[1] After an 1889 architectural competition won by Omaha architects Fowler & Beindorff,[2] the City Hall was built by the construction firm of John F. Coots from Detroit, Michigan.

Solid oak lined every interior wall, while the Victorian-style city council chamber featured a large brass chandelier.

Marble stairs led from the main entrance to a second-floor atrium court, and at the southwest corner of the building a clock tower rose nearly 20 stories into the air.

[3] In 1919 Omaha mayor James C. Dahlman ordered the destruction of the top section of the tower, and in 1950 the building was completely renovated, destroying the original facade.

[4] In 1962 the City of Omaha Public Works Director officially classified the building as dangerous, and in 1966 Mayor A.V.