Bee Building

The Bee Building is a seven-story red granite structure in downtown Omaha located at the intersection of 17th and Farnam Streets. Carved beehives adorn its exterior, serving as the defining design element of the building.

Newspaper editor Edward Rosewater commissioned architect Solon Spencer Beman to design and construct the building in 1888. The project was part of the expansion of the newspaper industry in Nebraska during the late 1800s.

The building served as home to the Omaha Bee newspaper for decades and shaped the news industry in the city. The bee carvings on the exterior were a visual connection between the structure's name and its original purpose.

The building sits in an active commercial district near other historic structures and major streets. The location is easy to reach on foot and provides a good overview of the area's architecture.

The building was among the first office structures west of Chicago to receive central air conditioning when it was installed during renovations in 1935. This technology was remarkable at the time and made the space a modern comfort for workers.

Location: Nebraska

Inception: 1888

Architects: Solon Spencer Beman

GPS coordinates: 41.25780,-95.93920

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23