OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - On this day five years ago, guests started making reservations at the Cottonwood Hotel.

The former Blackstone Hotel at 36th and Farnam streets underwent a $75 million renovation .

Some things inside are still the same, like the marble staircase and ballroom. But, the rest of the hotel was pretty much built from scratch.

Owner Jay Lund said they faced limitations with the renovations since the building is registered as a historic place .

Developers had to switch the name to the “Cottonwood” after a trademark bar because a past owner trademarked the “Blackstone” name.

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