Woodmen of the World Building

The Woodmen of the World Building was a 19-story structure on Farnam Street in Omaha, Nebraska, rising to 242 feet. The exterior featured pink granite and terracotta ornaments, while the interior contained six elevators and a motor-operated revolving door that opened into a lobby with 30-foot ceilings.

Built in 1912, the structure stood as the tallest building between Chicago and the West Coast until its demolition in 1977. Its completion marked a turning point in regional skyscraper development and shaped Omaha's skyline for decades.

The structure symbolized the rise of insurance companies across the Midwest and housed the headquarters of the Woodmen of the World organization. Buildings like this one expressed economic power and ambition during an era when skyscrapers represented corporate success and stability.

The building was accessible through six elevators serving the upper floors, with a revolving door providing smooth entry for visitors. Those exploring the interior should take time to appreciate the impressive scale of the lobby and the ornamental details throughout the space.

After the original structure was demolished, the organization built a new 30-story tower on the same site. This modern tower features specially designed nesting sites for peregrine falcons on its 28th floor, which the birds use as breeding grounds.

Location: Nebraska

Inception: 1912

Architectural style: Renaissance architecture

Floors above the ground: 19

GPS coordinates: 41.25790,-95.93920

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:40