During its formative years as the Blackstone Hotel, The Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, which has become a popular landing spot for guests at the corner of 36th and Farnam streets in Omaha’s Blackstone District, saw many firsts.
It’s the building where both the Reuben sandwich and Butter Brickle ice cream were created, and in its heyday, the Second Renaissance Revival style building was regarded as the premier hotel between Chicago and San Francisco along the Lincoln Highway (now Farnam Street).
Today, more than five years since it reopened following a $75 million refurbishment in conjunction with the revitalization of the neighborhood, the “grande dame” of Omaha hotels is carving out a new but familiar reputation as a luxurious destination hotel and event space designed for weddings and galas as well as the frequent staycation.
“Our owners wanted to make The Cottonwood the cornerstone of the Blackstone District,” said General Manager Dayna Baker, who joined the Kimpton Cottonwood three and a half years ago as the assistant general manager. She took over as general manager in 2023. “While we are part of the Kimpton brand and chain, each hotel has its own unique identity.”
The Blackstone was built as a residential hotel in 1916 with people generally renting space by the year rather than the day. The E-shaped building had eight stories with the first four floors offering one- and two-room apartments with their own baths. Floors five through seven had three- to six-room units, some with sleeping or sun porches, a kitchen, refrigerator, and gas range. The 8th floor featured an elegant French ballroom and three rooftop gardens.
In 1920, under new ownership, the Blackstone became a traditional hotel and quickly was regarded as a “symbol of elegance,” gaining recognition nationwide. Through the 1970s, the building was one of the most successful elegant small hotels in the country.
After it closed in 1976, the Blackstone sat vacant, reopening in the 1980s as office space. It remained this way until a local group of investors bought the property in 2017 and restored it to its original distinction. This included restoring the famous top floor Schimmel Ballroom—named for longtime owner Charles Schimmel and the spot where Richard Nixon announced his candidacy for President in 1967—as well as its resort-inspired pool and accommodations.
The hotel is one of the earliest structures in Nebraska listed on the National Register of Historical Places. “We hosted movie stars and athletes, and every president in office through Ronald Reagan, though he visited us in the 1940s as an actor,” Baker said. “John F. and Jackie Kennedy celebrated their 5th anniversary here in 1958, before he became president in 1961.”
Since 2000, increased fascination with and a charge to save historic structures from the wrecking ball paved the way for redevelopment. In 2017, the current owners bought the building. Three years later, after adding an additional two buildings and the pool, the Kimpton Cottonwood re-opened.
The 205-room Cottonwood Hotel features many of the Blackstone Hotel’s original features, including original tiled floors in the restaurants and lobby, as well as the original central marble staircase. During the renovation, a secret room determined to be a Prohibition-era creation used to hide liquor was uncovered between the first and second floors.
Dining opportunities are abundant and varied at the hotel, including options like the Orleans Room, a restaurant once known for its formality in the original Blackstone Hotel. The Committee Chophouse—inspired by the Roaring 20’s—serves classic steakhouse entrees like Chateaubriand for two. Paying homage to the name of the hotel, The Cottonwood Room is a new take on the traditional cocktail bar setting.
Beyond its culinary delights, the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel is well suited for a variety of events and celebrations. The elegantly designed ballroom stands as a centerpiece for weddings, corporate gatherings, and fundraising and community events. As the holidays approach, the hotel embraces the spirit of celebration with themed events and special packages.
The Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel is more than a place to sleep – it’s a symbol of Omaha’s evolution. Its restoration reflects the city’s commitment to honoring its history while embracing the future. For guests, it offers a unique blend of nostalgia and novelty. For locals, it’s a source of pride and a place to celebrate life’s milestones.
“When the hotel was the Blackstone, it was part of the community,” Baker said. “The Cottonwood’s goal is to become part of the community for current and future generations.” For more information, visit the thecottonwoodhotel.com.
