A growing city is important and future development is a great improvement to the local economy. But preserving Omaha's most iconic buildings is just as important. I do not want History shoved to the side while we add newer buildings. If we tear down one of the first mansions in Omaha, it will not help us remember our history. I support new development, but not when it requires buildings that are vital to telling Omaha's story have to be teared down. 

I'm petitioning Clarity Development to put the extra time and money into restoring the building. For Auction Solutions Inc. not to have an auction days before the demolition to sell the interior items that gives the house it's charm. And to give the building Historical Status and place the building on the National Register of Historic Places. It can become a significant historical landmark in Omaha instead of being a thing of the past.

The house was built in 1886 and belonged to Augustus Kountze, one of the founding fathers of Omaha and one of the founders of what is now First National Bank of Omaha. It is currently a mortuary before the owner retired.

Numerous historical buildings have been preserved and not destroyed; such as the old Union Station, which was renovated and is now the Durham Museum. Although it may be more expensive to keep the building, it will be beneficial in the long run and not just be teared down. Clarity Dev. just plans to add more housing, why not keep the house that has a history right here in Omaha?

We need to be able to grow, add new buildings and look towards the future, but at the same time be able to observe and respect our past by holding onto buildings of significance. Buildings like the Clarinda-Page, an historic building, was teared down in favor of new development. If Omaha keeps tearing down historic buildings, then what will be left of Omaha's history?