Aksarben (“Nebraska” spelled backwards) was home to Omaha’s most popular destination throughout the 20th century. Primarily known for horse racing and gambling, the district hosted a variety of entertainment events including world championship rodeos, concerts, minor league sports games and more. In modern times, Aksarben Village has a much different reputation; offering visitors and residents family friendly activities, education, and great food! Located in the heart of Omaha, it is the city’s premier entertainment and shopping community, a walkable place of unique shops, restaurants, bars, bike trails and green spaces. Due to the prosperity and popularity of the area, a new parking garage was built in 2019- highlighting local businesses in a unique way.

Noddle Bradford Companies is dedicated to improving the functionality of space and as a local developer; they were especially keen on creating an inviting and functional space in this community. The typically boring construction job turned in to a work of art when the focus shifted from structural design to visual appearance. With the vision of “Making Omaha Beautiful,” Noddle Bradford Companies turned to local artist and sculptor, Therman Statom, for design ideas. 

Mr. Statom has lived in Omaha since 2007 and has had several prominent public art displays including the Los Angeles Public Library, Mayo Clinic, and the Toledo Museum of Art. Although less prominent, this project hits closer to home for the artist as it would be featured in his local community. Mr. Statom was able to bring a local perspective to the project, encapsulating the essence and history of Omaha due to his familiarity with the area. He was inspired by the complexity of nature through downtown Omaha and envisioned bird nests and incorporating nature in to the exterior façade. The result was a beautiful leaf structure that would be mounted along the outer walls of the parking garage.

Puritan Manufacturing, a local fabricator in the Omaha area, brought Therman’s artwork to life. Knowing this amazing collection of art would be displayed for the entire community to see, there was specific consideration taken to ensure long-lasting durability. To truly capture the public’s eye, the leaves were to be painted multiple bright and beautiful colors. With that in mind, Puritan Manufacturing looked back to their years of experience with these scenarios and knew hot-dip galvanizing would be the perfect base coat.

Hot-dip galvanizing has been used to protect steel since the 1800’s. Traditionally thought of for structural components or highly corrosive environments, the coating option is gaining recognition in the art community as a method to preserve their designs. To avoid unsightly and destructive corrosion, Puritan Manufacturing recommended the leaves for the Aksarben Parking Garage be hot-dip galvanized prior to painting. The extra protective barrier would help preserve the beauty of the leaves while extending its expected time to first maintenance. A local galvanizing company, known for superior quality, was selected to galvanize the leaves prior to the application of the wet, colorful top coating - completing the duplex coating system. Now, the new artistic piece would be able to withstand the harsh weather conditions Omaha can experience.

Local residents had no idea the rise of another parking garage in the neighborhood would create such a unique opportunity to display local art and businesses. The Aksarben Parking Garage takes the neighborhood to a new level of infrastructure providing adequate parking for prospering businesses and a respectable commons area with 15 different local restaurants. The local community and visitors can admire the beauty and functionality of the new structure for decades to come due to forward planning and usage of a protective duplex coating system.