May/June Omaha Home

MAY/JUNE 2017

ALWAYS LOCAL, ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL

THE HOUSE

on the Corner

NICK WITTMANN’S Basement Arcade

SANDY’S DIY

Spring Salvage

OMAHA HOME opener Sandy Matson Contributing Editor, OmahaHome

ALWAYS LOCAL, ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL

I

HAVE WRITTEN FREQUENTLY about growing up in small-town Iowa. My father farmed for 30 years, and his parents farmed. I have always felt the nostalgia of this lifestyle, and I knew a rural setting was exactly what I wanted to show my early spring project.

Driving the highway outside of Papillion, I often went past this beautiful farm, now up for sale, which has lots of rustic charm. Sadly, many of these old earthy buildings are falling into disrepair, but they always have their own story. This one was no exception.

I stepped out of the car and walked along the gravel driveway, past what resembled overgrown peonies and lilac bushes, toward a massive 100-year-old barn. Hints of white paint still remained in spots.

The barn had the sort of time-worn character that is impossible to recreate.

Hal Timm, I came to learn, is the great-grandson of the original owners. His great-grandmother purchased this farm in 1912 with the intent to expand the family homestead and keep the adult children close by. With his blessing, we shot my May/June DIY project here.

As Mr. Timm was packing some of the final belongings from the house, we were finishing up the photos.

He thanked me for coming and said that he imagined his grandfather and grandmother may have danced on the farm as newlyweds when it became theirs in the early 1900s. He also stated that seeing our photo shoot seemed like an appropriate bookend for the era—he said it made him smile watching us.

Speaking of legacies, this issue features Chiodo Palace near 25th and Leavenworth streets, built in 1922 by Vincenzo Pietro Chiodo. Current homeowners Barry Burt and Michael Heaton have worked diligently to preserve the legacy of this unique, storied home.

But if your taste happens to be the look and feel of sunny California, take a peek at Marian Holden’s Transformations. This local ASID interior designer used a palette of soft sand colors and soothing blues and greens in this stunning makeover. The McCreas wanted to bring a bit of Palm Springs to the Midwest.

I hope you enjoy the issue!

Sandy SANDY’S DIY

Spring Salvage

OmahaHome

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May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com

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DIY story by Sandy Matson // photography by bill sitzmann // design by matt wieczorek

ITEMS NEEDED:

Spring Salvag e

• Reclaimed wood boards (I used six pieces of wood, three per wall vase on each side of the window) • Scrap pieces of wood (for the back side, to hold the wooden boards together) • Nail gun (or hammer and nails) • Two screws per wall vase and screwdriver • Hanging wire • Paint (any color, I used white) • Paint brush • A wall-mounted vase (a light fixture or sconce could be used instead) to be mounted on the reclaimed wood

MAKING RUSTIC WALL VASES

U

SI NG R EC L A I M E D WO OD

is a hot trend in home décor.

Unfortunately, not everyone has old wood lying around.

You can search for old, discarded wood or reclaim it yourself from local structures, such as dilapidated barns (with permission from owners, of course), or purchase reclaimed wood from wholesale suppliers.

I made several projects from reclaimed wood using our old dock wood pulled from the lake a few years ago. Alternatively, wooden pallets are an easily accessible option for those just starting out with the medium.

Pallet wood can be stained to produce an aged look.

Reclaimed wood adds wonderful texture.

Textures are important to provide depth and interest to any space, especially when the room is dominated by one particular color.

For my ongoing room makeover series, I wanted to do something that would emphasize the window as the focal point of the space.

I wanted the interior accent to resemble a design element typically seen on the outside. So, instead of shutters, I developed reclaimed wood wall vases to frame the interior side of the window.

The reclaimed wood would serve as the backdrop for wall-mounted glass vases.

They would take advantage of the texture from the weathered wood, while the glass vases would layer another design element over the wood itself—adding even more depth and interest to the entire wall.

With wall vases, you are also able to change up the mood for seasonal decorations, holidays, or simply for a different look.

The beauty of this is you don’t have to spend a lot to make a statement! Look for wood you already have around your house.

OmahaHome

DIRECTIONS:

• Cut each board the same length.

• I painted each board individually with a brush. I wanted the character of the reclaimed wood to come through, so I used very little white paint and lightly went over each piece (none of the boards were painted exactly the same).

• Let dry overnight.

• Arrange boards painted/or pretty side down into the desired pattern. I staggered the middle piece.

• Nail the boards together using the scrap pieces as connectors.

• Drive two screws into the back of each set of connected boards and attach the wire so each rustic wall vase balances evenly when suspended.

• I then attached my wall-mounted vases to the front of each set of boards and decorated the vases accordingly.

• Make sure the wall and materials you have chosen can hold the weight of the completed project.

• I used spring flowers in each vase, but you can swap them out for any occasion or season.

Sandy’s yearlong DIY remodeling series began with an introduction to the room in the January/February issue. The first of five projects, a coffee filter lamp, debuted in the March/April issue. Stay tuned for the next installment. Visit readonlinenow.com to review back issues.

Sandy Matson and her husband are celebrating a wedding anniversary in June, hence the wine bottles on the bistro table.

January/February May/June2017 2017 • omahamagazine.com

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

Spaces story by Matt Williams photography by Bill Sitzmann / design by matt wieczorek

IC K W I T T M A N N HAS always enjoyed

video arcades. Ever since he was a kid, he loved their bright f lashing lights, their cacophony of bells, crashes, and digital explosions. Pinball machines, in particular, were his favorite.

When he moved back to Omaha during the winter of 2009, after a few years in St. Louis, he moved into a West Omaha townhouse.

When it came time to decorate the basement, he wasn’t quite sure what to do. He grew up with a pool table and poker table in his parents’ house, and he thought he might like to continue that tradition. The finished part of his approximate 700-square-foot basement, however, was not big enough to fit a pool table.

He started thinking back to his favorite part of the arcade, the pinball machines. He started his basement remodel with a 1981 Gottlieb pinball machine called Black Hole.

Wittmann remembers “I got it because it was the first multiple-level playfield,” which refers to an upper level and lower level of play.

“You buy one, you’re not going to end with just one,” Wittmann recalls being warned before he bought this machine. The warning became prophetic. Within a year he obtained his second pinball machine, another Gottlieb game called Dragon.

Fast forward to 2017. Wittmann's finished basement is now home to four pinball machines, and a driving arcade game, Rush 2049 (on the basement’s north wall).

A bar-top touch screen trivia machine rests on the bar. There's also a Nintendo Vs. System, which contains several classic games, including Super Mario Brothers and ExciteBike. On the south side of the room, a 65-inch home theater, Neo Geo game system, and standing Pac Man machines add to the home-arcade atmosphere.

To complete the arcade basement, he has a fully stocked bar with coin-operated candy dispensers filled with Peanut M&Ms. >

May/June 2017 • omahamagazine.com

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Spaces

< During special occasions, Wittmann will bring out his popcorn maker.

Wittmann’s basement, however, is a gathering space to replace staring down at hand-held screens.

“I wanted to create something for everybody,” Wittmann says about the variety of games in his basement. “I always liked the driving games, shooter games. But my favorite has always been pinball machines.”

This philosophy has guided the cultivation of his growing collection.

His basement arcade is not only a haven for his generational nostalgia, it is a gathering place. The collection allows Wittmann to relive part of his youth, and he only has to walk down a flight of stairs for the experience. OmahaHome

At a time when Gen Xers and millennials have begun to revisit their childhood hobbies, places like Benson’s Beercade (6104 Maple St.) have gained popularity.

While kids growing up in the 1980s dreamt of having their own personal arcades, contemporary youths are spoiled with gaming options so easily accessible on smartphones.

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

“I wanted to create something for everybody.

I always liked the driving games, shooter games, but my favorite has always been pinball machines.” — Nick Wittmann

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NEIGHBORHOODs

THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF OMAHA ANNEXING FLORENCE

Diane Hayes wears magnifying glasses while working on some art projects. / H90 /

OmahaHome May/June 2017

Story by Linda Persigehl / Photography provided by Douglas County Historical Society / Design by Matt Wieczorek

James C. Mitchell, the founder of Florence, lived at 8314 N. 31st St. The house no longer stands, but it was easily recognizable due to the tree sticking through the balcony.

May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com

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T

HIS YE AR M ARKS the 100th anniversary of

Omaha’s annexation of Florence—the historic and scenic riverfront community on the far northeast reaches of our city. The milestone warrants a look back at this contentious time in Florence’s history, when its rapidly rising southern neighbor unapologetically gobbled up the settlement despite the objections of many residents.

Why Annex Florence?

It helps to understand a bit of the community’s history.

Best known as the site of Winter Quarters, the settlement for thousands of Mormon pioneers making their way West during the 1840s, Florence became a “city” in 1855 when Iowa businessman James C. Mitchell and his surveying team platted the land and officially incorporated.

With the Merger Bill of 1915, the State of Nebraska passed a controversial law allowing Omaha to annex neighboring communities unilaterally, providing these areas lie adjacent to current city boundaries, are situated within Douglas County, and have fewer than 10,000 residents.

Florence Kilbourn was the namesake of Florence, though her lineage is unclear. She has been referred to as the adopted niece of Mitchell’s wife or the granddaughter of Mitchell’s wife (depending on the historical account).

A legal battle followed, with representatives from Dundee and South Omaha opposing the decision. Omaha was poised to annex Florence, but lawsuits to the Nebraska Supreme Court left the possibility in limbo.

Mitchell recognized the busy frontier town’s big potential due to its convenient proximity to the Missouri River and frequent ferry service. The river’s narrow profile—at just 300 yards—and its solid-rock bottom just east of Florence also made it the most natural place to build a future bridge.

Some in Florence, fearing taxation without representation, were convinced to join the pro-annexation cause after being assured they would have a Florence representative in city government. The Omaha Commercial Club appointed a committee to explore annexation further, then held a public meeting in January 1916. According to newspaper accounts, 76 in attendance voted in favor, while only nine voted against it. Although the club had hoped to complete annexation by the May 1916 election, it took more than a year longer for it to come to fruition.

In the 1860s and ’70s, Florence grew into a bustling, young city. Early industry included a flour mill, brick manufacturing plant, lumber sawmill, and blacksmith shop, to name a few. Its population swelled well above 3,000, and its economy boomed.

Ana Somers, research specialist at the Douglas County Historical Society, says pressure for Omaha to annex surrounding municipalities really began in 1910 with the Greater Omaha Proclamation. “This was a direct response to the growth crises of 1910 that created a need to annex neighboring towns and villages,” Somers says.

But by early 1915, despite high tax levies, Florence began finding it fiscally difficult to meet community needs.

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Business leaders in Florence began fearing for the financial solvency of the city moving forward. At the same time, Omaha was building a strong reputation as a Midwestern hub of business and industry. Most members of the Omaha Commercial Club, an organization of area business owners and leaders, became proponents of Florence’s annexation for the “great savings to the taxpayers” it would provide through reduced redundancies in government, and they claimed such action would “provide residents with more benefits, not fewer.”

OmahaHome March/April 2017

Even train cars full of anti-annexation protestors from Florence, Benson, South Omaha and elsewhere flooding the state capitol in Lincoln during hearings could not kill the law. The fight dragged on for two years, until Feb. 14, 1917, when the Nebraska Supreme Court finally dismissed a lawsuit on behalf of the once-independent Dundee.

Confirmation of the new law was a welcome development to then-mayor of Omaha James Dahlman, or “Cowboy Jim,” as he was called, who saw it as a prime opportunity for his administration to grow the city quickly and gain tax revenue. The law allowed for the huge expansion of Omaha later that year with the annexation of Florence and Benson on June 6, 1917, while sealing the fate of South Omaha and Dundee.

NEIGHBORHOODs

According to an article in the Omaha World-Herald dated June 10, 1917, city officials reported the annexation of Florence and Benson expanded the city to 38 square miles.

For reference, the present-day City of Omaha occupies roughly 127 square miles (according to the U.S. Census in 2010). Boundaries of the former City of Florence had been Read Street, 40th Street, Florence Heights Boulevard, and the Missouri River.

Years later, it became the mission of the Florence Historical Foundation to keep its historic sites alive and maintain community pride—a mission the foundation has found great success with, preserving many historic landmarks, including the Fire Barn, Keirle House, Depot Museum, Bank of Florence, and Mormon Bridge Toll House. The foundation coordinates the annual Florence Days every May as well as other entertainment and holiday events.

During subsequent years, the annexation law has been nicknamed “Omaha’s secret weapon,” allowing for continual expansion of its city limits, year after year.

The independently restored Florence Mill and another community group, Florence Futures, also collaborate on community and heritage initiatives. The neighborhood on North 30th Street has witnessed an uptick in activity in recent years, thanks in part to a lively restaurant scene.

Blooming flowers (planted by the Northern Lights Garden Club) accent the booming streetscape.

The Dissenters Not all of Florence was convinced annexation was the best option. Among those in opposition: Florence’s mayor, Freeman Tucker, was concerned for the “political integrity of the village.” He vowed to take his fight against annexation all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court (though he never did).

Another dissenter was Dr. Carr, a prominent local dentist and investor who feared that annexation would reduce the likelihood that Florence would be the site of a promised river bridge, says Rosemary Allen, a longtime member of the Florence Historical Foundation.

“There were concerns about a lot of promises [made by the city] not being delivered on, including security and safety services, such as a rescue squad. And, in fact, a lot was promised but never materialized,” Allen says.

“As I recall, the citizens of Florence didn’t end up having much to say about it all. It was just sort of pushed through.

It was a very contentious thing,” she explains. “I do know there were a lot of residents who weren’t happy about it one bit, with some public meetings almost erupting into fist fights. And even years later, there were those that remained bitter about it.”

The North Omaha Commercial Club—no relation to the historic Omaha Commercial Club that advocated for Florence's annexation—is one of Omaha's oldest civic groups, where Florence business owners meet regularly to discuss ways to keep the corridor alive and thriving. All celebrate the small-town and family-friendly feel of this unique river city community.

Despite being in the shadow of the Big O for nearly a century, Florence maintains an identity and appeal all its own.

OmahaHome Florence Days takes place on the second full weekend of May, with a parade Saturday. Visit historicflorence.org for more information. Archival resources provided by the Omaha Public Library archives of the Omaha World-Herald (omahalibrary.org) and the Douglas County Historical Society (douglascohistory.org).

Allen says residents of Florence were also fearful that annexation would mean the loss of the community’s identity and important history. And in fact, through the years, many of the historic structures from its pioneer town days fell to ruin from neglect, fire, or normal decay.

May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com

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THE HOUSE ON THE CORNER NEIGHBORHOOD NEWCOMERS RESTORE A DUNDEE GEM

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

AT HOME story by Carol Crissey Nigrelli / photography by KEITH BINDER / design by matt wieczorek

W

ELCOMING. WARM. UNPRETENTIOUS.

Good vibes emanate from the stately beige stucco house on the corner of 52nd and Jackson streets in Omaha’s historic Dundee neighborhood. Inside the three-story structure, the main reasons for the comfortable, lived-in atmosphere scamper about on four legs.

Three Labradors—Buddy, Beaumont, and puppy Jackson (named in honor of the street that runs along the south side of the property)—form the center of attention and affection within the happy household. Homeowners Marj Plumb and wife Tracy Weitz refer to them simply as “the boys.”

A lifestyle where they would be walking dogs through a vibrant neighborhood and living in a jewel of a house never registered a blip on the couple’s radar until four years ago when the academics, working and teaching in the San Francisco Bay Area for decades, took a leap of faith. >

“We knew when we bought it that we were going to put in probably twice what we paid for it. But we had to do right by the house, because it’s so unique.”

— Marj Plumb

May/June 2017 • omahamagazine.com

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AT HOME

From left: Tracy Weitz and Marj Plumb relax at home with their dogs. < “I’m originally from Illinois, and I wanted to get back to the Midwest,” says Plumb, who holds a doctorate in public health from Berkeley and owns a consulting business. When Weitz, a medical sociologist, received a director-level job offer with the Susan T. Buffett Foundation in late 2013, they got their destination. When they toured the area around the University of Nebraska-Omaha, they found their neighborhood. And when they saw the house on the corner, “It was exactly what we wanted,” Plumb says. “We love to entertain, and it’s an expansive house. Just an amazing find.”

Purchasing the five-bedroom, three-and-ahalf-bath house won them instant equity with their neighbors. The property had sat empty for three years and had deteriorated badly. A general contractor bought it and did some renovations, including an overhaul of the kitchen, before flipping it. But much work remained.

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

“The first year involved replacing the sewer line, which backed up, replacing the main furnace, plus the furnace in the basement and third floor,” Plumb recalls. “We replaced the [central] air conditioners, fixed the roof, replaced the gutters, upgraded the electrical, and replaced all the windows, which leaked badly. Oh, and the yard was in bad shape.”

Selling their Berkeley bungalow provided the necessary funds.

“We knew when we bought it that we were going to put in probably twice what we paid for it [$387,000],” she says. “But we had to do right by the house, because it’s so unique.”

Built in 1925, the house stands out because of its Beaux-Arts design, an architectural rarity in Omaha, though widely known on the East Coast.

A distinctive feature of Beaux-Arts includes a flat roof on top, and a roof pitch that comes almost straight down along the sides of the house. A decorative wrought-iron trim rims the edges of the roof. Plumb and Weitz added a similar trim along the garage roof for continuity.

Two round, sculpted, and painted emblems of a dog and squirrel hang on the front of the house. In another original enrichment, decorative pavers form an arch over the front door.

“What strikes me about this house is that it sits in the midst of all this brick in the neighborhood. It’s such a treasure,” says Trish Barmettler, the couple’s interior designer.

“And you can’t tell from the outside how big it really is.” >

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first year involved replacing the sewer line, which backed up, replacing the main furnace plus the furnace in the basement and third floor.

We replaced the [central] air conditioners, fixed the roof, replaced the gutters, upgraded the electrical, and replaced all the windows, which leaked badly. Oh, and the yard was in bad shape." â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Marj Plumb

May/June 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ omahamagazine.com

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AT HOME

< The house boasts a bright sunroom off the kitchen; formal dining room with a door that leads to a deck and patio; a large, dark-oak bar in the living room, fully stocked with spirits; carpeted basement filled with gym equipment and a large 3D-TV on the wall; and a newly built greenhouse behind the garage.

The biggest renovation project transformed the south side of the second floor into a master bedroom suite. Contractors stripped drywall to expose an original brick wall between the bedroom and the bath. The bath area contains sinks, a vanity, a two-person shower, two walkin closets, a vertical washer/dryer combo, and a heated floor.

The couple’s contractor, Bill Bolte of Bolte Construction, also figured out a way to build a deck off the bathroom, where the couple can luxuriate in their hot tub and enjoy the outdoor view from a higher perch. / H98 /

OmahaHome May/June 2017

Two tenants, a graduate student and her boyfriend, occupy the finished third floor. They serve as house managers and dog caretakers when Plumb and Weitz go out of town on frequent business trips.

“I still remember the want ad. ‘Live Free in Dundee,’” says the vivacious young woman, who prefers to remain anonymous. “I thought, ‘Hell yeah, that’s for me!’”

Their digs include a furnished bedroom with a big-screen TV, a sitting room with another television, walk-in closets, and a surprisingly spacious bathroom with shower and tub. The tenants have kitchen privileges but buy their own food. A compatible bunch, the four often eat together.

The good will that flows between Plumb, Weitz, and their neighbors feeds off the courtesy the couple shows regarding “the boys.” A second, shorter wrought-iron fence around the property prevents the dogs from getting too close to, and barking at, dog walkers and passersby. On the street corner, they also installed a pet waste station that contains a trash can and plastic bags for dog poop.

“The neighbors love it. Somebody bought replacement bags and wrote, ‘To Our Favorite Neighbors,’” Plumb recounts with a big smile. “We’ve had nothing but incredible fortune here.” OmahaHome

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FEATURE

SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY

RESTORING THE CHIODO PALACE TO GRANDEUR story by Sarah Wengert / photography by Bill Sitzmann design by matt wieczorek

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

May/June 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ omahamagazine.com

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FEATURE

M

“The outside is very Craftsman. There’s some Italianate detail ICH AEL HE ATON H AD

a royal curiosity, which he ultimately satisfied by buying a palace.

Eleven years ago, Heaton and partner Barry Burt happily occupied an adorable English Tudor home in Florence, which they had lovingly remodeled. That’s when the Chiodo Palace came calling.

“I never thought we’d leave [the Florence house], but my friend Christy, who’d just started with NP Dodge, said ‘Michael, you've got to come look at this amazing house with me,’” Heaton says. “So, we came to look four times and would just sit on the floor fantasizing about living here…then we just went for it.

I’ve never regretted it. It’s been an adventure.”

The Chiodo Palace, near 25th and Leavenworth, was built in 1922 by Vincenzo Pietro Chiodo.

Burt and Heaton, together nearly 20 years, have worked diligently to preserve the legacy of one of one of Omaha’s more unique, storied homes since purchasing it in 2006. / H102 /

OmahaHome May/June 2017

with the dentil molding around the tops of the eaves. The stained-glass windows are a mix: Some [feature] traditional designs, but in the dining room there’s a very Frank Lloyd Wright Mission-style design. So, there are unexpected elements here and there.” — Michael Heaton

Chiodo immigrated from Southern Italy to the United States in 1885 at age 16. He studied in Chicago before settling in Omaha, where he operated a tailor shop, then found his fortune in real estate.

“He owned 50 homes in the area,” Heaton says. “This was one of many he built, and his primary residence.”

According to the Nebraska State Historical Society, Chiodo wasn’t so much an architect or builder himself, but he had ample vision and funds to support the proliferation of his real estate empire.

“He was billed the first Italian millionaire in Omaha and was also very politically active,” Heaton says.

In fact, Chiodo was an Elk and a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus. His titles included Italian Vice Consul of Omaha, State Supreme Deputy of the Sons of Italy, Knight of the House of Savoy, and Cavalier of the Order of St. Gregory.

Vincenzo Pietro Chiodo was billed the first Italian millionaire in Omaha and was also very politically active.

Heaton lights up when sharing stories of days gone by in his abode, many of which were relayed by longtime neighbor Angelo Bonacci, now deceased, who worked at the Chiodo Palace as a young man when it functioned as the consulate.

“Chiodo was very popular, and described as an elegant man,” Heaton says. “He could be seen walking the neighborhood and his domain wearing a long, white fur coat. When the Santa Lucia Festival parade made its way through the neighborhood, they always stopped in front of the Chiodo Palace and saluted Vincenzo, who’d be sitting up on his veranda. You can just picture him up there with the crowds passing by.”

“‘Chiodo Palace’ is what Angelo said they called it,” says Heaton, who believes the moniker comes from “palazzo”—Italian for a large, palatial building.

Chiodo passed away in 1949 at age 80, but his grand domicile lived on to weather years of general dirt and disrepair, water damage, and updates like ill-placed drop ceilings and gaudy, yellow wallpaper that spoiled or obscured the home’s unique character and verve.

Heaton and Burt, who are members of Restoration Exchange Omaha, purchased the house to preserve its history. >

May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com

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FEATURE < “We knew it had been an important house in the past and, seeing the sad condition, we thought we could have some fun, restore its appeal, and get the history back as much as possible,” Heaton says.

For Heaton, who owns and operates Legacy Art & Frame in Dundee, preserving historical homes and objects is a longtime interest.

“The house is a mix of styles,” he says. “The outside is very Craftsman. There’s some Italianate detail with the dentil molding around the tops of the eaves. The stained-glass windows are a mix: Some [feature] traditional designs, but in the dining room there’s a very Frank Lloyd Wright Mission-style design. So, there are unexpected elements here and there.”

The interior swims with stunning, rich mahogany woodwork, accented by a striking fireplace constructed of rough-hewn, imported Burmese stone. Colorful, original tile surrounds the floor of the fireplace, featuring a horseshoe that’s open into the room and closed toward the hearth.

“That was to deter unwanted spirits from entering the home through the fireplace,” Heaton says.

In the sunroom above another fireplace, a large painting in memoriam to Chiodo’s wife and daughter, both named Caroline, remains molded right onto the wall.

Ornate, hand-painted, original murals on linen grace the tops of walls throughout the main floor.

“Each of these murals depicts different aspects of Italian culture and Roman life,” Heaton says of the incredible illustrations of accolades, life phases, arts, animals, and plants.

“I love these dragons,” Heaton says, zeroing in on a mural. “They’re griffins, protectors of the empire, and their protection allows wealth and prosperity to extend from them, so they turn into these leaves. I’m just so glad no one ever ruined them.”

Part of one dining room mural suffered water damage prior to his ownership, so Heaton completely—and 100 percent convincingly— reconstructed it.

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

“I rebuilt the wall, put linen on the top, created a stencil off another wall, transferred it, and then, over about four weeks, hand-painted it,” he says.

With the scope of work Heaton puts into his home and a handful of rental properties, you’d think he had extensive training, but no. He says just the occasional HGTV show or YouTube video help him complete home projects.

“My grandfather was a real hands-on kind of guy, so I learned lots about working with wood, building, and fixing from watching him,” Heaton says. “He could do it all, so I just kind of hung out with him a lot.”

Like Heaton and Burt, Chiodo himself preserved Omaha history.

“Chiodo was a preservationist way ahead of his time,” Heaton says. “He got the salvage rights to the original county jail and courthouse, and used all of the marble, stones, cobblestones, and other materials he harvested from that in several of his other properties.”

We’ll never know whether Chiodo was a sentimental preservationist, simply a cunning businessman, or perhaps both. As for Heaton, that case is closed.

“I’m painfully sentimental,” he says. “That’s my inspiration.” OmahaHome Visit Legacy Art & Frame on Facebook for more information about the homeowners’ business.

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A COTTAGE IN THE WOODS BALANCING COZY AND FUNCTIONAL

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

ARCHITECTURE story by Will Patterson / photography Tom Kessler design by matt wieczorek

W

HEN THE MARSHALL family approached archi-

tect Jared Gerber about designing their home, he met them at the future construction site just outside the city limits of Louisville, Nebraska.

“When I met with them, we immediately connected,” Gerber says. “They were looking for something very homey and comfortable.”

The property is 11 acres with varying terrain features. Open spaces coupled with the surrounding wooded areas gave an ideal opportunity for a secluded paradise.

Gerber doesn’t typically design homes for acreages. He normally works in a city setting, and city lots confine an architect to design within a limited area. The expanse of the Marshalls’ land granted a variety of options for positioning the home and integrating the structure into the landscape.

“We really wanted to have a modern interpretation of a classic farmhouse,” says homeowner K.B. Marshall. “But we also wanted a house that complemented the land it was going to be built on.”

The product of the Marshalls’ vision and Gerber’s expertise was a house set far enough back on the property to be isolated by trees with a design that conjured the idea of a modern-day cottage. >

“We really wanted to have a modern interpretation of a classic farmhouse. But we also wanted a house that complemented the land it was going to be built on.”

— K.B. Marshall

May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com

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ARCHITECTURE

“Everyone likes to plug all the different styles into a particular category, and I think a lot of times houses don’t fit truly into each category.”

— Jared Gerber

< “We recognized the house is maybe a little bit out of character for the local area,” Marshall says. “We didn’t want to have something that was an eyesore or really stood out.”

Built on the edge of town, the house is hidden on a forested plot. A gravel road winds back behind the dense foliage. Drive down the path through the trees, and the spectacular residence emerges.

“It’s kind of a journey. You get little glimpses, little pieces of it as you're driving through there,” Gerber says. “It’s a nice approach to the house. It’s what I’ve always kind of liked about it.”

The front of the house is framed by its rural setting. Visitors’ eyes are immediately drawn to the red door, which stands out against the exterior’s softer white and blue colors.

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

Gerber wanted to keep the functionality of the home while maintaining its coziness. Striking this balance motivated Gerber’s architectural design, which led to some changes in the Marshalls’ original requests.

One feature the Marshalls wanted was a fourcar garage attached to the house. But Gerber believed this would infringe on the coziness they were seeking. He feared that such a large garage would produce a strange, lopsided appearance. He didn’t want the gargantuan garage to dominate the presence of the house, which he wanted to be the focal point.

“What I ended up doing was breaking it [apart],” Gerber says. “So we had a two-car garage attached to the house, and then another two-car garage that was a detached garage.”

These two garages mirror each other as they stand face to face. In the space between, Gerber designed a paved area that connected to the driveway. The new style preserved the welcoming domestic appearance, while retaining the desired garage space. >

May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com

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ARCHITECTURE

< The home’s interior continues to uphold a cozy and functional balance first introduced with the exterior design. Gerber strived to create a living space that would serve the needs of the Marshalls and their two sons.

“What I like to call this is 'cottagey'—which technically is not really a style,” Gerber says.

“Cottagey is more of a feeling or a concept of what a house conveys.”

The living room showcases a cathedral ceiling and large fireplace. The feeling emulated by the home’s primary living space is one of versatility. Ideally, one can feel comfortable spending time alone in the spacious area or hosting a group of guests.

The staircase tower connecting each level of the house was a favorite design feature for both Gerber and Marshall. The tower holds a wide, open-style staircase that winds from the basement to the main level to the second story.

Windows on all sides of the tower showcase the surrounding natural splendor.

The kitchen-dining area was designed to be a hub of family activity, where they could gather for meals and kids could work on homework during the academic year. A mix of light fixtures and a series of enormous windows illuminates the space. Throughout the house, lighting was a major emphasis of Gerber’s design.

The house also has a secret. A hidden room behind a “Scooby-Doo” door, as Marshall described it, quickly became a favorite feature for his children. The entrance to the room is concealed by a bookshelf, making it unnoticeable to visitors when it is closed.

It is no secret that the house does not fit any single textbook architectural style. But that’s also part of its charm. “Everyone likes to plug all the different styles into a particular category, and I think a lot of times houses don’t fit truly into each category,” Gerber says. OmahaHome Visit gerberarchitecture.com for more information.

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

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HARVEST story by Patrick McGee / photography by Bill Sitzmann design by matt wieczorek

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

ANGLING FOR SAFE-TOEAT FISH A GUIDE TO LOCAL CONTAMINATION ADVISORIES

E

ATING WILD-CAUGHT FISH from

rivers, streams, and dam sites is almost as fun as catching them. But consuming too much of certain fish species is not advised.

Mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, and other pollutants can bioaccumulate inside some fish swimming in local waterways.

That doesn’t mean folks shouldn’t eat wildcaught fish—it just means that consumers should know what, how much, and how often they’re eating fish with potential trace amounts of contaminants.

A list of contaminated waters is maintained on the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality’s website. The department warns against long-term consumption of more than “eight ounces per week” of designated species of fish.

Mercury is a natural element in the environment, but it is often released into the air through industrial pollution. Mercury that finds its way into local bodies of water can be transformed into methylmercury, which can then be absorbed by the aquatic life living there.

Mercury exposure affects nervous system and brain development. Developing fetuses and small children are the most affected, so parents and pregnant women should be cautious of mercury. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), on the other hand, are carcinogenic. > Left: A fisherman targets bass from a kayak at Prairie Queen Recreation Area.

HARVEST

< TESTING FOR POLLUTANTS

BEWARE OF PREDATORY FISH

Greg Michl says the benefits of eating wild-caught fish outweigh the cons of mercury contamination, so long as one exercises proper precautions.

Sue Dempsey says there is “no solution at this time” to methylmercury contamination in local waters.

For 25 years she has been a risk assessor and toxicologist for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services in the Public Health division.

Michl has worked for the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality for almost 27 years. As coordinator of the Nebraska Fish Tissue Program, he conducts investigations into surface water quality issues.

Methylmercury and PCB contamination in fish tissues are his primary concern. Michl says it’s easier to analyze bioconcentrations of these contaminants in fish tissues than it is to analyze in the water itself.

“We use fish as a surrogate,” says Michl, who is responsible for collecting tissue samples.

He uses electrofishing equipment to stun the fish before taking tissue samples—small biopsy plugs from near the dorsal spine—before returning the fish safely to the water. An Environmental Protection Agency lab then tests the samples, Michl assesses the data, and he reports his findings.

Methylmercury and PCB contamination appear to be under control in Nebraska. PCBs were first produced and marketed in the United States beginning in 1929.

PCBs gained widespread use as coolants and lubricants because of their remarkable insulating capacities and flame-retardant nature.

Unfortunately, PCBs are extremely persistent in the environment and “bioconcentrate” within the food chain. As with methylymercury, fish absorb PCBs as they feed in contaminated waterbodies.

Fortunately, Michl reports that PCB concentrations in fish tissue are on the decline and only a few locations are still under advisory. EPA regulations banned the manufacture and use of PCBs in the late 1970s. Michl expects to see many PCB contamination sites fall off the radar in time.

As for mercury, “The U.S. has a pretty good system in place for regulating what goes into the air,” Michl says, “but eradicating contamination would have to be a worldwide effort. The U.S. can’t do it alone.”

Michl says methylmercury has been detected almost everywhere across the state of Nebraska “primarily in reservoirs and lakes,” and “we see it in some riverine systems’ fish.” / H116 /

OmahaHome May/June 2017

Her job, in part, is to help protect Nebraska citizens from contaminants in fisheries. “We monitor the fish and issue guidelines for fish consumption and ingestion,” she says. “We advise people on which species to choose.”

On methylmercury, she says bioaccumulation is a concern: “Big fish eat little fish, and it goes up the food chain.” She also warns that regional contaminants, such as pesticides, are a pollution concern for fisheries.

Nevertheless, she fishes, eats fish, and recommends others do the same while taking proper precautions.

Dempsey’s advice on selecting and portioning fish to avoid contamination can be found in her “Eat Safe Fish in Nebraska” brochure, which she encourages the public to read.

Regarding wild-caught Nebraska fish, Dempsey says, “I’m big on moderation.” Her brochure advises that bluegill, crappie, perch, and rainbow trout have the lowest concentrations of methylmercury contamination. Catfish are acceptable, walleye and pike should be limited, and bass are not recommended.

Michl advises anglers to watch out for predator catfish such as the flathead, as they have higher concentrations of methylmercury than do channel catfish, which scavenge for food. But that does not mean avoid them entirely.

Dempsey says PCBs store in fat tissue of fish.

“PCBs can be removed easily by removing portions and by baking,” she says. Baking allows the fat to drip away from the fish. Mercury appears throughout the entire fish.

So, the next time you’ve got a big Missouri River flathead on the line, and you have to decide whether to catch or release, consider the risk of contaminants when making your choice. I always advise catchand-release of big catfish anyway. OmahaHome

So, the next time you’ve got a big Missouri River flathead on the line, and you have to decide whether to catch or release, consider the risk of contaminants when making your choice.

FISH SPECIES AND POLLUTANTS OF CONCERN IN LOCAL WATERS A 2015 report from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality warns of pollutants in 142 bodies of water across the state. Ten of the waterbodies are located in Douglas and Sarpy counties. The department’s list does not “ban eating fish” from the contaminated waters.

Instead, the advisory urges consumers to limit long-term intake of specified fish species from the identified waterbodies “to eight ounces per week (for adults).”

LOCATION—SPECIES—POLLUTANT Douglas County • Carter Lake—Largemouth Bass—PCBs • Prairie View Lake—Largemouth Bass—Mercury • Standing Bear Lake—Largemouth Bass—Mercury • Two Rivers Lake No. 1— Largemouth Bass—Mercury • Zorinsky Lake—Largemouth Bass—Mercury Sarpy County • Halleck Park Lake—Largemouth Bass—Mercury, Selenium • Offutt Lake—Channel Cat—PCBs • Walnut Creek Lake—Largemouth Bass—Mercury • Wehrspann Lake—Largemouth Bass—Mercury • West Papillion Creek—Carp—PCBs, Mercury For more information, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health produced the brochures “Eat Safe Fish in Nebraska” (dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/ documents/fishbrochureenglish.pdf) and “Environmental Risk Assessment Fish Consumption Advisories 2016” (dhhs. ne.gov/publichealth/pages/puh_enh_environmentalriskassessment_fishtissue.aspx), while the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has published 2015 results of its Regional Ambient Fish Tissue Program (deq.ne.gov/publica. nsf/pages/wat239).

May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

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Transformations story by

Marian Holden, ASID, Designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Touch photography by

Chuck Amoura, Amoura Productions

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

MEET THE DESIGNER

Marian Holden

Transformations is a regular feature of Omaha Home that spotlights a recent project by a local ASID interior designer. Text and photos are provided by the designer.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING IN OMAHA

M

ARY ANNE AND Jerry McCrea had to make

a decision when they got transferred to Palm Springs, California. Should they sell their 1990s timecapsule of a home during the market downturn of 2010? Or, should they hold on to their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longtime residence and update it when they move back to Omaha for retirement? >

May/June 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ omahamagazine.com

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"It was bitter cold in Nebraska when they hired me.

So, I wanted to give them a taste of sunny California in Omaha."

- Marian Holden

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

< They decided to take a chance and held on to the beloved property where they had lived for so many years.

Fast forward to 2016. My task was to remodel the entire home. The home needed to function for large family gatherings. I needed to come up with a f loor plan that had a better f low (to accommodate a large crowd of kids and grandkids), was easy to maintain, and (of course) was aesthetically pleasing.

It was bitter cold in Nebraska when they hired me. So, I wanted to give them a taste of sunny California in Omaha. To accomplish this more temperate mood, I chose a light and airy palette of soft sand and soothing blues and greens.

In the kitchen, I changed the layout to open the space to an adjacent family room. All of the golden oak cabinetry was replaced with a crisp white Shaker-style cabinet. White quartz with a splash of warm tan lightened and brightened the space. The blue-gray glass subway tile added a beautiful reflective quality to the kitchen. Sleek stainless steel and massive glass pendant lights added contemporary flair. The dated tile that covered much of the main floor was replaced with gorgeous 4-inch plank hickory. The floors were finished with tongue oil rather than polyurethane to give them a durable low-maintenance matte finish. >

Transformations

May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com

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One major transformation happened in the master bath.

Although the footprint of the space was large, it felt very dark and small.

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

Transformations

Your Complete Design Specialist Custom Draperies & Blinds | Furniture & Accessories | Color Consultation Remodeling & Rearrangement | Commercial & Residential Design

< One major transformation happened in the master bath. Although the footprint of the space was large, it felt very dark and small. The f loor was covered in dark cobalt-blue ceramic tile. The tub was 8 feet long and took up a large area of the room, yet was never used. The shower—which was used every day—was shoved in the toilet area in the back of the room. First and foremost, I reworked the layout to allow for a very large walk-in shower. The space where the old shower was became the perfect spot for beautiful custom cabinetry. Clever use of niches, grab bars, and no curb made this zero-entry shower totally accessible for the couple to age in place with a luxurious master bath.

A+ Rating

Office: 402.964.0762 Mobile: 402.670.7566 • www.GloriasElegantInteriors.com

Brent

The McCreas couldn’t be happier with what feels like a brand-new home. I couldn’t be happier that I was able to give them a little taste of California they can enjoy during the long Nebraska winters. OmahaHome Visit designerstouchomaha.com to see more of the designer’s work.

Brent

Clockwise from left: The renovated master bath and the kitchen before renovation

Winner Best of Omaha 3 Years In A Row & Best of B2B 2016-17

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May/June 2017 omahamagazine.com

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OmahaHome May/June 2017

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