Jensen Gardens Helps Bring Omaha’s “Broom Man” Memorial to Life
For generations of Omahans, Reverend Livingston Wills was simply known as the “Broom Man.” A familiar figure on Omaha streets for decades, Wills walked neighborhoods selling brooms door to door, often traveling miles each day despite being blind from birth. He became known throughout the community not only for his brooms, but for his perseverance, kindness and unwavering faith in others.
Now, his legacy has a permanent home in Omaha, and the Jensen Gardens team was honored to play a part in bringing it there.
Sculptor John Lajba and Jensen Gardens team.
A Tribute Years in the Making
Nearly a decade of planning and fundraising went into creating a permanent memorial to Reverend Wills. Sculptor John Lajba created the bronze statue, which depicts the Broom Man as generations of Omahans remember him, walking with his cane and carrying brooms over his shoulder.
The statue was created to recognize someone who may never have considered himself famous, but who made a lasting impression on countless people throughout the Omaha community.
In September, the sculpture made its way to its permanent location at Midtown Crossing, where Jensen Gardens was part of the team responsible for carefully installing it.
Jensen Gardens Helps Bring the Memorial to Life
Jensen Gardens was honored to contribute to the Broom Man memorial by donating the footing and construction of the cobblestone walkway, as well as helping with the installation of the bronze statue at Midtown Crossing.
The cobblestone walkway creates a fitting setting for the memorial, while the footing provides the foundation needed to securely support the sculpture for years to come.
As these behind-the-scenes photos show, installing the Broom Man required plenty of care and teamwork. The statue was carefully protected, lifted and positioned as crews worked to safely guide it into its permanent home.
For our team, this project was about more than construction. It was an opportunity to donate our time and expertise to help create a lasting tribute to someone who holds a special place in Omaha’s history.
We’re grateful to have played a part in creating a space where future generations can learn about Reverend Livingston Wills and the impact he made on our community.
Celebrating an Omaha Original
Reverend Livingston Wills walked Omaha's streets for approximately six decades and became one of the city's most recognizable personalities. He died in 2008 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy remembered for kindness, determination and goodwill.
Today, the Broom Man stands at Midtown Crossing as a reminder that making an impact on a community doesn't always require doing something grand. Sometimes it comes from simply showing up, working hard and treating people well, day after day.
We're proud that the Jensen Gardens team could play a small part in giving this Omaha icon a permanent place in the city he spent so many years walking.
Learn more about Reverend Livingston Wills and the Broom Man memorial: Broom Man Omaha
Learn more about the installation: WOWT news story KETV news story