Surrounded by the developing Edge District, the ever-growing University of Nebraska Medical Center and the expanded Child Saving Institute stands a turn-of-the-century building notable for its elaborate façade of patterned terracotta and brick.
Built by John H. Harte, one of Omaha’s most prominent contractors, the structure reflects the skill and ambition of its creator. The son of German immigrants, John worked on a farm before turning to carpentry and milling—eventually embarking on a career that led to the construction of the original Omaha Public Library, the Brandeis building, one wing of Central High School and the Walnut Hill Pumping Station, among many others.
Strategically located between Dundee and Blackstone, 4524 Farnam Street was constructed along the Omaha Belt Line. It sat on a lot that extended west to 46th Street and north to Douglas. The property included not just this building but also a second brick structure and several sheds. As the home of the Omaha Litholite Stone Company, of which John was president, the site was used to crush stone and mix it with cement so that it could be molded into any shape. The business later became known as the Cement Machinery and Supply Company.
The property remained in the Harte family until 1944, when John’s son and business partner Louis passed away. It’s likely the property was then used as a storage yard and the main building as an office for the contracting company that he took over from his father. At one point, Louis converted the 2,000 sq. ft. upper level into his personal residence.
After a 16-year run operating as a soda fountain and malt machinery business called Al Harmon & Son, the building was converted into a series of bars. The first, 3J’s, operated from the early 1960s through the late 1970s. Once it closed, Dr. Bill Orr purchased the building with the intent of razing it to create parking for his nearby office. Upon discovering that it still had an active liquor license, he instead opened Recovery Room, a bar dedicated to the doctors and nurses who worked at the nearby medical hospital.
Three Cheers became the next occupant, during which time Cutchall Management purchased the building and moved its headquarters into the former living space on the second floor. Cutchall continued to operate the bar and added volleyball courts in the back. Three Cheers was followed by a stock market–themed bar called The Exchange. A fire in 2000 caused extensive damage to the second floor and roof, resulting in the bar’s closure…