Chicago Lumber Company

Building Omaha Since 1876

For 150 years, Chicago Lumber Company has supported Omaha’s commercial builders, dealers, and contractors with dependable materials, trusted brands, and services that keep projects moving. 

The History of Chicago Lumber Company

We’re proud to share the story of Chicago Lumber Company, how it began in 1876, how it grew alongside Omaha, and the values that have guided us through a century and a half of change. Explore the milestones that shaped our company and the legacy we continue building today. Discover our history in more detail.

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1876
Where It All Began

Chicago Lumber Company of Omaha opens its doors when M.T. Green brings his lumber business from Chicago to Omaha at 702 Douglas Street. From the start, the company becomes a trusted supplier during Omaha’s earliest years of growth, helping support the builders and communities shaping the city.

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1877
Growing Together

Just one year after opening, Chicago Lumber adds Henry F. Cady as partner, strengthening leadership and accelerating growth. Together, they expand operations and inventory, positioning the company to meet the demand of a booming local market.

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1881
Rapid Growth & Relocation

By the early 1880s, Chicago Lumber is supplying millions of board feet of lumber to builders and tradespeople across the region. As demand continues to rise, the company outgrows its original space and relocates in 1885 to a larger yard on 14th Street between Marcy and Leavenworth, creating the room needed to support bigger orders and Omaha’s expanding construction industry.

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1922
A Home Built to Last

Chicago Lumber builds its headquarters at 1324 Pierce Street, constructing a brick building with a distinctive green tile roof that becomes an Omaha landmark. This move establishes a long-term home base and sets the stage for over a century of continued service from the same location.

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1930
Expanding Beyond Lumber

As building needs evolve through the early and mid-20th century, Chicago Lumber grows beyond traditional lumber supply. The company expands into broader building materials, supporting everything from residential growth to commercial projects across the region.

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1951
75 Years Strong

Chicago Lumber reaches its 75th anniversary, marking decades of service through major changes in Omaha, the construction industry, and the country itself. It’s a milestone that reflects not only longevity, but the relationships and reputation the company built year after year.

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1960
Strengthening Regional Roots

As Omaha and the surrounding region grow, Chicago Lumber continues expanding its reach beyond the city and strengthening its role as a trusted supplier across Nebraska and neighboring states. This era helps shape the company into a long-term partner for contractors, builders, and dealers throughout the Plains.

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1976
100 Years of Chicago Lumber

Chicago Lumber Company celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a full century of service in Omaha and the surrounding region. The milestone reflects the company’s staying power through generations of change, while continuing to operate with the same focus on quality, relationships, and dependable service.

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1980
Modernization Meets Tradition

As customer expectations and the building industry evolve, Chicago Lumber continues modernizing operations and expanding products and services. This era blends traditional service values with improvements that support accuracy, efficiency, and long-term growth.

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Today
Continuing the Legacy

150 years after its founding, Chicago Lumber Company remains headquartered on Pierce Street and continues to operate with a focus on relationships, quality, and reliability. The company serves contractors, builders, and homeowners with the same commitment to service that has defined its long history, building not just structures, but lasting partnerships.

Learn More

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Wood storage warehouse with stacked lumber on multi-tier shelves along a concrete aisle
Stacks of lumber stored on wooden racks in a warehouse yard, with a concrete floor in front.

How We Help You

Chicago Lumber Company supports commercial contractors, dealers, and retail customers with the products, knowledge, and service it takes to keep projects moving forward. We understand that every job has timelines, specifications, and real people counting on the outcome, and our role is to make the materials side of the process smoother, clearer, and more reliable. 

Stacked pale wooden planks with visible knots and grain, viewed at an angle.
Forklift loading stacked cardboard boxes on pallets inside a warehouse
Store clerk handing a paper to a worker in a reflective safety vest near a counter

How We Help You

Chicago Lumber Company supports commercial contractors, dealers, and retail customers with the products, knowledge, and service it takes to keep projects moving forward. We understand that every job has timelines, specifications, and real people counting on the outcome, and our role is to make the materials side of the process smoother, clearer, and more reliable. 

Wooden lumber stacks stored on industrial warehouse shelving along a concrete aisle.
Warehouse aisle with stacked lumber on wooden racks and shelves
Stacks of lumber stored on wooden racks inside a warehouse with a concrete floor

Companies We Work With

Building excellence, Deliviring Trust

Chicago Lumber Company has earned its reputation through 150 years of service in Omaha, built on relationships, reliability, and a commitment to doing things the right way. We’ve grown through changing industries and changing times, but the heart of the company has always been the same: people who know the work and care about getting it right. 

Stylized dark green pine tree icon on a white background

A Legacy Built on Trust

Since 1876, we’ve been a steady presence in Omaha, supporting the people who build, supply, and improve the communities around us.

Dark green stylized evergreen tree icon on a white background

Real Expertise, Not Guesswork

Our team understands materials, specifications, and product lines, and we’re here to help customers make confident decisions with fewer surprises down the road.

Dark green evergreen tree icon on a white background

Service That Keeps Work Moving

We know that delays cost time and money. That’s why we prioritize clear communication, dependable ordering, and support you can count on from quote to delivery.

case studies

Building excellence , Deliviring Trust

2023 • Omaha, NE

Corey McKenzie Building

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Historic four-story brick building with tall arched windows and ground-floor storefronts

2023 • Omaha, NE

Corey McKenzie Building

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Corner brick building with red awnings and storefronts on the ground floor at a city intersection.

2023 • Omaha, NE

Corey McKenzie Building

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Modern glass-and-brick building with an American flag and lawn in front

"We are very happy with our new patio door and the blinds. I was worried over the whole re-doing of our door, but this is great! Also your installers who put the door in were very good representatives of your company. They had manners, cleaned up, were very professional and friendly. Thank you!"

Bonnie & Gordon of Omaha

Smiling man in a cream shirt against a softly blurred outdoor background

"The service and courtesy to us were exemplary. The service given to us made the entire job enjoyable. When we have the occasion to recommend windows to someone we will without hesitation recommend The Windows and Doors Store and The Chicago Lumber Company."

Ron and Marge of Omaha

"Thank you for giving up time on a sweltering Sunday afternoon to fix our window problem. Your service during the selection and installation of our windows was top notch but your support after installation went above and beyond. I would whole heartedly recommend Marvin Windows to anyone. Thanks again!"

Lisa of Omaha

"We are very happy with our new patio door and the blinds. I was worried over the whole re-doing of our door, but this is great! Also your installers who put the door in were very good representatives of your company. They had manners, cleaned up, were very professional and friendly. Thank you!"

Bonnie & Gordon of Omaha

"The service and courtesy to us were exemplary. The service given to us made the entire job enjoyable. When we have the occasion to recommend windows to someone we will without hesitation recommend The Windows and Doors Store and The Chicago Lumber Company."

Ron and Marge of Omaha

Let's build together