ORD 34431 - Landmark Designation - Robbins School C3-97-266
ORDINANCE NO .3 Ve7
AN ORDINANCE to designate the Robbins School at 4302 South 39th Avenue as a landmark
pursuant to the Landmark Heritage Preservation Ordinance of the City of Omaha
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OMAHA
Section 1 That the Robbins School at 4302 South 39th Avenue, which is on the following
described land, to wit
Lot 1 through 4, inclusive, Block 12 Hillsdale and Lot 5 through 7, inclusive, Block
317 South Omaha City Lots, subdivisions as surveyed, platted and recorded in the
City of Omaha, Douglas County,Nebraska
Section 2 That for the reasons cited in Landmark Heritage Preservation Resolution attached
hereto as Exhibit "A", and made a part hereof by reference, the architectural characteristics of
Robbins School are hereby deemed significant and worthy of preservation
Section 3, That the "Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for
Rehabilitating Buildings", as may be from time to time amended, are hereby adopted as the design
standards to be applied in the enforcement of this ordinance and Chapter 24,Article II,of the Omaha
Municipal Code
Section 4 That the Robbins School is hereby designated as a landmark pursuant to Section
24-61 of the Omaha Municipal Code and hereby subject to all of the provisions of this Ordinance
and Chapter 24, Article II, of the Omaha Municipal Code
ORDINANCE NO _3*73/
PAGE -2-
Section 3 That this Ordinance shall be in full force and take effect fifteen (15) days from
and after the date of its passage
INTROD 7 BY COUNCILMEMBER
PPROVEP IY
OF OMAHA DATE
PASSED `JAN 1 3 1998 '7—U
ATTEST d
C LEAK OF THE CITY OF OMAHA D Eo
APPROVED AS TO FORM
,Y
ASSIS"PANT C A RNEY DATE
P\PLN2\4802 MAP
RESOLUTION - EXHIBIT A
THE ROBBINS SCHOOL
LANDMARKS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
RESOLVED BY THE LANDMARKS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF OMAHA
WHEREAS, THI, Inc , d/b/a NuStyle Development is the owner of the Robbins School at
4302 South 39th Avenue, and,
WHEREAS, the owner has requested that the Robbins School be designated as a Landmark
under the City of Omahas Landmarks Preservation Ordinance, and,
WHEREAS,the Robbins School was built in 1910 in the NeoClassical revival style in South
Omaha and served residents of a newly established and growing Polish immigrant area dominated
by the livestock industry, and,
WHEREAS, the details evidenced in NeoClassical revival style include projecting
pedimented central porticoes or overhangs with detailed columns and moldings, and symmetrical
massing, and,
WHEREAS, Robbins School is one of the best remaining NeoClassical revival style
buildings left in the city with its projecting central pedimented portico, pilasters, Palladian window,
detail cornice, and beltcourses, and,
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the owner to use the structure as apartments, and,
WHEREAS, this case application and supporting data are attached hereto as exhibits, and
incorporated herein by this reference
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LANDMARKS HERITAGE
PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OMAHA
THAT,the Robbins School,4302 South 39th Avenue, be designated a Landmark of the City
of Omaha
P\PLN2\4803 MAF
Robbins School
. 7.
Robbins School � a; W.�--- x #, �
National Register/Local _ r- of: nif.t. s,,�, _,
Landmark nominations
4302 South 39th Avenue 3' _
1910 z= . j
�Y �'. r" t F
1910 ssical Revival 3 • SL%
. T
c
Robbins School was built in the NeoClassical revival style in
South Omaha in 1910 and served residents of a newly estab-
lished and growing Polish immigrant area dominated by the
livestock industry Originally named Franklin School, when
South Omaha was annexed by Omaha in 1915, its name
changed to South Franklin because Omaha already had a
Franklin School The building received its present name in
1928 when two young local boys• named Robbins, rushed into
their burning house to save their invalid mother One of the
young boys died in his heroic attempt, the second survived
only to be killed later in the same year in an unrelated sled-
ding accident In 1893 the popularity of NeoClassical revival
' styles were boosted by the 1893 Columbian Exposition in
Chicago when the classics were revisited in the White City
ti and became immensely popular and typically American This
resurgence did not pass Omaha by with nearly 111 sites idenu-
fied with classical architectural details and ornaments in local
surveys Typical details evidenced in NeoClassical revival
1\� ` style include projecting pedimented central porticoes or over-
hangs with detailed columns and moldings, and symmetrical
massing Robbins School is one of the best remaining
x£ e• NeoClassical revival style buildings left in the city with its
projecting central pedimented portico, pilasters, Palladian win-
dow, detailed cornice, and beltcourses The school was closed
in May 1994 and has stood vacant since that time though cur-
rent plans include its renovation into housing
NPS Form 10-900 - OMB No 1024-001
(Rev 104)0)
United State Department of the Intenor
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Registration Form
'Bus form is for use in nominating or requesting determmahons for ndividual properties and dtsmca See instructions m How to Complete the National Register of Historic.Places
Registration Form(National Register Bulletin 16A) Complete each item by marking"x"m the apptopnate box or by entering the mtorrnanon requested If any item does not apply to
the property being documented,enter"N/A"for"not applicable" For functions,archnrcmral classification,materials,and areas of significance,enter only caregones and subcategones
from the instructions Place additional cranes and narrative items on connmuanon sheets(NPS Form 10-900a) Use a typewriter,word processor,or computer to complete all items
1 Name of Property
histonc name Franklin School. 1910 / SouthFranklut School. 1915 / Robbins Sch 1928
other names/sue number N/A
2. ',oration
street&number 4302 S. 39th Ave. not for publication [ I
city or town Omaha vicinity [
state Nebraska code NE county Douglas code zip code
l State/Federal Agpnry Certification
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986,as amended,I hereby certify that this 0 nomination 0 request for determnanon of eligibility meets
the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Histonc Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60
In my opinion,the property 0 meets[I does not meet the National Register Cntena I recommend that this property he considered significant 0 nationally 0 statewide 0 locally (0
See continuation sheet for additional comments)
Signature of certifying official Date
Director Nebraska State Histoncal Society
State or Federal agency and bureau
In my opinion,the property 0 meets 0 does not meet the National Register cntena (I]See continuation sheet for additional comments)
Signature of cenifymg official/Title Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
4. National Park Service Certification
I, hereby certify that this property is
0 entered in the National Register
0 See continuation sheet
0 determined eligible for the
National Register
0 See continuation sheet
0 determined not eligible for the
National Register
[I removed from the National Register
0 other, (explain)
Signature of Keeper Date of Action
Robbins'school Doualas County NE
Name of Property County and State
5 Classification
Ownership of Property Category of Property Number of Resources within Property
(Check as many boxes as apply) (Check only one box) (Do not include previously listed resources in the count)
[x] private [x] butldtng(s) Contributing Noncontributing
Q public-local Q district 1 buildings
Q public-state Q site sites
Q public-Federal Q structure structures
I] object objects
1 Total
Name of related multiple property listing Number of contributing resources previously listed
(Enter"N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing) in the National Register
N/A 0
6 Function nr Ike
Historic Functions Current Functions
(Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instruction)
EDUCATION. school VACANT. not in use
7 Description
Architectural Classification Materials
(Enter categories from instructions) (Enter categories from instructions)
LATE 19TH AND EARLY 20TH CENTURY REVIVALS. foundation brick
Classical Revival walls brick
roof asphalt/tar
other concrete/pressed metal
Narrative Description
(Describe the tustonc and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets)
S
Robbins School " Douglas County NE
Name of Property County and State
S Statementof Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria Areas of Significance
(Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the cntena qualifying the property for National (Enter categones from insmstions)
Register listing)
[x] A Property is associated with events that have made a Education
Architecnrre
significant contribution to the broad patters of our history
0 B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant
in our past.
[xi C Property embodies the distinctive charactenstics of a type,
period, or method of construction or represents the work
of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents
a significant and distmguishable entity whose components
lack individual distinction Period of Significance
1910-1947
[) 6 Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information
important in prehistory or history
Criteria Considerations Significant Dates
(Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.) 1910. 1916. 1922
Property is
0 A owned by a religious institution or used for religious
purposes Significant Person
[] B removed from its original location. (Complete if Criterion B is marked above)
0 C a birthplace or a grave N/A
[] D a cemetery Cultural Affiliation
E a reconstructed building, object, or structure N/A
F a commemorative property
G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within
the past 50 years Architect/Budder
unknown
Narrative Statement of Significance
(Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets)
9 Major Bibliographical References
Bibliography
(Cite the books,articles, and other sources used m preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets)
Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary Location for Additional Data:
0 preliminary determination of individual listing 0 State Historic Preservation Office
136 CFR 67) has been requested. 0 Other State agency
0 previously listed in the National Register 0 Federal agency
0 previously determined eligible by the National [x] Local government
Register 0 University
0 designated a National Historic Landmark 0 Other
0 recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository
y Omaha City Planning Department
0 recorded by Historic American Engineering
Record#
atilt_ 431
Robbins jchool - Douglas County,NE
Name of Property County and State
10 Geographical Data
Acreage of Property Jess than 1
UTM References (place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet)
Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing
1. 15 250 800 4566 840 3.
2. 4.
0 See continuation sheet
Verbal Boundary Descnption
(Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet)
Boundary Justification
(Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet)
11 Form Prepared By
name/tale Melissa A. Dirr
organization Omaha City Planning date August 1997
street & number 1819 Farnam telephone 14021 444-5210
city or town Omaha state NE zip code 68108
Additional Documentation
Submit the followmg items with the completed form
Continuation Sheets
Maps
A USGS map (7 5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location.
A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources
Photographs
Representative black and white photographs of the property
Additional items
(Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items)
Property Owner
(Complete this nem at the request of the SHPO or FPO)
name/title THI. Inc d/b/a/ NuStvle Development
street&number 309 S 16th Street telephone (402) 345-8000
city or town Omaha state NE zip code 68102
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or
determine eligibility for listing, to list properties,and to amend existing listings Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National
Historic Preservation Act, as amended,(16 U S C 470 et seq)
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18 1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions,gathennt
and maintaining data,and completing and reviewing the form Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the chief,Admmustrative
Services Division,National Park Service P 0 Box 37127,Washington,DC 20013-7127,and the Office of Management and Budget Paperwork Reductions Project(1024-
0018) Washington, DC 20503
NPS Foim i0-900-a OMB No 1024-0018
(8-86)
Umtec States Department of the Intenor
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Robbins School
Name of Property
Douglas County. NE
county and State
Section 10 Page l
Constructed in 1910, with a 1916 addition, the Robbins School is an excellent example of the Neo-Classical
Revival style with its projecting pedimented main entrance and symmetrical facade The two-and-a-half story
building has an irregular footpnnt and is constructed of dark red and blonde bricks with poured concrete
beltcourses, lintels, and brick foundation The school is located in South Omaha on an entire block facing 39th
Avenue to the north, Hillsdale Avenue to the east "I" Street to the west and 40th Avenue to the south Though
vacant, the building's structural and architectural integnty remains very good
The original portion of the building has a symmetrical rectangular floorplan with a highly formalized and
ornamented projecting central pedimented portico flanked by three bay wings Symmetrical massing on the main
facade is reminiscent of Georgian Revival styles, but the main features are neo-classically denved and
predominate the form, detail and overall effect The main architectural details of the building include the ornate
pedimented portico and cornice Simple uncut modillions and dentil molding demarcate the cornice
encompassing the building Capping the central pediment are two ancon brackets supporting an antefix from
which nses the original flagpole, and a cartouche is located in the tympanum Blonde colored brick quoins set
the central projection off from the rest of the building
Separating the gabled pediment from the main body of the building is a poured concrete beltcourse below which
lies a half circle fanlight window with two square rosettes on either side This ornamental fenestration rests on
top of tripartite window grouping divided by panelled pilasters to give the appearance of a Palladian window
located on the second floor directly above the main entrance doors A date plate and the words "19 Public
School 10" in bas relief on the architrave above the main entrance provides physical evidence of its completion
date and function Fenestration on the main facade consists of three openings on either side of the projection
each consisting of single pane double hung sashes with poured concrete lintels and arched brick window caps
All bricks on the main body of the building are a dark red vanegated color with blonde variegated brick quoins
and later additions constructed of blonde bnck
Two additions were added in 1916 and 1922 and kept with the style of the original building including brick
quoins, concrete lintels, arched window caps, and detailed cornices These features help to visually unify the
building and makes the transition from one addition to the next very smooth The only intrusion is a 1976
temporary metal building added to the east side This building is connected to the historic school through a back
doorway After additions were completed the school was renovated in 1967 and again in 1976 These
renovations focused solely on interior upgrading Currently the school retains its ongmal wood floors, chalk
boards, intenor crown molding, and trim, and is in very good condition
Currently the building is not in use after having been vacated by the school in May of 1994 Because of this the
windows and main entrance are boarded to protect the remaining unbroken panes The building itself stands in
good condition and retains a high degree of historic integnty
NPS Fotm 10.900-4 - OMB No 1024-0018
(8-86)
Umtec States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Robbins School
Name of Property
Douglas County,NE
County and State
Section 10 Page 2
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
The Robbins School is locally significant under cntenon A for its contribution to the educational system of
South Omaha, then Omaha proper after its annexation, and cntenon C as an excellent local example of Neo-
Classical Revival architecture Constructed in 1910 in South Omaha the school served residents of a newly
established and growing Polish immigrant area dominated by meatpacking and the livestock industry The Neo-
('lassical Revival architectural style is represented in Omaha mostly through its public buildings and accents on
pnvate residences such as porticoed entrances and porches This building represents an excellent local example
of the remaining Neo-Classical Revival style properties in the city and retains a high degree of historic integnty
South Omaha was a booming town rich in the cattle industry and immigrant culture This city was autonomous
from Omaha with its provisions of large livestock yards and the livestock exchange industry which thrived well
into the twentieth century and is still an integral part of the identification of this area of the city South Omaha's
population boom is attributed to the success of the cattle industry, and the rich immigrant culture was bolstered
by the ever present need for labor at the packing houses Omaha successfully annexed South Omaha in 1915
after several other attempts and with much controversy at the same time as the Dundee community It was at
this time that the school came under the control of the Omaha school board The annexation of these two
communities increased the school buildings in Omaha by fourteen to 54 buildings
Robbin's School was constructed to serve a growing neighborhood pnmanly of Polish immigrants At the time
of its construction much of the area was still accessed by simple dirt roads, but with the booming immigrant
population education facilities for the children were necessary The graceful four room Neo-Classical Revival
style building was constructed in 1910 to serve kindergarten through fourth grade and was named Franklin
School This new building resided on the highest point in the neighborhood A neighboring school, Lowell
School located at 33rd and "J" Streets, served children in fifth through eighth grades When South Omaha was
annexed by Omaha in 1915, the school's name was officially changed to South Franklin since there was already a
Franklin School in the Omaha system As the area continued to grow and neighborhoods became established,
more active parents began to petition for four new rooms at South Franklin School Soon, Lowell School,
serving the fifth through eighth graders was sold to the Catholic church to replace an old wood frame school and
as a result four new rooms were added to South Franklin in 1916 to accommodate the influx of students and
appease the petitioning parents The school was complete with its final addition of six rooms in 1922
When the building's additions were complete the school administration began to focus on educational
development and maintenance Beginning in 1924 adult education classes specializing in "Amencamzation" were
instituted to serve the large immigrant population A Polish immigrant himself, Anthony Zaleski administered
this program The school received its current name, Robbins's School, after a local tragedy when two young
'boys, named Robbins, who attended the school died The two boys ran into their burning house to rescue their
' invalid mother, killing one and seriously injuring the other Tragedy stayed with the family, however when later
Ai
NPS Fc rrn 10.900-a OMB No 1024-0018
(8-86)
United States Department of the Intenor
National Park Service
National Register of Histonc Places
Continuation Sheet
Robbins School
Name of Property
Dogas County,NE
County and State
Section 10 Page 3
in the same year the surviving son died in an unrelated sledding accident Today a bronze plaque placed by the
Board of Education in 1928 resides in the front hail commemorating their heroic actions The name of the school
was officially changed in their honor on March 5, 1928 from South Franklin to Robbins Robbins school
remains the only school in the city named in memory of children
February 25, 1932 saw the organization of a Parent Teacher Association whose goal it was to improve the
; chhol grounds Dirt roads with wooden sidewalks leading to the building were cmdered to enhance the safety
of children as they traveled to and from school This not only improved the school but enhanced the entire area
Other public contributions included the first adult education classes held in 1936, a safety patrol, school
newspaper, and the organization of the first school library in the same year Especially popular were scout and
campfire troops since 50 percent of students were contained in kindergarten and first grade Mabel Thomas, a
passionate kindergarten teacher educated local priests on the importance of these two grades causing them to
recommend:d sending children to the school before they entered Catholic school in second grade This is
significant as kindergarten was not considered a necessary part of elementary education until well into the 1950's
The school continued its active role in education until it was closed on May 1, 1994 Currently, the building
stands vacant
ARCHITECTURE
Robbins School is an excellent example of Classical Revival architecture, and one of the best in the city Neo-
Classical Revival architecture experienced a resurgence of popularity as a reflection of the White City at the 1893
Columbian Exposition in Chicago Nationwide Classical Revival styles were reacting to the excessive ornament
and asymmetry evidenced in Victorian era details Ornamental echoes from the Classical era lead the way to a
more formalized, simple, and symmetrical building character The popularity of this movement in Omaha is
evidenced by approximately 111 sites with classical architectural details identified in local surveys Omaha's
examples date from as early 1886 to 1925 Of the 111 buildings identified most are residences with Classical
details and are not eligible for the National Register or need further evaluation Some of Omaha's other
,prominent Neo-Classical buildings include the Burlington Station (National Register, 1974), Clarinda-Page
Apartments (Local Landmark), and Packers National Bank (National Register, 1985) Within this local context
the Robbins School is significant as one of the best and truest surviving examples of the style in the city with ties
to South Omaha The original four room building set the tone for the later additions to Robbins School
Beautifully detailed with Classical Revival style ornaments and massing reflecting the Georgian Revival period
specifically, the large building anchors the neighborhood with its location on one of the highest points of land
This school is one of the most outstanding examples of this architectural style in the city and is the only public
school that illustrates the style so clearly
Neo-Classical Revival style buildings tend to be larger in scale than Greek Revival buildings and not as
ornamented as Beaux-Arts buildings They are typified by pedimented porticoesslmteled windows, and Greek
order detailing Generally this is an understated, simple, and graceful style that lends subtlety and symmetry to its
NPS Fonn 10-900-4 OMB No 1024-0018
(8-86)
United States Department of the Intenor
National Park Service
National Register of Histonc Places
Continuation Sheet
Robbins School
Name of Property
Douglas County,NE
County and State
Section 10 Page 4
buildings The popularity of the style was boosted by the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago when the
Classics were revisited in the White City and became immensely popular and typically American Building
construction began to turn away from the highly manufactured detailing of the Victorian era toward more formal
styles incorporating simple symmetry and classical detailing
Robbins School was constructed in the autonomous city of South Omaha prior to its annexation into Omaha,
aud, therefore, building records are scarce and difficult to find At this point no architect has been attributed to
the building, although it was most certainly designed by one This school was built during a boom time in public
education and the city of Omaha retains detailed lists of the public schools and their architects For example,
John Latenser, a prominent school architect designed over 30 schools in Omaha and at least one commercial
building in South Omaha, though his style differed in fenestration symmetry by this time which excludes him No
other architect was as prolific a designer in the area of schools as Latenser so attribution becomes difficult
Unfortunately the city records for South Omaha are no longer extant, and thorough research has not uncovered
any evidence as to an architect
BIBLIOGRAPHY
"History of Robbins School, 1910-1966" Omaha Department of Education (typewritten)
Qjorkman, Lynn South Omaha Historic District National Register nomination, Omaha City Planning
Department, August , 1988
Johnson, Niel M "South Omaha A Brief History " Omaha Teacher Corps Project Omaha 1977
Whiffen, Marcus "American Architecture Since 1780 A Guide to the Styles " M I T Press, 1969
BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION
The Robbins School resides on a full block fronting on 39th Avenue to the north, Hillsdale Avenue to the east,
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No 1024-0018
(8-86) a - - _United States Department of the Intenor
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Robbins School
Name of Property
Douglas County,NE
County and State
Section 10 Page 5
"I" Street to the west and 40th Avenue to the south No other buildings are located on this block
BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION
This boundary was chosen because it is the onginal lot and location of the school building and retains all onginal
features of the property
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