Built over 120 years ago, the College Apartments have seen better days. In a memo sent to members of the Bellevue Planning Commission, the three apartment buildings are described as “vacant, in disrepair, suffering severe deterioration, unfit for human occupancy, and due to the existing deterioration, need to be demolished for health and safety concerns”.
The three buildings sit on roughly 4 acres of land near the top of West 19th Avenue in Olde Towne, about 1/2 mile north of Mission Avenue.
The three existing College Apartment buildings will be demolished, replaced by four new buildings. The new buildings will have 160 units in all including 15 two bedroom, 123 one bedroom, and 22 loft-style apartments. Projected monthly rent costs will be in the $1,300-$1,400 range.
I had heard they were the dorms for an old Bible college that was in Bellevue way back in the day, but I've never driven by to confirm (I think there's a historical marker somewhere thereabouts - I may have to have one of my Bellevue family members do a drive by photo of it for me).
My notes on the old site say:
400 W. 19th Ave.
Hamilton Hall (10 Units)
Lowery Hall (15 Units)
Philadelphia Hall (15 Units)
I thought there was one additional building (newer) called Fontenelle Hall.
Great hill views. But winter snow and ice on that street and for the ones on Wayne must be rough in the winter.
It's too bad they couldn't get some 3 bed or even 4 bed units. This is next door to an elementary school and middle school, and not too far from Bellevue East High.
Drove by this last weekend and got a photo of the historical marker (not sure if they plan on leaving it up - it's in bad need of replacement/refurbishment).
Bellevue College
On October 16, 1880, this Presbyterian liberal arts college was organized. First classes were held September 10, 1883, with 26 students. The original college contained 264 acres. 200 acres were sold in 1920 to the St. Columban's Seminary. In 1900, college enrollment was over 200 students under the leadership of Rev. David R. Kerr. In 1910 the Presbyterian church withdrew its support and the college became known as University of Omaha Bellevue. The college had hopes of a leading theological institution, but suffered a lack of financial support. forcing it to close in 1919. Its assets and records were given to Hastings College, Nebraska. The buildings were later used to educate World War 1 veterans.
Very interesting, to bad that have to go. Tabor Iowa which is just south of Glenwood also had a small college but it has been closed since the 1920's, one building remains and it's used for apartments.
Very interesting, to bad they have to go. Tabor Iowa which is just south of Glenwood also had a small college but it has been closed since the 1920's, one building remains and it's used for apartments.
BELLEVUE, Neb. — Residents of Bellevue who live in the area of 19th Street and Wayne Avenue are concerned about a proposed re-zoning plan. They hope city council blocks the vote Tuesday night. The plan would bring four, five-story apartment buildings (roughly 168 units) to the top of the hill near 19th & Wayne. That's where the old "College Apartments" used to stand.
skinzfan23 wrote: Wed Oct 04, 2023 1:39 am
Crazy that they are just now voicing concerns 1.5 yrs after the project was announced
I agree! Why are they just now speaking up? Definitely sensing a stranger danger vibe with this. An apartment will bring crime and they will look in my window. HUH? it's not a jail! LOL!
It's really too bad the buildings couldn't be preserved (in their original unpainted brick form) and turned into city or county offices or something. Unfortunately, they spent too many decades under the control of slum lords.
skinzfan23 wrote: Wed Oct 04, 2023 1:39 am
Crazy that they are just now voicing concerns 1.5 yrs after the project was announced
I agree! Why are they just now speaking up? Definitely sensing a stranger danger vibe with this. An apartment will bring crime and they will look in my window. HUH? it's not a jail! LOL!
This is LITERALLY a case of "Not In My Back Yard."
skinzfan23 wrote: Wed Oct 04, 2023 1:39 am
Crazy that they are just now voicing concerns 1.5 yrs after the project was announced
I agree! Why are they just now speaking up? Definitely sensing a stranger danger vibe with this. An apartment will bring crime and they will look in my window. HUH? it's not a jail! LOL!
This is LITERALLY a case of "Not In My Back Yard."
Well, everyone is a critic of NIMBY's until it's their backyard in question and then suddenly they're one of them.
