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  • A vintage street scene with a streetcar, old buildings, and cars.

The Centennial Story of the

Aquila Court Building

A sketch of Aquila Court in Omaha, Nebraska, featuring a detailed building facade with multiple stories and people walking.

A Timeless Jewel in Omaha's Architectural Crown

In the heart of downtown Omaha stands a testament to early 20th-century architectural innovation—the Aquila Court Building, now known as the Magnolia Hotel Omaha. As we celebrate its centennial on June 16, 2024, we reflect on the rich history and the vision that brought this iconic building to life.

  • The image shows a historical street scene with early cars, a partially constructed building, and surrounding urban architecture.

The Birth of Aquila Court

Conceived in the early 1920s, Aquila Court was designed by the renowned architectural firm Holabird & Roche, with Edwin S. Jewell playing a significant role in its development. The building's construction marked a significant departure from conventional designs of the era, embracing a unique blend of office, retail, and studio spaces within a single, cohesive structure. The project was spearheaded by trustees Chester A. Cook and Raymond C. Cook, who envisioned a development that would stand out both aesthetically and functionally.

  • A black-and-white photo of a courtyard with stone paths, potted plants, and a fish pond, surrounded by buildings and greenery.
  • The image shows a historic courtyard with stone pathways and a central water feature, surrounded by multi-story buildings.
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An Architectural Marvel

Completed in 1924, Aquila Court was characterized by its innovative layout and artistic appeal. The building comprised two distinct sections: a four-story main structure facing Howard and Sixteenth Streets, and a two-story studio and shop building along Seventeenth Street and the alley. A central enclosed courtyard, accessible through an elegant archway and metal gate, connected the two buildings, creating a serene oasis in the bustling urban landscape.

The courtyard featured a colonnaded passageway, allowing visitors to stroll under shelter and enjoy direct access to shops and studios. This thoughtful design not only enhanced the building's aesthetic appeal but also provided practical benefits, such as a receiving platform for goods and a carefully maintained environment. Raymond Cook personally oversaw the planting of trees and shrubs, ensuring that the courtyard would be a place of beauty and tranquility.

  • The image shows a vintage office with typewriters and other office equipment in a well-lit room with large windows and elegant light fixtures.

A Hub of Professional Excellence

Aquila Court quickly became a hub for professionals offering high-quality services. The upper floors of the main building were dedicated to office spaces, while the fourth floor catered specifically to physicians and dentists. The studios in the two-story building, with their high ceilings and spacious layouts, were perfect for artists and creatives seeking a blend of work and living spaces. The building housed notable tenants such as the LeBron Beauty Shop, which had to expand due to its increasing popularity.

  • A cozy living room with a high ceiling, featuring a fireplace, a grand piano, chairs, rugs, and a table with flowers, creating a warm ambiance.

Modern Amenities and Timeless Elegance

The building's interior was as impressive as its exterior. The entrance lobby featured terrazzo marble flooring, Belgian black marble baseboards, and walls of imported Travertine, culminating in a groined arch ceiling. The upper floors boasted Batesville marble floors and mahogany woodwork, reflecting the high standards of craftsmanship of the time.

Aquila Court was equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including electric elevators, a steam heating system, and an exhaust ventilating system. These features ensured that the building remained at the forefront of modern comfort and convenience.

  • The image shows two side-by-side photos of the same building, with an older black-and-white version on the left and a modern color version on the right.

Transition to Magnolia Hotel

In 1974, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. In 1996, the property was renovated by the Sheraton corporation and subsequently transformed into the Magnolia Hotel Omaha in 2006 by the Magnolia Hotels chain. The renovation preserved many of the building's historic features, including the iconic courtyard, while updating the interiors to provide contemporary comforts.

Today, the Magnolia Hotel Omaha is a 145-room boutique hotel featuring 20 suites and a spacious presidential suite. The hotel offers modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine. The hotel's courtyard, with its string lights and elegant landscaping, remains a popular venue for weddings and events.

  • The image shows a modern restaurant with patterned chairs, green walls, and pendant lighting, creating a stylish and inviting atmosphere.
  • This image shows a modern restaurant with patterned chairs, a bar with bottles, and a stylish, open interior design.
  • The image shows a modern restaurant interior with elegant lighting, green accents, and large windows, featuring tables and upholstered chairs.

Recent Renovations

In 2023, the hotel underwent another significant renovation, transforming its restaurant from "The District" to "Olive and Ira’s." The new restaurant, named in homage to the Cook brothers' grandmother and father, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of home-cooked meals around a family table. The design blends the historic charm of the building with modern touches to create an urban oasis that invites guests to relax and enjoy feel-good American comfort food.

  • A brick building with a gated entrance labeled
  • An elegant hotel lobby with decorative walls, elevators, and a reception desk labeled
  • The image shows an elegant lobby with blue chairs, a side table with a plant, framed art on the wall, and a decorative mirror.

A Legacy of Excellence

Over the past century, Aquila Court has undergone transformations while retaining its historic charm. Today, as the Magnolia Hotel Omaha, it continues to welcome guests with the same elegance and sophistication envisioned by its original creators. The building's enduring legacy is a testament to the foresight and dedication of those who brought it to life.

  • A cozy living room with a person reading, feet up on a table. A plant and a book are on the table near a stone fireplace and rug.

Celebrate With Us

As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of this architectural gem, we invite you to join us in celebrating the rich history and vibrant future of the Aquila Court Building. Discover the stories, explore the spaces, and become part of the legacy that continues to shape downtown Omaha.

A historical street scene with early automobiles and a partially constructed building on the right, bustling with activity.
An intersection with a historic multi-story building and a taller brick structure in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A black and white image of a narrow courtyard with water features, surrounded by multi-story buildings with arches and windows.
The image shows a courtyard with brick buildings, balconies, and outdoor seating, featuring a central walkway and decorative elements.
A historic city intersection with vintage cars, streetcars, and buildings lining the streets creating an early 20th-century scene.
A quiet city street at sunset, with historic buildings and autumn trees lining the road.
A vintage living room features a grand piano, a fireplace, rugs, and wooden furniture under a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams.
A modern living room with a sectional sofa, glass coffee table, animal print chairs, art, and a chandelier under a vaulted ceiling.
The image shows three people working at drawing desks in a room with a large window and a brick fireplace.
A modern living room with a stone fireplace, colorful artwork, a chandelier, gray couch, and large window with curtains, creating a cozy ambiance.
A vintage aerial view of a small town with dirt roads, lined with buildings and surrounded by trees, showing a historical streetscape.
A desk with black-and-white postcards, a pen, a plant, and a tray with cookies and a glass of milk.
A historic Victorian house stands amidst urban development with horse-drawn carriages and people nearby, next to buildings labeled
The image shows a brick building with an arch gate labeled
A black-and-white photo shows a courtyard with stone pathways, potted plants, and a pond, surrounded by tall buildings and greenery.
The image shows a grand, four-story building with symmetrical windows and balconies, adorned with flags and illuminated by warm lights.
A Scrabble board on a table with
An outdoor courtyard setup for an event with rows of white chairs, surrounded by a brick building under a setting sun.
A dog lies on a bed while a person reads a magazine nearby, with socks displaying
A vintage office with typewriters, adding machines, and desks under hanging lights, showcasing a historic business setting.

Sources

  1. "Aquila Court Article," Document from October 15, 1923.
  2. Omaha World-Herald (published as Evening World-Herald): December 28, 1956, page 9; September 19, 1923, page 24; September 29, 1923, page 4
  3. Omaha World-Herald (published as Morning World-Herald): August 1, 1953, page 13
  4. Omaha World-Herald (published as Omaha World-Herald): January 16, 1936, page 10; March 8, 1976, page 30
  5. Omaha World-Herald (published as Sunday World-Herald): August 12, 1923, page 12; March 9, 1924, page 36; March 23, 1924, page 20 March 30, 1924, page 50; November 18, 1923, page 24; September 2, 1923, page 8
  6. Magnolia Hotels Official Website: https://www.magnoliahotels.com/our-hotels/omaha/magnolia-omaha/
  7. GPSmyCity: https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/aquila-court-building-49470.html
  8. Fifty Grande: https://www.fiftygrande.com/stories/magnolia-hotel-omaha