The Arthur

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. Transportation access via ORBT provides easy access to the bus line for residents. Close proximity to the developing EDGE District and greater UNMC campus offers walkable living for students, staff and other members of the community. Throughout evolution of development the vision for the Pittman building remained an essential piece to the site. 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 connection from the existing clinic to the new building presented an opportunity for a large site grade change, exposing the historic foundations of the building and creating space for an ADA accessible ramp. Structural reinforcement stabilized aging masonry; new fire rated partitions and enhanced vertical separations improved life safety between uses. Updated mechanical and electrical systems, improved ventilation, and upgraded lighting strategies significantly elevated indoor environmental quality. Sound attenuating assemblies address proximity to a major corridor, while low VOC finishes and thermally improved windows enhance wellness and year round comfort. The site’s grade change enabled a fully accessible, ADA compliant entry and ramp, ensuring inclusive circulation throughout. 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. Animals are, of course, welcome, each floor plan is named for a dog breed, complemented by pet friendly amenities including a dog wash and outdoor turf run. Design gestures inside and out nod to Art Moderne: curving forms, long horizontal lines, and restored wraparound, porthole, and glass block windows. Steel railings, smooth white walls, and generous corner radii shape the Pittman’s offices, lounge, and mail room. Brass accents warm exposed ceilings and concrete floors, creating a refined juxtaposition of historic and contemporary materials. The Arthur’s renewal delivers social and economic value to the surrounding block, converting a long vacant structure into an active, transit served residential anchor that catalyzes investment, supports walkability, and restores neighborhood pride. Thoughtfully blending historic preservation, modern amenities, and rigorous health, safety, and welfare upgrades, The Arthur exemplifies how culturally rooted adaptive reuse can elevate both daily life and community identity.