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OMAHA, Neb. (KETV) — Since 1972, Diane and Ed Klima have lived on North 53rd Street, within the Country Club neighborhood. They believe the house to their left is part of the fabric of the street’s history.
“[That] house just seems to fit into the neighborhood,” Diane Klima said.
The couple hasn’t set foot in that house in decades. After taking their first steps inside, they can’t wait to come back once all the repairs are done.
“There wasn’t anybody living in it, expect the raccoons,” Diane Klima said. “It’s really great to know that it’s being saved,” Ed Klima said.
The old owner sold this home once the city of Omaha threatened to demolish it. Contractor Mike Wiggins gave neighbors a sneak peek at his new property, which he acknowledged is still a work in progress.
“This may not be a livable house yet, but it is certainly a lovable home to be,” Wiggins said.
City Council member Pete Festersen credits Wiggins and tools like the land bank and increased enforcement with saving the property from being demolished. He said he hopes more historic homes across Omaha receive this attention.
“Sometimes, it takes all those tools to get something like this addressed, and that was the case here,” Festersen said. “We’re going to keep doing that throughout the city. It makes a big difference to property values and to neighborhoods like this.”
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