Westside Loveland Elementary

Loveland is one of Omaha’s earliest neighborhoods west of 72nd Street, and its roots run deep. In the 1920s, Archibald Loveland began selling off pieces of his farm to help build a community. When neighbors came together to build a school in 1932, they weren’t sure it would last, so they designed it to look like a Tudor-style home—just in case it needed to become one. Nearly a century later, not only is Loveland Elementary still standing, but it has become a beloved part of the Westside Community Schools district.

As we plan for Loveland’s future, the original 1932 building will remain at the heart of the campus. This decision sets Loveland apart from other recent Westside school projects—and reflects the deep value this community places on history, identity, and continuity. The new 50,000 sf addition is designed not to overshadow the past, but to stand beside it—respectfully, thoughtfully, and with care.

Instead of copying the old, we’ve taken time to understand it. BVH has studied the details of the original building and the character of the surrounding neighborhood to design a school that feels like it belongs—because it does. Every part of the design, from the materials chosen to the shape and location of the building, has been shared with the community for feedback. After all… no one knows Loveland better than its neighbors.

Through it all, we’ve come back to one guiding idea: Loveland as a “village square.” A place not just for learning, but for gathering. A space that brings people together. Our hope is that when this project is complete, the community will see both its history and its future in the new Loveland—and feel proud of what we’ve built together.