The Pittman Animal Clinic & Neighborhood
4629 Dodge St. Omaha, NE.
The Legacy of Dr. Arthur Pittman (1948–1990)
Located at 4629 Dodge Street, this distinct one-story building is more than just a former vet clinic; it is a monument to a pioneer. Built in 1948, it was the practice of Dr. Arthur B. Pittman, Omaha’s first African American veterinarian and a significant civic leader. Dr. Pittman commissioned the renowned architectural firm John Latenser & Sons to design the building. They chose the Art Moderne style—a late sub-stream of Art Deco characterized by its "streamlined" look, curved glass block walls, and long horizontal lines. For over 40 years, Dr. Pittman ran a thriving practice here that served as a rare example of a successful Black-owned business in the heart of midtown during the mid-20th century.
Redevelopment and "The Arthur" (2023–Present)
In recent years, the intersection of 46th and Dodge became the center of an $82 million redevelopment controversy. To make way for a 329-unit apartment complex called "The Arthur" (named in honor of Dr. Pittman), nearly an entire block of history was cleared. This included the demolition of nine houses along Douglas Street to the south and several commercial buildings, including the former Young Kim’s gas station and the Dundee Realty building.
The Last Building Standing
While the surrounding neighborhood was reduced to rubble—captured in the haunting "demo" photos of empty lots and cleared foundations—the Pittman Animal Clinic was designated a local landmark. Because of this status, it was spared from the wrecking ball. The modern apartment structure is being built around it, and the historic clinic is slated to be restored and repurposed as the leasing office and "front door" for the new development. For urban explorers, your photos capture the building in its rawest state: a lonely Art Moderne gem standing amidst the dusty remains of a neighborhood that no longer exists.
So please enjoy looking through my photos. The only way I know to protect these buildings is to remind people they even exist.
Please feel free to share my work!
Sources
Omaha Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission: Landmark designation records for 4629 Dodge Street.