Premium ContentMouse over Home then click on Premium Content for information.The former Reniers Pianos building officially opens Wednesday as its new self — an office building restored to reflect its historic Dundee roots, the new home of a diverse group of businesses.
Among the tenants on the northwest corner of 49th and Dodge Streets is a sports cafe and pizza parlor, a chiropractor, a nutrition center and insurance and real estate firms.
John Bartholet of Body in Motion Chiropractic Clinic said he loves his new digs, loves the view and loves the step back into the past.
"Being a part of keeping old buildings around when they have the ability to be renovated is exciting," Bartholet said. "They've kept that historic flair."
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for what is now called Dougherty Place is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. Wednesday. An open house will follow until 7 p.m.
Seven businesses currently are in the brick, Tudor-style building with window awnings designed by Omaha's Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture.
Matt Dougherty, the lead developer who moved his State Farm Insurance office there, said he wanted the $4.3 million project to have a long and positive effect on its Dundee neighborhood.
Dougherty and other partners bought the property in 2008 from Fred Renier, who then operated on a lease until he closed his longtime family piano business in December 2009. The 1926 building had housed the piano business since 1960.
Dougherty has credited architect Perry Poyner with sparking his interest in the property when he showed how the building looked historically as Dundee Manor Hotel.
Dougherty said the renovated building's tenants so far have added about 45 new jobs to the local area, and developers spent more than anticipated to add sustainable and environment-friendly features.
"For me, personally, it's a dream come true," said Dougherty, the primary owner. "I was able to give back to this neighborhood that has been so doggone good to me. "
In addition to city zoning approval, project organizers received historic tax credits and tax-increment financing assistance.
Other tenants participating in Wednesday's open house are Varsity Sports Cafe & Roman Coin Pizza, internet company Cognitive Match, financial adviser Louis Linquata, Prudential Real Estate and Omaha Nutrition.
Contact the writer: 402-444-1224, cindy.gonzalez@owh.com
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