About Us – TheMasterCraft
Where Creativity Meets Craftsmanship
Welcome to TheMasterCraft
Today, our historic 140,000-square-foot space houses over 50 startups, nonprofit organizations, creatives, and forward-thinking businesses who continue our legacy of craftsmanship in the digital age. Since 1925, The Mastercraft has been a beacon of craftsmanship and innovation in Omaha. What began as a bustling furniture factory has evolved into a vibrant hub of creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.
Our Story: The Spark That Started It All
The Mastercraft’s journey began in 1941 when the Katzman family opened Mastercraft Furniture near 13th and Nicholas Street. For 62 years, skilled craftspeople produced mid- to high-end furniture that furnished homes across nine states, building a reputation for quality and attention to detail.
In 2005, entrepreneur Bob Grinnell discovered our dormant building at auction and transformed it with a visionary purpose: to create a community where modern makers could thrive. He preserved our architectural heritage, high ceilings, clerestory windows, and rough-sawn lumber joists, while adding contemporary amenities that serve today’s creative pioneers.
The Mastercraft entered its next chapter in 2018 when Paul and Annette Smith of Black Dog Management purchased the building with a commitment to nurture this creative ecosystem while expanding its impact. Today, we stand at the heart of the revitalized Millwork Commons neighborhood, where Omaha’s past and future converge.
What We Do
The Mastercraft serves as more than just office space, we’re an incubator for ideas and a catalyst for connection.
We provide:
- Inspiring workspaces that honor our industrial roots while meeting modern needs.
- A collaborative community where entrepreneurs, designers, technologists, and nonprofits cross-pollinate ideas.
- A strategic location with ample parking, minutes from TD Ameritrade Park, CHI Health Center, and Omaha's vibrant downtown.
- A platform for businesses to grow alongside other visionaries reshaping Omaha's creative and economic landscape.
Our Philosophy: Craft with Purpose
At The Mastercraft, we believe true craftsmanship never goes out of style—it simply evolves. The same dedication that went into creating fine furniture decades ago now powers the code, designs, strategies, and innovations developed under our roof.
We cultivate an environment where purpose-driven work flourishes, where entrepreneurs can build businesses that matter, and where collaboration amplifies individual potential. Our philosophy embraces Omaha’s industrial heritage while boldly reimagining what’s possible for its future.
Meet the Makers
The heart of The Mastercraft is our diverse community of tenants—designers, developers, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators who bring their unique vision and expertise to our collective workspace. Together, they form an ecosystem of innovation where ideas flow freely across industries and disciplines.
From fast-growing tech companies to creative studios making their mark on the world, our tenants carry forward the tradition of craftsmanship while defining what it means to create in the 21st century.
Why Makers Choose Us
Creators and entrepreneurs choose The Mastercraft because we offer:
- A historic space with character, authenticity, and stories embedded in its walls.
- A thriving community of like-minded innovators
- Prime positioning in the emerging Millwork Commons neighborhood.
- Proximity to Omaha's cultural centers, including The Slowdown, Film Streams, and Hot Shops Art Center.
- A legacy of entrepreneurial spirit that inspires bold thinking
- The perfect balance of independent work and collaborative opportunity.
Join the MasterCraft Movement
Whether you’re seeking workspace for your growing company, looking to connect with Omaha’s creative community, or simply drawn to our unique blend of history and innovation, there’s a place for you at The Mastercraft.
Our building continues to evolve as new makers join our community, bringing fresh perspectives and possibilities. As we grow, we remain committed to preserving the entrepreneurial spirit that has defined this space for nearly a century.
Together, let’s honor our craft-centered past while building Omaha’s creative future—one idea, one business, one collaboration at a time.
Let's Craft Something Amazing Together
The Mastercraft stands ready to be part of your story. Visit us at 1111 N. 13th Street in Omaha to experience our distinctive space firsthand, or contact us at rellis@themastercraft.com to learn more about becoming part of our community.