HISTORY
HISTORY OF MORTON MEADOWS
A Thoughtfully Planned Omaha Neighborhood
Morton Meadows was founded in 1924 as a thoughtfully planned residential neighborhood designed to reflect the beauty of Omaha while offering a safe, family-friendly environment. Developed during a period of significant growth in the city, Morton Meadows was envisioned as a cohesive community where architecture, landscape, and livability worked together in harmony.
Today, the neighborhood is in the application process to be recognized as an historic district of significance and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A 2004 architectural survey found that 232 of the 295 properties surveyed contribute to the historic character of the district — a remarkable level of preservation that speaks to the care and pride of its residents.
Architecture & Design Character
Morton Meadows qualifies for historic recognition under Criterion C: Architecture, representing an exceptional example of early twentieth-century residential design. The homes form a cohesive architectural grouping, unified by similar scale, massing, building materials, and consistent setbacks.
Many residences are constructed of brick and showcase styles popular during the neighborhood’s development, including Tudor Revival, Bungalow, and Colonial Revival architecture. Together, these homes create a visually rich yet harmonious streetscape that has endured for generations.
The majority of structures were built between 1922, when development began, and 1945, when construction concluded, preserving a snapshot of Omaha’s residential growth during this era.
Garden City Planning
& Community Vision
In addition to its architectural significance, Morton Meadows qualifies under Criterion A: Community Planning and Development as an example of the garden city style of neighborhood planning. This approach emphasized green space, curving streets, and park-like boulevards to create a more livable and connected environment.
Signature features such as the curvilinear Morton Avenue and the broad, tree-lined Twin Ridge Boulevard exemplify this planning philosophy, offering both beauty and function while encouraging a strong sense of place.
A Living Neighborhood
The Morton Meadows Neighborhood Association continues to build upon this legacy through active committees focused on beautification, event planning, grant writing, community outreach, and citizen patrol. These efforts help ensure the neighborhood remains vibrant, welcoming, and well cared for.
In recent years, Morton Meadows has experienced rising property values, influenced by its proximity to Midtown Omaha revitalization efforts, access to major employers, and its location less than a mile from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
While deeply rooted in history, Morton Meadows remains a dynamic neighborhood — one that honors its past while investing in its future.
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