Fred Astaire's Omaha birth house no longer has code violations

Omaha, Nebraska, is quietly working to preserve a piece of entertainment history: the birthplace of Fred Astaire. In 2021, a city housing inspector identified code violations at the home located at 2326 S 10th Street, including accumulated debris reaching up to three feet in some areas, prompting a “Danger – Closed” notice.

A Second Chance for a Historic Home

The property’s condition caught the attention of Ron Hug, who, prior to his role on the Omaha City Council, had experience “flipping houses.” Hug now leads the nonprofit organization that owns the building. His stated aim is to ensure the property doesn’t become another rental unit.

Did You Know? The house, originally constructed in 1880, was initially lit with gas lamps, leading to a unique solution for modern electrical outlets – they were installed in the floors.

As of December, the city has confirmed that all code violations have been addressed, according to a city official. Hug shared updates on the restoration progress with KETV. The current focus is on restoring the house to reflect the appearance of a typical late-1800s to early-1900s home.

Preserving a Legacy

The significance of preserving this location isn’t lost on those who celebrate Astaire’s contributions to the world of dance and film. Bruce Crawford, who has hosted classic film tributes in Omaha for 33 years, emphasized the importance of maintaining connections to the iconic performer. “It’s a great thing for Omaha,” Crawford said, “because there’s one more thing You can draw people’s attention to from around the country, around the world.”

Expert Insight: The effort to restore Astaire’s birthplace speaks to a broader trend of communities recognising the cultural and economic value of preserving sites connected to prominent figures in entertainment and the arts. These locations can serve as both tourist attractions and points of local pride.

While Fred Astaire briefly mentioned his time in Omaha in his autobiography, according to Douglas County Historical Society Executive Director Tom Neal, he recalled a home on 19th Street. Records from the Omaha World-Herald indicate a residence on the 1400 block of North 19th Street, but that home no longer stands. The house at 2326 S 10th Street, however, remains.

Future Possibilities

Initially, there was consideration of transforming the birth house into a museum. However, Hug indicated that the plan is currently “in flux” and the property could potentially be used as an event venue. A final decision has not been made.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the city’s inspection of the property?

A housing inspector identified code violations, including household debris, at the home in 2021.

Who currently owns the house?

The house is owned by a nonprofit organization led by Ron Hug.

What are the potential future uses for the property?

The property could become a museum or an event venue, though the final decision is still pending.

What role do you think local landmarks play in connecting communities to their cultural heritage?

Fred Astaire’s Omaha birth house no longer has code violations