebraska. With South 10th Street as the central artery, the area was home to neighborhoods such as Little Italy and Forest Hill. The area is referred to as "old" because it was replaced in prominence in the late 19th century when a new district usurped its importance.^[1] This area south of downtown was generally bounded by Leavenworth Street on the north, Bancroft Street on the south, the Missouri River on the east, and South 16th Street on the west.

History

Early in the city's history business owners built their homes close to their factories and businesses near downtown Omaha. Many of Omaha's most elite early settlers built mansions in this area. The hills along South 8th and South 10th Streets, from Mason Street to Riverview Park, was first recognized as the city's "Gold Coast" in the 1880s. The Omaha Horse and Railway Company allowed these business tycoons and others to commute from this suburban area to their downtown businesses.^[2]

Notable buildings

The Cornish Residence at 1404 South 10th Street was built in 1886 for Colonel Joel Cornish shortly after he moved to Omaha. The Bishop George Worthington Residence at 1240 South 10th Street, also built in 1886, is a large, Victorian style mansion. Architect Thomas R. Kimball designed several homes in the area.

References

1. ^ McGee, R. (2009) The Road to Omaha: Hits, Hopes, and History at the College World Series. Macmillan. p 49.
2. ^ Mead and Hunt. (2006) Reconnaissance Survey of Portions of South Central OmahaNebraska Historic Buildings Survey. City of Omaha and Nebraska State Historical Society. p.12.