With momentum on its side, Restoration Exchange Omaha enters 2017 with optimism and hope for more preservation victories.
Its growing presence as a nonprofit focused on the preservation and restoration of Omaha’s built environment is, of course, dependent upon the support of its current membership as well as contributions from new converts to the cause.
In just three years, REO has become known as the preservation voice in the Omaha community. REO’s recently published annual report spells out some of its recent wins; the stats and stories portray a vivid picture of an organization just hitting its stride.
REO helped save three buildings at 11th and Douglas that seemed destined to fall to the wrecking ball. Restoration Exchange also helped the Gifford Park neighborhood in a major win that resulted in saving the former Yates Elementary School as a community center.
For Sandi Bruns, remaining an active member of Restoration Exchange Omaha helps keep intact the structures that provide a visual sense of our history. “Historic buildings are what visually distinguish Omaha from Kansas City, from Des Moines or from Washington D.C. They are our foundation and our cultural DNA,” she states.
Further, historic buildings are “the only form of art that needs to be useful and, preferably, on the tax roles to survive.”
Sandi points to REO’s track record of success. “It is really important in uncertain times to ground ourselves in a rich history with a membership in Restoration Exchange Omaha.”
If you are a lover of history, architecture, art or old things near and dear to our hearts—and who doesn’t love at least one of those pillars of our cultural heritage—consider joining or renewing with REO. For a membership application, click here. To view a copy of the annual report, click here.