Just an update for those no longer in Omaha or who haven’t been by the old neighborhood in a while. If you were like me and ever wondered what was behind all of those happy, hidden trees, now we know. The house faces east and Elmwood Tower is just to the right, out of range. (Please see Mysteries of Omaha: 5120 Mayberry Street and Mysteries of Omaha: 5120 Mayberry Street Part Two.) Miss Cassette was on the scene this evening at sunset, feeling a bit weepy, actually. None were too happy on 51st and Mayberry, truth be told. I do think it’s important to understand this and see the scale of this once grand property. There is a sad, weathered Christmas wreath on the front door. The woodland area once concealing the Harding property is no longer except for certain trees which are currently fenced off. With the lack of foliage, the powerful scent of Three Happiness was everywhere. They will surely smell its lure down by Center Street tonight.
Sweet sorrow.
So there’s been word that a major player in the demolition and development of the property is Mike Brannan, who ran the Ranch Bowl into the ground and owned the decade-long-vacant Target on Saddle Creek. Is there any truth to this? I can’t find his name anywhere on this and it would be nice to know he’s not behind yet another controversial property in Omaha.