This Valentine’s Day, show your love for a neglected and unloved historic building with a Heart Bomb from Restoration Exchange Omaha.
You can create a heart with an ode to a favorite building or you can “bomb” a fading edifice along with a pack of renegade preservationists. Why not both?
Last year, REO first took to the streets in a heart-bombing parade that took about 50 brave souls from the Corby Theater on North 16th Street to a building at 14th and William Streets that served as a saloon and later a tailor shop. Six sites were bombed in all. It was cold and windy, but, most agreed, an exhilarating experience. The event got its start about three years ago in Buffalo and has since spread to other cities.
This year’s event will take place on Sunday, February 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free and open to the public. On February 6 from 10 a.m. to Noon everyone is invited to The Architectural Offices at 4610 Dodge Street to make hearts. Paper and markers will be supplied. REO will then laminate the hearts and have them ready for the February 14 event. Check-in at The Architectural Offices at 11 a.m. on the 14th to grab hearts and a list of the heart-bombing sites.
The intent of the event is to draw awareness to buildings that have fallen off the radar of average Omahans and to prevent needless demolitions. REO Executive Director Kristine Gerber said REO intends to reach out to building owners and offer help to save the buildings in the form of advice and consultation.
The Logan Hotel at 18th and Dodge has been confirmed for the 2016 heart bombing, while other buildings are under consideration. The Logan was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Stay tuned to the REO Facebook page for more details or contact REO at info@restorationexchange.org with questions. Need inspiration? View a video of last year’s heart bombing by clicking on the YouTube icon. 
Heart bombers at the Ormond flats in February 2015.