At 140 North 39th Street in Omaha's Gold Coast district stands one of the city's most remarkable Gilded Age estates. Cornerstone Mansion—originally known as the Offutt House—has witnessed 130 years of history, from its origins as a wedding gift to its current role serving a local parish.
A Wedding Gift Fit for Omaha's Elite
In 1894, Charles Offutt commissioned Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb to design a mansion befitting his daughter Bertha's marriage. The project cost $15,000—roughly $10 million in today's dollars—a sum that reflected both the Offutt family's wealth and their ambitions within Omaha society.
The Yost family, Bertha's relatives, had built their fortune in wholesale goods and real estate during Omaha's explosive growth years. As the city matured from frontier outpost to regional powerhouse between 1880 and 1920, families like the Offutts moved north from downtown, creating what would become known as the Gold Coast.
Architectural Drama in Red Brick and Limestone
Cobb chose the Chateauesque style—a romantic interpretation of French Renaissance castles that became fashionable among America's wealthiest families. The mansion's steeply pitched red slate roofs and corner turrets with conical caps create a silhouette that still commands attention from passersby.
Builder John H. Harte completed construction in 1895, delivering a 10,200-square-foot residence with 17 rooms spread across multiple levels. The exterior combines red brick walls with carved limestone detailing, while Gothic arches frame the grand entrance. Every architectural element was designed to announce the owner's taste and prosperity.
Interiors That Dazzle
Step inside and you're greeted by quarter-sawn tiger oak paneling in the entry hall. The grand staircase showcases the same luminous wood, its grain patterns catching light from original gas fixtures later converted to electricity. The formal dining room shifts to black walnut, while the library features Cuban mahogany panels surrounding a pink onyx fireplace.
Pink onyx and marble fireplaces appear throughout the home—luxuries that few could afford even during the Gilded Age. Stained glass transoms and leaded windows filter colored light into the parlor and dining spaces. Original built-in cabinetry demonstrates the level of custom craftsmanship expected in homes of this caliber.
The Architect Behind the Mansion
Henry Ives Cobb brought serious credentials to the Offutt commission. By 1894, he had already completed the Newberry Library in Chicago and was working on multiple high-profile projects. His portfolio would eventually include the Chicago Varnish Company Building, the Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin, and Liberty Tower in New York City.
Cobb specialized in Richardsonian Romanesque and Victorian Gothic styles, movements that emphasized bold forms, rich materials, and historical references. The Cornerstone Mansion represents his ability to adapt European architectural traditions for American clients who wanted grandeur without stuffiness.
Life Changes and New Uses
The Offutt family and subsequent owners occupied the mansion as a single-family residence until 1964. As Omaha's wealthy residents migrated to newer neighborhoods, the Gold Coast faced uncertain times. Like many historic homes, Cornerstone was subdivided into apartments—a pragmatic but unfortunate adaptation to changing economics.
The mansion's fortune improved dramatically in 1986 when Jeannie Swoboda transformed it into the Offutt House Bed & Breakfast. Later owners Mark O'Leary and partners rebranded it as Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast, showcasing the restored interiors during multiple Parade of Homes events between 2001 and 2016.
During its B&B years, guests slept in bedrooms where Gilded Age society once gathered, breakfasted in the formal dining room, and explored gardens that had hosted generations of Omaha families. The commercial operation brought both tourism revenue and renewed appreciation for the building's historical significance.
Spirits and Stories
Any 130-year-old mansion accumulates ghost stories, and Cornerstone has collected its share. Staff and guests reported footsteps in empty corridors, cold spots in specific rooms, and occasional apparitions near the carriage house balcony. The building appears on Nebraska's "Real Haunts" lists, though skeptics attribute the phenomena to old wood settling and active imaginations.
A tragic 1989 incident in the rear alley added darker notes to the property's history, fueling speculation about restless spirits. Whether you believe in paranormal activity or not, the stories add another layer to the mansion's appeal for history enthusiasts.
The Gold Coast Legacy
Cornerstone Mansion sits within the Gold Coast Historic District, designated on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The neighborhood represents Omaha's turn-of-the-century prosperity, when fortunes made in railroads, meatpacking, and commerce built a collection of architectural showpieces.
Nearby estates include Joslyn Castle—now a museum—and the Gurdon Wattles House. Walking these streets offers a glimpse into how America's Gilded Age elite lived, worked, and socialized. The district's preservation ensures these buildings remain as physical evidence of Omaha's transformation from frontier town to major city.
A New Chapter with St. Barnabas
In December 2018, St. Barnabas Parish acquired the mansion, renaming it the Offutt-Yost House in recognition of both founding families. The parish uses the space for events and administrative functions, continuing the building's tradition of serving community needs.
Public access remains limited compared to the B&B days, though tours can be arranged by appointment. The parish and local preservation groups maintain the original finishes, ensuring the tiger oak, marble fireplaces, and stained glass survive for future generations.
Visiting Information
While Cornerstone Mansion no longer operates as a bed and breakfast, its exterior remains visible from North 39th Street. The Gold Coast district welcomes walking tours, and several nearby mansions offer public access. Architecture enthusiasts planning Omaha visits should contact St. Barnabas Parish in advance to inquire about tour availability.
The mansion stands as proof that adaptive reuse can preserve historic buildings while meeting contemporary needs. From private residence to apartments, from boutique hotel to parish center, Cornerstone has survived by remaining useful—the best preservation strategy of all.