Difference between revisions of "John & Alan McDonald, Architects"

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'''John & Alan McDonald''' was an architectural firm that was in business for nearly thirty years. They designed a wide range of buildings.
+
'''John & Alan McDonald''' was an Omaha architectural firm that was in business for nearly thirty years. John's own [[John McDonald (1861-1956), Architect|firm]], started in the 1880s, was already recognized as one of the most prestigious and competent architectural firms in Omaha. Alan, his son, graduated from Harvard in 1915 and soon thereafter, the two joined in partnership together. They built and designed large numbers of residences in developing neighborhoods, and were just as influential in the building of Omaha's downtown. Together, their abilities and artistry prevail as valuable and lasting contributions to the architectural growth of the young city of Omaha. The firm lasted until the death of Alan in 1947.[[#References|[9]]]
  
 
This page is a contribution to the publication, '''[[Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects]]'''. See the [[Format and contents of Nebraska architect entries|format and contents]] page for more information on the compilation and page organization.
 
This page is a contribution to the publication, '''[[Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects]]'''. See the [[Format and contents of Nebraska architect entries|format and contents]] page for more information on the compilation and page organization.
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==Buildings & Projects==
 
==Buildings & Projects==
 +
{|
 +
|[[File:HB10 w.jpg|thumb|upright=3.85|alt=DM201304 424 11w.jpg|Faidley Building (1930) (''Lynn Meyer'')]]
 +
|[[File:HB33_w.jpg|thumb|upright=1.70|alt=DM201305 200 11w.jpg|Hill Hotel, 1919 (''Lynn Meyer'')]]
 +
|}
 +
 
===1910s===
 
===1910s===
 +
 
Benson High School (1913), 5148 Maple, Omaha.[[#References|[3:143][5]]] (DO09:0447-001)  
 
Benson High School (1913), 5148 Maple, Omaha.[[#References|[3:143][5]]] (DO09:0447-001)  
  
Line 28: Line 34:
  
 
Old People’s Home (later The Fontenelle Home; later again, the Leo Vaughn Home) (1917), 3325 Fontenelle Blvd., Omaha.[[#References|[4][5][9:56]]] (DO09:0338-003)  
 
Old People’s Home (later The Fontenelle Home; later again, the Leo Vaughn Home) (1917), 3325 Fontenelle Blvd., Omaha.[[#References|[4][5][9:56]]] (DO09:0338-003)  
[http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/douglas/DO09-Old-Peoples-Home.pdf National Register narrative]
+
[https://web.archive.org/web/20160728170359/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/douglas/DO09-Old-Peoples-Home.pdf National Register narrative]
  
 
Ware Block (1918), 15th & Farnam, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[7]]]
 
Ware Block (1918), 15th & Farnam, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[7]]]
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Walter Anderson House (1919), 1014 S 36th St, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[3:98][5]]] (DO09:0315-011)  
 
Walter Anderson House (1919), 1014 S 36th St, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[3:98][5]]] (DO09:0315-011)  
  
The Hill Hotel (1919), 501 S. 16th St, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[3:49][4][5][9:66]] (DO09:0121-011)  
+
[[:File:HB33_w.jpg|'''The Hill Hotel (1919)''']], 501 S. 16th St, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[3:49][4][5][9:66]] (DO09:0121-011)  
[http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/douglas/DO09-Hill-Hotel.pdf National Register narrative]
+
[https://web.archive.org/web/20160728163153/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/douglas/DO09-Hill-Hotel.pdf National Register narrative]
  
 
Commercial Building (1919), 2409 Farnam St., Omaha. (DO09:0209-043)
 
Commercial Building (1919), 2409 Farnam St., Omaha. (DO09:0209-043)
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Standard Oil Co. Building (1919-1922), 500 S. 18th, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[4][5][9:64]]] (DO09:0122-001)  
 
Standard Oil Co. Building (1919-1922), 500 S. 18th, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[4][5][9:64]]] (DO09:0122-001)  
[http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/douglas/DO09-Standard-Oil-amend.pdf National Register narrative]
+
[https://web.archive.org/web/20160728173553/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/douglas/DO09-Standard-Oil-amend.pdf National Register narrative]
  
 
===1920s===
 
===1920s===
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Home (1922), 5124 Chicago St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:93]]]
 
Home (1922), 5124 Chicago St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:93]]]
  
Standard Oil Red Crown Service Station (1922), 220 N Spruce, Ogallala, Nebraska. (KH04-053) [http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/keith/KH04-053_Standard_Oil_Sta.pdf National Register narrative]
+
Standard Oil Red Crown Service Station (1922), 220 N Spruce, Ogallala, Nebraska. (KH04-053) [https://web.archive.org/web/20160728195840/http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/keith/KH04-053_Standard_Oil_Sta.pdf National Register narrative]
  
 
Elks Club Lodge (1923), 108 S 18th St, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[3:50][9:65]]] (DO09:0124-026)  
 
Elks Club Lodge (1923), 108 S 18th St, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[3:50][9:65]]] (DO09:0124-026)  
Line 71: Line 77:
  
 
Home (1924), 5122 California St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:93]]]
 
Home (1924), 5122 California St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:93]]]
 +
 +
Kappa Sigma fraternity house (1924), 1141 H Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.[[#References|[11]]]
  
 
Dundee Theater (1925), 4952 Dodge St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[3:115][5][9:96]]] (DO09:0433-002)  
 
Dundee Theater (1925), 4952 Dodge St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[3:115][5][9:96]]] (DO09:0433-002)  
Line 94: Line 102:
 
Patterson Building remodel (1928), 17th & Farnam St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:72]]]
 
Patterson Building remodel (1928), 17th & Farnam St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:72]]]
  
Home (1928), 5602 Farnam St., Omaha, Nebraska.[#References|[9:94]]]
+
Home (1928), 5602 Farnam St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:94]]]
  
 
Home (1928), 113 S. 52nd St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:97]]]
 
Home (1928), 113 S. 52nd St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:97]]]
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Dormatories (1930), Nebraska State Normal School, 26th & 9th Ave, Kearney, Nebraska.[[#References|[6]]]
 
Dormatories (1930), Nebraska State Normal School, 26th & 9th Ave, Kearney, Nebraska.[[#References|[6]]]
  
The Faidley Building (1930), 1514 Douglas St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:75]]]
+
[[:File:HB10 w.jpg|'''The Faidley Building (1930)''']], 1514 Douglas St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:75]]]
  
 
[[:File:HB31_w.jpg|'''Joslyn Memorial Art Museum (1931)''']], 2201 Dodge St., Omaha, Nebraska. (DO09:0126-007)
 
[[:File:HB31_w.jpg|'''Joslyn Memorial Art Museum (1931)''']], 2201 Dodge St., Omaha, Nebraska. (DO09:0126-007)
  
 
The University of Omaha 1st classroom facility (1931), 24th & Pratt St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:58]]]
 
The University of Omaha 1st classroom facility (1931), 24th & Pratt St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:58]]]
 +
 +
Grant and Iris McFayden House (1933), 624 Fairacres Road, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:99][10]]] (DO09:0547-001)
  
 
Monroe Junior High School (1936), 5105 Bedford Ave., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:77]]]
 
Monroe Junior High School (1936), 5105 Bedford Ave., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:77]]]
Line 117: Line 127:
  
 
Home (1941), 6621 Underwood Ave., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:98]]]
 
Home (1941), 6621 Underwood Ave., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:98]]]
 +
 +
Home (1941), 1400 S 84th St., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[12]]]
  
 
===Undated===
 
===Undated===
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Home (n.d.), 407 N. Elmwood Rd., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:99]]]
 
Home (n.d.), 407 N. Elmwood Rd., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:99]]]
 
Home (n.d.), 624 Fairacres Rd., Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:99]]]
 
  
 
Home (n.d.), 65th & Prairie, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:100]]]
 
Home (n.d.), 65th & Prairie, Omaha, Nebraska.[[#References|[9:100]]]
  
 
Conant Hotel, Omaha, Nebraska. [purportedly]
 
Conant Hotel, Omaha, Nebraska. [purportedly]
 
First Baptist Church, Omaha, Nebraska. [purportedly]
 
 
First Christian Church. [purportedly]
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
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1.  Hadley Chalmers, “Franklin, Nebraska-Public Library,”  ''Library Buildings'' ALA. (1924).
 
1.  Hadley Chalmers, “Franklin, Nebraska-Public Library,”  ''Library Buildings'' ALA. (1924).
  
2.  ''American Architect'' 118:2327 (July 28, 1920). (File LC13:08-1)
+
2.  ''American Architect,'' 118:2327 (July 28, 1920). (File LC13:08-1)
  
 
3.  Landmarks, Inc., ''An Inventory of Historic Omaha Buildings'' (Omaha: City of Omaha and Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission, 1980).
 
3.  Landmarks, Inc., ''An Inventory of Historic Omaha Buildings'' (Omaha: City of Omaha and Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission, 1980).
Line 156: Line 162:
 
5.  City of Omaha Planning Department, Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission, Database, Query on Architects, May 20, 2002; courtesy of Lynn Meyer, Preservation Planner.  
 
5.  City of Omaha Planning Department, Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission, Database, Query on Architects, May 20, 2002; courtesy of Lynn Meyer, Preservation Planner.  
  
6.  [[Thomas Lee Kaspar (1951-____), Architect|Tom Kaspar]], comp. Inventory of architectural records in the archives of [[Davis Fenton Stange Darling, Architects]], Lincoln, Nebraska. 1996. Nebraska State Historical Society, RG3748, Box 16.  
+
6.  [[Thomas Lee Kaspar (1951-2017), Architect|Tom Kaspar]], comp. Inventory of architectural records in the archives of [[Davis Fenton Stange Darling, Architects]], Lincoln, Nebraska. 1996. Nebraska State Historical Society, RG3748, Box 16.  
  
7.  ''The American Contractor'' (March 23, 1918), 60. (This is a fireproof building of brick, terracotta, and concrete; four storeys with a basement, measuring 89 by 139 feet.) Accessed January 12, 2012, through Google Books http://books.google.com/books?id=UCJYAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA10-PA64&lpg=RA10-PA64&dq=f+w+clarke,+architect,+york+hotel,+nebraska&source=bl&ots=-QV--qNAlx&sig=yQZ--Gvu9ph8VGJ7unfHB-6P9QU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=whYPT97eOov9iQLF9M3fDQ&sqi=2&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=f%20w%20clarke%2C%20architect%2C%20york%20hotel%2C%20nebraska&f=false
+
7.  ''The American Contractor'' (March 23, 1918), 60. (This is a fireproof building of brick, terracotta, and concrete; four stories with a basement, measuring 89 by 139 feet.) Accessed January 12, 2012, through Google Books http://books.google.com/books?id=UCJYAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA10-PA64&lpg=RA10-PA64&dq=f+w+clarke,+architect,+york+hotel,+nebraska&source=bl&ots=-QV--qNAlx&sig=yQZ--Gvu9ph8VGJ7unfHB-6P9QU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=whYPT97eOov9iQLF9M3fDQ&sqi=2&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=f%20w%20clarke%2C%20architect%2C%20york%20hotel%2C%20nebraska&f=false
  
 
8. Omaha's Medical Arts Building was initiated in the early 1920s by doctors and dentists to provide medical offices. Thomas R. Kimball and McDonald & Son were the original architects of the 17-story, U-shaped tower at 17th & Dodge Streets. Construction halted after the steel frame was erected, which stood rusting for three years. After a sheriff's sale and additional litigation, Selden-Breck Construction Co., the original builders, completed the structure in 1925 and 1926. The east wing was reduced to four stories, producing an L-shaped structure. According to an front-page story in ''Omaha World-Herald'' of August 27, 1925, "Architects for the completed building are William Spencer Crosby, Chicago, and J. G. McArthur, Omaha."  See also "Architects to appeal Medical Arts Decision," ''Omaha World-Herald'' (May 28, 1925), 1; and "Excavating for Medical Arts," ''Omaha World-Herald'' (January 25, 1920), 16.
 
8. Omaha's Medical Arts Building was initiated in the early 1920s by doctors and dentists to provide medical offices. Thomas R. Kimball and McDonald & Son were the original architects of the 17-story, U-shaped tower at 17th & Dodge Streets. Construction halted after the steel frame was erected, which stood rusting for three years. After a sheriff's sale and additional litigation, Selden-Breck Construction Co., the original builders, completed the structure in 1925 and 1926. The east wing was reduced to four stories, producing an L-shaped structure. According to an front-page story in ''Omaha World-Herald'' of August 27, 1925, "Architects for the completed building are William Spencer Crosby, Chicago, and J. G. McArthur, Omaha."  See also "Architects to appeal Medical Arts Decision," ''Omaha World-Herald'' (May 28, 1925), 1; and "Excavating for Medical Arts," ''Omaha World-Herald'' (January 25, 1920), 16.
  
 
9. Joan M. Fogarty, ''Building Omaha: The Architectural Legacy of John and Alan McDonald'' (Omaha: Elman Printing Company, 2013).
 
9. Joan M. Fogarty, ''Building Omaha: The Architectural Legacy of John and Alan McDonald'' (Omaha: Elman Printing Company, 2013).
 +
 +
10. “Specifications for the General Construction of a Residence for Mr. Grant McFayden. Omaha, Nebraska.” John and Alan McDonald, Architects. 1933. Collections of Restoration Exchange Omaha. [Research contributed by Restoration Exchange Omaha, courtesy of Matt Pelz, Fairacres Historic District National Register nomination, June 14, 2017.]
 +
 +
11. City of Lincoln Building permit #12319, issued 1924, estimated cost: $35,000.
 +
 +
12. "Some Homes Built for Omaha people During the Last Year" Omaha World-Herald (April 13, 1941), F-1.
 +
  
 
==Page Citation==
 
==Page Citation==
  
[[D. Murphy]], “{{PAGENAME}},” {{Template:ArchtPageCitation}} February 26, 2015.  {{Template:ArchtPageCitation2}} {{LOCALMONTHNAME}} {{LOCALDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}.
+
[[D. Murphy]], “{{PAGENAME}},” {{Template:ArchtPageCitation}} January 30, 2020.  {{Template:ArchtPageCitation2}} {{LOCALMONTHNAME}} {{LOCALDAY}}, {{CURRENTYEAR}}.
  
  
 
{{Template:ArchtContribute}}
 
{{Template:ArchtContribute}}

Revision as of 14:45, 30 January 2020

Omaha, Nebraska, 1918-1947


Partners:

John McDonald, Omaha, Nebraska

Alan McDonald, Omaha, Nebraska


John & Alan McDonald was an Omaha architectural firm that was in business for nearly thirty years. John's own firm, started in the 1880s, was already recognized as one of the most prestigious and competent architectural firms in Omaha. Alan, his son, graduated from Harvard in 1915 and soon thereafter, the two joined in partnership together. They built and designed large numbers of residences in developing neighborhoods, and were just as influential in the building of Omaha's downtown. Together, their abilities and artistry prevail as valuable and lasting contributions to the architectural growth of the young city of Omaha. The firm lasted until the death of Alan in 1947.[9]

This page is a contribution to the publication, Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects. See the format and contents page for more information on the compilation and page organization.

HB31_w.jpg
Joslyn Art Museum, 1931 (Lynn Meyer)

Compiled Nebraska Directory Listings

Omaha, Nebraska, 1918, 1921-1925, 1926-1947

Other Associations

1929-1948: employed Robert Christian Robinson.

Buildings & Projects

DM201304 424 11w.jpg
Faidley Building (1930) (Lynn Meyer)
DM201305 200 11w.jpg
Hill Hotel, 1919 (Lynn Meyer)

1910s

Benson High School (1913), 5148 Maple, Omaha.[3:143][5] (DO09:0447-001)

Franklin Carnegie Library (1915-1916), 1401 L, Franklin, Nebraska.[1][b] (FR03-046)

Home (1917), 5104 Chicago St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:92]

Old People’s Home (later The Fontenelle Home; later again, the Leo Vaughn Home) (1917), 3325 Fontenelle Blvd., Omaha.[4][5][9:56] (DO09:0338-003) National Register narrative

Ware Block (1918), 15th & Farnam, Omaha, Nebraska.[7]

Nebraska Capital Competition (1919), Lincoln, Nebraska.[2][9:18]

Walter Anderson House (1919), 1014 S 36th St, Omaha, Nebraska.[3:98][5] (DO09:0315-011)

The Hill Hotel (1919), 501 S. 16th St, Omaha, Nebraska.[3:49][4][5][9:66 (DO09:0121-011) National Register narrative

Commercial Building (1919), 2409 Farnam St., Omaha. (DO09:0209-043)

Home (1919), 4913 Webster St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:92]

Home (1919), 310 S. 55th St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:94]

Home (1919), 305 S. 52nd St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:97]

Standard Oil Co. Building (1919-1922), 500 S. 18th, Omaha, Nebraska.[4][5][9:64] (DO09:0122-001) National Register narrative

1920s

Medical Arts Building (1920), 105 S 17th, Omaha, Nebraska.[3:50][8][a]

Home (1920), 324 S. 32nd St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:95]

Duplex (1921), 134-36 N. 38th St., Omaha, Nebraska.[5] (DO09:0321-041)

Lake Elementary School Addition (1921), 19th & Lake St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:78]

Home (1922), 5124 Chicago St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:93]

Standard Oil Red Crown Service Station (1922), 220 N Spruce, Ogallala, Nebraska. (KH04-053) National Register narrative

Elks Club Lodge (1923), 108 S 18th St, Omaha, Nebraska.[3:50][9:65] (DO09:0124-026)

Fairmont Foods (1923), 705 S. 12th, Omaha, Nebraska.[4] (DO09:0121-083)

Home (1923), 317 S. 53rd St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:95]

Home (1924), 5122 California St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:93]

Kappa Sigma fraternity house (1924), 1141 H Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.[11]

Dundee Theater (1925), 4952 Dodge St., Omaha, Nebraska.[3:115][5][9:96] (DO09:0433-002)

Home (1925), 305 S. 51st Ave., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:95]

Home (1925), 307 S. 51st Ave., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:91]

Home (1926), 420 N. 48th St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:91]

Benson High School (1926), 52nd & Maple St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:76]

Hattie B. Monroe Home for Handicapped Children (1926), 2842 N. 66th St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:79]

Home (1927), 5108 Cuming St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:93]

Peterson Baking Company Building (1927), 1120 Jones, Omaha, Nebraska.[4] (DO09:0121-077)

Society of Liberal Arts Bldg (1928), 2218 Dodge, Omaha, Nebraska.[3:114]

Dr. J.F. Langdon House (1928), 503 N. 38th St., Omaha, Nebraska.[5][8:42] (DO09:0323-015)

Patterson Building remodel (1928), 17th & Farnam St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:72]

Home (1928), 5602 Farnam St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:94]

Home (1928), 113 S. 52nd St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:97]

1930s-1940s

Dormatories (1930), Nebraska State Normal School, 26th & 9th Ave, Kearney, Nebraska.[6]

The Faidley Building (1930), 1514 Douglas St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:75]

Joslyn Memorial Art Museum (1931), 2201 Dodge St., Omaha, Nebraska. (DO09:0126-007)

The University of Omaha 1st classroom facility (1931), 24th & Pratt St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:58]

Grant and Iris McFayden House (1933), 624 Fairacres Road, Omaha, Nebraska.[9:99][10] (DO09:0547-001)

Monroe Junior High School (1936), 5105 Bedford Ave., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:77]

Beth-El Synagogue (1940), 210 S 49th St, Omaha.[3:101][5][9:80] (DO09:0431-001)

Home (1940), 516 S. 58th St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:94]

Country Estate Home (1941), 600 S 93rd St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:116]

Home (1941), 6621 Underwood Ave., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:98]

Home (1941), 1400 S 84th St., Omaha, Nebraska.[12]

Undated

Standard Oil gas stations (n.d.), 18th & Howard (behind St. Oil Co. building), 50th & Dodge, 52nd & Military, and Country Club Avenue, Omaha, Nebraska.[9:64]

Neon Goose Restaurant (construction and 1/3 additions) (n.d.), Omaha Rail and Commerce historic district, Omaha, Nebraska.[9:67]

Nebraska Power Company Substation (n.d.), 5030 S. 37th St., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:79]

Home (n.d.), 722 N. Happy Hollow Blvd., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:93]

Home (n.d.), 407 N. Elmwood Rd., Omaha, Nebraska.[9:99]

Home (n.d.), 65th & Prairie, Omaha, Nebraska.[9:100]

Conant Hotel, Omaha, Nebraska. [purportedly]

Notes

a. The 1920 design was in association with Thomas Rogers Kimball, Architect; see [8].

b. Credited to Alan McDonald.[9:86]

References

1. Hadley Chalmers, “Franklin, Nebraska-Public Library,” Library Buildings ALA. (1924).

2. American Architect, 118:2327 (July 28, 1920). (File LC13:08-1)

3. Landmarks, Inc., An Inventory of Historic Omaha Buildings (Omaha: City of Omaha and Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission, 1980).

4. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

5. City of Omaha Planning Department, Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission, Database, Query on Architects, May 20, 2002; courtesy of Lynn Meyer, Preservation Planner.

6. Tom Kaspar, comp. Inventory of architectural records in the archives of Davis Fenton Stange Darling, Architects, Lincoln, Nebraska. 1996. Nebraska State Historical Society, RG3748, Box 16.

7. The American Contractor (March 23, 1918), 60. (This is a fireproof building of brick, terracotta, and concrete; four stories with a basement, measuring 89 by 139 feet.) Accessed January 12, 2012, through Google Books http://books.google.com/books?id=UCJYAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA10-PA64&lpg=RA10-PA64&dq=f+w+clarke,+architect,+york+hotel,+nebraska&source=bl&ots=-QV--qNAlx&sig=yQZ--Gvu9ph8VGJ7unfHB-6P9QU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=whYPT97eOov9iQLF9M3fDQ&sqi=2&ved=0CB4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=f%20w%20clarke%2C%20architect%2C%20york%20hotel%2C%20nebraska&f=false

8. Omaha's Medical Arts Building was initiated in the early 1920s by doctors and dentists to provide medical offices. Thomas R. Kimball and McDonald & Son were the original architects of the 17-story, U-shaped tower at 17th & Dodge Streets. Construction halted after the steel frame was erected, which stood rusting for three years. After a sheriff's sale and additional litigation, Selden-Breck Construction Co., the original builders, completed the structure in 1925 and 1926. The east wing was reduced to four stories, producing an L-shaped structure. According to an front-page story in Omaha World-Herald of August 27, 1925, "Architects for the completed building are William Spencer Crosby, Chicago, and J. G. McArthur, Omaha." See also "Architects to appeal Medical Arts Decision," Omaha World-Herald (May 28, 1925), 1; and "Excavating for Medical Arts," Omaha World-Herald (January 25, 1920), 16.

9. Joan M. Fogarty, Building Omaha: The Architectural Legacy of John and Alan McDonald (Omaha: Elman Printing Company, 2013).

10. “Specifications for the General Construction of a Residence for Mr. Grant McFayden. Omaha, Nebraska.” John and Alan McDonald, Architects. 1933. Collections of Restoration Exchange Omaha. [Research contributed by Restoration Exchange Omaha, courtesy of Matt Pelz, Fairacres Historic District National Register nomination, June 14, 2017.]

11. City of Lincoln Building permit #12319, issued 1924, estimated cost: $35,000.

12. "Some Homes Built for Omaha people During the Last Year" Omaha World-Herald (April 13, 1941), F-1.


Page Citation

D. Murphy, “John & Alan McDonald, Architects,” in David Murphy, Edward F. Zimmer, and Lynn Meyer, comps. Place Makers of Nebraska: The Architects. Lincoln: Nebraska State Historical Society, January 30, 2020. http://www.e-nebraskahistory.org/index.php?title=Place_Makers_of_Nebraska:_The_Architects Accessed, March 28, 2024.


Contact the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office with questions or comments concerning this page, including any problems you may have with broken links (see, however, the Disclaimers link at the bottom of this page). Please provide the URL to this page with your inquiry.