Five new Nebraska additions to the National Register of Historic Places

Dec. 30, 2017, 6 a.m. ·

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The Chiodo Apartments in Omaha are one of five new Nebraska additions to the National Register of Historic Places (photo courtesy Nebraska State Historical Society)

An apartment complex and house in Omaha, and historic districts in Neligh. Grand Island and Kearney have all been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Here is what the Nebraska State Historical Society says about each of the five new Nebraska additions to the register:


On Leong Tong House: 1518 Cass St. in Omaha

"Also known as the Truax Laundry, the On Leong Tong House is an early 20th century commercial building that once housed a Chinese-American merchants’ association, similar to a Chamber of Commerce, for two decades. The organization supported newly-arrived immigrants, provided other assistance to members of Omaha’s Chinese community, and was a meeting center for celebration of Chinese holidays. The tong house served as the commercial, cultural and social center of Chinese-American life during the years of World War II and the early Cold War. The tong moved from this property to a smaller building in 1959."


The Chiodo Apartments: 2556 Marcy St. in Omaha (all photos courtesy Nebraska State Historical Society)

"The apartment complex was designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style and was built in 1918. Since its construction it has served as a multiple-unit residential complex, a role which it continues to this day. The building is a fine example of its architectural style, retaining much of its historical materials, layout and finishes throughout years of use. The building’s foundation and first two stories are cut from stone that was salvaged from Omaha’s 1885 courthouse; the columns flanking each of the entrances previously had supported the courthouse’s dome. The Chiodo Apartments are one of four apartment buildings built by Vincenzo P. Chiodo during the 1910s. Of the four, only the Chiodo and the National Register-listed Florentine Apartment buildings still exist."


Downtown Neligh Historic District: along Main Street from 5th to 2nd streets

"Downtown Neligh Historic District contains 41 contributing resources that demonstrate the commercial development of Neligh from roughly 1887 to 1964. The historic district functioned as the central business area of Neligh since the opening of the Neligh Mill one block south of the District at the southwest corner of Main and West 2nd St. in 1874, largely in support of the local agricultural community. The commercial buildings within the District illustrate the evolution of Neligh from a mill site and railed depot to a thriving agricultural community and county seat. The resources within the District represent the evolving commercial needs of the citizens of Neligh."


Kearney Historic Downtown District: approximately 19th and 24th streets and Avenue A to 1st Avenue

"The Kearney Historic Downtown District contains 99 contributing resources within the roughly five square blocks along Central Avenue that demonstrate the commercial development of Kearney from roughly 1875 to 1965. The District represents the core of commerce and historic transportation in the city from both the historic period and today. The downtown core has provided residents with goods and services since the founding of the community in 1872. The buildings and structures within the area reflect the development of the community and its commercial growth into central Nebraska’s regional hub."


Grand Island Historic Downtown District: approximately bounded by South Front Street, North Walnut Street, an alley south of 2nd Street, and North Kimball Street

"The Grand Island Historic Downtown District contains 64 contributing resources that demonstrate the commercial development of Grand Island from roughly 1870 to 1960. Since it was established, the district has remained a core of commercial activities in Grand Island. The district contains an intact collection of late 19th and early-to-mid 20th century commercial and public buildings that reflect nine decades of commercial development in Grand Island."


From the Nebraska State Historical Society: the National Register of Historic Places is the nation's inventory of properties deemed worthy of preservation. It is part of a national program to coordinate and support local and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect the nation's historic and archeological resources. The National Register was developed to recognize historic places and their role in contributing to our country's heritage. The Nebraska State Historical Society oversees the National Park Service program in the state that lists Historic Places."