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A Timeless Jewel in Omaha's Architectural Crown

The Centennial Story of the Aquila Court Building

A sketch of Aquila Court in Omaha, Nebraska, featuring a detailed building facade with multiple stories and people walking.

In the heart of downtown Omaha rises a timeless tribute to early 20th-century architectural brilliance—the Aquila Court Building, now proudly known as Magnolia Hotel Omaha. This past year the hotel celebrated its centennial on June 16, 2024 as we honor the rich history and inspired vision that shaped this iconic landmark into a cherished piece of Omaha’s story.

  • A black-and-white photo of a courtyard with stone paths, potted plants, and a fish pond, surrounded by buildings and greenery.
  • The image shows a historic courtyard with stone pathways and a central water feature, surrounded by multi-story buildings.
  • The image shows a large, historic building on a street corner with parked vintage cars in front of it.

An Architectural Marvel

The Birth of Aquila Court

Aquila Court, completed in 1924 and designed by the renowned firm Holabird & Roche, was an innovative architectural project that blended office, retail, and studio spaces in one cohesive structure. Spearheaded by Chester A. Cook and Raymond C. Cook, the building stood out for its unique layout, featuring a four-story main building and a two-story studio section, connected by a central courtyard. The design was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, housing professionals like physicians, dentists, and artists. The courtyard offered a tranquil oasis, complete with a colonnaded passageway and meticulously planted greenery, overseen by Raymond Cook. Inside, the building featured luxurious materials, including terrazzo marble flooring, Belgian black marble, and imported Travertine. Equipped with modern amenities such as electric elevators and steam heating, Aquila Court was a symbol of both innovation and craftsmanship, quickly becoming a key part of Omaha's architectural landscape.

  • The image shows two side-by-side photos of the same building, with an older black-and-white version on the left and a modern color version on the right.

Transition to Magnolia Hotel

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the building’s rich architectural legacy was preserved through thoughtful renovations. After being revamped by Sheraton in 1996, it became Magnolia Hotel Omaha in 2006. The renovation retained much of the building’s historic charm, including the iconic courtyard, while blending in modern comforts. Today, the 145-room boutique hotel offers 21 suites, including a spacious Presidential suite, and amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine. The charming courtyard, with its string lights and elegant landscaping, continues to be a sought-after venue for weddings and events.

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  • This image shows a modern restaurant with patterned chairs, a bar with bottles, and a stylish, open interior design.
  • The image shows a modern restaurant interior with elegant lighting, green accents, and large windows, featuring tables and upholstered chairs.

Recent Renovations

In 2023, the hotel unveiled a transformative renovation, introducing Olive and Ira's—a restaurant concept that pays tribute to the Cook brothers' familial heritage. Immerse yourself in a pleasant and inviting atmosphere, where the warmth of family and the artistry of cuisine converge. Discover a place where every bite tells a story, and where memories are made with every meal.

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  • An elegant hotel lobby with decorative walls, elevators, and a reception desk labeled
  • The image shows an elegant lobby with blue chairs, a side table with a plant, framed art on the wall, and a decorative mirror.

A Legacy of Excellence

In the heart of Omaha, history and modernity converge at the Magnolia Hotel Omaha, formerly known as Aquila Court. A century's worth of transformations has left the building with a timeless charm that exudes thoughtfulness, beauty, and a sense of belonging. Each brick and beam bears witness to the dedication of its creators, ensuring that the Magnolia Hotel Omaha continues to welcome guests with the same warmth and hospitality envisioned by its founders.

A historical street scene with early automobiles and a partially constructed building on the right, bustling with activity.
An intersection with a historic multi-story building and a taller brick structure in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A black and white image of a narrow courtyard with water features, surrounded by multi-story buildings with arches and windows.
The image shows a courtyard with brick buildings, balconies, and outdoor seating, featuring a central walkway and decorative elements.
A historic city intersection with vintage cars, streetcars, and buildings lining the streets creating an early 20th-century scene.
A quiet city street at sunset, with historic buildings and autumn trees lining the road.
A vintage living room features a grand piano, a fireplace, rugs, and wooden furniture under a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams.
A modern living room with a sectional sofa, glass coffee table, animal print chairs, art, and a chandelier under a vaulted ceiling.
The image shows three people working at drawing desks in a room with a large window and a brick fireplace.
A modern living room with a stone fireplace, colorful artwork, a chandelier, gray couch, and large window with curtains, creating a cozy ambiance.
A vintage aerial view of a small town with dirt roads, lined with buildings and surrounded by trees, showing a historical streetscape.
A desk with black-and-white postcards, a pen, a plant, and a tray with cookies and a glass of milk.
A historic Victorian house stands amidst urban development with horse-drawn carriages and people nearby, next to buildings labeled
The image shows a brick building with an arch gate labeled
A black-and-white photo shows a courtyard with stone pathways, potted plants, and a pond, surrounded by tall buildings and greenery.
The image shows a grand, four-story building with symmetrical windows and balconies, adorned with flags and illuminated by warm lights.
A Scrabble board on a table with
An outdoor courtyard setup for an event with rows of white chairs, surrounded by a brick building under a setting sun.
A dog lies on a bed while a person reads a magazine nearby, with socks displaying
A vintage office with typewriters, adding machines, and desks under hanging lights, showcasing a historic business setting.

Sources

  1. "Aquila Court Article," Document from October 15, 1923.
  2. Omaha World-Herald (published as Evening World-Herald): December 28, 1956, page 9; September 19, 1923, page 24; September 29, 1923, page 4
  3. Omaha World-Herald (published as Morning World-Herald): August 1, 1953, page 13
  4. Omaha World-Herald (published as Omaha World-Herald): January 16, 1936, page 10; March 8, 1976, page 30
  5. Omaha World-Herald (published as Sunday World-Herald): August 12, 1923, page 12; March 9, 1924, page 36; March 23, 1924, page 20 March 30, 1924, page 50; November 18, 1923, page 24; September 2, 1923, page 8
  6. Magnolia Hotels Official Website: https://www.magnoliahotels.com/our-hotels/omaha/magnolia-omaha/
  7. GPSmyCity: https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/aquila-court-building-49470.html
  8. Fifty Grande: https://www.fiftygrande.com/stories/magnolia-hotel-omaha