The Arthur Metz Mansion, designed by Omaha architect George Prinz and built in 1914, sustained heavy damage January 12 in a two-alarm fire. Investigators related the cause of the fire to a space heater in the attic used to prevent pipes from freezing. Though the home is heavily damaged, there is hope wrecking balls will not be used. Owner David Kousgaard has told the media he thinks his property can be saved. He didn’t talk about demolition, instead saying he’d like to restore the mansion into four apartments rather than the eight prior to the fire. Kousgaard believes it’s possible as long as the mansion’s skeleton is stable. REO has reached out to Kousgaard offering to provide restoration and structural experts to help evaluate the building.
