The entry
Step into a story over a century in the making. Originally built in 1912 as the Saunders-Kennedy Building, this Renaissance Revival–style landmark was designed by famed architect John Latenser Sr., who shaped much of Omaha’s early skyline. Once a vibrant commercial hub, the building has been reimagined as The Peregrine Omaha Downtown—where history meets hospitality. Take a moment to appreciate the building’s enduring stone façade and classic window details, preserved with care during its transformation.
WHERE HISTORY BEGINS - STEP INTO A 1912 LANDMARK
The exterior evokes early 20th-century Omaha grandeur. Notice the symmetrical organization of the façade, pronounced stone detailing, and the decorative cornices—hallmarks of Renaissance Revival architecture. Tall, grouped windows framed in limestone and subtle belt courses between floors reflect Latenser’s desire to blend classical refinement with urban sophistication. Even today, these elements create an inviting sense of order and artistry, linking past and present.
RENAISSANCE REVIVAL ON DISPLAY
A LEGACY IN STONE
Standing at the entrance, you mirror generations before—shoppers, business leaders, and theatergoers who once filtered past its doors. The Saunders-Kennedy Building was originally constructed adjacent to the spectacular Brandeis Theater, and both were conceived by Latenser himself.
The Saunders-Kennedy Building became the home of World Insurance Company in 1948 and remained so until 1987, when it was sold to Woodmen of the World for use as their headquarters. This was a significant chapter in the building’s history, as World Insurance was a major tenant and their occupancy marked a long period of stability and prominence for the property in downtown Omaha.
The theater was demolished in 1959 to make way for a parking garage. The historic façade and entry of the Saunders Kennedy building remain, still capturing the aspirations and vibrancy of Omaha’s heyday.
REVIVING AND REINVENTING
Today’s entryway not only preserves the bones of the historic design but proudly showcases the restoration craftsmanship that ensured every stone, window, and decorative element was either maintained or faithfully brought back. The result is a space where modern guests can experience the same monumental welcome that greeted the city’s elite a century ago—a journey from commerce to culture to comfort.