The Arthur

LOCATION

Omaha, NE

SERVICES

Master Planning
Conceptual Design
Architectural
Interior Design
Construction Documents
Construction Administration
Historic Renovation Design
Adaptive Re-Use
Programming

SIZE

329 units

COMPLETED

2024

Along the bustling Dodge corridor, the historic Pittman Building, once a prominent veterinary clinic run by Omaha’s first African American veterinarian, Dr. Arthur Pittman, sat vacant for over a decade as surrounding conditions deteriorated.

What began as a vision for an office development evolved in response to midtown’s growing residential demand and density.

Built in 1948 in the Art Moderne style, the Pittman remains a rare architectural typology in Omaha.

Rehabilitating a small building of this era, known for curved forms, glass block, and streamlined geometry, is uncommon due to cost, scale, and technical constraints. With the original style intact, renovation of the clinic took careful consideration to source materials that fit seamlessly with the original design, honoring Dr. Pittman’s legacy while safeguarding one of the city’s few remaining examples of this modernist style.

The Arthur’s brand identity was developed to honor Dr. Pittman’s legacy not only in name but also in acknowledgement to his civic leadership. The sun icon references his New Horizons housing initiative of the 1960s, symbolizing a new chapter in urban living.

In the spirit of Dr. Pittman’s veterinary practice, The Arthur is a home for both humans and their animal companions. The building is pet-friendly, with pet-washing stations and an outdoor dog park.

“My father was always concerned about getting people better housing. He was on the board of the Urban League Housing Foundation, the Omaha Planning Board, and the Omaha Housing Authority. Even before New Horizons, he was involved in a housing development around 27th and Hamilton that the North Freeway took out. He was just concerned with people bettering themselves. He just did it, he didn’t talk about it.”
- Antoinette “Toni” Pittman