Fred Astaire’s Omaha Birth Home Cleared of Code Violations After Facing Possible Demolition

A historic Omaha home tied to legendary entertainer Fred Astaire has been given new life after city officials confirmed all code violations have been cleared.

The house, located in Omaha at 2326 South 10th Street, is recognized as Astaire’s birthplace. In 2021, inspectors cited the property for multiple violations, including heavy debris buildup, prompting the placement of a bright yellow “Danger – Closed” sign and raising concerns it could eventually be demolished.

That caught the attention of Ron Hug, who now leads the nonprofit that owns the home. Hug said the goal has been to restore the property and prevent it from becoming a rental again. According to city officials, the final violations were removed in December.

Built in 1880, the house has undergone careful updates while maintaining its historic character. Hug says the restoration includes modern necessities like electrical outlets while preserving the look and feel of a late-1800s, early-1900s home.

Local film historian Bruce Crawford, who has hosted classic film tributes in Omaha for more than three decades, says preserving anything connected to Astaire is important for the community.

“It’s one more thing we can draw people’s attention to from around the country and around the world,” Crawford said, noting Astaire’s lasting impact on film and dance.

While Astaire briefly mentioned Omaha in his autobiography, historians confirm this South 10th Street address is where he was born. Another childhood home once located on North 19th Street no longer exists.

Future plans for the property are still evolving. Hug says it was once envisioned as a museum, but it may instead become an event venue, offering a new way for the public to connect with Astaire’s legacy.

For now, supporters are celebrating the milestone as a win for preservation and for Omaha’s cultural history.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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