Now in its sixth year, Restore Omaha is an organization that teaches and motivates the public to restore and preserve older properties. This year’s tour highlights 10 restoration projects, both under construction and complete, in Omaha’s Downtown and Little Italy Neighborhoods. Sites include:

1. Scottish Rite – 202 S. 20th St. (20th and Douglas Streets)
2. New York Life Building (Kutak Rock) – 17th and Farnam Streets
3. St. Mary Magdalene Church – 109 S. 19th St. (19th and Dodge Streets)
4. A.K. Riley Building (Pinnacle Bank) – 1016 Douglas on the Mall
5. Board of Certification, Inc. Building – 1411 and 1415 Harney St.
6. Medlar Building – 416 and 418 S. 14th St.
7. Gahm-Block Building – 1208 Howard
   Old Mercer Hotel. Carl Sandberg once stayed here.
8. Anheuser-Busch Beer Depot – 1215 Jones St.
9. Fleuville – 822 Pacific St.
10. Bella Vita Building – 614 Pierce St.

Besides these properties, the Tour will highlight unique neighborhood sites in a “windshield” tour.

“This year’s Tour allows attendees to get inside several historic downtown buildings plus see how two families have transformed former commercial buildings into homes,” said Restore Omaha Chair Nicole Malone. “This particular lineup shows the wealth of what has been preserved and restored in Omaha’s downtown area and neighboring Little Italy. The business owners and residents in both of these communities have grasped the importance of keeping Omaha’s inner core alive and strong.

Tickets are $10 each or two for $15. Purchase tickets in advance at www.restoreomaha.org or the day of the tour at the Scottish Rite, 202 S. 20th St. (20th and Douglas Streets). All proceeds support restoration and preservation educational efforts in the area.

The annual Restore Omaha Conference and Exhibition is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2011 at Metropolitan Community College, South Omaha Campus. Return to www.restoreomaha.org for conference details as they become available.

For questions about Restore Omaha, contact 402-968-3349 or nmalone@thearchitecturaloffices.com. The conference is hosted by Metropolitan Community College with major support provided by The Reader, Pinnacle Bank and The Architectural Offices.