November 2007
Readers’ Choice 2007: Best Condo Development
Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O: The Paxton
History and luxury combine in the Paxton, voted Omaha’s Best Condo Development. The Shamrock Development property is located in a prime downtown location overlooking the Gene Leahy Mall and within easy walking distance of the Holland Performing Arts Center, the Old Market and many dining/cultural spots. For most of its life the 1929-erected building served as a fine hotel.
In its later years the structure housed the Women’s Job Corps, then it saw duty again as a hotel, this time with a Mediterranean motif, before being converted into the Paxton Manor, a self-care retirement home. The provenance of the Paxton site and name carries even more history. There was an original Paxton Hotel at the same site that dated back to 1882. It had a roster of famous guests, including three presidents and William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. The earlier structure was razed in 1928 and the present building built in its place.
Omaha developer Mike Moylan, who has a history redeveloping historic downtown properties, has retrofitted the Paxton into luxury condo residences. Moylan and his team have preserved and restored, and thus accentuated, many distinctive features of the Art Deco-styled building designed by architect Joseph McArthur. The grand ballroom, where the Paul Moorehead orchestra used to play for coast-to-coast live radio broadcasts, adds to the grandeur and splendor of the Paxton. There’s a grand lobby, a rooftop deck, a fitness center, a home theater, attached covered parking, shops and offices. It is a community.
Living spaces in floor plans range from 1,100 to 3,400 square feet and penthouses from 2,100 to 4,500 square feet that incorporate period design features, architectural elements and amenities not found in refurbished warehouses. Prices start at around $250,000 and exceed $1 million.
The Paxton is downtown urban living done right.
— Leo Adam Biga
BY DEBORAH SHANAHAN
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER