Benson Commercial Historic District

Row of commercial buildings lining Maple Avenue, between N. 60th Avenue and N. 61st Street

David Calease, NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Concentrated along Maple Street between North 59th and North 63rd Streets

Significance:

Architecture; Community Planning & Development; Commerce

Designation:

National Register of Historic Places

MANAGED BY:

Private Property Owners

Centered at Maple Street and Military Avenue approximately four miles northwest of downtown, the Benson Commercial Historic District is a collection of buildings ranging in construction 1890 and 1954, with several more recent modifications and new additions to the area. The independent municipality of Benson was established by Erastus Benson in 1887. As part of a scheme to lure buyers to the area, Erastus Benson immediately formed the Benson Motor Railway Company to provide streetcar service which would connect the young residential development with Omaha. Streetcar service commenced in 1887 and served the area until 1948. During this period, the commercial resources provided a variety of goods and services to support the surrounding residential development. Within the district, Olson’s Market, located at 6115 Maple Street, is individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1917, the Benson was annexed by the City of Omaha and, eventually, the opening of the Radial Highway in 1957 routed traffic away from the commercial core of Benson.

Today the buildings maintain their pedestrian orientation with no setbacks, ranging, between one and two stories in height, and generating a feeling that is still reminiscent of an early-twentieth century commercial cluster. The National Register nomination for this property is not yet digitized but can be requested from the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office.