The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) College of Architecture, in collaboration with Partners for Livable Omaha and Holy Name Housing Corp., is launching a new initiative aimed at addressing Omaha’s increasing need for affordable, age-friendly housing.

A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on June 2 at 5804 Corby Street in the historic Benson neighborhood. This event will officially mark the start of construction on two innovative homes — the Benson House and the Corby House — designed and developed by UNL’s FACT (Fabrication and Construction Team) designbuild studio.

“These homes are more than just buildings — they’re part of a smarter, more adaptable system for housing,” said Jessica Scheuerman, executive director of Partners for Livable Omaha. “We’re creating options that are affordable, flexible and ready to meet life’s changing needs.”

These two homes are the first physical constructions of the OurStory project, a collaborative effort between the College of Architecture and Partners for Livable Omaha. The project aims to find scalable, sustainable housing solutions for older adults and first-time homebuyers, responding to the city’s housing affordability challenges.

Jeffrey L. Day, FAIA, professor and director of the FACT studio, emphasized the real-world impact of the project: “This isn’t just a design exercise — it’s real-world impact. Our students are creating homes that address real urban challenges — aging in place, affordability and sustainability — through thoughtful architectural design.”

The Corby House will be a two-bedroom, 802-square-foot home priced at $190,000, while the Benson House offers a smaller, one-bedroom, 618-square-foot design listed at $150,000. Holy Name Housing Corp. will handle the construction, supported by the City of Omaha’s efforts to promote housing on small lots as part of its Housing Affordability Action Plan.

“Subdividing a corner lot is a practical way to create two smaller lots with each having its own street frontage, access and address,” said Jed Moulton, manager of urban design for the City of Omaha. “This type of infill adds smaller homes to existing neighborhoods without them appearing out of place, and many older neighborhoods already have examples of this form of infill, as it was quite common before modern zoning codes.”

FACT students have been engaged in all phases of the project, from initial research and community outreach to design development, prototyping, and pre-construction planning. This hands-on experience gives them a rare opportunity to collaborate with public and nonprofit partners while navigating real-world challenges.

“Our students are learning how to work collaboratively with public and nonprofit partners, manage real-world constraints and view housing as a form of social infrastructure,” said Day.

Student Carl Williams described the experience as transformative: “Working on OurStory has challenged me in new ways and pushed my skills further than I expected. We’re not just designing homes — we’re designing futures.”

Another student, Nico Forte, noted the importance of combining affordability with smart urban planning: “These homes are realistic and revolutionary at the same time. We’re meeting people where they are — whether that’s a senior looking to downsize or a young person buying their first home — all while introducing gentle density into existing neighborhoods.”

For Omaha native and architecture student Paulina Garcia-Medrano, the project holds a personal meaning: “This is actually very exciting. I feel like when I’m helping my hometown, I’m not just helping other people; I’m also helping my family, and my future family, too.”

The OurStory project reflects the College of Architecture’s ongoing commitment to experiential education and meaningful community partnerships. Their previous collaboration with Partners for Livable Omaha includes the award-winning Omaha Mobile Stage.

“UNL and FACT are always our first call,” Scheuerman said. “They bring creativity, rigor and vision to every project. I wouldn’t take on a challenge like this without them.”

Construction funding for this first OurStory build comes from a loan provided by Spark Capital’s Middle-Income Workforce Housing Fund, with additional support from the Lozier Foundation and Pella Windows and Doors of Omaha and Lincoln.

Originally reported by Kerry-McCullough-Vondrak in Nebraska Today.