and sadness for Omaha. One of the signature buildings (if not THE signature building) in the Old Market area of Downtown Omaha had a gas explosion below it which eventually took the building. The Old Market is a historic warehouse area that dates back to the late 1800's and early 1900's. Due to it's proximity to the transcontinental railroad, much of the goods traveling around the country at that time were warehoused here. The only bright news is that no one was killed in what could have been disastrous. This area has a very dense collection of historic buildings but thanks to the fire department it did not spread. There was a very upscale clothing store (Nouvelle Eve) and a popular restaurant (M's Pub) on the first floor. Both had been there since 1973. Both are some of the original tenants of the "new" Old Market. The upper floors housed condominiums. In fact the owner of the Old Market lived in this building and wants to rebuild if it's possible. The Market House Restaurant next door apparently suffered serious water damage as well. - JAN 11, 2016 - Omaha