Milwaukee-born (and Lincoln-raised) Don Polsky was famous for his mid-century modern designs. After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) College of Engineering and Architecture (now the College of Architecture) in the 1950s, he took his talents to California and made a name for himself before returning to his Midwest roots in the 1960s, namely back to Omaha.
In 1968, Polsky designed and built a timeless property on Armbrust Drive in District 66, a home where modern elegance meets architectural brilliance. The property—a treehouse in the heart of the city—is a true representation of luxurious living at its finest. “Be prepared to be captivated by the seamless blend of sleek lines and the open concept floor plan,” said Teresa Elliott with NextHome Signature Real Estate.
Mid-century architecture was frequently employed in residential structures with the goal of bringing modernism into America’s post-war suburbs. This style emphasized creating structures with ample windows and open floor plans, with the intention of opening up interior spaces and bringing the outdoors inside.
Many homes of this design used the then-groundbreaking post and beam architectural design that eliminated bulky support walls in favor of walls seemingly made of glass. Function was as important as form, with an emphasis on targeting the needs of the average American family.
On the exterior, a home of this design style is normally very wide, partial brick or glass walls, low footprints with floor to ceiling windows and flat rooflines, while exposed ceilings and beams, open floor plans, ergonomically designed furniture, and short staircases connecting rooms throughout the house often define the home’s interior.
In true form, the large-scaled rooms of this home are highlighted by towering windows that allow for an abundance of natural light. The family room and kitchen are at the center of the home, perfect for entertaining. Featuring a massive walkthrough pantry and laundry room, the lower level is a gamer’s dream come true. It includes lower-level game room, theater, offices, workout room, and pool/hot tub dressing/bath area. “This is an entertainer’s dream come true,” said Taryn Wilke, also of NextHome. “The sellers have had dinner parties where they’ve hosted between 50 and 75 guests.”
The lush landscaped gardens, heated swimming pool, hot tub, and spacious patios provide an ideal setting for outdoor entertaining or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature. When the current owners discovered the house several years ago, they said it was love at first sight.
Their passion for mid-century modern design and admiration for Polsky made the home a perfect match. In 2014, Polsky was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award for Excellence in Architecture by the UNL College of Architecture. “We are the fourth owners, and like the families before us who raised their children here, we have cherished every moment in this space,” said the owners, who prefer not to be identified. “Now that we’re empty nesters, we’ve enjoyed using the house for entertaining and family gatherings. Its location is incredibly peaceful, nestled in a wooded area, yet conveniently close to everything Omaha has to offer.”
One of their favorite aspects of the house is its design. The unique blend of rectangles and circles is captivating, and the large pool area is completely private, providing a serene retreat. The theater room is another highlight, with its spacious and simple layout, and there’s ample wall space throughout the house, perfect for displaying artwork.
“Since we’ve owned the house, we’ve made several updates to enhance its modern appeal,” the owners said. “We upgraded the entire electronic lighting system throughout the home, ensuring it’s both efficient and easy to use. We also installed new kitchen appliances while maintaining the original kitchen space. Additionally, we replaced the decks and refinished the floors in the garage and furnace rooms, preserving the home’s pristine condition.”
More than 25 years after its completion, a significant renovation was completed in 1994, guided by the original architect, who passed away in 2021. The project transformed the indoor tennis court/gymnasium into an office, workout room, and theater while adding the pool. The integrity of the original structure was meticulously preserved, with the same tile and design carried throughout the house.
“It’s undeniably one of the most unique homes in Omaha,” the owners said. “We’ve decided to sell because we’re planning to travel more and need a smaller space. However, parting with this extraordinary home is bittersweet.” For more information or to schedule a showing, please contact Teresa Elliott with NextHome Signature Real Estate, 402-690-1573, Teresa@ElliottOmaha.com.
