Last updated: September 2, 2022
Place
Omaha Central High School
David Calease, NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
124 North 20th Street
Significance:
Education; Architecture
Designation:
National Register of Historic Places
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
MANAGED BY:
Omaha Public School District
Omaha Central High School is the oldest and largest active high school building in the city. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places as being architecturally significant “as an outstanding product of the French Renaissance Revival.” It is situated on the site of the original Nebraska Territory Capitol, a highly prominent location overlooking Omaha, the Missouri River, and Council Bluffs.
Students attended a school as this location for some thirty years before it was determined in 1891 that a new building was required. The City brought in Omaha architect John Latenser, Sr. in 1900 to design the building, intended to be a monumental edifice that would be the pride of Omaha’s schools. The cornerstone of the new building was laid November 16, 1900, and the first (east) wing was completed in 1902. The old building remained in use during construction, was gradually surrounded by the new building, and was ultimately demolished in 1911.
After several additional phases of construction, the final (west) wing of the limestone building was completed in 1912, boasting of maple floors, oak woodwork, and cast-iron newel posts. Referred to as Omaha High School when it was constructed, it was renamed as Omaha Central High School in 1915. A two-story addition was completed in 1930 to accommodate a gymnasium/auditorium and a second addition was attached in 1978.
Students attended a school as this location for some thirty years before it was determined in 1891 that a new building was required. The City brought in Omaha architect John Latenser, Sr. in 1900 to design the building, intended to be a monumental edifice that would be the pride of Omaha’s schools. The cornerstone of the new building was laid November 16, 1900, and the first (east) wing was completed in 1902. The old building remained in use during construction, was gradually surrounded by the new building, and was ultimately demolished in 1911.
After several additional phases of construction, the final (west) wing of the limestone building was completed in 1912, boasting of maple floors, oak woodwork, and cast-iron newel posts. Referred to as Omaha High School when it was constructed, it was renamed as Omaha Central High School in 1915. A two-story addition was completed in 1930 to accommodate a gymnasium/auditorium and a second addition was attached in 1978.