Bemis Bag Building

Bemis Bag Company Building
NW Corner of 11th and Jones Streets
1887
Architect: Mendelssohn & Lawrie
Commercial Style
Designated Omaha Landmark: September 12, 1978

With plants in Omaha and five other cities, the Bemis Bag Company was the largest company of its type in the world by the end of the nineteenth century. 

Designed as a bag and sack factory and wholesale warehouse space, Bemis manufactured, printed and distributed flour bags and other types of sacks from this facility until 1978.

Built in 3 phases between 1887 and 1902, the oldest part of the building is the portion next to the alley on 11th street. 

It was designed by the prominent early Omaha architectural firm of Mendelssohn and Lawrie and is of mill (heavy timber) construction.  Evidence can be seen on the Bemis building's east side where it was once accessed from the former 11th Street viaduct.

The building is presently the home of the Bemis Project, an alternative work site for artists-in-residence.

(This building is also listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places and is located in a National Register Historic District.)