Papillion in Sarpy County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Papillion City Hall

Formerly the Sarpy County Courthouse

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

1. Papillion City Hall Marker

Inscription.
Completed in 1923, this neo-classical structure is one of ten courthouses designed by Omaha architect William F. Gernandt between 1920 and 1923. It served as the county’s third courthouse until a new building was built in 1974. The City of Papillion purchased the courthouse from Sarpy County for $95,000. Once described as “moderately plain but dignified,” the building’s exterior has seen only minor renovations through the years. A major interior renovation took place in 2021.

Though not in use, the former county jail still occupies the fourth floor. A third floor courtroom housed the library until 1996. That space has since been updated to house the city council chambers.

Designed to give the impression of modernity, simplicity, strength, and prosperity, the former courthouse’s characteristics, along with its Classical Revival stylistic influence, garnered it a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

Erected 2021 by Papillion Area Historical Society, Sarpy County Historical Society, City of Papillion, and History Nebraska.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic

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lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), and the Nebraska State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1923.

Location. 41° 9.525′ N, 96° 2.567′ W. Marker is in Papillion, Nebraska, in Sarpy County. It is on North Washington Street (State Highway 85) just north of East 3rd Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is beside the sidewalk on the west side of Papillion City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 122 East 3rd Street, Papillion NE 68046, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska and in Greater Omaha.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The First Mayor & Third Courthouse (within shouting

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

2. Papillion City Hall Marker

Looking east from North Washington Street. The west side of the Papillion City Hall is in the background.

distance of this marker); The Original Union Pacific Mainline Through Papillion (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Papillion's History as a Main Railroad Hub (about 300 feet away); The History of Portal School (about 300 feet away); The Sautter House (about 400 feet away); Original Train Depot & Interurban Railway (about 400 feet away); Papillion's First Jail & The Sander's Store (about 500 feet away); Thriving Papillion Businesses (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Papillion.

Regarding Papillion City Hall. National Register of Historic Places № 90000964.

From the National Register Nomination prepared by Barbara Beving Long, 1/21/1990:
The Third Sarpy County Courthouse derives its historic significance as a focal point for the administration of local government and institutions in the county beginning in 1923. As a good example of the County Citadel Property Type, the courthouse contains design features and facilities distinctive to its design and use (such as fireproof vaults), has a rectangular shape, centered entrance, costly materials, distinctive ornamentation, and Classical
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

3. National Register of Historic Places Marker
(mounted on the right side of the south/front entrance)
Nebraska Historic Site
Papillion City Hall
AKA: Sarpy County Courthouse
Built: 1922-1923
This property is listed in
The National Register of Historic Places
Nebraska State Historical Society
Revival stylistic influence.
On September 12, 1921, voters approved issuing $150,000 in bonds for the new courthouse, and construction began the following year. John L. Soderberg of Omaha was selected in April of 1922 to be general contractor. The architect, William J. Gernandt, had been involved in the project in late 1921. Construction progress was such that cornerstone-laying ceremonies were held July 4, 1922. County records show that the courthouse was nearly complete by December of 1922, but county officials did not accept the building and move in until March of 1923. In the 1970s the county again outgrew its courthouse and in 1974 moved to a large new facility at the edge of town.
Now housing municipal offices and the city library, the property is the third of four buildings that serve or have served as the county's courthouse. The Third Sarpy County Courthouse is rectangular and consists of three stories plus a small attic jail space not visible from the exterior. The use of rusticated brick and a heavy water table give the appearance of a raised basement, but entrances are at grade. With its prominent entry pavilion, the south
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

4. Papillion City Hall (south/front entrance)
facade is the principal entrance, but there is also access on the east and west facades.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Historic Downtown Papillion Walking Tour

Also see . . . Third Sarpy County Courthouse (Wikipedia).

Excerpt: The Third Sarpy County Courthouse is a historic building in Papillion, Nebraska, and the former courthouse of Sarpy County. It was built by John L. Soderberg in 1922–1923 and designed in the Classical Revival style by architect William F. Gernandt. Two other courthouses had been built for the county prior to this one: the first one was the Fontenelle Bank in Bellevue, followed by a second one in Papillion. A fourth courthouse replaced this building in 1974, and it became a city hall and public library. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since July 5, 1990.

(Submitted on November 8, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Papillion City Hall (<i>southeast elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

5. Papillion City Hall (southeast elevation)

Papillion City Hall (<i>south/front elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 15, 2025

6. Papillion City Hall (south/front elevation)

From the National Register Nomination: A series of imposing elements focus attention on the centered south entrance. These include pairs of fluted engaged columns, a simple but prominent modillioned cornice, and a particularly fine two-story round-arched window. The moulded cornice, lacking modillions, continues around the other facades, a unifying feature along with the water table and coping. Tan terra cotta contrasts texturally with tan face brick and is used effectively to highlight sills, water table and other courses, and at the centered two-story round-arched window. Above the columns is the county name as well as rosettes and delicate foliated panels. Four bays consisting of simple rectangular windows flank the centered entrance, and window openings are also regularly spaced on the other facades of the 92’ x 60' building.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 8, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.